Our Team
About Us
Meet Our Team
Caring for you and your loved ones.
Our team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, psychologists, and thanatologists. Together, we collaborate seamlessly to provide comprehensive and compassionate support to our patients and their families, ensuring holistic care across all facets of their well-being.
![Dr. María De Lourdes Tejeida Bautista](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EZK_2681-sm-e1719333361880.jpg)
Dr. María De Lourdes Tejeida Bautista
Medical Director & Founding Board Member
We are honored to have Dr. Tejeida as our Hospice Care Director. Dr. Lulú is certified in Hospice and Palliative Care, is a Palliative Care Physician specializing in Oncology, and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health. She is one of only a handful of physicians in Mexico with these credentials.
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Over the past 8 years, Dr. Tejeida has been sharing her passion for Hospice and Palliative Care by leading our training efforts. This effort has resulted in hundreds of health care professionals being trained across Mexico and all Latin America.
With her wealth of experience in Palliative Medicine attending over 3,500 patients, Dr. Lulú provides compassionate care and is dedicated to enhancing her patient’s quality of life, and in some cases, their quality of death. This commitment makes her a valuable asset to our team.
![Lic. Edna Martha Hamill Meléndez](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Martha-sq-sm.jpg)
Lic. Edna Martha Hamill Meléndez
Public Relations Director & Founding Board Member
Professor Meléndez’ academic background includes a degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Bioethics and certification as a Thanatologist. Martha’s dedication to bioethics advocacy led her to co-found the Pan American Bioethics Association, where she served as General Coordinator at the National Headquarters.
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Notably, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Department of Thanatology at the Mexican Red Cross. Currently, she shares her expertise as a Professor of Continuing Education at Felipe G. Dobarganes Hospital in San Miguel Allende, and as a Professor and Speaker on Thanatology and Bioethics at various national and international institutions. She is the author of Thanatology and Bioethics in the Face of Human Suffering, contributing significantly to the field.
![Dr. Luis Gerardo Vázquez](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EZK_2575-sm-e1719334411185.jpg)
Dr. Luis Gerardo Vázquez
Medical Doctor and Founder
,Dr. Vázquez is a General Physician with a Master’s Degree in Accident and Emergency Care, complemented by Diplomas in Bioethics and Palliative Care. Additionally he is certified by the American Heart Association for Latin America and holds instructor credentials for NAEMT courses including PHTLS and AMLS.
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He also instructs in the ALSO Obstetric Emergencies course and serves as a Neonatal Resuscitation Program Instructor.
Currently, Dr. Vázquez holds the position of Medical Director of Emergency Services at the Red Cross in San Miguel de Allende, showcasing his dedication to emergency medical services and healthcare leadership.
![Lic. Carla Maria Cadena Ríos](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EZK_2500-sm-e1719339987538.jpg)
Lic. Carla Maria Cadena Ríos
Administrative Director
As the initial point of contact at Hospice Care Mitigare, Carla fosters collaborative relationships with patients, families, and healthcare colleagues to ensure comprehensive medical support.
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With an Administration degree from UAQ, and a Groundwater Practical Diploma from UNAM Geosciences Center, Carla combines administrative expertise and technical knowledge.
In 2019, she was the Director for the 1st International Congress on Palliative Care in San Miguel de Allende, themed “A Pending Subject, Mitigating Suffering,” highlighting her global palliative care leadership.
Dedicated to community service, Carla also assists in social impact projects at Club Rotario del Medio Día. She exemplifies a professional committed to enhancing patient care and promoting social impact initiatives.
![Lic. Rocio del Carmen Arredondo Mendoza](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EZK_2611-sm-e1719339854392.jpg)
Lic. Rocio del Carmen Arredondo Mendoza
Psychologist
Providing vital psychological support to patients and their families, Rocio Mendoza uses her expertise to enhance our commitment to compassionate end-of-life care.
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With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she has pursued extensive training, including courses on “Ontological Coaching,” “Caring for the caregiver of older adults,” and “Management of grief situations with a focus on solutions.” Rocio has also completed a refresher course in “Tanatology: Management of losses in the Health area” and participated in the 1st International Congress on Palliative Care hosted by Mitigare Cares Palliatives A.C. in San Miguel de Allende.
![Beatriz Tejeida Bautista](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EZK_2526-sm-e1719339946965.jpg)
Beatriz Tejeida Bautista
Assistant Nurse
Beatriz serves as a nursing assistant at Hospice Care Mitigare, she is certified in ELNEC, a national and international education initiative aimed at enhancing palliative care standards.
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Beatriz’s dedication and compassion are evident in her attentive care for all patients and underscores her commitment to improving the quality of life for patients facing end of life challenges.
![Lic. Paulina Tejeida Bautista](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EZK_2596-sm-e1719339901451.jpg)
Lic. Paulina Tejeida Bautista
Nutritionist
A graduate of Universidad Allende in San Miguel, Paulina earned a specialty in nutrition, with additional diplomas in geriatric and cancer patient nutrition.
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Utilizing her expertise in food and diet, she assists patients in maintaining healthy diets and managing end-of-life health challenges.
“Hospice care is about more than helping people die with dignity, it’s about helping them live out life with love.”
— Serving Life/OWN Documentary Club
“I get to accompany people at an amazingly challenging time… when people have nothing to lose in being fully themselves. This reality draws me to be fully present with each one.”
— Unknown
Meet Our Directors
Guiding Hospice Care Mitigare’s Mission & Strategy
Hospice Care Mitigare’s Board of Directors is comprised of healthcare and other professionals from diverse business backgrounds. Together, they are committed to establishing a specialized facility dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for patients in the end stage of life. Board positions are staggered, requiring a two to three-year commitment, ensuring continuity and stability in governance and leadership.
![Les Matthews](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EZK_2698-sm-e1719340181506.jpg)
Les Matthews
President
Les Matthews, a seasoned hospice care professional was a partner in five prominent hospices across the Midwest and Southwest USA, shaping the field with his strategic leadership. He serves as a board member of The Foundation for Hospice Care, USA, advocating for palliative care advancements and enhancing end-of-life experiences. Retired and residing in San Miguel, Matthews actively leads as President of Hospice Care Mitigare, demonstrating his enduring commitment to healthcare management and hospice care.
![Lee Carter](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EZK_2836-sm-e1719340033329.jpg)
Lee Carter
Past President
Richard Bland Lee Carter, a Founding Board Member and former president of Hospice Care Mitigare, led the construction committee for a Palliative Care home at Shenandoah Hospice in 2005, overseeing garden planning, fundraising, and project execution. His involvement extended to fostering relationships with Hospices nationwide, including Hospice San Diego and Hospice of Petaluma, enriching his understanding of Hospice philosophy and management practices. Carter’s efforts underscore his substantial impact on enhancing hospice facilities and advancing best practices in the field.
![Laura Rodriguez Torres](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EZK_2755-sm-e1719340125422.jpg)
Laura Rodriguez Torres
Secretary
Ms. Rodriguez, a native of San Miguel de Allende, draws inspiration from her hometown’s multicultural richness. With a degree in Cultural Sciences, she boasts over 25 years of experience organizing cultural, gastronomic, and social events throughout Mexico. Experienced in nonprofit work, Laura brings a deep passion for community engagement to Hospice Care Mitigare. As Event Coordinator at the Natural Reserve of Cañada de la Virgen, she connects with global visitors seeking solace and spiritual enrichment in nature, fostering memorable experiences.
![Edna Martha Hamill Meléndez](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Martha-sq-sm.jpg)
Edna Martha Hamill Meléndez
Past President
Professor Meléndez, a founding Board member, not only serves on the Board but also contributes her extensive expertise in thanatology and ethics to our Hospice Care team. With a background that includes founding the Department of Thanatology at the Mexican Red Cross, she plays a crucial role in guiding the future direction of Hospice Care Mitigare. Her deep knowledge and commitment ensure that we continue to provide compassionate and ethical care to our patients and their families.
![Brian Voris](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EZK_2786-sm-e1719340074802.jpg)
Brian Voris
Member-at-Large
Brian Voris, a retired businessman, is actively involved in the development of the new Hospice Care center, leveraging his business ownership and management expertise. He ensures the center meets the highest standards, enhancing Hospice Care Mitigare’s capabilities and reach. Brian also applies his marketing skills to promote community engagement. His involvement strengthens Hospice Care Mitigare’s infrastructure, fostering growth and enhancing support for those in need within the community.
![Dra. Silvia del Carmen Chavira Estéfan](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Dra-Silvia-sm-whiteshirt.jpg)
Dra. Silvia del Carmen Chavira Estéfan
Member-at-Large
Dra. Silvia is a professor, general practitioner and call center coordinator who played a pivotal role during Covid by spearheading our Tele-Hospice program serving rural communities. She remains committed to this service, also serving as a Home Visit and Referral/Counter Referral at the first level of care for the National Institute of Cancer. With over a decade of experience in Palliative Care and Virtual medicine, her contributions are invaluable to Hospice Care Mitigare and its patients.
![Janice Zimolzak](/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Janice-ret-sq.jpg)
Janice Zimolzak
Member-at-large
Janice brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles as an international fashion business owner in NYC and Milan, now focusing her expertise on guiding fundraising efforts for Hospice Care Mitigare. With a background as Director of Development for multiple non-profits in the USA and involvement with local organizations like Feed the Hungry, she has made a significant impact over her 20 years in San Miguel. Janice also spent 5 years publishing a local, bilingual culture and arts magazine, underscoring her commitment to community enrichment.
![Lisa Muhn](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lisa-sm.jpg)
Lisa Muhn
Member-at-Large