People Worth Caring About

What does it take to bring the voice of a frontline caregiver all the way to Capitol Hill?

Shane Nixon, Certified Medication Aide at Brookestone Village Rehabilitation & Care Center, almost walked away from health care entirely — now he's heading to Washington, D.C., to tell lawmakers exactly what life looks like on the floor. Alongside Jalene Carpenter, President and CEO at Nebraska Health Care Association, Shane shares his unexpected path into caregiving, the scholarship program putting frontline workers in rooms where policy is made, and why the people doing the work every day are the ones legislators most need to hear.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

03:16 Nebraska is the only state association funding direct care staff to attend the congressional briefing.

05:47 When frontline caregivers speak, everyone in the room changes.

12:36 Shane's unexpected path into health care and the residents who made it his calling.

15:39 A mother's encouragement and a career he almost walked away from.

16:10 Two weeks from his degree, with plans to become an administrator.

19:15 Walk a mile in their shoes.

Resources Mentioned:

Shane Nixon

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-nixon-4274b8327/

Brookestone Village Rehabilitation & Care Center

https://www.linkedin.com/company/brookestone-village-rehabilitation-care-center/

Jalene Carpenter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalenecarpenter/

Nebraska Health Care Association | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nebraska-health-care-association/

Nebraska Health Care Association | Website

https://www.nehca.org

AAG Health

https://aag.health

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#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Steven Buck, President and CEO of Care Providers Oklahoma, shares what he and a group of long-term care leaders discovered on a study trip to Vienna, Austria — a week of facility tours, government meetings, and cultural immersion organized through a partnership with Oklahoma Christian University.

Steven reflects on the intentional design choices that give residents access to sunlight and community, the striking contrast between Austrian and American regulatory environments, and what it looks like when an entire system is built around keeping seniors connected to the people around them.

He also shares the moment at Mauthausen concentration camp that reframed why this work matters — when a tour guide's closing story made clear that being visited, being seen, and being surrounded by people who love you is not a comfort. It’s a lifeline.

The trip runs annually, in early December, and is open to care providers, policy experts, CEOs, and facility administrators.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

04:22 A university partnership made a Vienna study trip possible.

06:34 The trip runs annually and is open to providers, CEOs, and administrators.

08:02 Austrian facilities integrate seniors into care much earlier and more deliberately.

10:07 Vienna is behind the US in data collection and performance measurement.

11:30 Balcony architecture gives immobile residents direct access to sunlight.

14:02 Community cafes inside facilities invite neighbors to dine with seniors.

18:04 Austrian regulatory standards differ vastly from the American model.

21:04 Austrian civil service places young men aged 18–22 inside long-term care facilities.

24:30 A concentration camp visit reframed the moral weight of caring for seniors.

Resources Mentioned:

Steven Buck

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-l-buck-06a81410/

Care Providers Oklahoma | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-providers-oklahoma/

Care Providers Oklahoma | Website

https://www.careoklahoma.com/

Oklahoma Christian University

https://www.oc.edu/

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#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Jason Hurt, Founder and CEO of Chariots4Hope, shares how his career in the automotive industry evolved into a mission to remove transportation barriers for families in crisis. After witnessing how unreliable transportation destabilizes single mothers and caregivers, he and his wife switched from operating a for-profit repair shop to building a nonprofit that provides vehicles, discounted repairs, transportation support, and education.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

04:35 Chariots4Hope removes transportation barriers so people can move forward.

07:59 A partnership forms to help caregivers overcome transportation barriers.

11:57 Hurricane Sandy prompts a faith-driven move to Omaha that ultimately leads to the launch of a new mission.

15:19 The organization is building a relational, infrastructure-driven model that can be replicated in new cities.

17:16 The strong early response to Cars for Caregivers confirms both the need and the potential impact.

18:52 The mission is driven by real stories where reliable transportation restores stability for families in crisis.

Resources Mentioned:

Jason Hurt

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-hurt-1a772033/

Chariots4Hope | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/chariots4hope/

Chariots4Hope | Website

https://chariots4hope.org/

Christian Brothers Automotive

https://www.cbac.com

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#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Zach Cram, President of Rehab Services at Rehab Strategies, and Devon Cram, Chief Financial Officer at The Strategies, share the story of building a clinician-led, family-owned long-term care organization in Indiana. They reflect on growing up in nursing homes, taking the risk to purchase facilities during COVID, and why putting patient care and community first shapes every decision they make. The conversation explores leadership, succession, culture, and the unseen people who make high-quality care possible.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:56 ChatGPT helped them identify and pursue media opportunities.

04:24 A clinician-owned model shapes every care decision.

06:24 Clinical experience informs leadership across the organization.

07:46 Finance and operations require constant collaboration.

11:28 Patient-first care guides business strategy.

15:38 Staffing demands constant availability and accountability.

17:11 Running facilities requires managing countless vendors.

23:12 Investing in staff growth creates internal experts.

27:33 Celebrating employees strengthens culture and retention.

Resources Mentioned:

Zach Cram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-cram-a95881222/

Rehab Strategies

https://www.linkedin.com/company/rehab-strategies

Devon Cram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-cram-mba-hfa-963368185/

The Strategies | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thestrategies/

The Strategies | Website

http://www.thestrategies.net

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

On this episode, Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter are joined by Rep. Mike Flood, Member of the United States Congress, who represents Nebraska’s First Congressional District. A lifelong broadcaster and former Nebraska state legislator, Mike brings a deeply personal and practical lens to public service, shaped by decades of listening to constituents and showing up in local communities.

Mike reflects on why town halls still matter, how media can bring people together in moments of crisis, and what responsible stewardship looks like when it comes to Medicaid and public spending. From his “Quarantine Tonight” television show during COVID to difficult conversations around health care access, Mike shares why trust, accountability, and human connection remain at the center of leadership.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

03:16 Creative programming can sustain community connection during public crises.

04:06 Nostalgic entertainment offers comfort for isolated and widowed older adults.

05:40 Smart travel strategies make constant work-related flying more sustainable.

07:00 In-person forums remain essential tools for civic accountability today.

08:39 Targeted Medicaid reforms aim to preserve long-term funding sustainability.

09:18 Work expectations increase fairness for taxpayers funding public health care.

Resources Mentioned:

Rep. Mike Flood

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-flood-72a5a262/

United States Congress | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-house-of-representatives/

United States House of Representatives | Website

https://www.house.gov/

House Financial Services Committee | Website

https://financialservices.house.gov/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Nash Mahupete, President and CEO of QLI, shares a deeply personal journey that begins in Zimbabwe and leads to a 25-year career inside one organization. He reflects on arriving in the US as an immigrant, starting as a CNA with no intention of staying in health care, and slowly discovering the meaning of mission, community, and leadership. Nash opens up about grief, regret, impostor syndrome, and the moments that reshaped how he views people, work, and responsibility. His story is not about titles, but about learning when to speak up, how to serve others with dignity, and why believing in people changes everything.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

04:52 Leaving your home country to seek better opportunities requires courage.

08:56 Personal connection transforms work from being transactional to deeply meaningful.

11:20 A clear organizational mission attracts and connects talented team members.

13:28 Self-doubt can be reframed using supportive mentors and repeated success experiences.

16:00 Nash’s grandmother taught him that unconditional care creates loyal communities.

19:16 Your past circumstances do not determine your future success trajectory.

30:24 An organizational mission should encompass all stakeholders, not just customers.

34:32 Teach children values repeatedly, like doing things right the first time.

Resources Mentioned:

Nash Mahupete

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahupete/

QLI | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/qlirehab/

QLI | Website

https://qliomaha.com/

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For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

In this episode, hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter sit down with the heart and soul of The Grace Space, a hospice facility in Nebraska. Kelly Sparr, the founder who spent seven years bringing her vision to life, and Jace Cooley, a dedicated CNA turned nursing student, discuss the profound beauty found in end-of-life care. From the unconventional path Jace took from installing sprinklers to guarding souls, to the vital role of Pickles the therapy dog, this conversation reframes hospice as a place of deep human connection, dignity, and even joy.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

03:12 Documentary episodes help comfort families from long distances.

07:53 Seeing oneself on screen reveals personal communication strengths.

11:01 CNA work is a challenging yet rewarding career.

17:40 Pickles the dog provides comfort that humans cannot.

21:11 Employee retention requires personalized connection and genuine listening.

25:00 End-of-life care is a raw and vulnerable privilege.

27:47 Education helps normalize death as a beautiful transition.

Resources Mentioned:

Kelly Sparr

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-sparr-895284102/

Jace Cooley

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jace-cooley-07301a389/

The Grace Space | Website

https://thegracespace.com/

Southlake Village Rehab | Website

https://www.southlakevillagerehab.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #HospiceCare #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Steven Boulware, Managing Partner of Priority Management Group, shares his journey and leadership insights from the world of long-term care. As a licensed nursing facility administrator, he values the daily, hands-on satisfaction of solving problems for residents and their families. Steven discusses the unexpectedly non-boring nature of the sector, the philosophy of taking action over seeking perfection, and the essential value of putting resident happiness and safety first.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:57 The flat management model empowers administrators over corporate rules.

05:46 Hard work and dedication earn respect in a family business.

07:54 Long-term care stays interesting because every day brings new challenges.

08:59 A good plan started today beats a perfect plan delayed.

12:26 Resident happiness and safety come before everything else.

Resources Mentioned:

Priority Management Group | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/priority-management-group/

Priority Management | Website

https://prioritymgt.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter are joined by Philip Scalo, Founder and Chairman of Bartley Healthcare and Chairman of Preferred Care Management. An attorney who began his career representing health-care clients, Phil pivoted in the 1980s to build a better model for long-term care, founding Bartley Healthcare in 1984. He has grown it into one of New Jersey's most awarded senior living organizations, spanning skilled nursing, rehab, assisted living, memory care, hospice, and home care. Phil shares his perspective on the industry's big wins, the fight for regulatory relief, and the formative moments that have shaped his leadership philosophy. He discusses the critical role of the AHCA in supporting its members and the importance of changing the public perception of the entire long-term care sector.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

03:24 Building a better care model was the best way to argue for better care.

06:08 Quality senior care is found even in rural communities across the country.

08:20 Representing long-term care professionals is a great honor for leadership.

11:00 Industry-wide legal action requires uniting diverse state perspectives.

13:28 Surviving existential threats requires unity around a great mission.

16:16 Documentary storytelling effectively portrays the reality of long-term care.

19:08 The care profession must combat the feeling of being "just a" worker.

23:56 Cautious optimism for more appropriate regulations.

27:40 Success in any field is built on hard work, passion, and humble aspiration.

37:52 Every team member makes a difference and has great, valued potential.

Resources Mentioned:

Philip Scalo

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-scalo-3350b210/

Bartley Healthcare | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bartley-healthcare-nursing-rehabilitation/

Bartley Healthcare | Website

https://bartleyhealthcare.com/

Preferred Care Management | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/preferred-care-health-centers/

Preferred Care Management | Website

https://preferredcarehc.com/

“Getting to Yes” by Roger Fisher and William Ury

https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Yes-Negotiating-Agreement-Without/dp/0143118757

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Peggy Abels, Director of Health Sciences at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, joins Peter to share her 30-year journey guiding students into health care careers. She discusses her rural roots, the growing needs across Nebraska, and the programs UNK and UNMC have built to strengthen the state’s health care workforce.

Peggy walks through the creation of Health Science Explorers and the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP), explaining how these initiatives spark interest early, support first-generation students, and help rural communities build long-term access to care.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:48 Seeing rural roots shape her path toward health care service.

02:50 Nebraska’s rising need for a stronger rural health care workforce.

05:29 Health care education remains hands-on despite industry shifts.

07:17 KHOP supports rural students from college to eventual practice.

08:24 Nebraska builds a uniquely comprehensive health care workforce pipeline.

Resources Mentioned:

Peggy Abels

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-abels-396557162/

University of Nebraska at Kearney | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-nebraska-at-kearney

University of Nebraska at Kearney – Health Sciences | Website

https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/

Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP)

https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/kearney-health-opportunities-program.php

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout