The people in your community who care
Serenity First Hospice Care was founded by a local Richmond nurse with the belief that every family deserves dignity and comfort during life's final moments. In times that can feel confusing and scary, we offer peace, clarity and kindness to help you make it through.
The people in your community who care
Serenity First Hospice Care was founded by a local Richmond nurse with the belief that every family deserves dignity and comfort during life's final moments. In times that can feel confusing and scary, we offer peace, clarity and kindness to help you make it through.
Our Mission and Values
Compassion
Care that comes from the heart.
Speed
Because when you need care, speed matters.
Excellence
The highest quality care with a human touch.
Local Roots
Neighbors caring for neighbors.
Meet the Senior Leadership Team
Each leader at Serenity First brings deep experience and a shared belief that every patient deserves to be treated like family. Together, they guide a compassionate, community-driven team dedicated to providing comfort, dignity, and peace to patients and their loved ones.
Debbie Johnston
Founder & Partner
A nurse and philanthropist with over 30 years of healthcare experience, Debbie founded Serenity First Hospice after witnessing the profound comfort hospice brought to her father’s care. Her career spans bedside nursing, founding and growing Care Advantage into one of Virginia’s leading home care organizations, and decades of advocating for compassionate support at home. Guided by her family’s journey and a deep belief in dignity, peace, and transformation, she leads Serenity with a heart for helping families find comfort, clarity, and connection during life’s most meaningful moments.
Tim Hanold
Partner
Tim has served in numerous healthcare leadership positions over the past 20 years, including SeniorBridge, Humana and most recently CEO of Care Advantage. There he led the company to become the largest home care provider in the Mid Atlantic, serving the community through compassion and innovation. He also served as Board Chair for the state Medicaid agency in Virginia (DMAS). Tim currently sits on a number of boards, mostly notably as the Executive Chair for the Beach House Center for Recovery, a substance use disorder and mental health treatment center. He was drawn to Hospice and the team at Serenity after experiencing his own father’s journey.
Wade Williams-Diggs
COO
A healthcare executive with 40+ years of experience, Wade has led major growth and operations for Bon Secours and Encompass Health, where he was ranked the #1 development liaison nationwide for four consecutive years. At Serenity, he architects the company’s ongoing expansion, applying deep expertise in physician office development, multi-site operations, and market forecasting. He also brings extensive knowledge of Medicare and hospice regulation, having guided Serenity through two CHAP accreditation cycles valid through 2027. Wade is a key driver of Serenity’s strategy, stability, and long-term growth.
Paige Karch, BSN, RN
Clinical Director
With 18 years of nursing experience, Paige Karch brings deep clinical knowledge and compassion to her role as Clinical Director. She joined Serenity First in 2021 as an RN Case Manager and earned her RN from Bon Secours and BSN from VCU. Her diverse background spans ER, Pre-Op/PACU, and 10 years in hospice care. A March of Dimes Hospice Nurse of the Year nominee, Paige values the meaningful relationships hospice allows and is committed to providing education, comfort, and clarity to patients and families. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her husband and their three girls.
Asia Williams
Assistant Director of Nursing
Asia has been a nurse for over 20 years, with experience in acute care, skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted living, independent living, and hospice. She previously served as Director of Nursing for one of Richmond’s largest assisted living communities before moving into hospice. Asia joined Serenity First Hospice in July 2021 to help patients and families feel safe, understood, and supported during life’s most vulnerable moments. She is passionate about patient-centered care, and believes Serenity First is where that philosophy truly comes to life.
Molly Cage, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Molly Cage Perkinson has over 20 years of experience treating patients across inpatient, outpatient, and retirement settings. Trained in Family Practice at VCU and the Shenandoah Valley Family Practice program, she was drawn to hospice after seeing how much families need guidance once treatments are exhausted. She believes in the power of the hospice team approach and finds deep fulfillment in bringing comfort and helping patients find meaning in life’s final phase.
Bobby Johnson
HR Director
After a three-decade tenure with multiple State of Ohio agencies, he moved to Richmond in 2022 in search of a new calling. Having witnessed the profound impact of hospice care on a loved one, he felt compelled to contribute to the field. He joined the compassionate team at Serenity First Hospice in May 2022 and now manages both volunteer initiatives and Human Resources. This role allows him to channel his experience into meaningful service that aligns with his values. He is inspired daily by the dedication of the staff and volunteers, affirming that he has found truly purposeful work.
Join a Team Where Care is Mutual
At Serenity First, our clinicians stay with us because they feel supported – professionally and personally. We value people who lead with heart and believe in making every moment count, for patients and for one another.
Whether you’re an experienced hospice professional or exploring a new path in end-of-life care, Serenity First offers a culture built on respect, teamwork, and purpose.
Culture of Respect and Support
Competitive Compensation
Flexible Schedules
Ongoing Training
“I love working here because it feels like family. The culture, manageable caseloads, flexible schedules, and fair pay allow me to truly focus on what matters most – patient care.”
– Cathy Lauterbauch
Care Team Spotlight
Behind every moment of comfort is a team that truly cares. Our nurses, social workers, therapists, chaplains, and volunteers bring compassion to every visit – often going above and beyond to brighten a patient’s day, whether it’s taking a walk, sharing a song, or simply sitting together in conversation.
Jamara Bowles
RN
Jamara’s compassion, dedication, and gentle spirit make her an invaluable part of our Serenity family.
Caroline Dale
Social Worker
Caroline is passionate about supporting patients and families, always advocating and going above and beyond to connect them with needed resources. She helps ensure the highest level of care, and we’re grateful for the compassion she brings to the Serenity Hospice family.
Venise Smith
LPN
Venise works at our Tappahannock office as an LPN bringing 22 years of experience. She is a mom of 2 adult kids and she enjoys spending time with family, singing, going to church, just helping people in general.
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