Cascade Health Palliative Care Team
Laura Helfrich, RN
Palliative Care Manager
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While spending the first 11 years in the clinic and hospital setting, Laura learned that people heal better in their homes. Laura joined the home health team 10 years ago. Laura has been a leader and nurse educator in home health, always looking for innovative ways to provide services to patients in their home. Serving the community towards better health is what brings gratification to Laura’s work life. She also enjoys gardening, sewing, spending time with her grandkids.
Kathleen Cordes, MD
Medical Director
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Kathleen Cordes, MD, practiced medicine for more than 30 years before joining Cascade Health in 2020. Originally from Minnesota, she earned her undergraduate degree in biology at Concordia College before graduating as a Doctor of Medicine from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. She moved to Oregon in 1989 and worked as a physician, medical director and medical consultant, then opened her own practice in 1994. Dr. Cordes is an avid scuba diver and enjoys underwater photography and fish identification, as well as sewing, baking, reading, exploring Oregon and gathering with friends and family.
Steve Belzer, RN
Clinical Manager
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Pronouns: he/him/his
Steve joined Cascade Health nurse in 2019 and became the department’s assistant manager in 2020. He began his career in health care as a medication aide in an assisted living facility. It was there that he was first introduced to hospice, which sparked his interest in nursing. Steve earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Macalester College and his Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Portland. Outside of work, Steve is a busy father of two and enjoys getting outdoors with his family to hike, swim, forage for mushrooms, camp and snowboard in Oregon’s beautiful and varied landscape.
Joan Harvey, NP
Nurse Practitioner
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Pronouns: she/her/hers
Joan worked for more than 30 years as a critical care nurse before obtaining her master’s degree as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in 2014. Joan particularly enjoys working with elders and is honored to have the opportunity to help people and their families navigate advanced illness and the end of life. On her days off, Joan enjoys hiking, trips to the coast, lunches with friends and her meditation practice.
Sarah Jane Petersen
Medical Social Worker
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Pronouns: she/her/hers
Sarah Jane Petersen has been a licensed clinical social worker for patients and families in health care settings since 1994. She has worked at Cascade Health in hospice and palliative care for the last 12 years.. In addition to her work with Cascade Health, Sarah Jane facilitates support groups for the Oregon Cancer Foundation and The Fertility Center and previously for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She and her husband have twin girls in college and love camping. Sarah Jane also loves running, dancing, reading and spending time with friends.
Debbie Wilson
RN Case Manager
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Debbie joined Cascade Health in 2008 in the role of Referrals Nurse and remained is this position for 14 years before transitioning to the Palliative Care department as a Palliative Care Nurse. Debbie earned her AD in nursing in 1986 with an extensive career focused in long term care and home health. This has lead her to an interest in Palliative Care addressing the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients to improve their quality of life. Debbie’s activities outside of work include gardening, advocating for animal rights, enjoying the beautiful Oregon coast, and spending time with family and friends.