Board President

Diane is a nationally board-certified Nurse Practitioner for Palliative care, and worked at Hurley Medical Center for many years.

After retirement, Diane became involved with the LaVigne Home and was appointed as Board President.

“It is my passion to help meet the need for terminally ill individuals in the community who are in need of a place to call home as they struggle with all things related to their terminal illness.”

Board Treasurer

“True fulfillment comes not from the titles we hold, but from the lives we touch and the knowledge we share along the way." – Mindy

Mindy retired in 2023 after a successful 37-year career in the insurance industry. The last 32 years of her career were spent with The Doctors Company, where she advanced through various roles, ultimately serving as Vice President of Underwriting for the Northeast Region and then Vice President of National Insurance Operations. Following her retirement, she pursued her passion for helping others during the end-of-life process and became certified as an End-of-Life Doula.

A lifelong learner, Mindy embraces every opportunity to read business books or enroll in online courses to enhance her skills. Her educational background includes attending Davenport University and earning multiple certifications from Michigan State University, with her favorite courses being Critical Thinking and Customer Experience.

Mindy’s experience in operations and customer service, combined with her passion for helping others, makes her role at Lavigne Home a dream position.

Volunteering, sharing her knowledge, and supporting those near the end of life is the most rewarding work she has ever done.

Board Secretary

Steve is a highly experienced estate planning attorney, helping clients plan for their final chapter.

Due to personal experiences with hospice care for family members, Steve understands and has a true passion for hospice; both parents and father-in-law passed under the care of hospice.

“Every human deserves compassion and a place to peacefully transition to the next phase of their journey. We are striving to provide that place.”

Board Chair

One of the original members of the board who began our mission, Michelle is currently employed as a Social Worker for the VA, but previously worked for various hospice agencies. As a result of this experience, Michelle truly understands the needs of the terminally ill.

“My involvement in the creation of the LaVigne Home has brought me great joy. Being a part of something larger than myself that provides care, comfort and compassion to members of our community is what it’s all about.”

Board Chair

Lindsay Nixon is a dedicated nurse, leader, and entrepreneur who joined the LaVigne Home Board of Directors in July 2025.

A Registered Nurse by profession, Lindsay began her career in 2011 as a Charge Nurse at Durand Senior Care & Rehab, caring for hospice patients. In 2013, she transitioned to a hospice agency as a case manager and quickly advanced into leadership roles.

In 2018, Lindsay and her husband launched Alpha Wingman, a technology-based business serving corporate aviation.

She currently serves as Associate Vice President of Strategic Projects for NorthStar Care Community, a leading home-based care network providing hospice, palliative care, and pediatric services, in addition to nationwide managed services in nurse triage, information technology, education, and philanthropy.

Lindsay is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) and a contributing author to the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association’s Scopes, Standards, and Competencies (first edition, 2025).

Lindsay’s work with patients at the end of life has deepened her advocacy for those who lack caregivers or whose loved ones struggle to take on that role. She has witnessed firsthand how families—spouses, children, and siblings—often become overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities, losing precious opportunities to connect with their loved ones in meaningful ways during their final weeks or months. Her service on the board reflects her commitment to helping families preserve those sacred moments of connection.

Outside of her professional work, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her family, hiking with her hound dogs, Goose and Myra, and racing sailboats at Lake Fenton Sailing Club.

Board Chair

Christopher Johnson is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in biology. He also has a Forensic Science certificate from Wayne State University. Mr. Johnson has certifications in Grief After Suicide, Advanced Grief Specialist, End-of-Life Death Doula, Grief Work in Virtual Setting, Preventing Suicide in Emergency Departments, Supporting Young Adult Grief, Advance Care Planning, Thanatology, and Dementia Care Specialist.

Christopher has over 32 years of experience in Forensic Science as a Medicolegal Death Investigator and Pathologist Assistant.

He has 19 years of experience as an Advanced Grief Specialist, End of Life Practitioner, and Facilitator with many Grief support groups for hospices, Victims Impact Panels, and Youth Grief and Bereavement Organizations. Mr. Johnson worked with at-risk youth and facilitated Workshops, Grief Retreats, Mentoring, and Career Guidance for over 20 years.

Mr. Johnson is a member of The National End-of-Life Doula Alliance.