Board President

Diane Welker dedicated 37 years to Hurley Medical Center, serving as a nurse, educator, manager, administrator, and nurse practitioner specializing in pain and palliative care. She developed a consultative service for patients with chronic and serious illnesses, coordinating comprehensive care plans across multiple disciplines. Board certified in Hospice and Palliative Care, Diane also facilitates Advance Care Planning and serves on the Genesee County Task Force.

Following her retirement, Diane co-founded LaVigne Home for Compassionate Care to address gaps in community end-of-life services. She remains committed to ensuring individuals receive compassionate, dignified care regardless of their financial circumstances.

Board Secretary

Steven Cozart is an experienced estate planning attorney who has spent his career helping individuals and families prepare for life's final chapter. Through both his professional work and personal experiences, he developed a deep appreciation for the value of compassionate end-of-life care. His parents and father-in-law all received hospice services, providing him with firsthand insight into the importance of comfort, dignity, and support during life's transition.

As a board member of LaVigne Home for Compassionate Care, Steve is dedicated to helping create a peaceful and welcoming environment for those nearing the end of life. He believes every person deserves compassion, respect, and a place to transition with dignity.

Board Chair

Michelle Kraut is a social worker with extensive experience serving individuals facing serious illness and end-of-life challenges. Currently employed by the VA, she previously worked for several hospice agencies, giving her a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and practical needs of terminally ill patients and their families.

As one of the original board members who helped establish LaVigne Home for Compassionate Care, Michelle has played an important role in advancing its mission. She is passionate about providing comfort, compassion, and quality care to members of the community during life's final journey.

Board Chair

Lindsay Nixon is a registered nurse, healthcare leader, and entrepreneur with extensive experience in hospice and palliative care. Since beginning her nursing career in 2011, she has served in clinical and leadership roles, advocating for patients and families facing serious illness. She currently serves as Associate Vice President of Strategic Projects for NorthStar Care Community and is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse.

Lindsay joined the LaVigne Home Board of Directors in 2025. Her work with patients at the end of life has strengthened her commitment to supporting individuals who lack caregivers and helping families preserve meaningful moments with their loved ones during life's final chapter.

Board Chair

Christopher T.K. Johnson brings more than three decades of experience in forensic science as a Medicolegal Death Investigator and Pathologist Assistant. He holds a degree in biology from Michigan State University and has earned numerous certifications in grief support, advance care planning, end-of-life care, dementia care, and thanatology.

In addition to his forensic work, Christopher has spent many years supporting individuals and families through grief, bereavement, and end-of-life transitions. As a member of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance, he is dedicated to providing compassionate guidance and helping individuals navigate life's final journey with dignity and support.