Center for Compassionate Care
The Elizabeth Hospice
930 Canterbury Place
Escondido
CAUSA
92025-1706
Email:
liz.sumner@ehospice.org
Biographical Sketch: Liz Sumner RN, BSN is Director of the Center for Compassionate Care, a division of The Elizabeth Hospice. She is recognized as one of the pioneering leaders of pediatric and perinatal palliative care, having received the NHPCO“Heart of Hospice" LEADERSHIP award; The American Hospital Association’s Circle of Life Award and honorable mention; recognition from the AACN for her dedication to end of life nursing education. Liz is an accomplished author of articles, textbook chapters and many other publications. She represents Elizabeth Hospice on multiple state and national councils and initiatives including appointments to: ChiPPS Leadership Council and previously Education Committee of National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; Children's Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition of California; National Consensus Project; Ethics committee for the Palomar Health; National lecturer in palliative and end of life care for all ages; national faculty for the Pediatric ELNEC; IPPC faculty (Initiative for Pediatric Palliative Care); Consultant on many state and national projects. She is certified as an RTS Perinatal; bereavement coordinator. Liz created and managed the regional Children's Program of San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care for over 18 years which became a nationally acclaimed model for pediatric hospice care. She was appointed to the prestigious Institute of Medicine Committee that published the landmark report in 2002, “When Children Die: Improving Palliative and End of Life Care for children and their families.” Liz completed her Masters degree in Organizational Leadership through Gonzaga University with a specialty in Servant Leadership. The Center is the largest grief support program in San Diego County offering a depth and breadth of services unmatched. She is director of CAMP ERIN San Diego, activley involved in many local and national volunteer efforts to support military families and local enlisted service men and women.