Houston Hospice Breathes New Life into Board of Directors
HOUSTON (Aug. 21, 2025) – Tamara Jorden, hospice advocate, community philanthropist and end-of-life care ambassador, and Margo Scholin, retired partner from Baker Botts L.L.P., recently were elected to three-year terms for the Houston Hospice board of directors.
Jorden, a certified death doula, has long championed hospice care in both personal and public roles. Her advocacy is rooted in a deep commitment to ensuring individuals and families facing terminal diagnoses receive care honoring their dignity and humanity.
As an ambassador for end-of-life care, Jorden actively engages with community members to elevate awareness and promote open conversations around death, dying and the value of hospice.
“Hospice cares for patients during what is arguably the most important time in their lives,” said Jorden. “It doesn’t hasten death, rather it affirms the humanity of each person in practical and compassionate ways.”
Jorden’s decision to become a death doula reflects her belief that death itself is not to be feared – but suffering without care is. “I don’t think the worst thing that can happen is death,” said Jorden. “I believe suffering needlessly without the assistance of hospice is far worse.”
Scholin, who was an oncology nurse earlier in her career, first developed an interest in end-of-life matters while in nursing school and believes people still do not focus enough on this important area of health care.
“I believe you bring your background and knowledge to a board,” said Scholin. “I hope to do just that by advocating to make the end-of-life experience as dignified and comfortable as possible.”
Her goal is to make an impact in the community by ensuring her circle and beyond are aware of the benefits Houston Hospice offers patients and families – especially veteran and pediatric patients.
“Tami and Margo each bring valuable skill sets to our board,” said Al W. Gatmaitan, D.Sc., board chair of Houston Hospice. “They also are very passionate about providing the best end-of-life experience to patients and families and are ready and willing to use their platforms to bring greater awareness to hospice care.”
About Houston Hospice
Founded in 1980, Houston Hospice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality, end-of-life care to patients and their families throughout 13 counties in Southeast Texas. We offer an interdisciplinary team-led approach that includes physicians, nurses, chaplains, social workers, hospice aides, bereavement counselors and volunteers. We provide the appropriate level of comfort care in a setting the patient calls home or in our freestanding inpatient unit. Our holistic view of hospice care is enhanced by the extensive knowledge and expertise of our staff, specialized educational opportunities and community outreach efforts. Houston Hospice is a member of the Texas Medical Center. For more information, visit: houstonhospice.org.