About Us

Dedicated leadership committed to advancing hospice and palliative care across the nation.

Our Story

Our History

The seedlings of Elea Institute began in 1978 when Horizon Hospice and Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter were founded in Chicago. These entities merged to become JourneyCare.

In 2022, JourneyCare was acquired by Addus HomeCare, enabling the creation of Elea Institute to build on the collective histories and legacies of dedicated healthcare professionals and volunteers.

The organization remains committed to ensuring all persons have access to high quality hospice and palliative care, and has awarded numerous grants supporting enhanced community access and educational resources.

Leadership

Our Team

Elea Institute's team helps expand access to high-quality hospice and palliative care by conducting meaningful research and providing impactful grants.

Kent Mathy

Kent Mathy

Chairman of the Board

Oversees strategic planning, governance, and expansion. Previously served as Vice Chairman of JourneyCare's Board.

Candyce Mayer

Candyce Mayer

CFO / COO

Oversees day-to-day operations and grant management. Previously CFO at JourneyCare and Community First Medical Center. Over 30 years of healthcare financial leadership.

Jeff Boundy

Jeff Boundy

Board of Directors

President/CEO of Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Company. CPA with 15+ years on JourneyCare Board, including roles as VP, Treasurer, and Chair.

Julia Cormier

Julia Cormier

Board of Directors

Over 30 years in global financial markets. Previously chaired JourneyCare and served as Vice-Chair of Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter. Over 20 years in end-of-life care.

Kelly Conroy Kenney

Kelly Conroy Kenney

Board of Directors

CEO of Physicians Advocacy Institute. Founded K2 Strategies and has 20 years leading American Medical Association's state legislative initiatives.

Kristofer Smith

Kristofer Smith, MD, MPP

Board of Directors

Over 15 years of leadership in population health and value-based care. Former Chief Medical Officer at Optum at Home, overseeing programs for 1.5 million patients.

Howard Young

Howard Young

Board of Directors

Over 30 years as a nationally recognized healthcare attorney. Partner at Morgan Lewis & Bockius specializing in hospice, palliative care, and post-acute care.

By offering grants and supporting wide-ranging initiatives, we strive to remove barriers to care, ensuring that compassionate and effective end-of-life care is accessible to all who need it. Kent Mathy — Chairman of the Board

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