About Franklin VNA & Hospice
Our Mission: To provide quality Home Health Care, Hospice and education to individuals and families in our communities so that they may reach their highest level of independence.
Agency History
The Franklin VNA & Hospice is a non-profit, independent Home Care agency that was incorporated in 1945. One nurse was hired to work for what was then called “Franklin Public Health Nurse”. Care provided was mostly to the underprivileged and the nurse was called “the district nurse”.
By 1960, the nurse had a helper and the office was a cubby hole in the Franklin Police Station. In 1965, the staff consisted of 2 nurses, 2 aides, a secretary and a director and the agency moved to a bigger office at Franklin Regional Hospital. In 1975, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase and remodeling of a plumbing supply building on Chestnut Street. The staff grew to 4 or 5 nurses, several home health aides and homemakers, a secretary and the director (about 15 to 20 people in all).
In 1991, as home care became more necessary because people were being discharged from hospitals sooner than they had been before, a second floor was added to the building on Chestnut Street. Nurses were now able to provide IV therapy and other high tech care at home. Staff grew to accommodate the increased need.
In 2005, the VNA received Medicare certification for Hospice. The Hospice program allows people with terminal illnesses to spend their remaining days at home among their loved ones. In its first year, the Franklin VNA Hospice Program cared for more than 30 clients and their families in Franklin, Tilton and Northfield, making over 750 home visits in the course of their care.
Our Service Area
- Andover
- Belmont
- Boscawen
- Canterbury
- Franklin
- Gilford
- Gilmanton
- Hill
- Laconia
- Northfield
- Salisbury
- Sanbornton
- Tilton
- Webster
- Surrounding towns as requested
Board of Directors
Chair
Kathleen Kidder, APRN
Vice Chair
Virginia Blackmir, APRN
Treasurer
Deborah Tessier
Secretary
Cheri Caruso
Board Members
Christopher Seufert, Esq
Mike Foss
Barbara Normandin
Dan Darling
Pam Hannan
Senior Leadership
CEO
Krystin Albert BSN, RN, Chief Executive Officer
Krystin earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Rivier College. She has over 20 years of extensive healthcare experience, and has been with Franklin VNA and Hospice since 2013. Before being promoted to CEO in 2020 Krystin was the Director of Home Health & Hospice Services. Her hobbies include camping, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her dog and family.
Revenue Integrity Manager
Nicholas Johnson
Nick has a master’s degree in accounting from Bentley University. He has 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, specifically working with VNAs and Hospices throughout New England. His hobbies include exploring new restaurants with his wife, spoiling his dogs, bowling, and enjoying the outdoors.
Office and Private Duty Manager
Jillian Aucoin
Jillian earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration specializing in Healthcare from Southern New Hampshire University. She has 11 years of experience in the healthcare industry, and has been with Franklin VNA since 2014. Her hobbies include playing golf and volleyball, along with kayaking, and fishing.
Therapy Manager
Rachael Dargie
Rachael received a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2008 from the University of NH. She has been a part of the Franklin VNA team since 2011. Her first experience with the Franklin VNA was through receiving services herself. She enjoys competitive running, DIY projects, reading, and spending time with her spouse and 2 small children.
Director of Home Health & Hospice Services
Kristel Mattice BSN, RN
Kristel has her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently obtaining her Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Simmons University. She has over nine years of healthcare experience. Her hobbies include spending time with her husband and two dogs, snowboarding, four wheeling, and snowmobiling.
Human Resources/Executive Assistant
Cherrie Murray
Cherrie has a degree in Medical Office Management and Medical Transcription. She has 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry and has been with Franklin VNA & Hospice since 2019. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, volunteering with nonprofit organizations working with special needs individuals, spending time at the ocean, and is an avid reader.
Medical Director
Carey Rodd
Dr. Rodd earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed his residency at Kent hospital and specializes in Internal Medicine. He has been the Medical Director for Franklin VNA & Hospice since 2009 and is also the Medical Director of Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen. His hobbies include hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Director of Fundraising
Ryan Rowe
Ryan has his Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts at Lowel and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts at Lowel. Ryan is a retired police officer of 23 years where he spent many years in the Community Resource Unit. His hobbies include spending time with his wife and 2 daughters and running and participating in road races.