Board of Directors
Board
Steve is a lifelong Michigan resident. As an estate planning attorney, Steve has a tremendous amount of experience helping clients plan for their final chapters of life. He also has a very personal connection to hospice care. His father, mother, and father-in-law passed with dignity and compassion under the care of hospice.
“Every human deserves compassion and a place to peacefully transition to the next phase of their journey. We are striving to provide that place.”
Steven Cozart
Board PRESIDENT
Diane is a board-certified hospice and palliative care nurse practitioner. She has worked at Hurley Medical Center for over 37 years.
“It is my passion to help fill the gap for numerous patients in this community who are in need of a place to call home as they struggle with their terminal illness.”
Diane Welker
Board Member
Mindy retired in 2023 after a successful 37-year career in the insurance industry. The last 32 years of her career were spent with The Doctors Company, where she advanced through various roles, ultimately serving as Vice President of Underwriting for the Northeast Region and then Vice President of National Insurance Operations. Following her retirement, she pursued her passion for helping others during the end-of-life process and became certified as an End-of-Life Doula. A lifelong learner, Mindy embraces every opportunity to read business books or enroll in online courses to enhance her skills. Her educational background includes attending Davenport University and earning multiple certifications from Michigan State University, with her favorite courses being Critical Thinking and Customer Experience. Mindy’s experience in operations and customer service, combined with her passion for helping others, makes her role at Lavigne Home a dream position. Volunteering, sharing her knowledge, and supporting those near the end of life is the most rewarding work she has ever done.
Mindy Rogers
Board MEMBER
Todd Regester Board Membertregester@lavignehome.orgTodd is a spiritual care coordinator for a hospice, who has often seen the need for this type of service when working with families.
“We formally organized in 2018 and have been working steadily to see the dream come true! Nothing happens unless you start with even baby steps towards it!”
Todd Regester
Michelle is a master’s level Social Worker. She completed her undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University and master’s degree at Eastern Michigan University. She became involved in hospice in 2015. After working with a hospice agency, she quickly realized the need for a hospice placement within our community. The need has motivated Michelle’s involvement in this grassroots movement to address this need, which has led to the beautiful creation of the non-profit Hospice Homes of Genesee & Lapeer Counties.
Michelle Kraut
Board Member
Staff
Jennifer Bauder, MBA
Executive Director
Jennie Bauder brings almost two decades of operational and service experience that will be an asset to guests, families, and staff of The LaVigne Home. Jennie oversees the day-to-day implementation of the strategic plan. She, along with the board, will pursue learning opportunities with community partners. Jennie coordinates staff, as well as seeks fundraising and grant opportunities in our community. She serves as a community liaison, being present, and sharing our mission in the community. It is Jennie’s mission to provide quality oversight of the provision of care to guests and families.
