Celebrating Compassion: Meet Stellah Mokaya, RN at FPH

At Faith Presbyterian Hospice (FPH/Faith), our team is made up of dedicated individuals whose hearts for service shine through in every interaction. One such teammate is Stellah Mokaya, a Registered Nurse Case Manager who has been part of the FPH family since 2018. Stellah brings deep compassion and expert care to her role, walking alongside patients and families during some of life’s most meaningful moments. Today, we’re honored to share more about Stellah in her own words.

When did you start working with FPH
I started working at Faith Presbyterian Hospice on August 21, 2018, as a Registered Nurse Case Manager.

Can you provide a brief description of what your role at Faith entails?
My role involves coordinating the plan of care with patients, families and the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). I provide individualized therapeutic interventions according to each patient’s specific disease process. I train patients and families on their medication regimen, evaluate effectiveness and coordinate with the hospice physician to modify medications for effective symptom management based on the patient’s goals. I perform weekly comprehensive assessments, identify patient needs and adjust care plans accordingly. Other parts of my role include handling needed medical equipment and supplies and providing emotional support to reduce family and caregiver stress.

Professionally, I am passionate about:
Showing compassion, providing comfort and enhancing quality of life for my patients and their families. I work closely with each patient, meeting them where they are in their disease process and helping them feel they have control over their wishes while maintaining their dignity.

Favorite memory/moment during your time working with FPH has been:
One of my most cherished memories with my Faith team happened during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. It was a beautiful day. I sat with my teammates on the balcony with eclipse glasses on, watching the moon slowly cover the sun. Our chef was grilling fresh burgers, which we shared with laughter as we watched this rare moment together. For a brief time, it felt like the world stood still. In that moment, I felt deep appreciation for my FPH family.

There are also several patient moments that have stayed with me forever. One in particular stands out. A patient whose faith was in Hinduism asked me to pray for her. At first, I was surprised because I was there as her nurse, not a chaplain. I gently explained that my faith is in God and asked if that was okay. She smiled and said, “It is you who has been coming to see me. I would like you to pray for me.” When I asked what she wanted prayer for, she told me she hadn’t seen her son, who lived in California, for over six months. He was struggling to accept her decision to receive palliative care rather than aggressive treatment. Her daughter stood next to me, surprised but supportive. I prayed with her, and a few weeks later, her son came to visit. In her final days, she was surrounded by her whole family.

What do you think sets Faith apart from other hospices?
FPH stands out because of its uniqueness and purpose — making each moment matter for those we serve by embracing integrity and compassion. I’m proud to be part of a team that welcomes people from all walks of life and helps make final journeys as peaceful and meaningful as possible.

I am most proud of :
I’m proud when I successfully accomplish what I set out to do and when my patients’ goals are met.

On the weekend, you can find me:
Spending time with family and friends — dining out, walking, cycling or shopping. On Sunday mornings, I’m usually at church.

My favorite foods/restaurants include:
Salmon, battered green beans, brisket, fajitas, baked beans, spinach dip and coleslaw. My favorite restaurants are Saltgrass and Gloria’s Latin Cuisine.

Do you have any hobbies you’d like to share?
In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing the keyboard, listening to music and crocheting.

Share about your family (significant other, siblings, parents, pets, etc. – anyone meaningful in your life):
I’m married to a wonderful husband, and we have three children together. I come from a big family of eight siblings. Though my father has passed, my loving mother still lives in Kenya. On my husband’s side, I’m blessed with a father-in-law and a large extended family who mean a lot to me. While I don’t have a pet right now, I’ve always loved calm, friendly dogs. Someday soon, I hope to bring a sweet little puppy home.

by Wendy Van Bemmel