Leadership Team

Nayar Health Care & Hospice
A K Nayar

A K Nayar

President & CEO

A K Nayar, President and CEO of Nayar Health Care & Hospice, was born into a family of oral surgeons in India. He received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from MMCDSR in 2004 and went straight into practice after completing his residency, quickly earning recognition for his excellence in service delivery. In 2008, Dr. Nayar relocated to Oklahoma to further his education, concurrently pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Administration while working as an intern at Oklahoma City Hospital. Within a year, he was promoted to Chief Business Analyst for the hospital and earned certification as a Healthcare Executive.

Driven by a vision to improve care delivery models in the United States, Dr. Nayar entered the home health and hospice industry in 2010 as Senior Director. Under his leadership, the company achieved a remarkable 3000% growth over five years as he spearheaded initiatives for quality improvement and patient care excellence. In his next position, he became Executive Director for a national hospice company’s locations in Virginia and Georgia. He leveraged his financial acumen to secure a stalking horse bid that prevented bankruptcy and saved over 600 jobs across both states.

In 2017, Dr. Nayar founded Nayar Health Care & Hospice to provide exceptional care to seniors in the Richmond, VA community. The company’s unwavering mission – to treat every patient with respect, dignity, and honor – has been fundamental to its success. Nayar Health Care & Hospice was recognized as a Top 50 Healthcare Provider in the U.S. in 2019 and has since expanded across most of Virginia and into Florida. A K Nayar emphasizes staff satisfaction and engagement, ensuring comprehensive training and empowering caregivers to deliver heightened levels of compassionate service that positively impacts lives.

Clinical Leadership

Crystal Stewart

Crystal Stewart, RN

Director of Nursing, Richmond & Fredericksburg Home Health

Crystal Stewart, RN, serves as the Director of Nursing overseeing the Richmond and Fredericksburg offices of Nayar Health Care & Hospice. With a nursing career spanning over two decades, Ms. Stewart brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role.

Ms. Stewart began her journey in healthcare as an LPN in 1999, furthering her education to become a Registered Nurse in 2003. Her early career was rooted in hospital settings, where she gained diverse experience in medical-surgical units, hospice care, and surgical services over 13 years. During this time, she advanced to the role of clinical coordinator/supervisor, honing her leadership skills and deepening her understanding of patient care management.

In 2013, Ms. Stewart transitioned to home health care, finding her true calling in this field. She joined Nayar Health Care & Hospice five years ago as a field clinician, quickly demonstrating her capabilities and rising through the ranks to her current position as Clinical Manager. Her progression within the company is a testament to her dedication, clinical expertise, and leadership abilities. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Stewart is married with two teenage boys and two dogs. She enjoys reading, watching crime documentaries, and spending quality time with her family, bringing a well-rounded perspective to her work in healthcare.

Alana Parton

Alana Parton, MSN, RN, CCM

Director of Nursing, Bedford & Richmond Hospice

Alana Parton, MSN, RN, CCM, serves as the Clinical Manager for Hospice at Nayar Health Care & Hospice. Born in West Virginia and raised in the Appalachian mountains of Wise, Virginia, Ms. Parton’s roots in the region have instilled in her a deep appreciation for community and compassionate care.

Ms. Parton pursued her passion for healthcare at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Committed to advancing her expertise, she later obtained her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on administration from Liberty University. She has worked across the healthcare continuum throughout her career, specializing in case management. Her dedication and proficiency in this field led her to earn her Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential.

At Nayar Health Care & Hospice, Ms. Parton has found her true calling in hospice care. As Clinical Manager, she leads her team in providing exceptional end-of-life care, emphasizing excellent customer experiences and compassionate support for patients and their families. Her approach aligns seamlessly with the company’s mission to treat everyone with respect, dignity, and honor. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Parton, a mother of three, has called Richmond, Virginia home for eight years. She finds balance and rejuvenation while spending time with friends and family, often embracing the tranquility of the outdoors.

Sarah Hall

Sarah Hall, RN

Director of Nursing, Bedford Home Health 

Sarah Hall, RN, serves as the Bedford Home Health Director of Nursing for Nayar Health Care, bringing a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care. With a familial history in healthcare, Ms. Hall began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant before advancing to become a Registered Nurse. Her transition from a fast-paced hospital environment to home healthcare in 2022 marked the beginning of her impressive journey with Nayar Health Care.

Upon joining the Bedford team, Ms. Hall quickly distinguished herself through her exceptional productivity, focus, and patient care. Her strong work ethic and effective communication skills led to a rapid promotion to the role of Clinical Manager, where she continues to excel in leading a team of clinicians. Ms. Hall’s passion for continuous improvement drives her to keep herself and her team at the forefront of the rapidly evolving healthcare field. She employs diverse training techniques, including hands-on demonstrations and presentations, to cater to various learning styles.

Under Ms. Hall’s leadership, Nayar Health Care Bedford has experienced significant growth in patient census while maintaining consistently high-quality care. She has guided her team through agency surveys and generously shares her knowledge across the corporation. Ms. Hall’s innovative approach extends to creating streamlined processes that benefit the entire Nayar team.

Ms. Hall fosters a communicative and collaborative environment within the Bedford office, organizing team-building activities that nurture a proud and positive team spirit. Her dedication to patient education is evident in the numerous handouts and educational materials she has created, and she remains involved in every step of patient care. Outside of work, Ms. Hall is married with two children, harbors a dream of owning a pet cow, and never turns down a Red Bull. She also enjoys playing bingo in her spare time.

Raina Benedith Osborne

Raina Benedith Osborne, BSN, RN

Director of Nursing, Melbourne Home Health

Raina Benedith Osborne, BSN, RN, serves as the Director of Nursing in Melbourne for Nayar Health Care & Hospice, bringing a wealth of nursing experience and visionary leadership to her role. Since beginning her nursing career in 2015, Ms. Osborne has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to elevating the standard of care and positively impacting the lives of countless individuals and families throughout Brevard County.

As the Director of Nursing in Home Care, Ms. Osborne has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of home-based healthcare services. Her innovative approaches have led to remarkable growth within the organization, while her commitment to excellence is evident in her relentless pursuit of continuous improvement. Ms. Osborne is a passionate advocate for patient rights and healthcare equity, consistently working to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality of care regardless of their circumstances.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Osborne is a respected mentor and role model for aspiring healthcare leaders. She is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the healthcare industry, inspiring others to pursue their passions and break down barriers to success. Her leadership has not only transformed home care in Florida but has also earned her the admiration and respect of her peers, colleagues, and the communities she serves. Ms. Osborne credits her team in Melbourne for supporting her in becoming the best version of herself, embodying the collaborative spirit that drives Nayar Health Care & Hospice’s success in providing exceptional patient care.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh

Clinical Manager, Fredericksburg

Erin serves as a Clinical Manager at Nayar Health Care & Hospice, bringing several years of diverse nursing experience to her role. She joined the company as a registered nurse in the field, quickly demonstrating her leadership potential and earning a promotion to her current position.

Ms. Erin’s nursing career began in the hospital setting, where she worked in the Stepdown unit. This experience laid a solid foundation for her clinical skills, honing her critical thinking abilities, capacity to manage multiple patients simultaneously, and adaptability in rapidly changing situations. As Clinical Manager, she has successfully navigated census growth and staffing changes, showcasing her ability to lead and adapt in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Known for her respectful approach to both colleagues and patients, Ms. Erin is always open to feedback and new ideas to enhance patient care. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her two children and spouse, and is an avid college football fan. Ms. Erin is committed to continuous professional growth, with aspirations to pursue a Master’s degree in nursing with a specialization in education. Her dedication to personal development and patient care excellence makes her an invaluable asset to the Nayar Health Care & Hospice team.

Sales Leadership

Debra Maxwell

Debra Maxwell

Regional Director of Home Health Clinical Account Management

Debra Maxwell serves as the Regional Director of Home Health Clinical Account Management at Nayar Health Care & Hospice, bringing diverse professional experience to her role. Born and raised in New Kent, Virginia, Ms. Maxwell’s career journey has taken her across the country, enriching her perspective and honing her skills in various industries.

In 1986, Ms. Maxwell embarked on a path that led her to Boston, Pittsburgh, and Orlando, Florida, where she built a successful career in Commercial Real Estate Sales & Finance Management. This experience cultivated her expertise in sales, client relations, and strategic growth – skills that would prove invaluable in her future endeavors.

Returning to her roots in Richmond, Virginia in 2017, Ms. Maxwell found her calling in the healthcare industry. She joined Nayar Health Care & Hospice in May 2018, quickly distinguishing herself in Home Health Sales & Marketing. Her exceptional performance led to a promotion to Regional Director of Home Health Sales & Marketing within her first year, a testament to her dedication and natural aptitude for the field.

Under the mentorship of company owner AK Nayar, Ms. Maxwell has played a pivotal role in Nayar Health Care & Hospice’s exponential growth. Her efforts have contributed significantly to the company’s expansion, including the establishment of two additional Home Health operations in Virginia and the recent launch of Nayar Health Care Home Health services in Florida.

Ms. Maxwell’s tenure with Nayar Health Care & Hospice has been marked by both professional and personal growth. She values the experience and knowledge gained during her time with the company, which has allowed her to develop not only her career but also herself as an individual. Her journey exemplifies the opportunities for advancement and personal development available at Nayar Health Care & Hospice.

Leigh Ann Geppert

Leigh Ann Geppert, RN

Regional Director of Hospice Sales & Marketing

Leigh Ann Geppert, RN, serves as the Hospice Regional Director of Sales & Marketing at Nayar Health Care & Hospice, bringing a deeply personal and professional commitment to her role. Ms. Geppert’s journey with Nayar began in 2021 as a bedside hospice nurse, quickly progressing to an admission nurse before transitioning into sales and marketing.

Ms. Geppert’s approach to her role is uniquely informed by her nursing background, allowing her to provide empathy, love, and compassion while educating others about hospice care. She has successfully established strong working relationships with healthcare professionals across various settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health companies. Her ability to connect with others is rooted in her personal “why” – a powerful experience with her aunt’s hospice journey that shaped her understanding of the profound impact of compassionate end-of-life care.

For Ms. Geppert, hospice is not just a career, but a calling. As she eloquently states, “The reason I have a career in Sales is to provide patient and family support. It’s about the families that need support, the ones that are alone and need resources, it’s the ones that need to let someone hear their story.” Her perspective on hospice care is one of inspiration and reward. She reflects, “What people don’t understand is how rewarding, meaningful, and inspirational hospice truly is. Hospice is my heart, and I am so grateful God placed me with the knowledge understanding and love towards others through their most trying times.” This profound commitment to hospice care and her patients makes Ms. Geppert an invaluable asset to the Nayar Health Care & Hospice team, embodying the company’s mission of treating every individual with dignity, respect, and honor.

Department Heads

Michael Clements

Michael Clements

Director of Operations

Michael Clements serves as the Director of Operations at Nayar Health Care & Hospice, bringing a unique blend of scientific education and hands-on healthcare experience to his role. Mr. Clements earned his degree in Biology from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, graduating in 2020.

Mr. Clements’ journey with Nayar Health Care & Hospice began serendipitously in 2018 when he met the company’s CEO and Owner, A K Nayar, while managing a brewery. This chance encounter led to an opportunity to join the company in an entry-level hospice sales position upon his graduation in 2020. Driven by a desire to make a more significant impact, Mr. Clements quickly demonstrated his potential and adaptability.

When the position of Director of Operations became available in 2021, Mr. Clements seized the opportunity for growth. Under the mentorship of Dr. Nayar, who took on the roles of boss, educator, and mentor, Mr. Clements rapidly advanced through various positions within the company. His roles included Executive Assistant to the CEO, HR and Fleet Manager, QAPI Coordinator, and IT Manager before ultimately assuming his current position as Director of Operations.

Mr. Clements is deeply committed to Nayar Health Care & Hospice’s mission of treating everyone with dignity, respect, and honor. He finds great fulfillment in his work, driven by the belief that doing good leads to feeling good. 

Phoebe Weber

Phoebe Weber

Team Lead of Intake, Bedford

Phoebe Weber serves as the Team Lead of Intake at Nayar Health Care Bedford, where she has quickly established herself as a valuable asset to the organization. Despite entering the healthcare industry with no prior experience, Ms. Weber’s exceptional ability to learn and adapt was swiftly recognized by upper management, leading to an expansion of her responsibilities and eventual promotion to her current leadership role.

In her position as Team Lead, Ms. Weber focuses on assembling a team of skilled professionals capable of efficiently processing and interpreting complex information. She works closely with each team member, fostering their analytical skills and guiding them through the intricacies of the ever-evolving healthcare industry. Her commitment to team development is evident in her individualized coaching approach and the diverse range of reference materials she provides. Collaborating with the marketing team, Ms. Weber has implemented several new protocols that have significantly improved the entire intake process.

Ms. Weber’s dedication extends beyond her immediate team. From her position at the front desk of the Bedford office, she greets everyone with a warm smile and serves as a central point of information and guidance for the entire office. Her unique perspective allows her to provide valuable insights across multiple departments, often bringing clarity to vigorous debates within the close-knit environment. Outside of work, Ms. Weber is a passionate Virginia Tech Hokie fan, a devoted owner of a large, slobbering bloodhound, and has taken on the role of office botanist, creating an ever-changing landscape of greenery that adds vitality to the workspace.

Sydney Caplinger

Sydney Caplinger

Head of the Hospice Intake

Sydney Caplinger serves as the Assistant Business Office Manager and Head of the Hospice Intake Department at Nayar Health Care & Hospice. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, and raised in Richmond, Ms. Caplinger studied Marketing on the Pre-Law track at the University of Iowa while gaining healthcare experience as a pharmacy technician.

Ms. Caplinger joined Nayar Health Care in January 2023 as a Home Health Intake Coordinator. Her dedication and adaptability led to her quick progression through roles, including Hospice Intake Coordinator, before assuming her current dual position. She is passionate about healthcare and plans to further her education in healthcare administration.

Outside of work, Ms. Caplinger enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and running. She values the experience and connections made at Nayar Health Care & Hospice and looks forward to continued growth with the company.

NHC Professionals

Our Care Team is a dedicated, elite group of professionals. We believe that each patient deserves the compassionate care that we are known for.