Say hello to Our team

At Advent Hospice Care, Inc. patients are cared for by an interdisciplinary team of professionals.

You Are Never Alone

Beata Sherman, RN, NP

Director of Nursing DON

As a Nurse Practitioner and owner-operator with extensive inpatient and outpatient environment experience, I have understood the importance of compassionate and high-quality care for patients and their families. Hospice care and decision making is often challenging, puzzling and guilt-ridden experience for patients and families. My passion to help those in need has been the driving force for my involvement with Advent Hospice Care. I am committed to providing exceptional care to patients and their families during this challenging time. My background and education as Registered Nurse (RN) and a Nurse Practitioner (NP) has equipped me with the skills necessary to manage complex medical conditions, and my experience as a hospice care Director of Nursing has allowed me to understand the unique needs of patients and families. My extensive expertise and dedication make me a valuable asset to our team, and I am honored to continue making a positive impact on the lives of patients and families I serve.

Fareeha Siddiqui, MD

Medical Oncologist/Hematologist

Fareeha Siddiqui, MD, is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist, specializing in the treatment of wide variety of cancers, including lung, ovarian, prostate and brain cancer, as well as lymphoma and leukemia.

Dr. Siddiqui's research is focused on the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes and other types of blood cancers and disorders. Her work has been published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine and Blood.

Before joining UC San Diego Health, Dr. Siddiqui served as an oncologist and hematologist at Saint Anne's Hospital in Massachusetts and as a member of the clinical faculty at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

During her training, Dr. Siddiqui completed a hematology and oncology fellowship with an emphasis in palliative care at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Illinois and received her medical degree from Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan. She is board certified in hematology and medical oncology.

Dr. Siddiqui provides cancer care at our Encinitas and Vista facilities, in the North County area.

Outside of work, she enjoys scuba diving, traveling, trail biking, theology and the arts.

Margarita Lupan

Registered Nurse

Meet Margarita Lupan, a dedicated and compassionate registered nurse at Advent Hospice Care. With years of experience in nursing, Margarita has dedicated her career to providing the highest quality care to patients in hospice settings.
Margarita's passion for nursing started at a young age, and she pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cal State Northridge. After graduation, she began working as a registered nurse in a hospital, where she gained invaluable experience in various specialties, including oncology, critical care, and emergency medicine.
Her passion for caring for patients in their final days led her to pursue a career in hospice care. At Advent Hospice Care, Margarita provides compassionate and individualized care to patients and their families, ensuring that they are comfortable and supported throughout their end-of-life journey.
Margarita's commitment to patient care extends beyond her work at Advent Hospice Care. She is an active member of several nursing organizations and regularly volunteers her time to provide medical care to underserved communities.
In her spare time, Margarita enjoys horseback riding, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family. Her dedication to nursing and her compassionate approach to patient care make her an invaluable member of the Advent Hospice Care team.

Nuhi Khachkikyan

Program Administrator

Nuhi Khachkikyan a seasoned hospice administrator with over 10 years of experience in the field. Throughout her career, Nuhi has developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of hospice patients and their families, and has dedicated her professional life to ensuring that those needs are met with compassion, skill, and expertise.
Nuhi began her career in hospice care after completing her studies in pedagogical university where she earned her master’s degree in legal studies. She quickly rose through the ranks, taking on increasingly challenging roles in hospice administration and management. Over the years, she has honed her skills in areas such as patient care, staff management, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.
One of Nuhi's greatest strengths as a hospice administrator is hes ability to build strong relationships with patients and their families. She understands the importance of effective communication and works tirelessly to ensure that patients and families feel heard and valued. Nuhi is also deeply committed to creating a supportive work environment for her staff, knowing that happy employees are essential to providing high-quality care.
Over the course of her career, Nuhi has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the field of hospice care. She is widely respected by her colleagues and peers, and is known for his integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
When she's not working, Nuhi enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and volunteering with local hospice organizations. She believes that hospice care is not just a job, but a calling, and she feels privileged to be able to serve patients and families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Ted Stefan

Chaplain

As a chaplain at Advent Hospice Care, my primary role is to provide spiritual support and care to patients and their families during end-of-life journeys.

I hold a degree in divinity or a related field, and I have specialized training in hospice and palliative care. My experience working in healthcare settings has given me a deep understanding of the unique emotional and spiritual needs that patients and families face during this challenging time.

In my role, I work closely with patients, families, and healthcare providers to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support that honors each patient's individual beliefs, traditions, and values. I offer comfort, guidance, and prayer for patients and their loved ones, and I work to create a safe, welcoming environment that fosters healing and hope.

I am committed to upholding the values of inclusivity, empathy, and respect in all aspects of my work. I believe that every patient and family deserves to have access to spiritual care that is meaningful and relevant to their unique experiences and beliefs. As a chaplain, I am honored to walk alongside patients and their families during this sacred and transformative time, and to help them find peace, comfort, and solace in the face of life's most difficult challenges.

Core Team Members

  • Core IDG members are required by Federal Medicare regulations to be present in order to conduct a case conference to review and revise the patient care plan.
  • The Core services must be provided by employees of the hospice agency (except for the physician, who can be a contracted employee).
  • The Core members are:
    • RN/Case Manager
    • Physician
    • Social Worker
    • Spiritual or other counselor

The Hospice Team

  • The Patient’s Physician (Attending Physician)
  • Registered Nurse (Case Manager)
  • Hospice Aide
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Spiritual Care Counselor
  • Volunteer
  • Hospice Physician
  • Bereavement
  • Others as needed (OT, PT, ST, Dietitian)