Regional Hospice names Jessica Pope to lead pediatric programming and community hospice operations

Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut has appointed Jessica Pope as director of pediatric programming and community hospice operations, effective Nov. 2, 2026. The move is meant to expand pediatric hospice access in Connecticut and deepen partnerships with providers and community groups.

Why it matters: - Regional Hospice is putting a pediatric specialist in a key leadership role as demand grows for coordinated hospice and palliative care for children with life-limiting conditions. - The appointment is aimed at expanding access across Connecticut and strengthening the network of providers and community partners that support that care.

What happened: - Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut named Jessica Pope, CLS, MT-BC, HPMT, NICU-MT, as director of pediatric programming and community hospice operations, effective Nov. 2, 2026. - Pope will help advance the organization’s pediatric care program and support community hospice operations. - Pope has worked with Regional Hospice’s pediatric team in a consulting role over the past year. - Pope also serves with Regional Hospice President and CEO ToniAnn Marchione as an ad hoc member of Connecticut’s Task Force to Improve Pediatric Care.

The details: - Pope brings more than 15 years of experience in pediatric hospice, palliative and concurrent care. - Her most recent role was director of pediatric care coordination at Capital Caring Health in Falls Church, Virginia. - At Capital Caring Health, Pope led pediatric hospice and palliative care coordination, supported interdisciplinary clinical teams and built relationships with children’s hospitals, specialty practices, primary care providers and community agencies. - Pope is a board-certified music therapist and a certified child life specialist. - Pope also has training in hospice and palliative care music therapy, neonatal intensive care and pediatric end-of-life doula services. - Regional Hospice said Pope has contributed to pediatric hospice and palliative care through presentations, publications and national advocacy. - Pope worked with the Pediatric Advisory Council of the National Alliance for Care at Home, formerly NHPCO, on several national and state-based legislation initiatives focused on awareness and education around concurrent care in pediatric hospice.

Between the lines: - The hire signals that Regional Hospice is investing in a more specialized model for pediatric care, not just adding staff. - Pope’s mix of clinical coordination, music therapy and child life experience suggests the organization is emphasizing both medical and family-centered support. - Her existing connection to Regional Hospice and Connecticut policy work may help the organization move faster on partnerships and program expansion.

What’s next: - Pope is expected to help broaden pediatric hospice access and strengthen relationships with healthcare and community partners across Connecticut. - Regional Hospice will continue operating its adult, baby and children’s hospice and palliative care programs from private homes, hospitals, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, and its Center for Comfort Care & Healing in Danbury. - More information is available on Regional Hospice’s website.