Meet Emily Davis, RN – Executive Director of Essence Hospice
Emily Davis, RN, is the Executive Director of Essence Hospice, bringing over 10 years of experience in hospice and end-of-life care. She began her nursing career in 2005 at Florida Hospital’s Oncology Department, where she quickly demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion for patient care. Within two years, Emily advanced to the role of charge nurse and specialized as an infusion nurse, providing chemotherapy to colon cancer patients in their homes. This role deepened her understanding of personalized, holistic care and the importance of meeting patients in their own environments. Her expertise continued to grow as she managed chemotherapy preparations and medication orders for brain cancer patients while partnering with the head physician of the neuro-oncology department.
Emily’s career trajectory includes experience in skilled nursing, where she cared for patients with complex, critical conditions and was first exposed to hospice care—sparking a lifelong commitment to supporting patients through their final moments. After moving to California, she joined an oncology office and later advanced to Case Manager at Sanctuary Hospice. There, her combined background in oncology, home infusion, and skilled nursing proved invaluable, propelling her to Director of Care Services and eventually Executive Director. Throughout her career, Emily has been dedicated to ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time, advocating for a seamless transition to hospice through the development of the Essential Care Program, which provides education and support for patients and families when hospice care is not yet needed.
As the leader of Essence Hospice, Emily is proud to lead a team of talented and compassionate professionals who share her commitment to patient-centered care. She finds great fulfillment in connecting with patients and their families, valuing their stories and the opportunity to provide comfort during life’s most sacred moments. Emily is also deeply committed to supporting the family and friends of patients after a loved one’s passing, recognizing that grief care is an essential part of the hospice experience. Outside of work, Emily is the proud mother of two adult children and enjoys life with her family and two dogs. She prioritizes a healthy work-life balance, both for herself and her team, believing that it is vital for sustaining the exceptional care provided by Essence Hospice.
Meet Amy Cavlovic, Regional Director of Palliative Care and Strategic Development
Amy Cavlovic, our Regional Director of Palliative Care and Strategic Development, brings over 30 years of healthcare experience to her role. She started her career in a primary care office, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience that laid the foundation for her future growth in the healthcare field. This early exposure to patient care and office management provided Amy with a well-rounded understanding of the healthcare system, setting the stage for her to take on increasingly complex and impactful roles throughout her career.
Early in her career, Amy had the opportunity to work as a patient care coordinator at a breast cancer center, where she helped patients navigate the overwhelming experience of a new cancer diagnosis. She guided them through their first appointments with doctors, assisted in coordinating their care, and supported them as they began new therapies. This experience profoundly shaped her understanding of the importance of truly individualized care. Amy witnessed firsthand how essential it is to provide not only clinical expertise but also compassionate, personalized support to help patients feel seen, understood, and empowered during such a pivotal time in their lives.
Amy has dedicated herself to hospice and palliative care since 2004, driven by her deep belief in the profound impact this specialized, compassionate care has on patients, families, and healthcare providers alike. The privilege of supporting individuals through some of life’s most challenging moments continues to inspire her. Amy thrives in environments where innovation and patient-centered care are at the forefront, which is why she is so proud to be part of the Essence Hospice and Palliative Care team.
A longtime resident of Southern California, Amy enjoys spending time at the beach each week, finding peace and renewal in the coastal landscape. Outside of work, her greatest joys are spending time with her family, friends, and beloved pets, who continue to enrich her life in countless ways.
Meet Dana Rambo, Director of Clinical Services
Dana Rambo, Director of Clinical Services at Essence Hospice. With a background in leadership, nursing and community health, I am dedicated to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to patients and families during end-of-life transitions. My role involves overseeing the clinical practices, ensuring the highest standards of care, and supporting our team in delivering dignified and respectful hospice services.
I am a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and have certification as a Public Health Nurse. My experience spans various healthcare settings including acute and long-term care with the last decade of my career focused in hospice, where my passion truly lies. Hospice was a calling of mine for many years after my grandfather received hospice care while I was in high school. His journey while in hospice was needless to say a difficult time for our family, but also a time of reflection and positivity as we were supported by a wonderful hospice team. I was inspired by hospice and how capable, calm and compassionate the staff were and knew I wanted to be a part of something like that someday. It is a privilege to now be living out the aspirations I once had and hope to bring a similar experience to others.
Outside of work, I find ways to recharge by spending time outdoors with my family, enjoying things like camping and exploring new hiking trails on the hunt for amazing views. I also love to adventure and travel abroad, experiencing new destinations, cultures and cuisines. One day, I hope to travel to more of the U.S. and even road trip down Route 66.
I am proud to be part of the Essence team which is collectively greater than the sum of its parts. I take great joy in fostering teamwork with the goal of delivering the highest quality care, creating meaningful and lasting impacts on those we serve.
Meet Sandra Williams, Director of Business Development
Sandra's journey in healthcare began in 2004 when she moved to California, following a plan she and her husband had envisioned after their marriage—one that promised new opportunities and a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Starting as an administrative assistant at Colonial Home Care, her heart for helping others quickly became evident. She rose to the role of scheduler, where her warmth and empathy stood out, ultimately leading her manager to encourage her to step into marketing—a leap that changed her life. Over 14 years at Colonial, Sandra built deep relationships, fueled the company’s growth, and discovered her gift for connecting with people on a meaningful level.
Her path took a profound turn when she was introduced to hospice care. Sandra’s belief in the power of hospice—to bring comfort and dignity at life’s most tender moments—ignited something in her. After spending a day in the field, witnessing the peace it brought to families, she knew this was where she was meant to be. Joining Sanctuary Hospice, she quickly made an impact, securing her first referral within weeks and earning a reputation for her authentic compassion. For Sandra, hospice wasn’t just a service—it was a calling to provide hope and comfort when it mattered most.
When Sandra reconnected with Emily Davis and learned of the opportunity at Essence Hospice, it felt like destiny. Now, she leads a team of like-minded professionals, driven by a shared mission to ensure families never feel alone on their journey. For Sandra, this work is deeply personal—every family she helps reminds her why she chose this path.
Beyond her career, Sandra cherishes her family, finding inspiration in their pride and support. Whether she’s traveling, working out, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, her life is grounded in purpose and the belief that making a difference, no matter how small, is what truly matters.
