Continental Who's Who

Jo A. Shankel

Jo A. Shankel is recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Professional Member in the field of Healthcare. Shankel serves as Support Specialist II at HopeWest, an organization specializing in hospice care, palliative care and grief support. Having been established since 1993 and having serviced the Colorado area for over twenty-four years, HopeWest is a healthcare organization that offers Hospice care, Palliative Care, Social Counseling Programs and Grief Support. In recognizing the need for an innovative approach in handling aging, serious illness and grief, the company understands the need for a comprehensive approach in regards to these matters. Holding Honor, Respect and Empathy in the forefront of their organization, it is HopeWest’ vision to “offer comfort, control and choices to individuals and families facing serious illness, set the standard for access to care, community collaboration and cooperation, be the Western Slope’s leading resource for education and expertise in the clinical and ethical issues of serious illness, dying and grief, be the region’s premier provider of serious illness and grief-related services and to help our communities accept death as a natural part of life.” Amassing over thirty-two years of experience in the industry, Shankel currently serves as a Support Specialist for HopeWest. Shankel specializes in the areas of troubleshooting, training staff members and databases. As the overseer of daily operations, Shankel is responsible for running reports, back-end duties, and the ordering of supplies necessary to run the hospice care area. In addition, Shankel is responsible for “assembling orientation manuals for new employees and volunteers and tracking all education for staff in the organization.” Shankel utilizes her skills through the development of formulating educational seminars and learning materials necessary for learning. “I have set myself apart as an expert in the field of information technology,” Shankel states. “I have used my skills to improve the technical operations of HopeWest.” Prior to joining the tea at HopeWest, Shankel worked at Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado and Rocky Mountain Health Plans. Drawn to the profession due to her passion for medicine, throughout the course of her education and training, Shankel earned a Diploma in Advanced Secretarial Education from Parks College in 1980. To further her professional development, Shankel is a member of Elite Women of the World. When not working, she devotes her time to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life and various committees for veterans-oriented causes. She also enjoys taking walks, completing puzzles and crosswords and spending time with her husband and cats. For more information, visit www.hopewestco.org.