Dr. Steven Freeman serves on our team as the medical director covering the 13 counties we serve. Dr. Freeman is a graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelors Degree in Microbiology as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Microbiology. He later graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine as a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Dr. Freeman practices Internal Medicine in Easley at his practice, Adult Medicine Specialist of Easley. He has served in various roles at Baptist Easley Hospital including Chairman of the Department of Medicine.

He and his wife reside in Easley. In his spare time, Dr. Freeman enjoys photography, astronomy and collecting fountain pens.

Dr. Heather Shippey grew up in Charlotte, NC.  She attended Davidson College for her undergraduate studies and earned a degree in history. She attended Medical School at MUSC in Charleston and did her residency training in Internal Medicine in Norfolk, Virginia.

Dr. Shippey received her Hospice and Palliative Care training in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she obtained both inpatient and outpatient experience.

Dr. Shippey is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Care.

Dr. Heather Shippey has been married for 25 years with two sons, a dog and a cat. Her interest include travel and puzzles.

Alyson Lerstang is our hospice nurse practitioner originally from Valdosta Georgia. She has been in the healthcare field since 1998. She has been a practicing nurse practitioner for over 10 years. Alyson enjoys her time at the bedside with the patients and family. Outside of practice she devotes her time to her family, exercise, travel and cooking. Having an exercise science and cardiac rehab background in along with her cardiac open heart experience she has always been interested in health and fitness and prevention. She has practiced yoga for over six years and recently trained for her 200 hour yoga certification with Baptiste methodology. She continues to apply yoga on and off her mat every day for herself and others.

As the Executive Director of Wren Hospice, I would like to mention how honored I am every day to work with such an amazing and compassionate group of professionals. The Wren Hospice team is so dedicated to loving and caring for our patients and families and they make it a true blessing to be a part of this team.

Educational and Professional Background: 

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as master’s degree in social work from the University of South Carolina.  In addition, I’m a licensed administrator for community residential care facilities, commonly known as assisted living facilities.  Early in my career, I worked in various social work positions both in non-profit and skilled nursing settings, before moving from Charleston to Spartanburg to be with my husband, Adam.  After relocating to the Upstate of South Carolina, a dear friend of mine connected me to a job opportunity in admissions and marketing for a local assisted living and memory care community. Since then, I have worked in senior living in administrative, admissions, marketing, and management positions. I have been blessed with professional friends and amazing mentors, that have led me to this role as Executive Director for Wren Hospice. 

Personal Background: 

I grew up in Summerville, South Carolina, a small town outside of Charleston where I spent my time enjoying the ocean, lakes, rivers, and the neighborhood pool.  Growing up, my grandmother (my Gran) was a big influence on my life. She taught me that women can be successful leaders and self-confident, while also staying humble, kind, and loving others. My Gran was a great cook, who inspired my love of food and cooking.  My parents and grandmother encouraged me to pursue what I felt was my passion and believe that God instilled a passion in my heart to help people. This led me to my educational path in psychology and social work.  I fell in love with learning while in college and still love watching historical documentaries and nerdy educational shows, while cuddled up with my sweet dogs; Jack and Miller. When not working I enjoy spending time with family, being on the water, gardening, cooking, fishing, and traveling. 

Bio pending