Our Leadership Team
Kristina Leyden, MSW-LCSW, HCC Chief Executive Officer
Kristina obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from York College of PA in 1995 and completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in 2000. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after obtaining her Master’s Degree.
Kristina has many years of experience in the medical field beginning her career in 1996 as Director of Social Work/Admissions for an 800+ bed Continuing Care Retirement Community in Lancaster, PA. Upon moving to Baltimore, MD in 2001 she worked as a Director of Social Work for Genesis Health Care for 8 years before becoming an Independent Consultant for Long Term Care Facilities and a home based Therapist for Medical Services of America for 4 years. For 12 years, Kristina was an adjunct professor of social work, sociology, and women’s studies at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC).
After relocating to North Carolina for her husbands career in the Army, Kristina joined the Richmond County Hospice team in June of 2012 as the Director of Inpatient Care & Family Services. In January of 2014 Kristina was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and then to Interim Chief Executive Officer on August 1, 2014. Kristina was named Chief Executive Officer on March 1, 2015. Kristina became certified in Hospice Compliance in 2024.
Kristina and her husband Pete, have two children, Kate and Andrew. They have also hosted two exchange students, in 2019-2020 Emma from Slovakia and Anders from Denmark in 2022-2023.
Steven Strobel, MD Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Strobel is a graduate of the highly rated Ohio State University College of Medicine, board certified in Emergency Medicine, and is trained to deal with acute illnesses and injuries that require immediate medical attention. He did his residency at Summa Health system in Akron, Ohio.
Dr. Strobel has more than 35 years of experience in the medical field and comes to us via FirstHealth where he has held several positions, including Medical Director of the Emergency Departments at FirstHealth Montgomery Hospital and FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital.
He is a highly compassionate, religious, and caring physician that is a great asset to our company and our communities. He’s been a North Carolina resident for most of his career.
He and his wife, Anne, have 7 children.
Julie Woody, RN, CHPN Director of Public Relations
Julie is a native of Richmond county who graduated from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Charlotte, NC in May of 1996. She joined the RCH team in January of 1999. Julie has held many positions, including Staff Nurse, Clinical Liaison, Regional Coordinator, and Nursing Assistant Supervisor, and was promoted to her current position in January of 2014.
She became a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse in December of 2013.
Julie and her husband Chad, have 3 sons - Nic, Chase, and Trenton.
Marvin Taylor, BS Director of Finances
Marvin is a native of Richmond county who received his Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He has several years of Hospice experience working in different capacities including Bereavement Coordinator, Information Technology, and Finance. Marvin has been employed with Richmond County Hospice since April 2012 and was promoted to Director of Finance in August of 2014.
He and his wife Windy, have 2 daughters, Hannah and Harper.
Arturo De Aguilar, MA, MDIV Director of Human Resources
Arturo has been a Richmond county resident since 1998. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC and his Masters of Arts and Masters of Divinity from St. Vincent the Paul College in Florida. Arturo joined the Richmond County Hospice team in August 2012 as an H.R. Specialist and was promoted in May 2013 to Director of the Human Resources department. His career began in Family Counseling and led to his work in corporate management in the Food and Grocery industry as well as the Human Services area.
Prior to coming to Richmond County Hospice, he worked at Perdue Farms Rockingham plant as a Senior Human Resources Representative for over 5 years, and he’s been in the management world for over 18 years in different capacities.
He and wife, Cristina, have three children - Ben, Sabrina, and Caroline
Jessica Mims, BSW, CHP-SW Director of Family Services
Jessica is a native of Richmond county who graduated from Richmond Community College in 1997, earning her Associate’s degree in Human Services. She then attended UNC Pembroke and graduated with a BA in Sociology in 1999, later returning to UNC Pembroke to earn her BSW in 2011.
Jessica has worked in various settings in the past including mental health and the school system. Jessica began her hospice career in April 2011 as a Social Worker. In November 2014, Jessica became the Director of Family Services and earned her Certification in Hospice and Palliative Social Work (CHP-SW) in March, 2017. Jessica is passionate about the mission of Richmond County Hospice, Inc. and enjoys helping others.
Jessica and her husband Frank reside in Ellerbe. They have one son, James.
Jenny Mabe, RN, CHPN, HQC Director of Nursing (Home Care)
Jenny is a native of Richmond county who obtained her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Richmond Community College in 1996. During her 28 year career as a nurse, she has dedicated over 22 years to hospice care, where she has held different positions including Staff Nurse, Residential Facility Manager of Hospice Haven, and Clinical Outreach Coordinator. She became the Director of Nursing (Home Care) in 2014. Jenny became certified in hospice and palliative care (CHPN) in 2010 in Hospice Quality (HQC) in 2024.
She and her husband, Scotty, have four sons - Cameron, Nick, Noah, and Jayce.
Hollie Smith, RN, CHPN, HQC Director of Inpatient Care
Hollie is a native of Richmond and Moore counties. She obtained her Associate’s in Science with a certification in Medical Assisting in June 2007, and in June 2011 she graduated from Richmond Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
Hollie joined our hospice staff in March of 2013 as a Hospice Haven Staff Nurse and was promoted to the Director of Inpatient Care in January of 2014. She wears two hats as she continues to work periodically as a floor nurse as well as in management. She enjoys the versatility and loves that it keeps her on her toes. Her passion is palliative and end of life care. Hollie became certified as Hospice and Palliative Nurse in 2014 and in Hospice Quality in 2024.
Hollie has three children - Araya, Amani, and Anthony Jr. She also has a grandson, Nolan.
Our Board of Directors
Front Row: Linda Arrington, Mechele Preslar, Audrey Moore & Tammy Benson
Back Row: Neal Watkins, Ken Bostick, Jonathon Lewis, Rev. Steve Crews, Jason Gainey, Cleve Baxley, & Chuck Cobb
(Not Shown: Mary Kate Lambeth, Kim Roberts)