Compassionate Hospice Care with Dignity and Comfort
Welcome to VistaRiver, where compassionate hospice care is at the heart of what we do. Serving the greater Portland and Salem areas, we are dedicated to providing exceptional end-of-life care that focuses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our patients and their families. We understand the
challenges of choosing hospice care for a loved one, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. At VistaRiver, we believe in offering personalized care at the right time, ensuring dignity and comfort for all.
Meet the Team
Jin Park Cho
Director of Patient Care Services
Jin Park Cho is the Director of Patient Care Services at VistaRiver, where she is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for patients and their families. Through
her training at Columbia University Hospital in New York City, as well as the Mayo
Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, Jin has cultivated a robust foundation that informs her
clinical practice and leadership abilities.
See full bio
At VistaRiver, Jin leads a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that care protocols are not only effective but also tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Her
leadership style emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, fostering a compassionate, patient-centered environment.
She is also passionate about education and advocacy, and believes in empowering both patients and families, helping them navigate the complex healthcare landscape with confidence and clarity. Jin is known for her ability to balance clinical excellence with empathy, making her a respected figure within the healthcare community. She also regularly participates in workshops and seminars, speaking and sharing her expertise in hospice and palliative care.
Jin remains committed to professional development and staying current with the
latest advancements in healthcare practices and policies. Her unwavering dedication to patient care and leadership in the hospice field has positioned her as a trailblazer, inspiring her team and peers to strive for the highest standards of care.
Through her work at VistaRiver, Jin Cho is not only influencing patient care but also shaping the future of hospice services, ensuring that compassion and clinical expertise remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery.
Elizabeth Baumgarner
Managing Principal
With an extensive career spanning over three decades in the healthcare sector, Elizabeth Baumgarner has established herself as a formidable leader specializing in home health and hospice care. Her expertise lies primarily in back office operations and human resources management.
See full bio
As an owner-operator, Elizabeth has played a pivotal role in the foundational
development of numerous hospice and home health agencies across the Northwest. Her strategic vision and operational expertise have not only streamlined processes but also enhanced the overall efficiency and effectiveness of these organizations. Elizabeth’s deep understanding of the intricacies of healthcare operations, particularly in the home health and hospice sectors, coupled with her commitment to excellence, has enabled her to build robust systems that support high-quality patient care.
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering collaborative environments, nurturing talent, and implementing best practices that drive organizational success. Her ability to navigate the complexities of healthcare administration while maintaining a patient-centered focus underscores her dedication to improving healthcare delivery within the home health and hospice framework.
Elizabeth Baumgarner is not only a seasoned professional but also a thought leader in her field, continually seeking innovative solutions to the challenges faced by healthcare organizations today. Her contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of hospice and home health services, making her an invaluable asset to the industry.
With an extensive career spanning over three decades in the healthcare sector, Elizabeth Baumgarner has established herself as a formidable leader specializing in home health and hospice care. Her expertise lies primarily in back-office operations and human resources management, where she has excelled in various roles encompassing the critical functions of HR, payroll, billing, and diverse administrative tasks.
As an owner-operator, Elizabeth has played a pivotal role in the foundational
development of numerous hospice and home health agencies across the Northwest. Her strategic vision and operational expertise have not only streamlined processes but also enhanced the overall efficiency and effectiveness of these organizations. Elizabeth’s deep understanding of the intricacies of healthcare operations, particularly in the home health and hospice sectors, coupled with her commitment to excellence, has enabled her to build robust systems that support high-quality patient care.
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering collaborative environments, nurturing talent, and implementing best practices that drive organizational success. Her ability to navigate the complexities of healthcare administration while maintaining a patient-centered focus underscores her dedication to improving healthcare delivery within the home health and hospice framework.
Elizabeth Baumgarner is not only a seasoned professional but also a thought leader in her field, continually seeking innovative solutions to the challenges faced by healthcare organizations today. Her contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of hospice and home health services, making her an invaluable asset to the industry.
Jeff Baumgarner
Managing Principal
Jeff Baumgarner is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 20 years of experience in the industry, specializing in home health and hospice services for the past decade. As the owner of several home health and hospice organizations across Washington, Utah, Oregon, and California, he has established a reputation for excellence in patient care and operational leadership.
See full bio
Jeff Baumgarner is a seasoned healthcare executive with over 20 years of
experience in the industry, specializing in home health and hospice services for the past decade. As the owner of several home health and hospice organizations across Washington, Utah, Oregon, and California, he has established a reputation for excellence in patient care and operational leadership.
Jeff’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families is deeply rooted in personal experience; he has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of home health and hospice services through the care of numerous family members. This profound connection drives his unwavering passion for delivering exceptional patient care, ensuring that each individual receives the compassionate support they deserve at the highest standards.
Under Jeff’s guidance, his organizations have consistently prioritized patient-centered approaches and innovative care solutions, fostering environments that promote dignity, respect, and holistic well-being. His leadership not only emphasizes operational efficiency but also cultivates a culture of empathy among healthcare professionals, ultimately enhancing the overall patient experience.
With a steadfast dedication to advancing the field of home health and hospice care, Jeff Baumgarner continues to make significant contributions to the healthcare community, advocating for best practices and striving for excellence in every aspect of patient care. You can reach Jeff Baumgarner directly at 971-263-3741.
Kristi Bizon
Area Director of operations
Meet Kristi, a warm and energetic professional who’s spent the last decade helping people find the right insurance solutions while building meaningful connections in our community. She has a special talent for making complex decisions feel simple and personal, ensuring each person finds exactly what they need.
See full bio
What makes Kristi unique is her natural ability to connect with people. Whether she’s giving presentations to businesses or chatting one-on-one with clients, she makes everyone feel heard and understood. Her friendly approach has helped create lasting partnerships throughout our community.
At the heart of Kristi’s work is her genuine care for people. She’s always out there, rolling up her sleeves to create programs that bring businesses and neighbors together. When you work with Kristi, you’re getting more than an insurance expert – you’re getting someone who truly cares about making our community stronger.
With her Business Administration background and commitment to staying current in her field, Kristi brings both expertise and fresh perspectives to every conversation. She’s known for finding creative solutions that work for everyone involved.
Above all, Kristi believes in using her skills to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re looking for insurance guidance or wanting to strengthen your community connections, she’s the kind of partner who’ll be there every step of the way.
Kyle Nielson
Healthcare Executive | Business Development Strategist | Visionary Leader
Meet Kyle, a dynamic healthcare executive whose leadership has transformed patient care delivery across Oregon. With a foundation in biology and hands-on clinical experience, Kyle brings deep healthcare expertise and an innovative vision to every project he leads.
See full bio
What sets Kyle apart is his unique combination of clinical understanding and business acumen. From his early days as a trauma surgery scribe to founding and leading healthcare organizations, Kyle has consistently demonstrated his ability to bridge the gap between patient care and operational excellence.
Kyle’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic mindset have led to remarkable achievements, including the successful launch and growth of multiple healthcare ventures. His leadership at VistaRiver Hospice and the transformation of Physicians Choice showcase his ability to build and scale healthcare organizations while maintaining a focus on quality patient care.
With a strong background in territory development and team leadership, Kyle excels at identifying growth opportunities and building lasting partnerships. His experience spans across various healthcare sectors, from respiratory care to home health services, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.
Kyle’s commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery makes him an invaluable leader in our community. Whether launching new territories or transforming existing operations, he brings a patient-first approach combined with strategic business insights to every endeavor.
Geoff Schackmann
Managing Principal
Meet Geoff, a passionate healthcare entrepreneur whose journey is deeply rooted in personal experience and a commitment to transforming home health and hospice care. Inspired by his mother’s dedication as a hospice volunteer and her own health journey with progressive MS, Geoff has turned personal challenges into opportunities to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
See full bio
What distinguishes Geoff is his unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and personal connection to healthcare. His experience spans seven successful Joint Commission accreditation surveys, but his true motivation comes from witnessing firsthand the importance of quality home health care through his mother’s experiences.
Together with his wife Liz and their two daughters, Adeline (4) and Lilah (6 weeks), Geoff maintains a strong foundation of family values that influence his approach to business. His journey began with a partnership with his uncle to start a home health agency, initially driven by the desire to provide care for his own mother.
Despite facing early challenges, including uncertain moments about making payroll, Geoff’s persistence and vision led to remarkable growth. Starting from scratch, he built and developed a network of eight agencies, culminating in a successful exit with almost $20 million in enterprise value in less than five years.
Geoff’s mother’s relentless optimism continues to inspire his work, and her journey with MS since 2007 remains a driving force behind his commitment to improving healthcare services. His success story is not just about business growth – it’s about creating a culture of care and compassion while making a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
Why Choose VistaRiver for Hospice Care?
Choosing VistaRiver means gaining access to a comprehensive range of hospice care services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Here’s what sets us apart:
Compassionate and Skilled Care
Our team of hospice nurses and caregivers is dedicated to delivering superior care, ensuring that our patients feel comforted and supported.
Clear Communication
We prioritize open and consistent communication with patients and their families, providing guidance and education throughout the hospice journey.
Holistic Approach
Our services address not only the physical needs of our patients but also their emotional and spiritual well-being.
Support for Families
We offer bereavement counseling and social work support to help families navigate this challenging time.
Why Choose VistaRiver for Hospice Care?
A legacy of serving seniors
Experience an exciting new chapter with the legacy senior communities.
Compassionate care from highly trained team members. Quality accommodations in a beautiful, comfortable environment. Technology that encourages communication between residents, family members and our team. Company leadership with in-depth experience and a focus on the happiness of our residents.
25
Years of working
experience
14
+
Senior Living Communities
Our extensive network of senior living communities and home care providers ensures more personalized options for you to choose from
1258
+
Families Helped
Our mission is to empower you with the best information and tools to make the right decision for your loved one options for you to choose from
Our Hospice Care Services
At VistaRiver, we offer a range of programs and services designed to provide comprehensive support:
In-Home Hospice Care
Volunteer Matchmaking
Social Work & Bereavement
Spiritual Care
Hospice Aides
Massage Therapy
Care
Our licensed nurses are All Day, All Night, On-Site. You also have comfort knowing that all medications are administered by licensed nurses.
Hospitality
Our décor blends elegance and comfort to make the surroundings inviting and warm for everyone who chooses to call our home.
Escapades…for Life!
Is about adventure, excitement, and discovery and makes you want to get out of bed each morning and have some FUN!
History & mission
1990–2000
Senior care slowly shifts from reactive care to proactive wellness, and a new interest in independent living and memory support emerges.
2001 -2007
A new CEO and the board of directors create a strategic plan to establish a retirement community that would ensure a higher level of quality
2008-2015
The board of directors approves the development of The Midtown Park.
2016-2022
The Midtown Park campus opens, offering a full continuum of care and luxury accommodations.
Contact Us Today
If you’re seeking compassionate and comprehensive hospice care in Portland or Salem, VistaRiver is here for you. Whether you’re interested in hospice care at home, in a nursing home, or another setting, our team is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your loved one.
Contact us today to speak with a hospice nurse and learn more about our services. Let us support you and your family during this important time.