About Aster Health

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality, patient-centered hospice care.

Call: 805-600-8008

Fax: 805-600-8004

Why Aster?

We chose the name Aster Health because of its special meaning. 'Aster' means star, which inspired the name of a type of daisy with bright rayed flowers. At Aster Health, we describe a hospice patient not by their illness, but by the fullness of their life. 

Each patient is a "star of their own story", with a family and a spirit that shines uniquely. They are mothers, fathers, friends, teachers, dreamers, and givers—individuals who have spent their lives creating memories, nurturing love, and shaping the world around them.

Two pairs of hands gently holding each other, symbolizing care.

The Aster Family

Smiling woman with blonde hair outdoors.

Jenessy Wang

MSN, FNP-BC

Owner, CFO and VP of Hospice Operations

Jenessy Wang grew up surrounded by medical professionals, learning compassion and service from her mother, a dedicated hospice nurse as well as dedication and devotion from her father, a general surgeon. From an early age, she developed a deep heart for caring for hospice patients and the elderly. Jenessy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Chapman University and both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University. A board-certified Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of experience, she finds her greatest fulfillment in hospice care—where she believes she can make the most meaningful impact on patients and families.

To Jenessy, hospice is not just a service but an extension of family. She approaches each patient as she would her own loved one, honoring the privilege of walking with families through one of life’s most tender chapters. She values genuine, heartfelt conversations and strives to bring comfort, dignity, and warmth through every encounter.

Read More
A smiling middle-aged man in a gray suit and yellow tie.

Jim Scullans RN

Owner, VP of Hospice

James “Jim” Scullans is from Chicago where he attended Chicago City Colleges obtaining his RN degree. He has worked as an RN for over 30+ years, almost half of which has been in hospice care. A current resident of Palm Springs CA, he has worked his way up from a RN Case Manager and Hospice Admissions RN with some of the largest national hospice providers in various leadership roles advancing to Vice President of Hospice Admissions and currently as Owner/Director of Aster Hospice. Jim is also an entrepreneur with past founder/ownership of non-healthcare businesses and a non-profit organization focused on public awareness and acceptance of minorities. As a RN and patient advocate 1st, he strives to provide the best and most exceptional hospice care of those terminally ill and most in need.

Read More
69d5a8410d5e6_Screenshot 2026-03-16 at 9.12.43 AM

Tina Rowe RN

Owner and Director of Patient Care Services

For the past 26 years, Ventura County has been my home. Twenty-two of those years, I have devoted my heart to Hospice care as a Registered Nurse. I developed a passion for supporting patients and their families through end-of-life care. Hospice nursing soon became more than my profession, but my calling.

Every story matters and every moment of comfort counts. I believe deeply in honoring each person's dignity, easing worry, and walking beside families with compassion and honesty. It is a privilege to be trusted during such meaningful chapters of life, and l am committed to bringing warmth, guidance, and exceptional care to every person I serve.

Read More
Portrait of an elderly man with white hair and a mustache.

Dr. Harry Donel Elshire

MD, PhD, FACS

Owner, CEO, Hospice Medical Director

Dr. Harry Donel Elshire is a board-certified surgeon and Hospice Medical Director who brings over three decades of medical experience to the field of compassionate end-of-life care. After earning both his MD and PhD from the University of Southern California, he served honorably as a Captain in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, completing multiple deployments and receiving distinguished honors including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medals.

Having practiced in surgery, trauma, and critical care, Dr. Elshire found his deepest fulfillment in hospice and geriatric medicine—where he believes the focus shifts from curing to truly caring. He views hospice as an opportunity to bring dignity, comfort, and peace to patients and families during life’s most meaningful stage. For him, this work is not just a profession, but a calling to serve others with grace, respect, and compassion.

Read More

Meet the team

69d5a893d609b_ASTER-Meet Our Team
Elderly woman smiling behind a reception desk at Aster Hospice.
Three people smiling behind a reception desk with a bright yellow wall.
Two women sitting at a table with pumpkins and fall decorations.
A cheerful bouquet with balloons and a stuffed teddy bear on a table.
Purple aster flowers in vases with a thank you note for volunteers.
A business card for Aster Hospice with a yellow background and purple text.

Our Commitment to Hospice Care

At Aster Health, we recognize the importance of emotional and spiritual support during the hospice care journey. Our compassionate medical social workers assist with paperwork and provide support, while our chaplain and bereavement teams offer spiritual guidance and assist with end-of-life arrangements. These services are available to all patients upon request.

No Cost to You

Aster Health provides personalized care to individuals within their own home, assisted living facility, or board and care. We can facilitate care wherever you are. We manage the costs associated with medication, medical equipment, and other supplies related to the patient's terminal diagnosis by coordinating with insurance providers to ensure accessibility and ease of access.

Nurse-Owned and Operated

As a nurse-owned organization, we bring a unique perspective to quality hospice care. We understand the needs of our patients on a deeper level and are dedicated to providing care that is tailored to each individual. Our background in nursing ensures that we approach every situation with empathy, expertise, and a commitment to patient-centered care.

Learn More About Us

If you are exploring end-of-life support options or have questions about how our nurse-owned philosophy guides our care, we're here to help.