Our Team

Dr. Neal & Mary Ann Naranjo

Owners

In the summer of 1992, Dr. Neal and Mary Ann Naranjo started A Pineywoods Home Health Care, Inc, with a desire to provide quality home care to the citizens of East Texas and to provide a positive, family environment for their employees. As a 6th generation East Texan, Dr. Neal Naranjo and his wife, Mary Ann Naranjo, are also committed to giving back to the Pineywoods community that they love.

Over the past 20 years, this vision has grown beyond the Naranjo’s wildest dreams. From one company with a handful of employees in 1992, to over 1,000 employees working for 3 companies in 51 counties today, the A Pineywoods family of companies and team of employees take pride in providing quality care to East Texans. Dr. Neal Naranjo is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. In 1979, Dr. Naranjo earned his Ph.D. in Neuropsychology from the University of Southern California. After graduation, Dr. Naranjo completed a post-doctorial fellowship at Harvard Medical School.

Having worked in numerous hospitals and teaching at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Naranjo returned to East Texas with his wife, Mary Ann Naranjo. Mary Ann Naranjo has a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California. She received a Certificate in Accounting with highest honors from Bentley College in Watham Mass. In 1984 she completed the requirements to become a Certified Public Accountant in Texas. Prior to coming to East Texas, she worked as a staff accountant at Harvard Medical School.

Lisa Powell, RN

Administrator

Lisa’s 18-year journey in hospice care has instilled in her a deep understanding of the emotional and physical challenges that patients and their loved ones face. This understanding fuels her passion for fostering an environment where dignity, comfort, and respect are paramount. Lisa is known for her ability to lead diverse teams with empathy and to implement innovative strategies that enhance patient experiences, ensuring that every individual receives the personalized care they deserve.

In her role as an administrator, Lisa has successfully navigated the complexities of healthcare regulations, ensuring that her organization meets and exceeds industry standards. She is a strong advocate for continuous improvement and regularly engages in professional development to stay current with best practices in hospice and palliative care.

Lisa cherishes spending quality time with her husband and children, who are the center of her world. Lisa is particularly enthusiastic about her role as a grandmother, finding joy in the special moments spent with her granddaughter. Whether enjoying outdoor adventures with her beloved beagles or engaging in family gatherings, she values the relationships that bring happiness and fulfillment to her life.

Lisa embodies the essence of compassion, leadership, and family values. Her dedication to hospice care, combined with her commitment to her family, reflects a well-rounded individual who strives to make a positive difference both professionally and personally. As she continues her journey in hospice administration, Lisa remains focused on enhancing the lives of those she serves while nurturing her family’s bonds, illustrating the profound connection between professional dedication and personal fulfillment.

Kerri Griffin

Alternate Administrator

Kerri Griffin has been a nurse for the past 36 years, beginning as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in 1989 and earning her Associate Degree of Nursing (RN) in 1992. And later her bachelor’s degree in 2022.

Kerri joined the A Pineywoods/Elite team in 1995 and has served in management capacity for 30 years. She has proudly served in many roles during her tenure, advancing from Administrator of our skilled service line to Chief Clinical Officer of both skilled and non-skilled care in 2023. Kerri shares a passion to provide quality home care to our elderly population across East Texas. As Chief Clinical Officer she leads a team of industry experts to provide superior healthcare in every home care setting for our community.

Born in Shelby County, Kerri is a lifelong Center, Texas resident and a member of Sardis Pentecostal Church. She was selected as a 2020 recipient of “Stars over Shelby County” for her contributions of providing quality health care through leadership in the medical community. She was also selected for the 2020 Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice’s Nursing Achievement Award. She and her husband Ray have three beautiful daughters, sons-in-law, and six wonderful grandchildren.

Louise Golden

Registered Nurse

Louise Golden is a dedicated hospice Registered Nurse and case manager who has been serving patients and their families since 1995. With over two decades of experience in the field, Louise has developed a deep compassion for providing comfort and care to those in need, guiding families through the most challenging times with expertise, kindness, and empathy.

Her role as a case manager allows her to advocate for her patients, ensuring they receive the highest quality care in a compassionate and holistic way. Throughout her career, Louise has earned the trust of many patients and colleagues alike, making her a respected figure in the hospice community.

Outside of her professional life, Louise finds peace and fulfillment in two hobbies she holds close to her heart: gardening and cooking. Both activities allow her to connect with nature and create something meaningful, whether it’s nurturing a garden full of vibrant blooms or crafting a homemade meal. These passions provide a balance to her demanding career, offering her moments of relaxation and joy.

Louise’s approach to both her work and her personal life reflects a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Her decades of service in hospice care continue to make a lasting impact, and she remains a cherished member of the healthcare community.

M.E. Lyons

Chaplain

M.E. Lyons has had a passion and calling to serve humanity, community, and others as a minister since November of 1980; becoming a minster of the gospel and ministering all over the country and abroad. He married his wife in 2001; the former LaTish Luckey and they share four amazingly gifted children: Deja Z.M.E. Lyons, Myron E. Lyons, II, Jeremiah M. E. Lyons, and Benjamin M. E. Lyons.

He has been the Senior Pastor of the Goodwill Church-Lufkin since 2006. He has two hundred and twenty-five plus pastoring and apostolic sons and daughters worldwide that he has trained, mentored, empowered, and sent on assignment. He is the owner of The Lyons Den Catering and is a certified gourmet chef. He is a sworn chaplain with the Lufkin Police Department, chaplain for several law agencies, hospitals, and religious organizations.

He has formal education in attending Dallas Institute of Funeral Services in Embalming and Funeral Directors, has obtained a Bachelor’s in Psychology in Behavioral Analysis, Master’s in Religious Education, Master’s in Arts and Theological Studies, and a Master of Divinity all from Liberty University, a Doctorate from St. Thomas University, and attended Oxford University in London, England in the U.K. with post graduate studies. He has taught courses at Angelina College with concentration in Grief Studies to professional members of the community, city, and surrounding counties.

He has authored thirteen books available worldwide, recorded a single gospel cd, and written a couple stage plays as well as starred in a stage play. M.E. Lyons is also a musician and in his spare time who loves to write, read, study, and mostly spend time with his family traveling!  He is now employed with the greatest company available for genuine and loving care: Elite Hospice and has a second wind revived within him to help those who are entering into the shifting seasons of their lives and seeks to enable them to see the beauty in receiving comfort care and focusing on this precious gift called time with each family.

Melissa Stanberry

Medical Social Worker

Melissa Stanberry has been a social worker for over 15 years. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University School of Social Work with a Bachelor’s degree in 2008 and a Master’s degree in 2009. Before her career in social work, she obtained an LVN degree from Panola College in 2001.

Melissa worked at A Pineywoods Home Health in Center, TX while completing her social work degrees. She adheres to the principles: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and “Treat others like you want your family members to be treated” when providing patient care.

Born and raised in Shelby County, Melissa is married to her high school sweetheart Thomas, and they have a son and granddaughter. She enjoys spending time with family, attending church, and shopping.

Dr. Karina Urquia

Medical Director

Dr. Urquia is a family practice physician who has been practicing in Lufkin, TX since 2002. She was born and raised in Honduras. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

As a primary-care physician, she meets the health needs of everyone in the family, no matter what their age. She received her medical degree from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras and completed her residency in Wichita Falls, TX.

For the last decade she has been involved in hospice care. She is also the medical director for Harold’s House, Chief of Staff for Woodland Heights Medical Center and is on the Board of Directors for the Angelina County & Cities Health District. She is married and has two sons.

Dr. Carey Lindemann

Associate Medical Director

Dr. Lindemann has lived in Nacogdoches since 2010, moving here after completing her residency. Dr. Lindemann earned her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Science from Texas A&M University and her M.D. from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She completed her Family Medicine residency at The Methodist Hospital – Houston Family Medicine Residency Program, serving as Chief Resident her last year. She has been active at Nacogdoches Medical Center for the last 15 years. She has served in many leadership capacities, among them as a member of the Governing Board at NMC, Clinical Professor at Sam Houston State College for Osteopathic Medicine, Medical Director of the Stephen F. Austin State University Student Health Center, Sports Medicine Physician for Stephen F. Austin State University Athletics. She also serves as Medical Director for select nursing homes in Nacogdoches and Center. In 2023-2024, she served as Chief of Staff for Nacogdoches Medical Center. She has been voted Best Family Medicine Physician in Nacogdoches and One of the Best Family Medicine Practices in Nacogdoches as well as winning the People’s Choice Award in the fundraiser Dancing with the Nacogdoches Stars competition. In the community, Dr Lindemann is active as a leader in the Nacogdoches County 4H Adult Leaders Association. She also sits as a Board Member for Nac Safe Place, a nonprofit that provides a safe haven for those in crisis. Dr. Lindemann has been married for 23 years and has 3 children. When not in clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family and working out at the family ranch.

Jennings Naranjo APRN, FNP-C

Nurse Practitioner

Jennings Naranjo is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Science and Nursing from West Coast University. During his time at WCU he was chosen to be a participant in a prestigious summer internship at Hartford College in Oxford, England. After graduating he moved back home to Lufkin to work in his family’s home health care. While gaining clinical experience working in home health he obtained a Masters in Science & Nursing from Chamberlain College. He gained further clinical experience in primary care, endocrinology and nephrology practicing in Lufkin and Nacogdoches in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

In his personal time, Jennings enjoys spending time with his wife, Morgan, and daughters, Ella & Ava. He enjoys exercising, hunting, cooking, skiing and taking annual trips to collect dinosaur fossils with the Naranjo Museum of Natural History.