Maui Corner- Get to know our Maui team
Posted on June 11, 2020
Maui Corner
Shelley Platiro is a Licensed Social Worker on Maui
How long have you worked at Islands Hospice?
Almost 5 years
What do you do at Islands Hospice?
I am a licensed social worker for Islands Hospice Maui. I help the clinical team with the psychosocial needs of our patients and families, including legal paperwork, long-term placement and navigating through the Medicaid process.
Describe a typical workday.
I coordinate with staff on social work needs and visit about four patients a day. A lot of my time is more administrative — I coordinate and arrange services via phone calls and assist with paperwork to coordinate placement, health insurance, etc.
Have you held any other positions here?
I started as an LSW in 2013 at Islands Hospice Oahu. I later joined the Maui team in 2015.
What is your favorite part about working at Islands Hospice?
The people I get to meet through this journey. From coworkers to patients to family members, I enjoy working with others, trying my best to make a difference.
Do you have any special memories from your time working here?
Too many to share! However, one patient in particular will always stay in my heart. She lived alone on Maui, trying her best to be independent. We bonded quickly while I helped her get her affairs in order before she passed at our IPU. She taught me the importance of taking care of myself on a spiritual level.
What is your background?
I’m born and raised on Maui. I lived on Oahu for about 15 years before returning to Maui. I went to UH Manoa for my Master of Social Work degree.
Is there anything about your background that inspired you to work at Islands Hospice/in hospice care?
I was practically raised by my grandparents, so I always knew I wanted to work with the elderly. At UH Manoa I took a couple of end-of-life courses that I found very interesting. After the death of a loved one I knew hospice was where I needed to be.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with family. I love spending money and shopping!
Is there anything else you want to share with your fellow colleagues?
I love my Maui ohana and truly value the friendships I have gained.
Almost 5 years
What do you do at Islands Hospice?
I am a licensed social worker for Islands Hospice Maui. I help the clinical team with the psychosocial needs of our patients and families, including legal paperwork, long-term placement and navigating through the Medicaid process.
Describe a typical workday.
I coordinate with staff on social work needs and visit about four patients a day. A lot of my time is more administrative — I coordinate and arrange services via phone calls and assist with paperwork to coordinate placement, health insurance, etc.
Have you held any other positions here?
I started as an LSW in 2013 at Islands Hospice Oahu. I later joined the Maui team in 2015.
What is your favorite part about working at Islands Hospice?
The people I get to meet through this journey. From coworkers to patients to family members, I enjoy working with others, trying my best to make a difference.
Do you have any special memories from your time working here?
Too many to share! However, one patient in particular will always stay in my heart. She lived alone on Maui, trying her best to be independent. We bonded quickly while I helped her get her affairs in order before she passed at our IPU. She taught me the importance of taking care of myself on a spiritual level.
What is your background?
I’m born and raised on Maui. I lived on Oahu for about 15 years before returning to Maui. I went to UH Manoa for my Master of Social Work degree.
Is there anything about your background that inspired you to work at Islands Hospice/in hospice care?
I was practically raised by my grandparents, so I always knew I wanted to work with the elderly. At UH Manoa I took a couple of end-of-life courses that I found very interesting. After the death of a loved one I knew hospice was where I needed to be.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with family. I love spending money and shopping!
Is there anything else you want to share with your fellow colleagues?
I love my Maui ohana and truly value the friendships I have gained.