VOICES OF CARE

The Panelists

Kathy Benich

Kathy Benich is the founder of Marigold Path, where she works with patients, caregivers, and communities as an End-of-Life Doula, Grief & Loss Coach, and Death Literacy Educator. Drawing from her lived experience as a caregiver for both her late husband and her mother, she brings compassion and practical guidance to those navigating end-of-life journeys. Through her work, Kathy partners with caregivers to prepare them for what lies ahead, supports patients in creating meaningful legacy projects, and leads workshops that foster reflection, healing, and community connection.

Her path to this work followed a 30-year career in HR systems, healthcare advisory, and project management, where she honed skills in facilitation and leadership. She received her End-of-Life Doula and Pediatric End-of-Life Doula Specialist Certificates from the University of Vermont, along with training in grief coaching, legacy project facilitation, and death literacy.

Kathy’s community roles include serving as Vice Chair of PIVOT (Patient and Investigator Voices Organizing Together) at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, co-facilitating grief support groups with Solace House through Kansas City Hospice, and serving as Secretary of the Board of Gilda’s Club Kansas City. She also partners with organizations such as Compassion & Choices to expand access to end-of-life reflection and preparation in underserved communities.

Doug Harrison

Doug Harrison grew up on a farm and was very close to his grandfather, who was later diagnosed with stage 4 dementia. He became his primary caregiver for two and a half years until his passing. Afterward, Doug joined the Army for a time.

Upon returning home, he began working as a security supervisor at Overland Park Regional Hospital. That experience sparked his interest in the medical field — witnessing how nurses cared for their patients and made such a difference in their lives was inspiring. Since then, Doug has been motivated to pursue a career in nursing and is working toward becoming a registered nurse.

Elena Longoria

Elena Longoria grew up an army kid,  living all over the U.S. and a few other countries. She settled in Kansas City over a decade ago. She got her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, and doesn’t use it for anything, as she works as a horticulturalist and landscaper, helping people with their gardens and houseplants. 

2 years ago, her partner was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure, and she has been his care-giver ever since. They do home hemo-dialysis five days a week, in addition to other things, while eagerly awaiting a donor or his turn on the transplant list. 

Elena, when not working or caring for her partner, is a nature lover and enjoys tending to her collection of houseplants, aquariums and cats. She also also loves honing her abilities with the Spanish language.

LaTanya Thomas Patton

LaTanya Thomas Patton is a dedicated leader whose career spans the corporate, government, and public health sectors. With over 20 years of experience, she currently serves as CEO and President of the Missouri Prostate Cancer Alliance, an organization she co-founded to advance awareness, education, and advocacy in prostate cancer prevention and care.

Her professional journey includes roles at Washington University in St. Louis, the Kansas City Health Department, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, and international nonprofit work in Haiti. A lifelong learner, LaTanya holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lincoln University and is pursuing an MBA with a focus on nonprofit leadership at the University of Phoenix and a certification in Christian Education.

Deeply committed to service, she serves on multiple boards, including the Alzheimer’s Association – Heart of America Chapter, the Birth Equity Network, and the National Association of Prostate Cancer Coalitions. A proud 39-year life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, LaTanya continues to exemplify excellence through leadership and compassion.

A faithful church member for 40 years, she serves in several ministries and embraces her faith as a “Child of the King.” LaTanya was the devoted primary caregiver for her beloved mother, Mrs. Mattie M. Thomas, whom she lovingly calls her “Best Girl.” She is happily married to Fred Patton and the proud mother of two daughters.

Jerry Peters

Jerry Peters is a retired licensed therapist, working 43 years with individuals involved with the criminal justice system, having directed substance abuse treatment programming in corrections institutions throughout the United States. Following that retirement, Mr. Peters worked for six years as a behavior specialist with the Grandview, Missouri school district. He has three children and three grandchildren. His wife of 42 years began showing signs of Parkinson’s in 2019. He ended his employment with the Grandview schools in May of 2025 to provide care for his wife.