Client Story: Kate Phipps

New Leadership, Same Heart: ABODE Welcomes Kate Phipps

At ABODE Contemplative Care for the Dying, care is more than a service—it’s a sacred calling. Born from Edwin and Patsy Sasek’s deeply human vision, ABODE has served as a peaceful, gentle refuge for those at the end of life. Today, as this mission continues to grow, we are delighted to highlight Kate Phipps, their newly appointed Chief Executive Officer.

A mission-driven leader with extensive experience in nonprofit and healthcare administration, Kate brings a strong foundation in operations, strategic planning, and community engagement to this role. Her work has always centered on one powerful belief: that everyone deserves dignity and care, especially in life’s most vulnerable moments.

Throughout her career, Kate has helped organizations grow stronger by building collaborative teams, improving systems, and nurturing community partnerships that expand impact. Her leadership style is grounded in compassion and trust—qualities that beautifully mirror the founding spirit of ABODE.

The process of bringing Kate into the role was guided with care and intention by our team at M. Leslie Palmer Consulting Group, a nonprofit consulting firm dedicated to serving others and strengthening communities. With our support in the executive search, ABODE managed a thoughtful leadership transition rooted in shared values and long-term vision.

Kate brings with her not only strategic leadership and operational expertise, but also a deep personal commitment to connection. Outside of work, she finds joy in cooking (and eating!) great meals, spending time with her husband and their blended family, cuddling with their dogs, and exploring new places. Being a stepmom, traveler, and home cook keeps her grounded and reminds her of the small, meaningful moments that make life rich.

Now, as she steps into the legacy built by Edwin, Patsy, and so many others, Kate is excited to carry ABODE forward—with reverence, heart, and vision.

“ABODE is a rare place—a sacred pause in a busy world. I’m honored to be part of what makes it possible.”

We are thrilled to welcome Kate to the ABODE family. With her at the helm, they move forward—anchored in love, rooted in community, and committed to the contemplative care that defines who we are.

To learn more about ABODE’s mission and how you can support our work, visit abodehome.org.

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Denise E. Bennett
Consultant

As a specialized writer of grants, policies, procedures and well-told stories, Denise’s career spans more than 35 years of for-profit and nonprofit experience in the medical, banking and social services professions. Her financial acuity and love of writing led her to a successful career in grant writing and nonprofit fundraising. Denise has significant experience in fund development, grant writing and management, as well as operations oversight for a variety of nonprofit organizations. An achievement-focused innovator, she is a strong collaborator and strategic thinker, able to resolve workplace challenges. Denise is a graduate of Belmont University and has an MBA from Keller School of Management.

M. Leslie Palmer
Founding Principal | Managing Consultant

With decades of for-profit and nonprofit experience, Leslie shares her expertise and partners with other strong practitioners to help grow the capacity and success of the nonprofit community. Leslie brings practical experience to clients, having served on numerous boards of nonprofit organizations. Leslie has significant experiences on the other side of the table, as well, having worked in leadership and management for organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio, American Red Cross, City Year San Antonio and World Affairs Council of San Antonio. Leslie is a dedicated maven, leader, and perceptor who strives to embolden clients to achieve their goals. Originally from Newport, RI, Leslie is a graduate of Villanova University.