Celebrating Compassionate Care: Meet Amber Litka, MDiv, MSW, Chaplain at Cardinal Hospice
In honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we’re spotlighting Amber Litka, MDiv, MSW, a dedicated chaplain at Cardinal Hospice. With master’s degrees in both Divinity and Social Work from Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill, Amber is also a Board Certified Chaplain and an ordained minister. Her unique blend of experience and compassion guides her in supporting patients and families through life’s most significant moments.
Embracing a Calling: Providing Comfort and Connection in Hospice Care
Amber’s journey into hospice care began during her pastoral training, where she discovered the profound impact of offering spiritual and emotional support in times of crisis. It was through these experiences that she felt a true calling to serve patients and families with a steady, compassionate presence—an approach that shaped her career. “People often think hospice means there’s no time left, but really, it’s about creating a compassionate space and bringing comfort,” Amber shares. “Our goal is to build relationships early on, so we can support families over time. Hospice care allows people to focus on what’s most meaningful.”
Her time in various hospice roles has been marked by a focus on connecting deeply with patients and families, guiding them with supportive counseling and grief support to find moments of peace amid life transitions. Amber collaborates closely with her care team to develop personalized plans that honor each patient’s cultural, religious, and spiritual values, and she finds fulfillment in helping dispel myths about hospice through her compassionate approach.
Outside of work, Amber keeps balance through simple joys and cherished moments with her husband, Spencer, their young daughter, and their two dogs and chickens. “The laughs and traditions Spencer and I share bring me so much joy and grounding,” she says. Writing poetry is another way Amber processes her work, using words to honor the stories and experiences shared with her.
“…Living is the spectrum of growing and failing, it’s all the in-between…”
These words from one of Amber’s poems reflect her thoughtful approach to caregiving, embodying the beauty and challenges of life’s journey. Amber’s dedication shines through in every patient connection she makes at Cardinal Hospice, fostering a space of understanding, comfort, and meaning for those navigating end-of-life care.