Board of Directors
Our dedicated leadership team brings years of healthcare and advocacy expertise to a shared commitment of supporting those affected by serious illness.
Paxton Peacock
Founder, Board Chair and President
Paxton Peacock is the Founder and Chair of the Board for Shepherds of Care. Currently an Anesthesiology resident physician, Paxton has devoted his career to improving people's lives through medicine, advocacy, and compassionate service. His passion for nonprofit leadership stems from a lifelong commitment to serving others and a belief that no person should face a life-changing diagnosis without hope, support, and access to meaningful resources. Inspired by witnessing the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of his sister's cancer diagnosis, he founded Shepherds of Care to bridge gaps in support beyond the walls of the hospital. Through collaboration with healthcare professionals, community partners, and generous donors, Paxton is committed to building an organization that provides practical assistance, fosters hope, advances research, and reminds every individual that they are never alone in their journey.
Natalia Aristizabal
Board Vice Chair and Secretary
Natalia Aristizabal is an Obstetrics and Gynecology resident physician whose passion for service is rooted in both personal experience and a lifelong commitment to caring for underserved communities. After watching her father navigate a cancer diagnosis, she gained a deeply personal understanding of the challenges patients and families face, and the importance of having a community that offers support, hope, and compassion. From leading free clinics for uninsured patients to advocating for Spanish-speaking communities, Natalia has dedicated herself to improving access to quality healthcare for those who need it most. As Vice Chair and Secretary of Shepherds of Care, she is honored to help further the organization's mission of supporting families affected by cancer while working toward a future where quality care is accessible to everyone.
Adam Sutherland
Board Treasurer
As Director of Procurement and Sourcing at CRH, Adam Sutherland leads complex sourcing and supply chain initiatives focused on maximizing efficiency, responsible resource management, and long-term organizational success. Adam's passion for Shepherds of Care is deeply personal, having witnessed firsthand the challenges that serious illness can place on individuals and families through the journey of his close friend and Co-Founder, Jessica Mitchell. Inspired by her resilience and the organization's mission, he was eager to contribute his professional expertise to help build a nonprofit that delivers meaningful support to those in need. As Board Treasurer, Adam is committed to ensuring the sound management of the organization's financial resources so that every donation is stewarded with integrity, transparency, and the greatest possible impact for the patients and families Shepherds of Care serves.
Officer Team
Jessica Mitchell
Co-Founder, Director of Care Coordination
Jessica Mitchell serves as the Co-Founder and Director of Care Coordination for Shepherds of Care, where she works directly with individuals and families facing cancer and other serious illnesses to connect them with resources, guide them through the assistance application process, and provide compassionate support throughout their journey. As a Nurse Practitioner, Jessica dedicated her career to caring for patients during some of life's most challenging moments, advocating for their health and well-being with both clinical expertise and genuine compassion. Her perspective changed profoundly when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, and found herself navigating the healthcare system as a patient rather than a provider. Throughout her own journey, she experienced the life-changing impact of patient mentors, nonprofit organizations, and compassionate individuals who offered practical guidance, encouragement, and hope when she needed it most. Those experiences inspired her to give back by ensuring that others never have to face illness alone. As a self-described Patient Care Mentor, Jessica combines the knowledge of an experienced healthcare professional with the empathy of a cancer survivor, walking alongside patients and their families with understanding, encouragement, and a steadfast commitment to helping them find hope, support, and the resources they need.
Director of Corporate Relations
Carlie Layne Peacock
As a dedicated Nurse Practitioner, Layne Peacock has spent years caring for patients facing some of life's most difficult health challenges. Throughout a career rooted in compassion, clinical excellence, and patient advocacy, she has provided quality care to individuals and families navigating complex medical conditions, often serving as a trusted source of support during times of uncertainty.
Her commitment to improving patient outcomes became deeply personal when her sister was diagnosed with cancer. Experiencing the healthcare journey from the perspective of a family member provided invaluable insight into the emotional, financial, and practical challenges faced by patients and caregivers alike. This experience strengthened her passion for ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.
Today, Layne serves as the Director of Corporate Relations by combining years of clinical expertise with personal understanding, she leads initiatives that connect individuals with essential resources, education, financial assistance, and compassionate support throughout every stage of the cancer journey.
Palmer Mitchell
Director of Hope and Activites
Hi, my name is Palmer Mitchell. My mom is Jessica and my dad is Jeremy. I have a sister named Peyton. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer we were all scared but we stuck together and helped support her. Through this time, we started to realize we wanted to help others too. We raise sheep and I have learned how to be a good shepherd and care for others. I’m excited to be apart of Shepherds of Care and help others have Hope too.