From Hospice Aide to Social Work Intern: Meet Crystal King

For Crystal King, hospice care isn’t just a job—it’s a calling rooted in personal experience and fueled by determination to grow. Today, she serves as a social work intern at Gilchrist, but her journey began nearly a decade ago when her family turned to Gilchrist for support.

Inspired by Care at a Young Age

Crystal first encountered Gilchrist in 2015, when a family member received care at Gilchrist Center Towson. The experience left an indelible mark. “People often associate death with being pushed aside, but the staff at Gilchrist took their time, explained everything, and made us feel welcome,” Crystal recalls. “As a family, we felt genuinely cared for.”

That compassion contrasted sharply with what she had seen working in hospitals and nursing homes—and it inspired her to pursue a career in hospice care herself.

A Calling to Serve

Crystal joined Gilchrist in November 2021 as a hospice aide. Hospice aides, also known as certified nursing assistants (CNAs), provide hands-on care and companionship—helping patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, light housekeeping, and more. Beyond these daily tasks, they offer comfort, dignity, and reassurance to patients and families navigating one of life’s most tender chapters. For Crystal, the work was meaningful, but she wanted to do more.

Encouragement to Grow

Under the mentorship of her case manager, Darleen Sullivan, Crystal began to see new possibilities. “Darleen always encouraged us to grow—asking what we wanted to do next, whether we were going back to school or pursuing certifications,” Crystal says.

With that encouragement, Crystal enrolled at Coppin State University. Three years later, she graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work, all while continuing to work full-time as a hospice aide.

The T. Rowe Price Family Education Fund

Her education was supported in part by the T. Rowe Price Family Education Fund, an endowment created in 1973 by the Price family to help GBMC and Gilchrist employees continue their education. The fund covers expenses such as tuition, books, equipment, and lab fees. Each year, applicants interview with a committee, and selected awardees are honored at a ceremony in January.

Crystal was among those recipients. “The scholarship helped cover my last two years of undergrad and is supporting me again now in graduate school,” she explains. “It’s such a blessing for anyone who wants to advance their career.”

Taking the Next Step

After completing her BSW, Crystal applied to Morgan State University’s advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program, a rigorous nine-month track. She is now in the program and completing her internship at Gilchrist, shadowing social worker Chelsea Rubin.

Hospice social workers at Gilchrist play a vital role by:

• Providing emotional support for patients and families
• Advocating for patients’ wishes and needs
• Connecting families with resources such as caregiving support, meal services, or financial guidance
• Supporting children and adults through grief and loss

Crystal says shadowing Chelsea has opened her eyes to the full scope of social work in hospice. “I’ve seen how social workers engage with families, respond in the moment, and help children and adults process grief. It’s shown me how social work fits into the larger hospice team.”

A Supportive Team

What Crystal values most is the environment she has found at Gilchrist. “On our team, all voices are heard—nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides. It feels like a true unit where everyone is respected,” she says. “We spend so much time at work; it matters that we can collaborate and trust each other.”

Looking Ahead

Crystal will take her licensure exam in her final semester. Her goal is to remain at Gilchrist as a licensed social worker after graduation. She also has advice for others considering a similar path: “Do it. Don’t second-guess yourself. Life, work, and school can be a lot, but keep going and stay motivated. I never imagined I’d have a college degree, and now I’m working toward my MSW. When you get there, the sense of accomplishment is incredible.”

From her first encounter as a family member, to her years as a hospice aide, to her journey now as an MSW student and intern, Crystal King’s story is a reflection of how Gilchrist nurtures growth every step of the way—ensuring that those who feel called to care have the tools and support to make a difference.

To learn more about careers at Gilchrist, visit: gilchristcares.org/careers