About Busy Happy Woman

I am honored to have the opportunity to introduce myself to you.

I was raised by my grandmother and aunt on a small farm in Ohio. I have vague memories of my grandfather because he died when I was quite young. I do remember he had a handsome smile and was always cheerful. Farm life meant that we rose early, worked hard, grew almost all the food we needed, and sold produce to make extra money. A strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit were engrained in me. Years later I continue to arise early, work hard, and believe in business ownership. Perhaps I also inherited my grandfather’s cheerful approach to life, which has been strengthened by my spiritual beliefs: I am usually happy and seek to find joy in each day. These elements are the foundation for my company name: Busy, Happy Woman LLC.

My grandmother was very strict; her disciplinary measures would be frowned upon in today’s society. She insisted on two things: that I do well in school and that I attend church regularly. I was able to read and comprehend the Bible at the age of 10. The discipline that I learned under her care taught me to press through adversity. Perseverance, a respect for learning, and a strong biblical foundation has allowed me to achieve more than I could have imagined possible. One major achievement is I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree; I have worked in health care for over 30 years.

I married early and have five grown children. Each one has a distinct personality and approach to life; all are successful in their own right. Our home was the “neighborhood house.” It was only about 1200 square feet but it was the gathering place. One of my daughters commented on how they were raised. The neighborhood kids thought we were “cool” parents, but my daughter was more accurate: she said we “ran a tight ship” but also had a “sense of community.” We believed in providing a safe, structured home where all were welcomed…as long as they obeyed the house rules. Bicycles were always lined up in front of the house and I kept homemade snacks and “extra” food prepared.

Remarried in 2016, my family now consists of six grown children, a host of grandchildren, and an enlarged spiritual family. I married a pastor and we shepherd a congregation. As the years have passed, I and the congregation have developed a strong bond. My “no nonsense” approach was a bit different for them initially, but they have come to appreciate that what I say and do is genuine and backed by all the love that I have. A women’s ministry was established under my care. Initially, the name of the ministry was “Transforming Wounded Women.” As we journeyed together, dug into God’s Word and applied it to our lives, that name was no longer appropriate. We unanimously agreed to change the name to reflect who we are now: “Transformed Women of Warfare” (spiritual warfare as defined in the Bible).

The final thing that I want to share is this. I made many mistakes and missteps along the way. If it were not for the grace of God, you would not be reading this. God has walked with me even when I wasn’t following him with my whole heart, mind and strength. He never left. He never gave up on me. His unfailing love and the life-transforming power of the Bible are the reasons, focus, and foundation for my life and for the work of Busy, Happy Woman LLC. My primary purpose is to share the Bible with anyone who is interested, and to demonstrate how life-changing the truths of the Bible can be.


APOLLO STEVENS DNP, RN, CHPCA

Leader
Ethical
Compassionate
Spiritual
Motivator
Mentor
Communicator
Operations
Facilitator
Executer
Educator
Advocate

Public Speaking

Vineyard Deliverance Outreach Ministries, Inc. Ordained Apostle
American Home Care & Hospice Conference (statewide audience)
OPTUM LeadingAge Webinar (multi-state audience)
Accreditation Commission for Health Care ELNEC Presenter (statewide audience)
NHPCO Management & Leadership Conference Presenter (national audience)
Hospice 101 Presenter (multi-site)
Duke Health System “Friends of Nursing Gala 2013” Presenter
Mount Calvary United Church of Christ Breast Cancer Awareness Speaker

Professional Teaching Experience

Southern New Hampshire University
Adjunct Online Instructor—Ethics, Law & Policy in Nursing 2015 - 2017
Online instruction for RN to BSN and Master of Nursing students

The Ohio State University College of Nursing
Adjunct Clinical Instructor—Nursing Care of the Older Adult 2001 - 2005
Clinical and classroom instruction for Junior and accelerated Master of Nursing students

Publications

BusyHappyWoman.com (web-based blog)

Can Faith and Hospice Coexist: Is the African American Church the Key to Increased Utilization of Hospice Services for African Americans? The Journal of Transcultural Nursing 2017 (International professional journal)

Fighting to the End: African Americans and End of Life Care Decisions. Open Access 2017 (Web-based publication)

Education

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Doctor of Nursing Practice 2014
Honors: Inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International, Epsilon Omega Chapter

Wright State University, Dayton, OH
Master of Science in Nursing 1996

The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science in Nursing 1986
Secondary studies in Adult Education

Objective

To role model the life-transforming power of the Bible; to share the continued relevance of the Bible to others as society changes and life becomes increasingly complex; and to demonstrate a spirit of excellence in every aspect of my life: public and private.

Work Experience

Good Samaritan Hospice, Roanoke, VA Current Chief Nursing Officer UNC Hospice, Pittsboro, NC - 2018 - 2023 Director of Hospice

Transitions LifeCare, Raleigh, NC - Director of Hospice Home 2014 - 2018

Duke Home Care and Hospice, Durham, NC - Assistant Director of Hospice 2013 - 2014

Suncoast Hospice/Suncoast PACE, Clearwater, FL - Patient & Family Care Coordinator; promoted to PACE Manager 2010 - 2013

Short North Health & Wellness, Inc., Columbus, OH - Executive Director/Clinical Nurse Specialist 1995 - 2006

Hospice of Columbus, Columbus, OH - Registered Nurse Case Manager 1991--1995

NetCare/Harding Hospital, Columbus, OH - Mental Health Registered Nurse

Professional Memberships

National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization
National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation
Sigma Theta Tau International, Epsilon Omega Chapter
American Nurses Association

Certifications

Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Administrator 2017 - Present