When Stephanie Peppe walks through the halls of RVNAhealth—always with a golden retriever in tow—she brings with her the kind of calm, capable energy that makes things click. That’s no accident. As Manager of Volunteer Services, Stephanie oversees a growing network of more than 100 active volunteers who power programs across the agency—from wellness events and office support to hospice companionship.
Her mission is simple: to connect the right people with the right purpose.
“People want to help,” she says. “Sometimes they just need someone to show them how.”
Stephanie first joined RVNAhealth in 2020, following its merger with New Milford Visiting Nurse Association, where she led hospice volunteer coordination. Since then, her role has expanded significantly to encompass the full spectrum of volunteer services—both clinical and non-clinical, short- and long-term.
From managing schedules and running trainings to liaising with staff, families, and community partners, Stephanie ensures that every volunteer—whether they’re answering phones or sitting bedside—feels prepared, appreciated, and empowered.
She also oversees a dedicated Hospice Volunteer Coordinator and serves as a trusted touchpoint for volunteers throughout the organization.
Stephanie is instrumental in building and nurturing RVNAhealth’s volunteer partnerships, including those with local National Charity League and Lion’s Heart chapters, and the Ridgefield Public School Transition Program. These partnerships bring new energy and multigenerational engagement to the agency, expanding what’s possible.
Her scope includes: event and office volunteers; wellness and community programming support; hospice companionship (via coordinator); and pet therapy—with Sophia, RVNAhealth’s certified therapy dog, and leads a team of volunteers with their certified therapy dog.
No profile of Stephanie would be complete without mentioning Sophia, her loyal, sweet-natured golden retriever and certified therapy dog. Sophia accompanies Stephanie on visits with patients and at volunteer events, offering the kind of support only a dog can give—gentle, quiet, and unconditional.
Stephanie is also passionate about reframing what volunteering looks like. While many assume volunteer roles are only for retirees or weekend warriors, Stephanie regularly welcomes students looking for hands-on experience, professionals wanting to give back in meaningful ways, and pet lovers, musicians, and creatives with unique gifts to share.
“I love seeing volunteers bring their own passions into this work,” she says. “There’s a place for everyone.”
Whether helping a new volunteer find their footing, designing a more efficient scheduling system, or bringing Sophia in for a visit, Stephanie keeps one thing at the center: connection.
“Volunteers are an extension of who we are as an agency,” she says. “They show up, they listen, they care. That makes all the difference.”
Want to volunteer with RVNAhealth? Whether you have one hour a week or just one special skill to share, we’d love to meet you.
Learn more at the RVNAhealth Volunteer Page. Or come say hi—Stephanie (and Sophia) will be waiting.