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Our Story

Comforting Transitions was founded from both personal experience and professional calling.

Kim Burgess witnessed firsthand the realities of aging while caring for her grandmother with Parkinson’s and her grandfather with dementia, and by watching her parents support their own aging loved ones. These experiences shaped her deep understanding of how meaningful, individualized care can impact not only the person receiving it, but the entire family.

With years of experience in geriatric care, Kim created Comforting Transitions to bring together clinical expertise and compassionate support. Her goal was simple: to provide older adults and their families with trusted guidance, thoughtful care, and a sense of steadiness during times that can often feel overwhelming.

Today, that mission continues through a multidisciplinary team dedicated to helping clients maintain independence when possible, and to supporting families with clarity and confidence when more care is needed.

A Heartfelt Commitment to Care

Kim Burgess, MSN, AGNP-C
Founder / Owner

Adult-Geriatric Practitioner, Senior Care Manager & End-of-Life Doula

Kim Burgess brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare, with a deep focus on supporting older adults and their families. She began her career as a home health RN, spending 17 years caring for patients in their homes, where she recognized the need for more personalized, comprehensive care beyond medical treatment alone. Kim went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing from Maryville University in 2017 and is board-certified as an Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Her expertise includes geriatric care management, aging in place, and end-of-life support, allowing her to guide families with clarity, compassion, and confidence through every stage of aging.

Meet Our Team

Amy Weinhoeft

Certified Occupational Therapist
& Senior Care Manager

Amy Weinhoeft, OTR/L

Amy Weinhoeft is a nationally and state-certified Occupational Therapist and a 2001 graduate of St. Louis University. She has spent her career in hospital settings specializing in the aging adult, where she developed a strong foundation in acute care, comprehensive evaluations, and individualized treatment planning. Amy takes a collaborative, whole-person approach to care, helping clients navigate the physical, emotional, and practical challenges of daily living while supporting independence and quality of life. She is also experienced in guiding families through the healthcare system with clarity and compassion. Originally from Springfield, Illinois, Amy has lived in O’Fallon since 2008 with her husband and family.

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Certified Occupational Therapist
& Senior Care Manager

Kristen Hrasky, OTR/L

Kristen has decades of experience helping individuals maintain independence, safety, and quality of life through every stage of aging. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri Columbia with a degree in Occupational Therapy and has worked across skilled nursing facilities, hospital settings, and both acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Her broad clinical background allows her to meet clients where they are, whether that means rebuilding strength after a hospitalization, adapting the home for safety, or supporting everyday routines that make life feel comfortable. Originally from Belleville and now living in O’Fallon with her family since 2005, Kristen brings a deep professional expertise and strong connection to the community.

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Occupational Therapy Assistant
 

Erin Richter, COTA/L

Erin Richter is a Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant with over 20 years of experience supporting older adults across acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and transitional settings. She is LSVT BIG® certified, with specialized expertise in working with individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.​Her clinical background allows her to assess functional needs, develop individualized care plans, and advocate for each client’s independence and safety. Erin is committed to promoting continuity of care and achieving meaningful, client-centered outcomes.​With empathy and a strong dedication to preserving dignity, she empowers individuals to live with confidence, purpose, and the highest quality of life.

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Registered Nurse

Laura Rineberg, BSN, RN

With 25 years of experience, Laura Rineberg began her nursing career in pediatric hematology and oncology, where she cared for both young patients and their families. She later became certified as a Legal Nurse Consultant, applying her clinical insight to support complex medical–legal cases. Today, she serves as a geriatric care manager, guiding care for older adults with the same commitment and empathy that has shaped her entire career. Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Truman State University and is licensed in both Illinois and Missouri. She also volunteers with Remote Area Medical, an organization that provides free medical, dental, and vision services to individuals in need through mobile clinics across the country. Laura and her family have called O’Fallon home since 2003.  

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Social Worker

Rachel Johnson, LSW

Rachel Johnson is a licensed social worker whose bachelor’s degree came from Illinois State University. She also holds a Master’s in Sociology with concentration in Gerontology from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She has spent most of the last 20 years in the hospital setting. Her background includes case management, as well as working in long term skilled nursing and independent living settings. Over the years, Rachel has developed and nurtured relationships with a wide variety of community contacts to connect clients with placement options and resources. Those meaningful connections make her an asset to the team because we are able to help client find what best suits their needs now, but also in the future as needs change and evolve over time. 

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Finance & Technology Coordinator

Greg Burgess, Ph.D.

Greg Burgess brings a background in research and technology, and a particular interest in improving the day-to-day experiences of the Comforting Transitions team and their clients. In 2005, he earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Washington University, specializing in neuroimaging. In his research career, he focused on cognition and emotion across aging and development, supervising and managing research staff. He later worked as a data scientist for a large retail pharmacy and healthcare company, where he focused on improving customer experience. Now, Greg brings this experience to help support and improve the day-to-day experiences of our team and older adults, especially in an evolving technological landscape.

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How can we help you?

Learn more about how we can assist you and your family in creating a care plan that meets your unique needs. Whether you need assistance with senior care management, aging-in-place solutions, or end-of-life care, Comforting Transitions is here to provide guidance, support, and peace of mind during life’s most challenging moments.

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