Hearts&Hands Personal Assistance was founded in 1999 by a team of professionals that were facing the challenges of caring for their own aging family members. We know that providing appropriate care and making decisions for your loved ones takes training and knowledge. Our founders have experience in health care, finance and law. Each founder is a leader within their field.

Robert M. Kropp, M.D.,M.B.A., serves as Chairman of the Board, President, and Medical Director. Kropp practiced neurology for ten years for both adults and children. He founded and managed Pediatric Neurology Associates, P.A. in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Thereafter, Dr. Kropp has served as Associate Medical Director, then as Medical Director of a Healthcare Organization on Florida's West Coast.  Dr. Kropp earned his B.A. in Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania, his M.D. from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and his M.B.A. from the University of South Florida. 

 

Joan Burke, serves as the General Manager.  Joan is a Registered Nurse with extensive clinical and managerial experience.  She has served in the hospital environment as head nurse, clinical manager and educator, primarily in cardiology and critical care areas.  She has experience in the clinical and medical management areas of managed care.  In that role, Joan oversaw case management, hospital utilization review and discharge planning, as well as medical coverage activities.  During her earlier nursing career, Joan also served within a family business.  Joan graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Toledo, Ohio.

Beth A. Houghton J.D., M.B.A., serves as Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  Beth is a C.P.A. and an attorney.  She has worked in a "Big 5" C.P.A. firm, then served as C.F.O. and General Counsel of a regional teaching hospital and its affiliates.  Beth graduated from Newcomb College of Tulane University, with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science. She received her M.B.A. from Tulane.  She earned her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law.