Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology • Animal Health • Long-Term Care

Dr. Patrick Shompole first came to Pullman in 1985 to pursue a Master of Science in Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology at Washington State University. He later returned with his wife, Lorna, and their first child, Natasha, and from 1988 to 1992 completed a Ph.D. in the same field.

Dr. Shompole subsequently worked on a Washington State University Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology project in Kenya as an Adjunct Professor in Animal Health. In 1998, Patrick and Lorna returned to Pullman permanently, where he continued his work with the WSU department.

During this period, Lorna worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Avalon Nursing Home. Her experience caring for elderly residents inspired the idea of creating a smaller, more personal, home-like alternative to traditional institutional care. At the time, Pullman had very limited residential long-term care options, with Avalon serving as the primary nursing home.

Patrick and Lorna began researching Washington’s Adult Family Home model, obtaining information from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services office in Colfax and learning from other Adult Family Home owners. Their experience helped connect professional health-care knowledge, family-centered service, and the growing need for community-based residential care.

Dr. Shompole brings to board service a distinguished academic background, experience in animal health and university-based research, and a long-standing connection to the development of home-based care in Washington. His perspective will support thoughtful governance, professional standards, provider education, and WAAFHA’s mission to strengthen and advocate for Adult Family Home providers across the state.