Kesha Wall Graham, LISW-CP, APHSW-C, ACM

Kesha Wall Graham earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Kesha completed the Zelda Foster Studies Palliative and End of Life Care Leadership Fellowship at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work. With over 20 years of social work experience, Kesha holds social work licensure and certifications in the following areas:

• Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP)
• Accredited Hospital Case Manager (ACM-SW)
• Certified Advanced Palliative and Hospice Social Worker (APHSW-C)

At the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, she serves as an Outpatient Clinical Social Worker. Her extensive background includes roles in social work management, hospice care, instrumental involvement in establishing the region's first hospice house, and experience in various intensive care units and specialty service lines at MUSC. Kesha joined the Adult Palliative Care team in January 2020, working in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Beyond her clinical work, she contributes to professional education as an Adjunct Instructor at Trident Technical College and a Guest Lecturer at MUSC's College of Nursing and College of Medicine. She also participates in several committees and advisory boards, including the SC Care for the Seriously Ill Education Committee. Kesha is a longtime member of CAPC’s clinical curriculum development committee, in which capacity she has contributed to numerous CAPC online courses, served as inaugural faculty for CAPC’s clinical certificate program, and provides input to the CAPC team on social work practice and addressing social determinants of health for people with serious illness and their caregivers.

My journey into palliative care began in 2005 as a hospice volunteer, where I discovered the profound impact of simply being present with patients and families during life's most vulnerable moments. Those experiences planted the seed for what would become my life's work.
Later, while working in the intensive care unit, I observed a palliative care physician and nurse practitioner compassionately guide families through difficult conversations about goals of care and what mattered most to them. Inspired by their work, I became a Respecting Choices© Facilitator in 2010 to help patients engage in advance care planning conversations.
Although I later served in a management role, my passion for direct patient care never faded, so I made the intentional decision to pursue a career in palliative care—a choice that aligned with my purpose: providing serious illness care with compassion and dignity, while honoring what matters most to patients/families.

As a minority in the field of palliative care, I know that representation matters! Throughout my work, I have experienced meaningful connections, and I understand that my presence can help patients and families feel represented and understood. I've witnessed how shared cultural understanding or simply seeing someone who reflects their community can create an immediate sense of comfort and trust. Those relationships remind me that culturally responsive care is not just about knowledge—it's also about presence, authenticity, and creating space where people feel safe to share some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

One of the professional accomplishments I am most proud of is the many opportunities I have been afforded to grow and contribute within the field of palliative care. I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring many disciplines; helping to shape the next generation of clinicians who will care for patients and families facing serious illness. I am especially excited to serve as an ELNEC Summit Faculty (Charleston, SC), an opportunity that reflects my passion for education, advocacy, and advancing quality palliative care.
I am also deeply honored to have been selected as a member of the 7th Cohort of NYU’s Silver School of Social Work Zelda Foster Leadership Fellowship. This experience connected me with an inspiring network of professionals who share a commitment to improving care for others.
Each of these opportunities reflect the impact of investing in others, building community, and continuing to grow as a leader in palliative care.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying connected to my community and investing in causes that are meaningful to me. I am actively involved with the North Charleston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where I serve as a Chapter Officer and participate on committees focused on service and community impact. I was recognized as the 2026 Delta of the Year in my chapter, an achievement that reflects my passion for leadership, service, and uplifting others.
When I am not serving my community, I enjoy creating memories with my husband through outdoor concerts, wine festivals, and mini getaways. We believe in working hard while also making time to celebrate life, explore new experiences, and appreciate the moments that bring us joy.