Social workers and nurses are essential parts of the healthcare system, each with specialized roles that focus on clinical care and social support.

Social workers often help patients access community resources, manage practical needs, and offer emotional counseling during difficult times. Nurses provide hands-on medical care, administering treatments, coordinating with providers, and ensuring you understand your health plan and medical needs.

My nursing background gives me a strong clinical foundation, but my work as an independent advocate is different in a few key ways. I’m not employed by a hospital or limited by a caseload, I’m focused entirely on you: your experience, your voice, and what you need to feel informed and supported. And because I’m also a cancer survivor, I understand this journey from inside the patient experience, not only from clinical training.

I collaborate with your medical team to help you make informed decisions, feel confident in your care, and stay grounded through the ups and downs of treatment and survivorship.

In essence, where healthcare professionals are doing essential work within the constraints of the system, I work alongside you, independently, with the time, attention, and lived understanding to make sure nothing gets lost in the gaps.

I typically don’t attend in-person provider appointments, but I’m more than happy to join you for virtual visits to offer support, help you navigate the conversation, and ensure your voice is heard.

For in-person appointments, I still provide full support through pre-appointment preparation and post-appointment follow-up. We’ll review your questions ahead of time, go over what to expect, and debrief afterward so you feel confident in your next steps.

Whether your care is virtual or in-person, my goal is always the same, to make sure you feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.

An independent patient advocate works directly for you, not for a hospital, clinic, or insurance company. My only priority is your well-being. I’m here to help you understand your options, communicate clearly with your care team, and make sure your voice is heard throughout your healthcare journey.

A hospital-based advocate, on the other hand, is employed by the hospital and serves as part of that organization’s team. They provide valuable assistance, but their primary responsibility is to help patients navigate that specific hospital’s policies and procedures.

As an independent advocate, I have the freedom to support you across multiple providers and systems. That means you receive unbiased, personalized guidance focused entirely on your needs, whether it’s coordinating care, reviewing treatment plans, or connecting you with trusted resources beyond the hospital walls.

I work with your care team, never instead of them. My role is to complement and strengthen the support you already receive from your doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

Together, we form a collaborative circle of care that centers around you, your needs, values, and well-being.

As an independent advocate, I help bridge communication gaps and make sure everyone on your team is aligned. I’ll help you understand your treatment options, prepare for appointments, and ensure your voice is heard in every decision about your health.

Think of me as the person in your corner, keeping your voice, your questions, and your peace of mind at the center of your care, every step of the way.

Do you offer support for caregivers?

Yes, in a focused way. Caregivers are often deeply involved in a loved one’s cancer journey, and I include them as part of the advocacy process whenever it’s helpful…joining in on appointment preparation, understanding treatment plans, and making sure communication with the care team includes everyone who needs to be in the loop.

My primary focus is the patient, but caregivers don’t have to navigate this alone either. You’re welcome to be part of the process every step of the way.

After you book your free consult call, we’ll spend time talking through what’s going on…your diagnosis or treatment stage, what feels overwhelming, and what kind of support would actually help.

If it feels like a good fit, I’ll outline what an advocacy engagement with me would include and what it costs, based on your specific situation. There’s no separate fee just to get that information…it’s part of our conversation.

If you decide to move forward, we’ll get started. If you need time to think it over, that’s completely fine too.

My goal is for you to leave the call feeling heard and clear on your options, whether you’re ready to begin right away or just exploring what’s possible.