About

I am Health Navigator, Care Management Consultant and Family Coach. But if I’m being honest, this wasn’t the plan. I came to Health Advocacy by accident. Life threw a curveball. I’d been running a successful business, writing and performing comedy variety shows with my husband, when he was dealt a stunning late-stage cancer diagnosis that side-swiped our lives. It was unexpected; my husband was young, healthy, athletic. Suddenly, it was ‘on the job training’ for a position I hadn’t even applied for. Complex case management; trial by fire. Then came my mother with declining health and diminishing daily living skills. A whole different trajectory into elder care management. 

Traveling down these healthcare rabbit holes led me, over time, to advocate for others. While doing so, I discovered I have a knack for it, and heartbreakingly, that many others do not.  I became both passionate and determined to offer guidance and began taking on regular clients. I later sought to further my depth of knowledge & understanding through UC Berkeley’s Public Health Program: Health Advocacy & Navigation.

As a Health Navigator, I have assisted people with pursuing a definitive diagnosis; coordinating complex care; researching treatment options; elder-care guidance/planning, residential care and community placement; improving communication among providers and patients; interpreting complex medical information; identifying and coordinating resources; reviewing medical bills and negotiating insurance coverage; coaching, educating, and problem solving with clients.

I am currently writing a book called “Survival Tips for the Unlucky,” (about the first 5 years after my husband’s diagnosis), with much dark humor and levity.

I live in Sonoma County, California where I love to camp, hike with my dog Chena, cook, paint, dance, and play music with friends.