As a neurodivergent and hard-of-hearing member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system—and how quickly conversations with providers can become tense, dismissive, or misunderstood.
As a board-certified patient advocate and certified conflict mediator, I help you navigate not just the system, but the difficult conversations that arise within it. Whether you’re facing a provider who won’t listen, a family member who doesn’t support your care decisions, or a healthcare team that isn’t communicating effectively, I’m here to help bridge those gaps.
My goal is to ensure your voice is heard and that you receive the care you deserve. I can advocate with you or for you, help you prepare for challenging appointments, mediate conflicts between you and your care team or family members, and equip you with communication strategies that work. You don’t need to wander alone—I’m here to help you get the healthcare you need with dignity, clarity, and respect.
I began my role as an advocate in 2006 while working on my PhD in health communication by working in the only STI/HIV clinic in Milwaukee founded by the gay community for the gay community. In my seven years there, I served as a risk counselor, phlebotomist, and HIV coordinator for new diagnoses. Since then, I have gained training in Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing and, most recently, finished a certificate in LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive-behavioral therapy. Given this background, my greatest asset is my ability to help you have and process difficult conversations. No matter who the conversation needs to happen with, I can help you navigate the discussion and provide you with information and, most importantly, support.

Beyond advocating with/for my patients, I also work with organizations and clinics to improve their communication and cultural understanding. I have led trainings on everything from gender-affirming care to being an ally and advocate for patients to conflict mediation and implicit bias. I have trained nurses, doctors, social workers, educators, and the general public, and I will continue to offer training to any group that is seeking to improve communication and care for the LGBTQIA+ community.