I know both sides of the stethoscope.

Anyone who has lived with a chronic condition, rare disease, or disability knows that good care takes more than good medicine. It takes being heard and seen. Most clinicians want to do that well, but few have been taught how.

I’ve spent nearly four decades inside the healthcare system as a patient. Living with cystic fibrosis (CF) and after having a double-lung transplant, these life experiences have provided me with valuable information on how to navigate healthcare and advocacy. Those years taught me what it feels like when care works, and what it costs when it doesn’t on a real level.

I’m also a licensed clinical professional counselor with 15 years of experience providing individual and group therapy. I’ve consulted with advocacy organizations and nonprofits, facilitated CEU trainings for therapists, and provided mental health expertise to various disease communities.

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science (specializing in mental health & school counseling) degrees from St. Bonaventure University. I’m in the process of completing my Somatic Experience Practitioner training, and hold various certifications in therapeutic modalities. I currently serve on the Advisory Boards for Give an Hour and Wholistic Health International. I’ve appeared on several news outlets in collaboration with advocacy work for Donate Life (New England Donor Services), Seven Days, the University of Vermont Medical Center, Power2Save Organization, Transplant Nation Magazine (Transplant Life Foundation), Beam CF, Vermont DMV, Health Commission, and CF News Today. I’ve been the keynote speaker for various CF events and with private organizations (like the picture to the left) and been on a guest on podcasts. I also write a weekly published column, click here to read my work.

The Dual Stethoscope Model grew out of putting those two worlds together. Call it street cred with actual credentials behind it. I don’t just know the research on patient-centered care. I know what it’s like on the other side of the exam room, and I translate that for clinicians, institutions, and patient communities.

How I work: I provide consultation services in the form of collaboration, workshops, webinars, or training series.

Whether you lead a medical education program, trainings for therapists, or an advocacy organization, I’d love to talk about what your community needs. Contact me here to see how we can work together, I’d be honored for the opportunity.