Rory

Caregiver Navigation Specialist & Serious Illness Journey Professional

A session with me is like…
A compassionate and strategic partnership that balances emotional support with clear, actionable guidance for navigating serious illness and caregiving transitions.

One life experience that helps me relate to my clients is…
Having lost my mother to cancer as a young adult and later experiencing two pregnancy losses, I intimately understand the emotional and practical challenges women face during serious illness and loss. Now, as a caregiver for an elderly family member while raising two teenage sons, I bring lived insight and empathy to every conversation.

Three things I want clients to feel post-session are…
Heard, informed, and empowered.

Past experience that qualifies me for this role is…
Over 20 years of expertise in palliative care, geriatric medicine, and Alzheimer’s/dementia support, combined with national leadership roles in serious illness care and a commitment to compassionate, person-centered models.

My relevant credentials are…
– M.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience (Washington State University)
– M.A. in Art Therapy (Lesley University)
– M.S.N. in Geriatric/Adult Health (Boston College)
– Board-Certified Adult Health Nurse Practitioner (APRN-BC)
– Post-Master’s Advanced Practice Certificate in Palliative Care
– Member, National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Serious Illness Roundtable
– National Advisory Board Member, CSU-Shiley Haynes Institute of Palliative Care
– Board Member and Executive Squad Secretary, Healwell
– Clinical Advisor, Cadre Hospice and Steadywell