Advocates

Stephanie Martirani, BCPA
Patient Advocate & Aging Ally – Navigating the Healthcare System & Eldercare Options with You. Adult Children with Aging Parents? Overwhelmed by a new diagnosis? Let us be there with you.

Virtual: Nationwide
In-person: Walnut Creek & vicinity

stephanie@AgeSmartAdvocates.com
925-471-6060

Pamela Brody, BCPA
Navigation and coordination of care for Pediatrics through Adults. Medical, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Dental and Oral Surgery.

pamela@brodypatientadvocacy.com
415-350-4240

Sara C. Stephens RN, BSN, PHN
Sara is a Nurse Advocate helping patients navigate through our complex health care system. An important part of her work includes creating clinically focused Advance Directives for patients.

info@sarasmap.com
415-626-1447

Kim Mcilnay, BCPA
I advocate for medically complex clients and those with “mystery” diagnoses. I am a disabled family physician and patient myself and love using my skills as a physician to help my clients.

Virtual: Nationwide
In-Person: Sacramento, El Dorado Hills & Granite Bay

kim@TogetherPatientAdvocates.com
916-500-4195
Not accepting new clients at this time

Scott Fraser, BCPA
Communicate w/doctors, facilities; organize medical records; research mystery diagnoses; resolve insurance/billing; obtain support services/2nd-opinions. 4 yrs experience. Chinese, French.

scott@lamorindapatientadvocacy.com
(925) 300-6534

Raye Elaine, BCPA
Feeling overwhelmed, confused, or powerless with your healthcare? I will help you navigate the system, feel more in control, obtain safer, more effective care, and bring calm in the midst of crisis.

raye@rayeelaine.info
707-535-9941

Linda W. Garvin, BSN, MSN, Health Advocate
Patient Advocate Bay Area works with clients who are managing an acute condition or multiple chronic conditions. We specialize in medical decision support, autoimmune diseases, cancer and end of life care.

lindawgarvin@gmail.com
510-520-0186

Susan G. Lucier, Patient Navigator, Cancer Coach
I guide you from ‘panic to powerful’, to treatment options, research and recovery. UCSF, John Muir, Sutter, Mayo Clinic, Stanford – we find the best medical team and support for you. You are not alone.

Virtual: California
In-Person: Contra Costa, Alameda & San Francisco counties

susan@susanlucier.com
925-997-1707

Donna Smith, BCPA
I help reduce the confusion and stress of health insurance issues by resolving insurance billing issues, appealing denied claims, and helping clients choose a plan that meets their needs.

Virtual: Nationwide
In-Person: Placer & Sacramento counties

donna@healthcarechoices.us
916-546-8988

Melynda Ruckels, RN, MSN, PHN
Expert in clinical/hospital nursing: ER/ ICU, and all areas of medicine. Specialties: complicated clinical cases, cardiac, chronic and autoimmune conditions, medication reconciliation, diagnostics and Medical Cannabis.

melynda@melyndaruckels.com
916-300-1263

Associated Patient Advocates, LLC.
We are a team of experienced medical professionals. We address multiple needs, including physician interactions, mental health, facility transitions, home care, and financial aspects of health care.

Harley Schultz, MD
mypatientadvocacyinfo@gmail.com
510-531-HELP or 510-531-4357

Kathy Lord King, BCPA
We find medical or mental health care, short or long term facilities. Insurance coverage, pre-authorizations and appeals are our specialty. Experts in care coordination, we ensure that your voice is heard.

kathy@marinhealthcarenavigation.com
415-690-1495

Caryn Cochran, LCSW
Caryn is a seasoned medical social worker who assists with the added burdens of being sick, injured, or disabled: Applying for benefits and resources, medical bills, navigating the health care and insurance systems. With Caryn, patients can focus on their recovery, not the bureaucracy.

Virtual Only: California

caryn@mattersofcare.org
(916)345-0555

Michael W. Johnson BCPA
I help people find, analyze, and choose the best care providers, especially surgeons. I navigate care, explain options, and allow clients to make more informed decisions.

Virtual: Nationwide
In Person: California (Sacramento, El Dorado, Amador, Placer, Nevada, Yuba, Sutter, Yolo, Solano, San Joaquin, Napa, Sonoma, Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, and Santa Clara counties; elsewhere as possible)

michael@choosebetter.care
916-245-8000

Lauren Wheeler, BCPA
I am a former physician who helps people get unstuck, especially if you need help diving into the research, finding help, or making sense of medical records. Let’s solve problems together!

Virtual: Nationwide
In-Person: California (Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, and Mendocino counties; elsewhere as possible)

lauren@lostcoastadvocacy.com
785-623-8751

Paige Yahya, RN, BCPA
Licensed RN that specializes in Medication Management, Medical Coordination/Provider Communication and Geriatric Care Management

California (Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties)

paige@streamlineadvocates.com
707-790-7125

Cheryl A. Ringo, MSN, MBA, MHA, RN 
Senior Care Managers providing education and communication to help you navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. We also offer home modifications solutions to help seniors age in place!  

Virtual: California
In-Person: California (Contra Costa County along 680/4 corridor)
30-minute free consultation

cherylringo@anurseinthefamily.net
(925) 477-7318

Schandelle (Shea) Acosta, BCPA
Your goals are my guide. I can help find options, make choices, coordinate care, and resolve issues w/providers, treatments, benefits, and more. Routine/acute to complex/chronic. All clients welcome.

Virtual: Nationwide
In-Person: San Francisco Bay Area

autonomyhealthadvocacy@gmail.com
(510) 730-2023

Lynn A. Johnson, M.D.
I can help with a new or challenging diagnosis, complex medical care, decision-making, organizing medical information, and communicating with your care team.  

resource.medicine1@gmail.com

Retired and not accepting clients

Annie Gardiner, MS, BCPA Emeritus, Co-Founder BAHCA
Speaker on racial equity in healthcare advocacy; Volunteer on BAHCA Equity Leadership Team; Interested in projects that support individuals and communities with self-advocacy to improve patient outcomes.

annie@annieonyourside.com
510-325-3654

Founding Member
Retired and not accepting clients