Nice to meet you, I’m Trisha!

My journey into patient advocacy began long before I ever considered it a profession.

The first person I ever advocated for was my grandfather, Earnest “Ernie” Neel. I was only a year old when Ernie, who I affectionately called “Papa”, suffered a massive stroke and lost the ability to speak. Despite that, we were incredibly close. I may have never heard him tell me that he loved me, but I always knew he did.

From a young age, I accompanied him to doctor’s appointments and learned how to speak up on his behalf when he couldn’t. What started as a natural part of our relationship became the foundation for everything I do today. I continued supporting him, and later helping care for both of my grandparents, until he passed away peacefully at the age of 92.

Through those years, I developed a deep understanding of what it means to navigate the healthcare system, not just as a patient, but as a family member trying to make sense of complex information, advocate for quality care, and ensure that a loved one is truly heard.

A few years later, my path took on new meaning when I met my fiancé and became part of the care team for his father, who is living with dementia. This experience deepened my passion for supporting both individuals and caregivers through some of the most challenging and emotional moments of their lives. I went on to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and become a Certified Dementia Care Navigator, completing training through the Alzheimer's Association to further strengthen my ability to guide families through this journey.

I believe that no one should have to navigate the healthcare system alone, especially during times of vulnerability, uncertainty, or crisis. My goal is to provide steady, compassionate support so you can feel informed, confident, and less overwhelmed as you make decisions about your care or the care of a loved one.