We combine expertise in palliative care and narrative practices, drawing on decades of clinical experience and training in the humanities. We share the conviction that openly facing mortality is a path to new wisdom, and believe that the manner in which a person’s life ends is as unique as the life they have lived.
I hold a Ph.D. in English Literature and spent years helping students use narrative to understand themselves and the world. My academic research focused on authors who grappled with mortality and the brevity of life, and I studied religious and philosophical traditions that help people find meaning in the face of loss and uncertainty. That work taught me the importance of finding the language that captures what matters the most.
Having lost people I cared deeply about in recent years, I witnessed how often their voices were disregarded and decisions were made around them rather than with them. Those experiences led me to focus my work on helping people facing serious illnesses tell their story, state their preferences clearly, and keep their agency.
At Lindern Care, I work with those navigating life-limiting conditions to communicate who they are, what they want, and how they wish to be treated. I use storytelling to guide them to locate their current experience within the arc of their lives, honoring the person they have been and are still becoming. In doing so, I help them define their priorities in clear words and translate them into plans and decisions that reflect their values and true wishes.
For over two decades, I have walked alongside individuals and families facing serious illness, offering a compassionate ear and helping them navigate the uncertainties of life. In these fragile moments, I have witnessed incredible courage and resilience, learning from those I serve as much as I guide them. The lessons shared and experiences garnered have profoundly shaped my practice in medicine and my understanding of the human experience.
Through Lindern Care, I have created a space where compassionate care, reflection, and coaching converge to help individuals lead purposeful lives, regardless of their stage in life or health status. As a physician, I have held leadership roles in palliative care within both academic and community settings, guiding interdisciplinary teams to infuse empathy and humanity into healthcare systems. My dedication was honored with the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, underscoring my belief that true healing lies in connection and kindness.
Driven by curiosity, respect, and an unwavering belief in the resilience of the human spirit, my professional journey continues. At Lindern Care, I extend my expertise and coaching to those navigating illness, transitions, or transformations. Whether clarifying personal values, reimagining life stories, or crafting future plans, my work is anchored in a single truth: even in the toughest seasons, life can remain whole, meaningful, and beautiful.