THE LUNARIA STORY


Inspired by the moon's phases and the Lunaria plant's transformation, we believe in celebrating life's journey - every stage, a beautiful chapter. We empower individuals to navigate their current and future healthcare with authenticity, creating a personalized Lunaria Narrative that amplifies each individual’s unique voice to ensure the best possible well-being and quality of life.


MEET THE TEAM

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Education & Certifications: I am a double board-certified nurse practitioner in Hospice & Palliative Care and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. I received my bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree and doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) degree from the University of Washington, school of nursing.

    Experience: As a Nurse Practitioner, I have over 8 years of experience providing compassionate care in the setting of palliative care and Hospice. I am an expert in facilitating crucial conversations around serious illness, supporting patients and their families as they navigate their healthcare journeys, and skillfully managing complex symptoms. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked as a Hospice RN, supporting patients and their families to achieve comfort and optimal quality of life, through the end of their life.

    What brings my life meaning/joy: Connection with myself and others, including my family, friends, my dog Molly, and those I have the privilege of encountering in my work and everyday life. I also find meaning in my yoga practice and joy in creating ceramic art and spending time outside.

    Abilities I could not imagine living without: I could not imagine living without the ability to meaningfully interact with my loved ones, both family and friends, or without the ability to spend time outside, ideally in the sun.

    Legacy I hope to leave: Life's fleeting moments hold immense value for me. I find joy in embracing and savoring the present and strive to leave a legacy that reflects this simple, yet profound philosophy. The words of Dame Cicely Saunders resonate deeply: "You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life." This powerful sentiment guides my work. I believe everyone deserves to feel valued simply for existing, and I hope to leave a lasting impression on every person I meet, reminding them of their inherent worth.

    Philosophy of care: I am dedicated to ensuring dignity, comfort, and autonomy for patients living with serious illnesses and their loved ones. The cornerstone of my work is to empower people to make informed healthcare decisions that align with their values and fit into their life.

    Three words colleagues use to describe me: Compassionate, engaging, soothing

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Education & Certifications: I graduated from Colorado College with a BA in International Political Economy. Subsequently, I completed my nursing and advance practice nursing degrees at Columbia University School of Nursing. I am dually board certified in Hospice & Palliative Care and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. More recently, I have obtained a certificate in acupuncture from the accredited Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Institute.

    Experience: Since 2008, I have worked in many healthcare settings which have informed the clinician that I am today. From caring for older adults as a nursing assistant (CNA) to my first role as a registered nurse (RN) in a bustling NYC emergency department, I have cared for people at all stages of health and illness. As a nurse practitioner (ARNP) I spent formative years taking care of my own panel of patients in a geriatric primary care PACE program. I also served my community as the volunteer Medical Director at a local harm reduction agency, and most recently I have enjoyed working as a nurse practitioner on the Inpatient Palliative Care team at a local hospital. In these varied roles I have learned to gracefully navigate the complexities of illness, relational dynamic and to appreciate the art of medicine.

    What brings my life meaning/joy: Outside of my work in palliative care, my family and friends bring me endless joy, especially my two vibrant daughters. I also find meaning and joy in tending my flower garden, knitting, reading, and spending time outdoors or on my yoga mat.

    Abilities I could not imagine living without: The ability to interact meaningfully with family and friends, being physically active, and able to engage with some of the outdoor activities that I love the most.

    Legacy I hope to leave: I strive to leave a legacy of compassionate guidance. Empowering people to make informed healthcare choices allows them to live well, even during serious illness. But even more fundamental to me is the joy of connection. I find deep fulfillment in getting to know the unique stories of the people I meet, celebrating the diversity that makes us human.

    Philosophy of care: My journey from primary care to palliative care reflects a core belief: empowered individuals navigate health and illness better. I combine my diagnostic background with a deep commitment to listening, helping patients find clarity and purpose throughout their healthcare journey. Empathy, knowledge and a focus on living well, even in the face of serious illness, guide my approach.

    Three words colleagues use to describe me: Attentive, collaborative, & caring

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Education & Certifications: I am a dual-board certified nurse practitioner in Palliative Care & Hospice (ACHPN) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP-BC). I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Washington (Go Huskies!!). I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with Honors and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on primary care for adults across the lifespan. I completed a post-graduate fellowship in Geriatrics & Palliative Care sponsored by UW Medicine & Aegis Living.

    Experience: I currently practice hospital-based palliative care and have also had the privilege of providing high-quality palliative care to patients and their families in a variety of inpatient and community settings (i.e. hospital, clinic, private home, adult family home, assisted living facility).

    Prior to my career as an ARNP, I worked as a medical-surgical RN at a local hospital in Seattle.

    What brings my life meaning/joy: Engagement in my community and connection with my family, friends, colleagues, and patients brings me daily joy. I love being in Mother Nature and participating in activities/hobbies that nourish my soul: baking/cooking, deep conversations, reading, writing, traveling, dining, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with my husband and our dog Ollie.

    Abilities I could not imagine living without: The ability to communicate and meaningfully interact with my family and friends, opportunities to learn/grow, being outdoors, and the ability to savor/take pleasure in food/drink.

    Legacy I hope to leave: I am a first-generation American and child of immigrants and refugees whose sacrifices have afforded me many freedoms and opportunities to live well. I am incredibly grateful for my parents’ strength and the privilege to care for my community as a nurse practitioner. Through my work with Lunaria, I hope to leave a legacy of gratitude, service, and empowerment.

    Philosophy of care: Our lives matter now and until the end. I believe in celebrating and honoring the full spectrum of the human experience and take a holistic approach to promoting quality of life for each client by addressing their physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs. I strive to create a compassionate and welcoming space that respects each person’s beliefs, values, and cultural background. The healthcare system can be fraught with uncertainty, and I am committed to being an advocate and guiding light to empower each client to make informed decisions about the best possible care for themselves and those they love.

    Three words colleagues use to describe me: Approachable, kind, empathetic