Why we do this
Kristen Hoatson, founder
In 2016, my eight-year-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. We were living in Southeast Asia at the time, but within six weeks of this diagnosis, we had moved permanently back to the United States for his care.
Those early days were scary and overwhelming. We didn’t know how to manage the disease. We didn’t know how to deal with the high costs or insurance denials. We weren’t aware of resources and supports that could help. We were exhausted. Many times, I wished there was someone who would come alongside me, to walk me through this process. I felt like I was reinventing the wheel – others have been through this. Why did I have to start from scratch trying to figure all this out?
Several years later, I learned about the field of patient advocacy, and I discovered that I could become the person I wished I had had! I could come alongside others to help them navigate our complex health care system. I become a Board Certified Patient Advocate in 2022. I became a Certified Senior Advisor the following year to help me better address the unique issues that seniors face - health challenges, financial concerns, housing transitions, social changes, and more.
While I was experiencing the heart break of a loved one’s advancing dementia and the sudden loss of that person’s spouse/primary caregiver, I found Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care (PAC). I was so impressed and helped by her wisdom and resources that I became a PAC Certified Dementia Trainer so that I could provide support and training for other families dealing with brain change.
I strongly believe in talking with loved ones about your what you want to happen if you face a medical emergency, significant health changes, dementia, or end-of-life care. I am trained as an Advanced Care Planning Navigator, am an elder/adult family mediator, and have trained as an end-of-life doula. It means a lot to me to help families have have better discussions about health and aging matters. It is my hope and prayer that my training and experience can help you and your loved ones through the healthcare and aging challenges you are facing.
Kristen’s qualifications
Before becoming a patient advocate, Kristen had a background in social work, and then spent over a decade working overseas in the area of literacy education.
After advocating for her son with a chronic illness, she began training to become a patient advocate at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She interned at UW’s Center for Patient Partnerships and earned her graduate certificate in Consumer Health Advocacy in 2021. She then became a Board-Certified Patient Advocate. Following this, she became a Certified Senior Advisor. She became a community educator with the Care Partner Project in 2024.
Kristen is on the Minnesota Rule 114 Qualified Neutral Civil Roster of individuals and organizations that provide alternative dispute resolution services to families. She has been trained as an Advanced Care Planning Navigator by Honoring Choices Minnesota is also an INELDA trained End-of-life Doula, and a PAC Certified Dementia Trainer.
Our values
You first
Our loyalty is 100% to you. We will always act in your best interest.
Excellence
We will do our best and serve you like we would serve our own moms. When we are not equipped to help you, we will sub-contract or try to refer you to others who can.
Don’t reinvent the wheel
We have spent a lot of time learning how to navigate our complex healthcare system. It brings us joy when we can use that knowledge to save you time, money, and stress.
Persistence
We see “no” as the starting point when working through things like erroneous medical bills and unfair insurance denials. We won’t be worn down by red tape, long telephone holds, and other obstacles.
Reliability
We will deliver what we say on schedule.
Compassion
We are here because we longed to have someone walk with us through our own health care challenges. We are honored to support you through yours.
Certifications & Affiliations
