I learned early in life how hard a serious illness can be. When I was 10 years old, my mother battled breast cancer. That experience brought me to a career that I love in medical social work.
With 11 years of experience as a transplant social worker trained by Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, I’ve worked closely with kidney, pancreas, liver, lung, and heart transplant recipients and their caregivers. It has been my honor to provide them with guidance through every stage of the transplant process.
I understand the challenges—waiting for approval, meeting medical requirements, preparing for surgery, and adjusting to life post-transplant. More importantly, I know how to help you feel prepared, confident, and supported every step of the way.
For me, this work is also personal because my beloved Uncle Jeff had to start dialysis and wait for a kidney transplant.
I saw firsthand how difficult the transplant process can be, even for someone with a strong support system. I helped him understand his doctors’ recommendations, coached him on how to advocate for himself, and gave him the inside scoop on what his transplant team was looking for. After three years on dialysis, he finally got his kidney transplant! I witnessed just how life-changing the right guidance and preparation can be.
Me with Uncle Jeff before transplant
Photo by: Travis Miller
During 15 years of being a medical social worker and specializing in transplant, I have often become frustrated by how confusing the transplant process can feel. It’s most upsetting when someone is denied a transplant especially for a non-medical (or “psychosocial”) reason. It can be just as disappointing when unexpected things happen after the transplant and the needed help is not there.
People have the ability to make positive and long-lasting changes with more education, support and guidance so they can meet the requirements to stay qualified with a transplant team or succeed after receiving their transplant.
Transplant teams do their best, but the system can be complex, and the guidance you receive is often limited by time and resources. That’s where I come in! As Your Transplant Coach, I bridge the gap between you and your medical teams, making sure you understand what’s needed, how to advocate for yourself, and how to stay on track for a successful transplant.
You deserve someone who truly understands the process and will be with you through it all.
If you need that extra missing layer of support both before and after your transplant or living donor surgery, click the link below so we can schedule a time to talk!
Photo by: Travis Miller
Board of Behavioral Sciences and Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CA LCSW, License #66050), May 2015-Present
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (AZ LCSW, License #18898), September 2020-Present
Society for Transplant Social Workers
Certified Clinical Transplant Social Worker (CCTSW), January 2017-Present
American Case Management Association
Accredited Case Manager-Social Worker (ACM-SW), May 2018-Present
mindbodygreen Health & Wellness Coach Program
Certified Health & Wellness Coach, December 2024
California State University Long Beach
Master of Social Work (MSW) concentrating on Children, Youth & Families, May 2009
California State University Northridge
Baccalaureate of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development, May 2007
Banner University Medical Center Tucson • Tucson, AZ
Abdominal Transplant Clinical Social Worker, June 2021-Present
Cedars Sinai Medical Center • Los Angeles, CA
Clinical Social Worker II, May 2010-December 2020
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center • Los Angeles, CA
Intensive Care Unit (ICU/PICU) MSW Intern, September 2008-May 2009
1736 Family Crisis Center • Los Angeles, CA
Psychotherapist – MSW Intern, September 2007-May 2008
University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ
Adjunct Instructor, August 2022-December 2022
California State University Northridge • Northridge, CA
Department of Child and Adolescent Development (CADV)
Adjunct Professor, Fall 2014-Fall 2018
National Kidney Foundation of Arizona • Scottsdale, AZ
Presenter at Annual NKF Conference, March 2024
Banner University Medical Center Tucson • Tucson, AZ
Presenter at Inaugural Abdominal Transplant Symposium, October 2024
Kriendler, J. (2005). Therapy Dogs: Making A Difference. A Book Created to Educate Parents, Patients and Professionals about Animal Assisted Therapy.
Photo by: Travis Miller
I’m so glad you have found me! Let’s schedule a time to talk and begin our partnership together.
“Helping you feel supported, informed and confident through every step of your transplant, caregiver, or living donor journey!”
© Your Transplant Coach – 2025- All rights reserved.
