Patient Pathways Founder, Senior Healthcare Navigator, Advance Care Planning Specialist, Author & Educator

Serving BC via Zoom

Connie Jorsvik founded Patient Pathways in 2011 after 25 years as a surgical, maternal and cardiac RN. Connie has a solid foundation serving within the BC healthcare system, and as a Patient Advocate, has supported hundreds of patients in their journeys through serious and complex illness.

Connie offers in-person and virtual healthcare planning education to corporate and community groups, presenting deep insights and practical advice on a wide range of topics, such as how to plan in advance for healthcare emergencies, discuss end-of-life wishes with loved ones, and support aging parents with increasing needs. Additionally, Connie offers premium one-on-one medical organization and care management services.

Connie is the author of Advance Care Planning: Prepare for Serious Illness, and Navigating the BC Healthcare System, and is the former National Advance Care Planning Coordinator for Dying with Dignity Canada.

Advance Care Planning Specialist, Healthcare Navigator/Patient Advocate and Caregiver Coach

Serving BC via Zoom

With a Master's degree in Social Work, certification in coaching and emergency management, and over 30 years of experience in healthcare, Whitney has valuable experience navigating the often daunting, complex, and layered systems. She truly knows the healthcare system inside and out!

As an Advance Care Planning Specialist, Whitney has witnessed the powerful benefit that personalized ACP provides: the vital opportunity to confidently clarify and control your healthcare wishes, while you are living, for when you face life-limiting, vulnerable challenges. ACP helps you breathe with reassurance over your own unknown future – it is a gift to yourself and your family.

Committed to improving caregivers’ quality of life, Whitney also provides Caregiver Coaching to better empower “the informal supporters holding up the whole healthcare system.”

Serious Illness Conversation Specialist, Healthcare Navigator and Patient Advocate

Serving Metro Vancouver in person, and BC via Zoom

Marie is our Serious Illness Conversation expert. She holds a certificate from the BC Centre for Palliative Care (2020), a renowned institution in palliative care. She is also a passionate Patient Advocate and a registered pharmacist with over 20 years of experience in hospitals serving patients with serious illness, and providing drug, toxicology and oncology information.

Marie has witnessed the profound impact of 'Serious Illness Conversations' on patients' lives. These guided conversations, tailored to those facing a serious illness, particularly those with a life-limiting diagnosis, are designed to provide a compassionate space where you can feel heard and treated as an individual. They elevate the interactions between patients and caregivers, fostering a sense of reassurance and understanding.

Marie adds: “Our conversation is not difficult, does not take long, and is surprisingly pleasant and effortless. It is about you. There is no preparation and no right or wrong answers. Our conversation will act as a trampoline to access better care.”

Marie also helps those with complex health issues by reviewing their medications and treatments. With her extensive experience as a registered pharmacist, she can help identify, prevent, manage, and report adverse drug reactions. This comprehensive approach to care ensures that all aspects of your health are considered and managed effectively.

Seniors’ Specialist, Healthcare Navigator and Patient Advocate, Advance Care Planning Coordinator

Serving Metro Vancouver north of the Fraser River in person

Michelle's decision to specialize in end-of-life care after a long career in Human Services and volunteering reflects her deep passion for supporting individuals and families through the most vulnerable stages of life. Her 35 years of experience have honed her skills as a caregiver and her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

Michelle recognizes the existing gap between individuals needing support services and accessing them, and she aims to bridge this divide. Her natural ability to listen and understand paves the way for people to share what they need most.

“Michelle Kotowski … was able to give us immediate solutions, and a clear path forward. I can’t tell you what a relief it is not only to finally have the ball rolling addressing this untenable situation, but also to have some expertise on our side.” Bob L.

Medical Support Advocacy, Advance Care Planning, and End-of-Life Support

Serving Central Vancouver Island

As a dedicated medical advocate and End-of-Life Doula, Judy serves Vancouver Island with over 25 years of experience in direct patient care (including 12 years in palliative care), and in healthcare administration. Judy’s passion lies in guiding individuals and families through some of life's most challenging moments, with the goal to help them pre-plan to ensure smooth life transitions, and feel supported, comforted, and respected.

“I cannot express enough gratitude for Judy and the care, compassion, and wisdom she brought to her family during such a difficult time. Her presence was a source of comfort, providing not only practical guidance but also deep emotional support as we navigated my dad's end-of-life journey.”
Tasha M.

Healthcare Navigator and Patient Advocate, Advance Care Planning Coordinator
Serving Alberta, Canada in person and via Zoom

Corinne is the first independent patient advocate and healthcare navigator to serve all of Alberta, Canada, and helps patients and their families with their needs as they journey through chronic illness, injury and end of life.

Corinne holds a Professional Certificate of Patient Navigation from York University, and assists patients with everything from understanding their treatment options to ensuring end-of-life wishes are documented, heard and honoured. With Corinne’s help, patients are empowered to make informed decisions for themselves throughout the journey, with confidence and clarity.

PatientAdvocates.ca