Aging and End of Life Consultation
If you are interested in receiving one-on-one or group consultation, please contact us for an appointment. We also provide contract support to various medical clinics, senior centers, and other organizations providing patient support as well as staff training on comprehensive advance care planning, goals of care, and POLST.
Teressa Vaughn, CEO
Teressa Vaughn, MPT, MHA-G is an Advance Care Planning (ACP) Consultant and CEO and founder of EZAMAL LLC. She worked for Sharp Healthcare as an ACP Consultant and is currently contracted with Gary & Mary West PACE as well as Care Connect MD where she assists patients with advanced illness and/or advanced age complete their healthcare directive, discuss goals of care, as well as caregiving options that meet their need.
She provides community and clinical education on advance care planning and Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST). She retired from US Army after 25 years of service and is an active member of the California Coalition for Compassionate Care (CCCC) and the San Diego Coalition for Compassionate Care (SDCCC). She is also a full-time caregiver for her mother who has advance Alzheimer’s dementia and a foster parent to adults with learning disabilities.
Denise Alston
Consultant
Denise is an accomplished nursing professional with varied experience. With over a decade working with adult/geriatric patients in different settings, she has been able to hone her skills discussing goals for care. Interestingly, at age 36, while undergoing surgery, she exhibited a personal understanding of engaging in this type of discussion regarding her own personal care goals. Denise's education includes a bachelor of science in nursing, master's in health services management and doctorate in nursing practice. Prior to studying nursing, Denise worked in Human Resources. A transplant from New York City, Denise enjoys traveling, snapping photographs, playing board games and spending quality time with loved ones.
Eva Navarrete
Consultant
Eva Navarrete, a healthcare professional from Tijuana, Mexico, relocated to San Diego and discovered her passion for working with high-risk patients. Her dedication led her to lead a Spanish-speaking Breast Cancer support group and contribute to the development of a Health Promotora Program. For two decades, Eva has been involved in community-based programs, focusing on improving the quality of life for individuals with terminal conditions. She actively educates the Latino community about end-of-life care options and works as an independent Advance Care Planning Consultant. Eva's holistic approach to patient care and commitment to community education make her an inspiration and a source of hope.
Francine Wooten, RN, BSN, PHN
Consultant
Francine Wooten is a highly skilled healthcare professional with expertise in case management, nursing, and leadership. She excels in coordinating resources, developing individualized treatment goals, and advocating for patients. Francine's exceptional communication skills, multicultural sensitivity, and commitment to delivering quality care have earned her recognition. With a diverse background in acute hospital nursing, home health nursing, and management, she brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of medical standards. Francine holds certifications in areas such as chemotherapy and PICC lines. She is an active member of professional organizations, including the Medical Legal Nurse Association and Case Management Society of America. Francine's dedication to excellence and patient-centered care continues to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry.
Estella Banuelos
Medical Social Worker - Experienced with home health services, linking patients and families to community resources, assisting with advanced Care planning and placements. Experience working with patients in skilled nursing and long term care with long term care plans including Palliative and Hospice care
John Tastad, Advisor
John Tastad is the coordinator for the Advance Care Planning program at Sharp HealthCare. He has served as a chaplain at Sharp HospiceCare for many years, providing spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their family members.
Advance care planning is something John is very passionate about. He feels it empowers people, helping to ensure they'll receive the care they want if they become unable to speak for themselves.