A self-described “professional patient”, Frances Caulfield has been helping fellow patients since the age of twelve. Diagnosed with Type1 Diabetes at age four and receiving subsequent diagnoses of Hypothyroidism, Addison’s Disease and Hyperparathyroidism, she bounced in and out of the hospital throughout her childhood. By the time she was in the eighth grade, she was reaching out to her hospital floor mates and their families to offer whatever knowledge, comfort, and hospital “insider info” she could. She realized early on how frightening and overwhelming it is for patients and families who are new to the game of navigating the strange world of healthcare they have just landed in.

Despite her own medical challenges, Frances continued to reach out to the newly diagnosed, or those struggling with an illness. By her early twe.nties, Frances was told she was losing her vision because of her Diabetes. At twenty-seven she was told her kidneys were failing and would eventually need a transplant. Determined to keep her vision and thrive, she took on the health care system, finding the best doctors, centers of excellence and protocols. Multiple surgeries later her vision was saved and is still stable today. In 1995 she received a successful kidney and pancreas transplant. Today, she is happy to report excellent health.

Frances’ early training and much of her work experience has been in education. This has included teaching, school administration, district-wide project management, and private consulting. Her clients have included a variety of non-profits and educational institutions such as The New York City Department of Education, The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs and The Gap Foundation. Frances holds a BS from St. John’s University and a master’s degree in education from Hunter College, New York, NY. All the while Frances enjoyed helping others navigate the complexities of the American health care system. Seven years ago she decided to turn this knowledge and ability into her life’s work.

Frances lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two dogs.