From Personal Experience to Professional Calling

After growing up in South Florida, Ailene moved to Massachusetts to attend college, earning her undergraduate degree from Clark University and her master’s degree from Brandeis University.

She spent 17 years as a human services professional advocating for students, faculty, and staff on college campuses. During that time, her mother became gravely ill. Serving as her family’s primary health advocate, Ailene experienced firsthand how complex and overwhelming the healthcare system can be during times of crisis.

That experience became the catalyst for a career transformation—and her calling as a professional patient advocate.

Credentials & Professional Training

Ailene completed her Certificate in Consumer Health Advocacy at the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Patient Partnerships in 2017.

She earned her Board Certification in Patient Advocacy (BCPA) in 2018 and recertified in 2021. In 2023, she earned her Certified Senior Advisor® (CSA) credential to deepen her expertise in aging-related systems and services.

Her work is grounded in formal training, lived experience, ethical standards, and ongoing professional development.

Leadership in Solo Aging

As her advocacy practice evolved, Ailene identified a growing and underserved population: Solo Agers.

In June 2021, she convened Pros Working with Solo Agers, a national interdisciplinary group of professionals whose work focuses on adults aging without traditional family support. The group continues to meet monthly, and Ailene serves as its ongoing convener and facilitator. The forum fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and addresses emerging issues affecting Solo Agers nationwide.

In fall 2021, she launched the Navigating Solo Network, which includes a national website, educational programming, a growing community network, and a curated clearinghouse of resources specifically for Solo Agers. She is also the host of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast.

Ailene is the creator of SAVvy Day: Solo Aging Visibility Day, an annual national initiative dedicated to increasing awareness of solo aging issues.

In 2025, she launched her Substack newsletter, Ailene Hearts Advocacy, expanding her thought leadership in healthcare and aging.

Speaking & Recognition

Ailene is a sought-after local and national speaker and has delivered more than 120 community education talks and classes since 2018.

In September 2023, she was honored with the Independent Advocate of the Year Award at the Healthcare Advocate Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana.

She has also been named one of the 2025 Leading Women to Watch™.

Professional Leadership & Affiliations

Ailene’s leadership extends beyond her own initiatives. She has served in national and state-level advocacy roles, including:

• Vice President, Board of Directors, National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (NAHAC)

• Founding Member, Coalition of Health Care Advocacy Organizations (CHCAO)

• Steering Committee Member, Massachusetts Health Care Advocates (MAHCA)

She is an active member of:

• National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (NAHAC)

• Massachusetts Health Care Advocates (MAHCA)

• Society of Certified Senior Advisors®

• American Society on Aging

• Massachusetts Coalition for Serious Illness Care

• Massachusetts Taskforce to End Loneliness & Build Community

• Honoring Choices Massachusetts (Community Partner)

Commitment to Advocacy

Whether guiding an individual through a complex medical situation, advising organizations on solo aging strategy, or speaking to national audiences, Ailene’s work is grounded in clarity, ethics, and systems-level thinking.

Her mission is clear:
To ensure that individuals navigating healthcare, especially those aging solo, are informed, empowered, and supported.