Why I Do This Work

I came to this work not simply through professional training, but through walking the journey personally as a caregiver then alongside families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

I have had the privilege of sitting with caregivers in hospital rooms, at kitchen tables, and on phone calls filled with fear, guilt, exhaustion, and love. I have watched people struggle to make sense of complex medical systems while also trying to be a daughter, a spouse, a parent, or a friend.

What I learned early on is this:
caregivers do not just need information — they need support that honors their emotional, relational, and spiritual experience.

That understanding changed everything for me.

What I Have Learned from Families

Caregiving often brings:

• confusion about options and next steps
• fear of making the “wrong” decision
• guilt about boundaries, distance, or limitations
• emotional exhaustion and isolation
• questions about quality of life, dignity, and meaning

Many caregivers are expected to be strong without being supported. My work exists to change that experience — to help you feel steadier, clearer, and less alone as you navigate what matters most.

What I Do - In Simple Terms

I support caregivers and families as a Quality of Life Navigator.

This means I help you:

• clarify what matters most to you and your loved one
• understand options without medical overwhelm
• prepare for difficult conversations and decisions
• advocate with confidence and intention
• navigate serious illness and end-of-life concerns with dignity
• care for yourself while caring for someone else

This work is non-medical, personalized, and grounded in compassion. It is not about fixing everything or rushing decisions. It is about helping you think clearly and move forward in a way that feels aligned with your values.

How My Background Supports You

I am a palliative care nurse practitioner, trained to care for the whole person — not just symptoms. I am also a trained end-of-life doula and educator. These roles reflect one calling: to walk beside individuals and families during times of uncertainty, serious illness, and transition.

My professional experience allows me to translate complex information into language that feels understandable and supportive. My lived experience reminds me that caregiving is deeply human, emotional, and personal.

Everything I offer is shaped by a deep understanding and respect for the caregiver journey.

About Me

Elena Prendergast, DNP, APRN
Owner, Tree of Life Health Consultant

Board Certified Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
End-of-Life Doula
Quality of Life Navigator

My work is grounded in compassion, clarity, and deep respect for caregivers and families navigating serious illness. It is an honor to walk alongside those who trust me during such meaningful moments.