About Us

Launched in 2006, Health Advocacy Solutions is led by a President and Executive Director, supported by a volunteer team of advisors, and overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the communities we serve. In June of 2009, we received formal 501(c)(3) recognition from the IRS as a charitable, tax-exempt organization.

Our Mission

Our public mission is to help all patients and families make fully informed health decisions and receive high quality care.  We strive to meet our mission by offering independent and innovative support, education, and research services-- in person, by phone, and online.  Additionally, we work at the policy level to give an independent voice to the concerns of patients and families in government.  We do not represent the interests of insurance companies, providers, pharmaceutical companies, or other industry groups; our only allegiance is to the individuals and communities we serve.

Our Funding

We fund our work through a combination of sliding-scale charges for specific services, individual donations, and workshop fees. In the future, we hope to solicit grants from philanthropies that support our independent work helping diverse patients, families, and communities. Unlike many other patient advocacy organizations, we do not receive funding from pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, device manufacturers, or other organized health-care industry groups.

Board of Directors

Chana Andler

Shala Erlich, MD, Secretary

Shala is passionate about helping patients and families navigate our challenging healthcare system.  A physician and writer, Shala  has published several essays on health, illness, and the experience of being a patient. For the last five years, Shala has taught anatomy and physiology, disease processes, and the history of science at Seattle University.  Her teaching experience also includes a graduate course in Biomedical Informatics at the University of Washington. 

Shala holds her BA cum laude from Yale University in the History of Science and Medicine.  She received her MD and two years of residency training in Anatomic Pathology at the University of Washington.  Shala is currently completing a residency in psychiatry at the University of Vermont.

Jason McNichol, PhD, President and Executive Director

For more information about Jason, please see Our Team.

Cheryl Norris, Treasurer

Cheryl has been intimately involved as an advocate for patients dealing with complex medical problems for over ten years-- on behalf of her husband as well as countless other individuals and families nationwide.  As a participant in the National Brain Tumor Society’s caregiver support network, Cheryl has conducted research for patients and caregivers to help them find support groups in their area, located assistance for certain types of treatment, and advised patients on how to secure the health/medical benefits they need.  Cheryl served on the organizing committee, participated in, and was the leading fundraiser for the 2007 Portland Angel Adventure put on by the National Brain Tumor Foundation.  She has been a guest speaker at numerous patient support events, including the Wellness Community of Arizona.

With her husband, Scott, Cheryl has contributed to "The Essential Guide to Brain Tumors," published by the National Brain Tumor Foundation, and reviewed and commented on the booklet "When Someone You Love Has Completed Cancer Treatment," published by the National Cancer Institute.

Jose Pares-Avila, DNP, LMHC, Board Member Pro Tem

José is a nurse practitioner, mental health counselor, and interdisciplinary researcher on care challenges facing diverse populations. He has over 20 years of experience working in clinical and community settings addressing the unique primary and chronic care needs of children and adolescents, infectious disease patients, Latino immigrants, and sexual minorities. José completed a Doctorate of Nurse Practice at the University of Washington in 2009.

Founding Supporters

Health Advocacy Solutions gratefully acknolwedges the selfless generosity of individuals across the United States who made significant donations in 2009 to help us achieve our 501(c)(3) status.

Aaron Belkin

Jane Clark

Helen and Jay Elder

Rhonda Evans

Jerome and Mickey Giese

Patti Hissman

Maximo Langer

Donna Mac

Andrea McNichol

Ariel McNichol

Djuna Myers

Tom Myers

Scott and Cheryl Norris

Randy Peerson

Greg and Mary Price

Priority Health Chiropractic and Massage

Peter Rachor

Jeff Schaffer

Lauren Schaffer

Gordon Seaberg

Travis Winfrey

Enrique Zamora