At Hoag, the specialized attention provided by our dedicated nurse navigators sets us apart. These nursing professionals do more than guide patients through challenging health care journeys—they become a constant, reassuring presence, available to answer questions, manage complex care transitions, and offer emotional support at every step.

This level of personalized care is made possible through the generosity of Hoag’s dedicated donor community, whose contributions help create a health care environment where patients feel supported and empowered. The following stories showcase just a few of the outstanding nurse navigators across Hoag’s institutes, whose impact is felt deeply by patients and their families every day.

Natalie Davin, BSN, RN
Curci Family Chronic Pain & Neuropathy Program Nurse Navigator | Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute 

As a nurse navigator specializing in pain management, Natalie Davin ensures that patients receive comprehensive, continuous care from hospital admission to outpatient support. “If a patient’s pain management needs go beyond an acute situation, they are referred to me,” Natalie explains. She remains a point of contact for patients, often forming lasting relationships. Natalie’s specialization enables her to identify urgent conditions, in some instances in follow-up conversations on the phone, facilitating prompt action and coordinated care. 

By maintaining close contact and involving patients’ families, she ensures that patients receive continuous support and guidance throughout their treatment journey, leading to effective care and successful transitions. 

Reflecting on the profound impact of philanthropic support for her role, Natalie stated, “I’m not sure the Chronic Pain & Neuropathy Program Nurse Navigator position would have moved forward without Mr. Curci’s donation. In less than a year, I’ve supported over 150 hospital discharges and countless outpatient support measures. Donating to nurse navigation is very tangible; you know you’re directly impacting patient care.”

Jennifer Lozano, BSN, RN 
Brain, Spine and Sarcoma Nurse Navigator  | Hoag Family Cancer Institute

Jennifer Lozano guides patients through complex brain, spine, and sarcoma diagnoses, providing continuity and personalized support during their most challenging moments. “Hoag is also unique in its cancer program. We focus on specific or a couple of disease groups,” Jennifer shared, explaining how this specialization allows for more targeted, personalized care and better overall outcomes. 

A poignant example of Jennifer’s impact occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when she supported a young mother diagnosed with a brain tumor. With hospital restrictions in place, Jennifer provided essential comfort and guidance as the patient received her diagnosis without her family present.

“The neurosurgeon reached out to me and said, ‘Hey, can you come with me? I’m going to go share her diagnosis. The husband will be on the phone, but I’d like you to be there and stay with her after,’” Jennifer recalled, emphasizing the importance of having a familiar face during such daunting times. Jennifer noted, “The journey looks so different without a nurse navigator. Being able to stay with patients who are still processing the shock of a serious diagnosis—being able to support and educate them, especially when family can’t be there—makes such a difference in their care journey.”

Cecilia Fernandez, BSN, RN
Breast Imaging Navigator |Sue J. Gross Comprehensive Breast Center

Cecilia Fernandez embodies the compassionate and personalized care that patients diagnosed with breast cancer at Hoag receive. From the moment of diagnosis, Cecilia is a steady presence, guiding patients through their treatment journey with warmth and expertise.

“I think that’s the critical point,” she says, highlighting the importance of her initial interactions, where she reassures patients that they are in capable and caring hands. Like others in her field, her dedication goes beyond clinical support. Cecilia forms lasting connections, providing each patient with comprehensive resources and making herself readily available for any concerns.

One notable example is a patient who traveled from Chicago for treatment. Cecilia’s guidance and care fostered a bond that extended to the patient’s family, who felt so supported that they referred other loved ones to Hoag. “We’d sit in the lobby and chat like old friends,” Cecilia recalled, reflecting the deep trust and connection she builds with her patients, showcasing the unique impact of Hoag’s nurse navigator program.

Lenni Pearson, BSN, RN  
Clinical Nurse Navigator, Margolis Family Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program | Hoag Digestive Health Institute 

As the clinical nurse navigator for Hoag’s Margolis Family Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program, Lenni Pearson ensures seamless and comprehensive care by coordinating everything from insurance authorizations to treatment plans, providing stability and continuity within the program. Lenni’s dedication to patient advocacy is evident as she supports patients through challenging diagnoses, offering her direct contact information to ensure they feel empowered and informed. “It’s about walking through the fire with a patient,” Lenni explains, highlighting the balance between providing support and empowering patients to advocate for themselves. 

Lenni also fosters strong relationships with donors, keeping them informed about the program’s progress and new initiatives like patient workshops. “It’s rewarding to show them the positive impact of their support,” she shared, acknowledging the significance of donor contributions on both patients and the program’s growth.  

Lisa Kuecker, FNP-BC, CHFN
Nurse Practitioner, Heart Failure Program | Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute 

Over the years, Lisa Kuecker has learned how much heart failure patients value her expertise in answering pressing questions and navigating their conditions. A recipient of Hoag nursing education scholarships, Lisa is grateful for the generous support of philanthropic funds that allowed her to pursue higher education and become a nurse practitioner.

“Treating heart failure patients is a multidisciplinary team approach,” Lisa says. “I think a big part of what I do is give patients more knowledge and education about their diagnosis and serve as another advocate for them.” Lisa routinely checks in with patients after they return home, ensuring they adhere to treatment plans and feel supported. “Patients are so appreciative of the work we do, and it makes me look forward to coming into work every day,” she said.

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