About Us
Terry McLellan, BSN, RN, BCPA
Hello, My name is Terry McLellan the founder of SunNav Health Care Advocates, LLC bringing over 25 years of experience in health care.
Registered Nurse working in the following health care roles:
- Long-term care facilities (Nursing Homes)
- Inpatient medical-surgical floors
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics inpatient and home health
- Neuro Oncology
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Home health
- Quality and Performance Improvement
- Recruiting of Nursing Staff
- Co-Instructor of CNA Program
- Board Certified Patient Advocate
I love my family and friends fiercely. I enjoy cooking, baking, playing games, bowling, golfing, or relaxing time with friends.
About Me
My journey in healthcare began at just 16 when I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification through a vocational high school program. My work in nursing homes laid the foundation for my passion and dedication to patient care, which I carried with me throughout my education and professional career.
After high school, I pursued my nursing degree at Husson University in Bangor, Maine, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a degree in Psychology in 1994. Throughout college, I balanced my studies with work in nursing homes, home health care, and even waitressing to fund my education. These experiences across pediatrics, adult care, critical care, prison nursing, medical-surgical units, ICU, step-down units, neuro-oncology, and acute psychiatric hospitals enriched my understanding of patient needs and the healthcare system across the wide range of care and specialities.
From 2009 to 2020, I focused on home health care, serving as both Director of Nursing and Associate Director of Nursing for Medicare home care and private assisted services for the elderly. During this time, I developed a deep understanding of coding, health insurance, and the complexities of healthcare management. My experience as a psychiatric nurse also led me to create a late-life depression program, which further fueled my commitment to patient advocacy.
In 2020, inspired by the needs I observed while RVing across the country, I became a certified Independent Patient Advocate. I opened SunNav Healthcare Advocates LLC in December 2020, with the mission to provide comprehensive advocacy services for clients of all ages—from newborns to the elderly. My unique background allows me to offer specialized support, including helping veterans secure the benefits they deserve and advocating for patients in acute and chronic care settings.
Over the years, I've had the honor of being published in several magazines and speaking at the Healthcare Advocate Summit, where I shared insights from my career.
My passion for helping others is not just a profession—it's a calling.
Through SunNav Healthcare Advocates, I strive to use my skills to support, guide, and advocate for those navigating the often overwhelming healthcare system. My work is not just about making a living; it’s about honoring the Lord and serving others as part of my ministry.
The story behind the name SunNav
The butterfly has always been a symbol of my Savior’s stamp of approval for me. If I felt lost, unsure, depressed, imperfect a butterfly would appear. It was as though God was saying you are still a work in progress just like the butterfly. I love the Lord with all my heart.
That is where the circadian clock comes in. Embedded within the insects 39 antennae are these biological clocks. They help the butterfly determine what time it is. So if the sun is close to the horizon, these clocks indicate whether it is rising or setting and if it is in the east or west. Butterflies are first an egg to the caterpillar then to the chrysalis (cocoon) and then go through a complete metamorphosis to become the butterfly. It is constantly changing just like our health care system. It can be a painful process to navigate but when the process is complete there is peace and beauty.
My goal is to help you and your loved ones find your way in this complicated health care system.
Fly like the butterfly with beauty and peace.
Our Labradoodle Lily
Lily is grown now and 45 pounds. She loves catching the frisbee at the dog park and swimming in the ponds. She enjoys being with Troy everywhere he goes when possible.