Patient,
Equity, Advocacy, Relationship,
Love and
Support.

Breaking Barriers to Ensure Compassion to every Community.

Navigating the healthcare system can feel like an uphill battle, especially for seniors and underserved communities who face countless challenges in accessing the care they deserve. Many individuals are left feeling lost and overwhelmed, trying to make sense of complex policies and fragmented resources. These barriers often go unchallenged, leaving lives at risk and communities underserved. Through compassionate advocacy and impactful community outreach, P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion is here to change that narrative. We believe in standing with patients, empowering them to overcome obstacles, and ensuring that equitable, quality care is not a privilege but a right for everyone.

The Challenges in Achieving Patient Equity

For many individuals, barriers in healthcare aren’t just obstacles they’re walls that block access to the care they deserve. Achieving true patient equity means recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by seniors, African Americans, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and all people in need, especially those navigating social, economic, and systemic disadvantages. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to serve everyone ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of quality, compassionate, and equitable healthcare.

Why Healthcare Disparities Exist

  • Lack of understanding of healthcare policies like Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Difficulty navigating workers’ compensation (WC), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and employer policies.
  • Mental health stigma preventing individuals from seeking the care they need.

These obstacles keep individuals from getting the care they deserve, leading to worsened health outcomes, especially for those from diverse backgrounds. And that’s where P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion comes in.  

Our Compassionate Solution

At P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion, we are dedicated to breaking down these systemic barriers to ensure patient equity. As certified patient advocates, we offer comprehensive services to assist individuals in navigating complex healthcare systems and resources. Our mission is to lead with love, support, and knowledge, fostering trust, and compassion in every relationship we build.

How We Make a Difference

At the core of our mission is a deep commitment to serve all people in need, especially those from historically underserved communities. We understand that healthcare is not one-size-fits-all—and that true equity starts with meeting people where they are. With extensive knowledge of healthcare policies and systems, we provide tailored services designed to break down barriers and uplift every voice. We offer:

  • Certified Patient Advocacy: As licensed medical advocates, we provide knowledgeable, ethical support to individuals navigating complex healthcare systems. We help patients understand their medical rights, treatment options, and care pathways empowering them to make informed decisions. While we do not provide medical advice, we ensure that every person we assist feels heard, supported, and respected throughout their healthcare journey.
  • Diversity Advocacy: We champion equitable access to healthcare for seniors, African Americans, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and all people in need. We amplify voices that have been ignored and push for systems that serve everyone, not just a few.
  • Mental Health Support: We believe mental wellness is health. Through awareness, education, and connection to resources, we help reduce stigma and support emotional wellbeing across all communities.
  • Community Advocacy:

    Community is the foundation of everything we do. Through grassroots outreach, we provide essential resources, critical support, and life-changing opportunities to uplift individuals and strengthen entire communities.

    We are committed to building healthier, more connected, and more empowered communities where every voice matters, and every person has access to the tools they need to thrive. Because everyone deserves to be seen. Everyone deserves support.
    And no one gets left behind.

Services

We combine our knowledge, certification, and love for our community to ensure everyone gets the healthcare they deserve.

Employee Assistance

Helping individuals navigate employer policies related to illness, WC, and FMLA.

Senior Care Support

Providing advocacy and assistance with healthcare needs, daily activities, and finding caregiver matches.

Mental Health Advocacy:

Raising awareness and reducing mental health stigma through education and support programs.

Community Advocacy

P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion is a nonprofit committed to transforming lives through health advocacy and community outreach by providing essential education, resources, and compassionate support.

Diversity Advocacy

We fight for equitable access to healthcare for people of color and women.

Mental Health Support

We promote mental health awareness and provide resources to reduce stigma.

Why Choose P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion?

We are more than advocates we’re educators, professionals, and compassionate leaders with advanced degrees and real-world experience. Our team brings together knowledge and empathy to deliver accurate information, empowering education, and trusted support to the communities we serve.

Guided by the values of Patient, Equity, Advocacy, Relationships, Love, and Support, we work every day to break down barriers, confront healthcare disparities, and help individuals become confident advocates for their own well-being.

Through tailored outreach and culturally responsive care, we foster trust, strengthen communities, and drive meaningful, lasting change.

If you believe in the power of education and advocacy to transform lives we welcome you to stand with us.

Join a mission rooted in equity, compassion, and purpose.

Our Core Values

 P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion

At P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion, we are driven by a mission to transform healthcare with compassion and action, guided by these unwavering values:

  • Patient-Centered Care: We put the individual at the heart of every decision, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs prioritized.
  • Equity in Healthcare: Striving to eliminate disparities and create equal access to quality care for all communities.
  • Advocacy with Impact: Championing patient rights and standing alongside individuals to ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve.
  • Relationships Built on Trust: Leading with empathy, understanding, and collaboration to strengthen connections within communities.
  • Love is at the heart of our health advocacy for P.E.A.R.L.S., driving our commitment to ensuring every individual receives compassionate care, support, and respect in their journey toward better health.
  • Support Through Every Step: Providing unwavering assistance, knowledge, and resources to empower patients on their healthcare journey.

Our values reflect the heart of P.E.A.R.L.S.: Patient, Equity, Advocacy, Relationships, Love, and Support. Together, we are breaking barriers, empowering communities, and building a healthcare system that prioritizes dignity, compassion, and equality.

Our Mission at P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion

At P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion, our mission is clear:
We are here to dismantle systemic barriers in healthcare through compassionate advocacy, culturally responsive outreach, and empowering education delivered by a diverse team of professionals with advanced degrees, certifications, and lived experience.

We are deeply committed to ensuring equitable access to quality care for all, with focused support for underserved communities including seniors, Black and Brown individuals, women, LGBTQIA+ populations, and anyone navigating healthcare inequities.

Grounded in our core values Patient, Equity, Advocacy, Relationships, Love, and Support—we equip individuals with the tools to navigate complex systems, amplify their voices, and advocate for lasting change.

Through grassroots engagement, trusted relationships, and bold leadership, we are transforming lives, empowering communities, and building a healthcare system that is fair, inclusive, and just.

Join us. Together, we turn compassion into action—and make healthcare equity a reality.

Ready to Make a Difference Together?

Are you looking for expert guidance and compassionate care? P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion is here for you. Whether you need help understanding your healthcare rights or advocating for better care, we are ready to assist you.

How to Get Involved

Are you looking for expert guidance and compassionate care? P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion is here for you. Whether you need help understanding your healthcare rights or advocating for better care, we are ready to assist you.

Meet the Team

Tama Lee

Tama Lee

Executive Director

With over 40 years of community service and advanced education in Liberal Arts, Pan African Studies, and Educational Leadership, I founded P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion—a nonprofit dedicated to health advocacy and equity, inspired by personal experiences and driven by the values of Patient, Equity, Advocate, Relationship, Love, and Support to empower individuals and ensure fair access to compassionate care. Your dedication to P.E.A.R.L.S does not go unnoticed, you are appreciated beyond measure.

Michael Morris by PEARLS of Compassion

Michael Morris

President

I’m Michael Morris, owner and primary consultant for The Pearl Management Group, where I provide strategic business management advice and support to help small businesses grow through ventures like Pearl Event Management, CMS Training, and The Village Athletics. With 30 years of experience, including 20 years in corporate roles at IBM and Kao Infosystems, I have developed expertise in business administration and development. Having attended Pacific University and UCLA, and holding certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and USA Track and Field, I also dedicate my time to mentoring. As a track and cross-country coach at Carondelet and De La Salle High Schools, I take pride in empowering individuals and communities to achieve success both on and off the field.

Mattie Carson

Mattie Carson

Vice President

Dr. La Theia Black by PEARLS of Compassion

Dr. La Theia Black

Secretary

A native of Southern California who resides in beautiful Rancho Cucamonga, Dr. La Theia Black, is the founder and owner of The Original Muffin Message, A belief in every bite after leaving her employment as an 18 year full-time School Counselor, and part-time private practice Counselor Psychologist.

Felicia Watts

Felicia Watts

As a Texas native, I relocated to Los Angeles and have spent the past 24 years providing administrative support to the Los Angeles Unified School District. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a focus on HR and Management from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and I am a certified notary currently pursuing a certification in Massage Therapy. Serving on the Board of P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion, I bring a deep devotion to helping others, inspired by my experience caring for my mother during the final years of her life, and I value how the organization supports individuals in preparing for and navigating life's most challenging moments.

Tamara McGruder-Boykins

Tamara McGruder-Boykins

Korey Morris

Korey Morris

I’m Korey Morris, a Northern California native with over 20 years of experience in business management and entrepreneurship, having owned and operated multiple franchises where I excelled in strategic marketing, data driven SEO, analytics, business development, and conceptual innovation. Drawing from this expertise, I founded BEUNCOMMON 247, a consulting firm that empowers businesses to thrive by utilizing adaptable strategies, a proactive approach, and innovative solutions informed by current trends and economic insights.

Deirdre Skelton

Deirdre Skelton

I have dedicated over 40 years to serving children, adolescents, and families in education, focusing on student advocacy, family-school-community connections, and developing programs like homeless education initiatives and girls’ empowerment groups. Holding a BA in Psychology from Pitzer College and an MA in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton, I’ve worked as a Homeless Education and SARB Coordinator for LACOE, a Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor for LAUSD, and a Counseling Assistant and EOPS Counselor at Pasadena City College.

Blog

Compassion in Action: Advancing Health Equity for All

Imagine a healthcare system where your voice goes unheard, your needs are overlooked, and access to care feels impossible. For millions, this is not just a scenario but their daily reality. At P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion, we believe no one should face these challenges alone.

Guided by our core principles of Patient, Equity, Advocate, Relationships, Love, and Support, our mission is to ensure everyone receives the care and compassion they deserve. Whether it’s addressing barriers to healthcare, advocating for patient rights, or promoting equity in underserved communities, we are transforming the lives of individuals through impactful action and meaningful support.

Why Advocacy Matters

Take Maria, a single mother of two. She had to make a devastating choice: pay for her child’s life-saving surgery or cover her rent. Despite making payments, her mounting medical debt destroyed her credit, leaving her stuck in a cycle of hardship. Stories like Maria’s are all too common, but recent policy changes, such as the removal of medical debt from credit reports, offer a glimmer of hope.

At P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion, we are dedicated to bridging these gaps by advocating for those who feel voiceless. Through education, community outreach, and support, we empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and reclaim their futures.

Join the Movement: Your support can help us provide advocacy, education, and compassion to those who need it most. Together, we can break down barriers and ensure equitable care for all.

About Us

P.E.A.R.L.S. of Compassion is dedicated to breaking down healthcare barriers by providing certified patient advocacy, promoting mental health support, and ensuring equitable access to care for underserved communities with empathy and expertise.

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