Have conversations that leave you feeling seen, heard, and respected.

Our primary goal is to transform conversations.

While everyone knows how to communicate, not everyone is excellent at it. Ask anyone, and you will hear personal stories about how communication impacted their job, relationship, or health. The good news is that effective communication is a skill that anyone can hone. With knowledge, modeling, and practice, everyone can be a culturally and ethically competent communicator.

Vision Statement

To cultivate a culture of compassionate communication that transforms difficult conversations into opportunities for connection, healing, and trust.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower professionals, caregivers, and patients with the tools and skills to navigate difficult conversations through empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution. By fostering emotional awareness and clarity, we aim to improve the quality of care, strengthen relationships, and promote well-being for all involved in challenging interactions.

The Compassionate Approach

At the heart of our company lies The Compassionate Approach, a set of core values that guide every interaction we foster. Rooted in empathy, respect, and understanding, this approach shapes how we communicate, collaborate, and care for one another. We believe that compassion is more than a sentiment—it is an actionable commitment to building trust, promoting inclusivity, and strengthening relationships. Whether addressing complex challenges or celebrating shared successes, The Compassionate Approach ensures that every conversation is anchored in kindness and clarity. By embracing these values, we aim to create environments where people feel heard, valued, and supported, empowering both our team and those we serve to thrive.

Infographic titled 'Features of the Compassionate Approach' with four circles containing phrases: 'Raise your Awareness,' 'Listen Actively,' 'Create Space,' and 'Find Courage.' Each circle has a checkmark above the text.

Meet The Team

Malynnda Stewart, PhD (she/her) is a board-certified patient advocate, trained conflict mediator, and the CEO of Compassionate Navigation, LLC. With over two decades of experience, she helps individuals and organizations navigate emotionally charged conversations—whether in clinical settings, classrooms, or the workplace. Her work bridges the worlds of conflict resolution and health communication, grounded in the belief that effective, compassionate dialogue is key to trust, clarity, and equitable outcomes.

Her previous experiences as a professor of conflict resolution, health communication, cultural communication, and interpersonal dialogue, Malynnda brings both academic depth and real-world application to every engagement. She specializes in helping people communicate across differences, manage tension with empathy, and advocate effectively in moments that matter most—whether that’s a difficult conversation at work or a critical decision in healthcare.

Malynnda also hosts the podcast Communication Compass, which is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations strengthen their communication skills in challenging situations. Her work empowers people to engage in meaningful, solution-focused discussions that lead to better relationships, improved well-being, and more inclusive environments.

Person with long brown hair wearing round glasses and a shirt with a circular design, smiling at the camera indoors.

Nikinzie Krstich, MA (she/her) is a dedicated communication professional with expertise in psychology, health communication, and interpersonal relationships. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Health Communication, as well as a Master’s in Communication, with a specialized focus on grief and interpersonal dynamics.

As the Community Outreach Coordinator for Compassionate Navigations, Nikinzie is committed to building meaningful connections and providing essential support to individuals and organizations. She is passionate about lifelong learning, enjoys reading, and embraces new opportunities for growth and exploration.

Person with short hair and glasses smiling in a car, wearing a black Vans t-shirt.

Sam Moon (they/them) is a dedicated public health professional with a passion for advocacy and education. They earned their Bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in 2022 and have spent the past three years working in public health. Most recently, they became a certified Community Health Worker, further strengthening their commitment to community support and healthcare access.

As a Health Educator at IU Health Positive Link, Sam specializes in HIV testing and education, providing essential services to diverse populations. Their work has allowed them to engage with individuals from all walks of life, fostering meaningful connections and promoting inclusive healthcare. In addition, Sam serves as a leader for IU Health’s employee resource group, which supports LGBTQ+ employees and advocates for a more inclusive workplace.

A passionate advocate for transgender healthcare, Sam brings both professional expertise and lived experience to their work. As a genderqueer individual, they have navigated the healthcare system firsthand and have been a dedicated support system for their partner, a trans man, throughout his medical transition. These experiences have deepened their understanding of the communication challenges between patients and healthcare providers, shaping their role as a patient advocate.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys reading, playing video games, and attending community theatre productions with their partner. They also stay busy caring for their two beloved dogs, Moss and Maple.

Woman smiling in front of green foliage wall, wearing a blue shirt and a cross necklace.

Dr. Natasha A. Rascon (she/her) serves as an organizational leadership and crisis communication expert with a passion for applying communication strategies to high-stakes situations. As an Assistant Professor of Communication and Director of Graduate Studies at Indiana State University, she specializes in crisis response, organizational leadership, and effective communication for diverse populations.

Dr. Rascon’s research and consulting work focuses on enhancing communication strategies for leaders, first responders, healthcare teams, and educators. She has developed frameworks to improve crisis preparedness, facilitate decision-making under pressure, and create inclusive communication practices. She is the author of a research manual based on the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) and has published extensively on co-constructed meaning and strategic crisis messaging.

An active leader in the National Communication Association (NCA), Dr. Rascon serves on the Leadership Development Committee and as Treasurer for the Communication as Social Construction division. She also serves as a Faculty Associate at the Global Health Communication Center at Indiana University, Indianapolis.

Dr. Rascon offers consulting services to organizations seeking to strengthen leadership communication, improve crisis response, and foster inclusive workplace cultures. Her expertise is informed by both professional experience and her role as a mother to three neurodivergent children, inspiring her advocacy for effective and compassionate communication.

Areas of Focus

Health Communication

Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction. When patients feel listened to and understood, they are more likely to disclose relevant information about their symptoms, concerns, and lifestyle factors that may affect their health outcomes. It is my goal to help you improve your communication with healthcare providers and enhance your health outcomes.

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Care

Providing LGBTQIA-friendly care is crucial for improving health outcomes. This population often faces unique health disparities and challenges due to societal stigma, discrimination, and lack of understanding within the healthcare system. LGBTQIA-friendly care ensures that healthcare providers create a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming environment where patients feel safe to disclose their sexual orientation, gender identity, and specific health needs without fear of judgment or discrimination. Working with this population one-on-one and with organizations to determine how they can offer LGBTQIA-friendly care also involves, first and foremost, cultural competency training for all healthcare workers. Everyone needs to understand the specific health needs and disparities within the LGBTQIA community, thereby reducing barriers to care and improving overall health outcomes for this population.

Want to learn more about improving health for trans folks? Please sign up for the training series I created for Health Advocate X.

https://www.healthadvocatex.org/xcenter-transgender-advocacy-101/

Trauma Informed Care

Recognizing that trauma affects everyone differently, I have received advocacy training to help me tailor interventions to meet each individual's unique needs. This personalized care ensures that clients feel seen, heard, and respected. Trauma-informed care emphasizes minimizing the risk of re-traumatization by creating a safe and supportive environment. These strategies avoid triggering past trauma, ensuring a more positive client experience.

Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity

Effective culturally competent communication is indispensable for improving health outcomes. Recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of patients is essential for building trust and rapport, which are critical components of patient-provider relationships. By communicating in a culturally sensitive manner, healthcare providers can bridge language barriers, address health disparities, and tailor care plans to meet the unique needs of each patient. Culturally competent communication fosters an inclusive environment where patients feel valued and understood, leading to increased patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment plans, and better health outcomes.

Health and Humor

It only takes one laugh! While it might seem silly health and humor are very closely connected. Humor has the power not only to heal the body and soul but also to bring people together and give you a sense of regained control.

Want to learn a bit more? Here is my TEDx Talk and the link to my upcoming book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWJdDQDb2p8&t=4s

https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003356745/humor-health-media-malynnda-johnson

Interpersonal Communication

Family members can often provide emotional support, encouragement, and assistance in adhering to treatment plans, leading to better health outcomes for all involved. However, we know this is not always happening. Similarly, communication between romantic partners can foster trust, empathy, and shared decision-making in addressing health concerns and promoting healthy behaviors. But what happens when we are unable to openly discuss health goals, concerns, and preferences? We all need people who can provide support and encouragement, leading to improved overall well-being and health outcomes. Let me help you strengthen relationships, enhance social support networks, and promote a sense of connectedness, all of which contribute to better physical and mental health outcomes for individuals and their loved ones.

Conflict Resolution

When conflicts arise among healthcare providers, patients, or between different members of the healthcare team, transparent and respectful communication is essential for understanding. With effective communication skills, all involved can improve their perspective-taking, address concerns, and find mutually acceptable solutions. By fostering open dialogue and active listening, I can help you identify the root causes of conflicts, collaborate on effective strategies for resolution, and prevent misunderstandings that may compromise patient care.

Get the conversation started, today.