The Beginning
Heed was founded in 2007, though the work began many years earlier, when founder Amy Hyams began navigating the complex world of Type I Diabetes. By learning to advocate for herself while still a child, she laid the foundations for her work as a patient advocate.

In 2001 Amy became certified as a Doula - an advocate for women during their pregnancies, labors, and birth. She has supported families at more than 115 births, guiding women as they make decisions not only for themselves, but ultimately, for their children.

Support Through Transitions
Amy found immense gratification and success in supporting families through this amazing time of transition. She also learned that today’s complex medical system is ill-equipped to view patients as individuals with unique sets of needs and goals, no matter what their health condition.

Because of this she began to expand her advocacy practice in 2007, extending her expertise to help others faced with health transitions or in need of support.

Details, Details
Prior to her work as an Advocate, Amy spent 20 years as a project manager in the corporate sector, building expert skills in organization, communication, and detail management. Her clients included Apple Computer, Interval Research, and Stone Yamashita Partners.

In her private life, Amy enjoys reading fiction, The New Yorker, and books about the nascent field of narrative medicine. She also hikes, does yoga, plans more vacations than she ultimately takes, and sees friends and films as often as possible.

For more information about Heed, contact us.

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