Alison Tompkins, AGNP-C — Patient Advocate, Reston VA

Alison the clinician

Fifteen years across oncology, palliative care, hospice, and corporate wellness taught me that the hardest part of care isn't the medicine — it's the space between appointments, where families sit alone with hard information. Healthgarden is that space, filled.

I've spent most of my clinical career walking alongside people facing serious diagnoses. Before Healthgarden, I built a corporate wellness clinic at Bloomberg Industry Group under Inova. I saw firsthand how much better outcomes are when someone has clinical support translating what's happening — and I wanted to offer that outside the fifteen-minute appointment window, for the people who need it most.

A few things about me

I know one of the challenges in healthcare is finding a provider you trust. That's essential to the collaborative relationship, and I want anyone I work with to feel comfortable discussing vulnerable topics. So — here are a few things:

The name Healthgarden came to me while listening to Soundgarden. A spark from two of my passions — healthcare and music.

On that note — I love basically all genres of music. Sincerely.

A purple and pink bicycle decorated with custom details — Sparkle PonyI love riding my bike, which I decked out in purple, pink, and gold. My husband named her Sparkle Pony.

I have two sons who want to spend all our free time riding the Metro. They are absolutely enthused with public transit.

Before I became a nurse, I worked at an animal hospital. Through that experience, I realized my heart couldn't handle seeing animals suffer — and that my strength was caring for people. I helped care for my grandfather while going through nursing school.

A cat and a dog resting together on a blanket — Bingo & CharlieAnd yes, they do, in fact, get along. They are the best and we adore them.

I firmly believe in being honest and transparent. It would be a privilege to help you reach your healthcare goals. My mission is to treat everyone with respect, dignity, and compassion.

— Alison

How I work

Anti-suffering.

The core question is always whether this reduces suffering and improves quality of life. If the answer is unclear, we slow down.

Clinical honesty.

You get my actual clinical read, not the reassurance version. Warm, direct, and grounded in what the records actually say.

Alongside, not instead.

Your primary care and specialists stay central. I work in the gaps — pre-appointment prep, translation, coordination, follow-through.