Join FemCity Roanoke for our montly signature connection event, featuring Natalie Elliott//CareForward.
In this presentation, Natalie will explore the world of caregiving, sharing who caregivers are, the challenges they face, and how we can better support them. Drawing from her personal journey as a caregiver for her husband and mother, Natalie will provide insights, practical advice, and resources to help caregivers navigate their roles. She will also introduce her podcast, Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, and her innovative platform, CareForward, which connects individuals in need with volunteers and partner organizations to improve health outcomes and strengthen communities.
About Natalie:
Natalie Elliott Handy, MSW, is a seasoned healthcare executive with 25 years of experience in the health and human services sector. She is the CEO of CareForward, an innovative platform that connects individuals in need with community volunteers and partner organizations, enhancing the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients.
In addition to her role at CareForward, Natalie is the co-host of the podcast Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, alongside her sister JJ Elliott-Hill. Together, they lead numerous initiatives to support caregivers, including educational resources, community outreach, and the podcast, which has over 300K monthly downloads and streaming listens across 54 countries. Their work explores the challenges and rewards of caregiving, offering support, inspiration, and resources to caregivers worldwide.
Natalie also serves as a consultant for Health Connect America, where she supports initiatives across Virginia and eight southeastern states. Previously, she has served as CEO of a statewide mental health organization, CEO of three psychiatric residential treatment facilities in Virginia, and VP of Utilization Review and Clinical Audit.
Prior to her role at CareForward, Natalie was CEO of a statewide mental health organization, CEO of three psychiatric residential treatment facilities in Virginia, and VP of Utilization Review and Clinical Audit. She is known for her work as a mental health concierge, advocating for systemic change at local, state, and federal levels, and for bridging gaps in services.
Natalie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hollins College and a Master of Social Work from West Virginia University. Based in Roanoke, Virginia, she resides with her husband, Jason, and their pets, Winston the Bulldog and Daisy the Beagle.
RSVP by December 2nd. Lunch will be served. Please email beth@femcity.com if you have special dietary needs.
Note: There is a separate entrance to the Annello’s banquet room at Montano’s, to the left of the restaurant’s main entrance.
