Employee Spotlight: Elise Allen, Patient Service Specialist
Meet Elise Allen, a Patient Service Specialist who brings adaptability, dedication and a whole lot of heart to her role supporting Contessa’s Palliative Care programs. She plays a vital behind-the-scenes role, helping patients access care when and where they need it.
Working remotely from New Mexico, Elise provides essential coordination for teams across the country. Her primary focus is Palliative Care at Home in Tennessee, but she’s also cross-trained to support Henry Ford Health and Mount Sinai Palliative Care at Home programs, as well as the Care Transitions Support Program in Connecticut
We recently caught up with Elise to learn more about her path to health care, what fuels her passion and how she recharges in her mountain home.
All About Me
Elise’s journey into health care began in a Texas correctional facility, where she worked for 13 years before transitioning into psychiatric care and eventually specializing in the rehabilitation and support of individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Over time, she earned certifications as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) and in performing electroencephalograms (EEGs) — each step bringing her closer to roles where she could make a more personal impact.
“I started my career in corrections,” she explains, “but my heart led me to care roles where I could make a real difference.”
Today, Elise handles incoming calls, orders durable medical equipment (DME) and labs, manages medical record requests and supports therapy coordination across several Contessa programs. Her work helps ensure seamless experiences for patients and care teams alike.
Outside of work, Elise is a creative spirit and nature lover who enjoys DIY projects, caring for exotic pets and exploring the outdoors with her husband and their five children. “Living in the mountains has brought me so much peace — and clean air!” she says with a smile.
What I Love About Contessa
Elise thrives in Contessa’s fast-paced, ever-changing environment. “I love the energy here. The culture is vibrant, and everyone brings something unique to the table,” she says.
She credits her team’s success to collaboration and shared values. “Everyone is awesome. The diversity, innovation and problem-solving we each bring from our backgrounds and different experiences makes working here so pleasant,” she shares.
What motivates her most is the unseen impact her work makes every day. “Even if patients don’t know my name, I know I’m helping make their journey smoother. That invisible support means everything to me.”
Advice to Others
For those new to the Patient Service Specialist role — or any support role — Elise offers this advice:
“Prioritize learning and continuous growth. Be courageous, have curiosity and dedication. That mindset will serve you well.”
Thank you, Elise, for your dedication, humility and heart. Your work embodies the spirit of Contessa — supporting patients with compassion, precision and pride.