About Us

Guiding Patients Through Healthcare Complexity:
Our Services & Market Research Impact

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what we do

Pillar Patient Advocates

Pillar Patient Advocates, a private patient advocacy firm, is dedicated to guiding patients through the complexities of the healthcare system, empowering them to make well-informed choices along their journey. As Board Certified Patient Advocates (BCPs), we assist patients in understanding their diagnosis, scheduling appointments, resolving insurance issues, and providing ongoing support.

Thanks to our strong patient relationships, market research firms seek our assistance in inviting patients to participate in paid health-related studies, benefiting both our patients and our business. Participants receive compensation for their time and have the chance to share their stories and opinions directly with healthcare and pharmaceutical companies. These studies primarily focus on understanding patient needs and lifestyles, helping us provide better treatment options. At Pillar Patient Advocates, our unwavering commitment to patient care and healthcare advancement remains central to our mission.

meet the team

Who We Are

BA, BCPA – Board Certified Patient Advocate, Oncology Patient Navigator Certificate from George Washington University, QPR Institute Gatekeeper for Suicide Prevention Certificate

Linda Pelligra is the founder and CEO of Pillar Patient Advocates. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kean University, where she proudly served as the President of the Delta Sigma Pi sorority. After holding different sales and marketing roles within the pharmaceutical industry, she was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Melanoma Research Foundation and was the first to be named the Executive Director. Leveraging her experience and education, she went on to work with the Rutgers University Child’s Health Institute of New Jersey.

Upon realizing the importance of patient advocacy within the healthcare industry, she knew she could use her experience and background to help and thus she created Pillar Patient Advocates. As the CEO, she oversees all aspects of the company, and is particularly passionate about our advocacy services. As a Board-Certified Patient Advocate, she is qualified and prepared to help patients navigate the healthcare system. From a conversation about a new diagnosis, to accompanying patients on their next doctors’ appointment, Linda makes people feel confident about their interactions within the healthcare system. Linda leads and supports the Pillar staff by encouraging them to enroll in continuing education opportunities and participate in events that benefit our local community.

Linda leads a full social life that includes her family, friends, and her connections with like-minded leaders from local organizations that share similar goals. She is passionate about supporting our veterans and vulnerable communities and demonstrates her dedication by being active in the New Brunswick Elks and supporting the Town Clock Community Development Corporation’s mission of providing support to victims of domestic violence. In her leisure time, she will likely be on a boat or jet ski, entertaining her family and friends, enjoying competitive game nights, playing tennis, gardening or just enjoying a peaceful day at home.

Linda’s insatiable desire to support others has been key in making Pillar Patient Advocates the established entity it is today. Her willingness to help others and her optimistic outlook is something that helps set us apart from other firms. Linda is the backbone of this company and is a cornerstone of the community.

Erin Pilkington - Senior Director, Patient & Client Services

Denise Batista - Senior Manager of Marketing

Victoria Pasciolla - Human Resources Manager

Christine Obermaier - Project Manager

Miriam Mendoza-Doyen - Project Operations Specialist

Amani Khafaja - Outreach Specialist

Maya Davis - Administrative Data Coordinator

Lindsay Gold - Social Media Coordinator

Justin Lee - Patient Liaison

Neffetari Edmond - Patient Liaison

Denasia Wright - Patient Liaison

Suzanne Jones - Bookkeeper

Hannah Flemming - Sales Assistant

Breda Jones - Administrator (Part-Time)

Letter from the President

Welcome to Pillar Patient Advocates, where professional expertise meets compassionate care. Our dedicated team is on a mission to assist patients from all walks of life, guiding them through the complexities of the healthcare system with unwavering support and understanding. Whether facing a chronic condition or a sudden health challenge, we are here to be your ally, providing comprehensive assistance tailored to your unique needs. At Pillar Patient Advocates, we believe that every patient’s voice matters. As Board Certified Patient Advocates, we prioritize your well-being and ensure you receive the highest level of care.

Our commitment to making a difference goes beyond individual patients – it extends to the entire healthcare community. Thanks to our strong relationships with leading market research firms, we offer patients the opportunity to participate in paid health-related studies. By sharing your experiences and insights, you contribute to shaping the future of healthcare and pharmaceutical advancements, not just for yourself but for all patients. These research studies play a pivotal role in understanding patient needs and lifestyle preferences, leading to the development of better treatment options for diverse medical conditions.

At Pillar Patient Advocates, we are more than just advocates; we are a team of compassionate individuals dedicated to making a lasting impact in the lives of patients. Together, let us pave the way for a healthier future and empower patients to take charge of their well-being with confidence and strength. Your journey to comprehensive healthcare begins here, and we stand ready to support you every step of the way.

Warm Regards,

Linda Pelligra

Careers

PPA Careers

Make a Difference. Build a Career with Purpose.

Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and shaping the future of healthcare. Visit our Careers page to explore current opportunities and become part of our mission.

PPA has some of the best customer services and results, and we really value your partnership! Your team is great to work with.

Project Manager, Market Research Firm, Rett Syndrome Study, 2024

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