Meet Alyson Figlioli, BS, RN, CBCN, an Annapolis mom of two boys, wife, and Oncology Nurse Navigator at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.
She guides and supports cancer patients and their families from diagnosis through the end of active treatment, and into survivorship. Alyson ensures patients have a voice and an understanding of their care plan while deciphering complex data to help patients make informed decisions.
Alyson shares how important it is to “grab all the joy and time together that you can”, her favorite mom hack for finding calm in the chaos, and the top things she wishes people knew about her role as an Oncology Nurse Navigator at Luminis Health.
Tell us a little bit about you and your family! Where did you grow up? How long have you lived in the area? How many kids do you have?
I moved to Annapolis from Washington, DC when I was 7. I grew up in St. Margaret’s and now live in Round Bay in Severna Park. I married my college sweetheart and convinced him to move to Maryland when we graduated from Penn State. We will be married for 30 years this fall. I have two boys who are 25 and 21. My oldest lives in Baltimore (he will be moving to the Navy Yard in June) and works in Annapolis. My younger son graduates from college in May and starts a position with McCormick as a process engineer in July. Everyone is thriving, and that feels good.
You are an Oncology Nurse Navigator at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. How did you get to your career today? Tell us how you got started!
I have a Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration. I initially pursued a career in healthcare management, focusing primarily on provider relations. In my final role in healthcare management, I served as the Director of Network Management for United Healthcare of the Mid-Atlantic, overseeing their provider relations, contracting, database management, and credentialing departments.
I took almost a decade off to be a stay-at-home Mom. It was then that I realized I was always meant to be a caregiver and returned to school to earn my nursing degree. I have been an Oncology Nurse Navigator at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center since 2012.
Tell us about all your certifications of BS, RN, and CBCN.
I am a nationally certified oncology nurse. My certification and training allow me to work with cancer patients from diagnosis through the end of their active treatment and into survivorship. I strive to make complex information understandable. Data shows that informed patients make informed decisions, which improves compliance with treatment plans and results in improved clinical outcomes.
As an Oncology Nurse Navigator, what are some ways you guide and support cancer patients and their families through the complex healthcare journey?
My job is to ensure that patients have a voice in and an understanding of their care plans. I also identify, address, and eliminate any barriers (e.g., health literacy, treatment decision-making, medical comorbidities, emotional and financial distress, and others) to quality healthcare. I also connect patients to supportive care such as nutrition, physical therapy, social work, palliative care, and smoking cessation. Finally, I communicate with patients’ primary care doctors and specialists to guarantee multi-disciplinary input and agreement.
What do you wish people knew about your important job?
Our team of Oncology Nurse Navigators at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center has the privilege of being a friend, mentor, cheerleader, teacher, counselor, coach, facilitator, confidant, and consultant for patients right here in our community when they are often at their most vulnerable. We are proud of the work we do and know we make a difference by improving our neighbors' lives each and every day.
How has your job shifted your perspective on Motherhood?
Life is tenuous and brief. Grab all the joy and time together that you can. And, it can’t be overstated - always be kind - many people carry immense burdens that most of us never see.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Hmmm. I’m a pretty open book. Here’s a silly project I am focused on right now: I am Gen X and am working very hard on ditching the habit of typing two spaces after a period!
What’s something you love that’s just for you?
I love to work in my garden. It’s a meditation for me. Nature is endlessly resilient and beautiful and always full of new surprises.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier.
It’s hardly a hack, but I love a list. Sometimes I will add a completed task to my list, just for the satisfaction of crossing it off! Mothers are responsible for so much - careers, kids, aging parents, our homes, and social lives. It can be very overwhelming. A good list prevents me from feeling like I will miss or forget something important and gives me a real sense of control.
Name something you hope your children look back and remember about their childhood and you as their mama.
I hope they will always remember how important philanthropy is. I have always volunteered with various causes - social, environmental, educational, and community. I have met amazing people, learned a ton, and believe that I make a real impact.
When you are in a position to do so, it’s important to share your time, talent, and resources. In the coming months, I believe giving back in this way will be more important than ever.
Best advice for mom guilt.
Don’t ruminate. We are all just doing the best we can every day.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
We love sports - going to Navy games, Orioles games, Ravens games, and even our local high school sports.
What have you learned from your children?
They are both very spontaneous and ready for adventure always. It’s easy to forget to be that way and to get mired in your routine and obligations.
Greatest gift about being a mom.
Oh gosh - it’s all a gift, isn’t it? Now that they are adults, I am so proud of the people they have become, to witness what drives them, and to know the amazing people they’ve surrounded themselves with. But the best thing of all is that my sons truly like and support each other. I know they will always have each other.
Luminis Health is a nonprofit regional health system that was formed when Doctors Community Medical Center joined Anne Arundel Medical Center, each with rich histories of serving their communities. Together, Luminis Health provides care for 1.8 million people in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties, the Eastern Shore and beyond. Their team makes it refreshingly easy to access care with a network of more than 100 practice locations, including Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, Luminis Health Pathways, and Doctors Community Rehabilitation and Patient Care Center.
The network of support services at Luminis Health can provide comfort and practical help for you and your loved ones during the challenging time of a cancer diagnosis. The goal of their support services are to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes before, during, and beyond cancer treatment.
Luminis Health Support Services include:
- Nurse Navigators
- Spiritual Care
- Palliative Care
- Nutrition Services
- Oncology Rehabilitation Services
- Survivorship Care
- Genetic Counseling
- Social Work
- Financial Counseling
- Cancer Events + Classes
Learn how Luminis Health Support Services can help you and your loved ones.
We love supporting local businesses! What are your favorite places in the Anne Arundel County area to:
Go on a date night: My husband loves music - all genres - we enjoy listening to live music. We are fortunate to have Rams Head, Merriweather, and so many local restaurants and bars that offer live music options. I am happy that he’s passed that appreciation on to our sons. Music is an integral part of our family.
Go out to dinner as a family: We love East West Bistro in Pasadena. Yo-Yo is our favorite server; she treats us like royalty.
Get your hair done: I have very curly hair, so I need a specialist!! I get a Rezo cut from Liliana Luna at Luna Hair Design.
Get your nails done: I have been going to Jade Nails in Severna Park forever. Kelly and her husband run a nice shop.
Have fun as a family: My husband and I recently joined a couples Duck Pin bowling league at Severna Park Lanes. What a hoot. Duck Pin bowling has to be the hardest game ever.
Give back to the community: I am currently serving on the Board of the Severna Park Community Center. What a gem! They have so many amazing programs for kids, teens, adults, and seniors. Swimming, dance, fitness, health and wellness, and educational programs. If you are not familiar, you need to check them out!
Want to meet other Moms like Alyson? See all the Meet a Mom profiles! Or email me to be featured as Meet a Mom.
