Ziah McKinney, BCPA, BADT FSD, EBB® CBE

About these Clinics/Practices

Board Certified Patient Advocate | Health Educator | Full Spectrum Doula | Disability Specialist

My approach is inclusive and affirming of Disabled, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and reproductive health communities. I specialize in translating complex medical information into practical, day-to-day understanding and empowering clients to communicate effectively with their care teams.

I provide trauma-informed advocacy, education, and support for people navigating pregnancy and/or complex or often misunderstood conditions—especially Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), dysautonomia/POTS, MCAS, Long COVID, and neurodivergent health needs. As a survivor of undiagnosed hEDS and a lifelong caregiver across four generations, I bring both lived experience and extensive training to help clients feel informed, confident, and heard in medical settings.

What I Offer:
• Appointment preparation, symptom tracking, and medical record organization
• Research support and health literacy education
• Accompaniment to medical appointments for note-taking, support, and advocacy
• Navigation of EDS, dysautonomia, and complex diagnostic journeys
• Full Spectrum Doula support: fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, loss, and lactation
• Surgery preparation, recovery planning, and care-team communication
• Connecting clients with knowledgeable, affirming providers

Background & Training:
• Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA)
• Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Educator- Disability Specialist
• Full Spectrum Doula (Birthing Advocacy Doula Training)
• 150+ hours EDS ECHO education; ongoing Clinician ECHO participant
• Massage Therapist 30+ years
• Only Doula listed in the Ehlers-Danlos Society Healthcare Professional Directory
• Creator of five EDS guides/zines (Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, Infant Feeding, info editorial)
• Presenter on Disability & Birth and Navigating Healthcare with EDS since 2007
• SAFE Infant Feeding in Emergencies Training IYCF-E

I’m dedicated to making healthcare more accessible, respectful, and empowering, especially for those who have been overlooked, dismissed, or misdiagnosed. You don’t have to navigate complex health systems alone, let’s move forward together.

Professional Designation: BCPA, BADT FSD, EBB® CBE

Professional Boards and Affiliations: Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA- PACBOARD)