COMPASS FORTE
Connection | Dignity | Support
Navigating the Complex Dynamics of Aging
WELCOME
Welcome to Compass Forte
Compass Forte provides space and time to connect and receive professional support through difficult aging transitions.
Are you, or an older adult you know, experiencing a loss of connection and support?
Is it possible that connecting with support could create a major change?
You're not alone. Aging brings real complexity — and everyone deserves connection and support through it.
Compass Forte is here to listen, reflect, and navigate difficult transitions. Together, we clarify what matters, find personal and professional connections that support you, and move forward with dignity.
Ready to start a conversation with Compass Forte? Let's connect
ABOUT
Foundations of My Practice
Elder advocacy — person-centered support that honors the older adult’s voice, autonomy, and dignity
Trauma-Informed Approach — prioritizes physical and emotional safety, trust, and empowerment to prevent re-traumatization and foster resiliency
Group Facilitation — creating a safe space to be seen and heard, where difficult conversations can transform into shared understanding and connection
Access to Justice — building bridges for older adults and their support teams to access the legal system and support resources
Training and ongoing education
Specialized training in dementia-related behavior and communication
Continuing education in trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based practices
Certification in Mental Health First Aid, Pierce County Health Department
Certified Senior Advisor® (CSA), Society of Certified Senior Advisors
Certification track mediation practicum, Center for Dialog & Resolution (Washington State)
Professional Experience
Three major influences shape my career: working with older adults living in dementia care homes, advocating for equitable access to the legal system for older adults at a Pro Bono Law Firm, and facilitating difficult conversations at an Alternative Dispute Resolution Center.
Together, these experiences taught me how to hold space without rushing the process, how to advocate for the individual's dignity when systems can't, and how to translate and connect diverse voices to ensure the client's voice stays present and the knowledge gets shared.
Compass Forte serves older adults, their families, and their professional teams by connecting them into a cohesive support network that communicates with one another and respects the individuals' dignity.
Professional Ethics
My practice is grounded in a framework of moral principles that prioritize physical, emotional, and psychological safety.
My professional commitments include confidentiality, competence, and integrity. I honor each client's voice, autonomy, and dignity through person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive communication. I work transparently within the professional limits of my role and recognize the value of other professionals' input. I seek connectedness among all parties while promoting client autonomy and resiliency.
Sources:
The Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA) Code of Professional Responsibility
American Bar Association (ABA) ADR Model Rules of Professional Conduct
California State Bar Rules of Conduct for Mediators
SAMHSA Six Guiding Principles of a Trauma-Informed Approach
Mental Health First Aid (National Council for Mental Wellbeing)
Professional Memberships
The Society of Certified Senior Advisors
The San Diego County Bar Association
The Southern California Mediation Association
The Center for Dialog & Resolution
Volunteer Service
Mediator — The Center for Dialog and Resolution (Tacoma, WA)
Community Organizations— Solana Beach
I’m Elizabeth Lee, Founder of Compass Forte. As a Consultant, my specialized background includes over a decade of experience working with older adults living with dementia. My additional training includes trauma-informed communication, Certified Senior Advisor® certification, facilitative mediation, and legal advocacy alongside attorneys serving older clients.
I support older adults, their families, and their legal, financial, and care professionals by facilitating conversations, clarifying decision-making, and connecting support teams as we navigate the complex dynamics of aging.
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ENDORSEMENTS
The work of Compass Forte is best understood through the voices of those with firsthand experience. The following endorsements come from professionals across the legal, social services, and healthcare fields.
“I always breathed a sigh of relief when my clients worked with Elizabeth. I never had to worry about them when Elizabeth was assisting them.”
—Attorney, Tacoma, Washington
“Elizabeth is thoughtful about hearing the client’s story and sitting in discomfort and trauma with them instead of immediately jumping to how to solve the problem. This is the kind of active reflection that makes a good caseworker even better..”
—Social Services Specialist, Tacoma, Washington
“I had the opportunity to work alongside Elizabeth in my role as a nurse while she was advocating for a woman living with dementia during her later years. Elizabeth consistently demonstrates a high level of compassion, optimism, and dedication. Her thoughtfulness towards her client’s preferences and needs was always prioritized, and Elizabeth was always receptive to the communication from the healthcare team. From a nursing perspective, Elizabeth’s presence as a liaison brought reassurance and continuity of care to the family. She exemplifies the kind of advocacy that supports both the patient and the care team.”
- Memory Care Nurse, Tacoma, Washington