Biographies

Leanne Wylet, B.A.

Founder, President, Consultant Leanne Wylet hasn’t let multiple learning disabilities stop her from pursuing her life mission: access to alternative medicine. Leanne graduated with a BA in Psychology & Sociology from Central Washington University long before her disabilities were professionally diagnosed, only to be told that she shouldn’t have been able to get a college degree. This web page you are now visiting was built by Leanne. She discovered a program that doesn’t require know html codes nor training as a web master. She’d be happy to share information about this upon request. Leanne is the Founder and President of Patients for Alternative Medicine (PfAM) which she founded in 1995 as the Patient Coalition for Naturopathic Physicians (PCNP). The new name represents a broader focus for the organization, although Leanne has been networking and troubleshooting for patients of a variety of alternative medicine providers.

Leanne Wylet’s dedication to alternative medicine was born out of personal need. Medical doctors had refused to treat her annoying symptoms because they were all “within the normal range.” Searching for nutritional answers, Leanne became a Health Educator for a company which sells food supplements. Many individuals came to her requesting information on how they could improve their health. She’d arm them with educational materials, but was careful not to prescribe. At that time, the closest doctor trained in natural medicine lived in Oregon. It wasn’t until she saw a Naturopathic Physician that her health gradually improved. She has now been symptom-free for some time, thanks to alternative health care. As her body has healed, her thinking has become more clear, making it much easier to compensate for the disabilities.

Ms. Wylet brings a broad range of experience to her role as patient advocate. She learned about business practice and public relations by observing her father’s thriving business. In the 50's, she saw her father successfully spearhead lobbying for professional licensing of beauticians. In addition to training as a Job Placement Specialist and experience as a Vocational Rehab Counselor, Leanne has obtained medical billing, patient advocacy, marketing, and office management skills by doing insurance office work. These life experiences have taught her how easy it is to fall through the cracks when the “one size fits all” approach doesn’t work.

Leanne became concerned about the future of alternative medicine In 1993, when the State of Washington and the Clinton administration both campaigned for vast government controls over health care. The Patient Coalition for Naturopathic Physicians (PCNP), which she founded in 1995, has now been renamed Patients for Alternative Medicine {PfAM). PfAM is dedicated to informing patients and other concerned individuals about the issues which impact: access to alternative health care providers, availability of food supplements, and the safety and nutritional value of foods.

The PfAM is a grassroots organization of patients, complementary health care providers, and other supporters of alternative medicine. To encourage others to join the organization, Leanne has developed a set of tools to assist with grass roots lobbying. She has also created an Office Practice Manual, a Support Group Manual and other materials to help patients advocate for themselves. She said she is extremely fortunate to have a very supportive Executive Board including Helen Lawler, Editor who has brought their newsletter, The Patients’ Voice (formally, One Voice) into it’s third year of publication. Leanne always makes a point to emphasize this organization belongs to everyone and each person has something unique to offer. To learn more about the organization please browse through this web site. You are welcome to e-mail her at: lhousden@televar.com. She is available for speaking engagements and can provide a resume and more information about PfAM upon request.