
Our Team


Kathryn Mello, RN
Founder and Health Navigator of North Star Navigators
Licensed in Maryland and California, a member of the
American Nursing Association, and CPR certified
With a passion for healthcare that spans nearly two decades, Kathryn Mello brings a wealth of experience
and dedication to North Star Navigators. Licensed in Maryland for the past 19 years, Kathryn's journey
began in Telemetry/Med-Surg at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), where she served
both as a bedside and Charge RN for a bustling 27-bed unit in Baltimore City.
Her commitment to personalized patient care led her to excel as a Care Coordinator with Sharecare,
supporting the CareFirst population. This role further honed her skills in outpatient support and care
navigation. Kathryn's innovative spirit shone brightly during her tenure at a telehealth startup, where she
played a pivotal role in creating and enhancing the health services department, with a focus on Medicaid
populations across various states.
In November, Kathryn took a bold step to resign from her position as Director of Health Services to
pursue her true passion—providing support services to the elderly. She established North Star Navigators
to address the often hard-to-discuss topics that are crucial for ensuring smooth and dignified golden years for seniors. Her commitment to this mission is deeply personal, stemming from her experiences caring for her grandparents and parents over the past twenty years.
Kathryn's personal journey, combined with her professional expertise, fuels her drive to make a
meaningful impact in elder care. What makes this mission even more extraordinary is the opportunity to
work alongside her brother, making it a true family endeavor.
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The joy Kathryn derives from nursing and supporting her fellow man has always been her guiding star.
Through North Star Navigators, she remains steadfast in her loyalty to her profession, her continuous
pursuit of learning, and her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of seniors.
Fun Facts:
Loves Family (especially her Twin Sons), the Outdoors (Land & Water), Good Food (half
Italian), Animals (four Rescue Dogs), Music, Dancing, and most things scary.
Dislikes: people who don’t use blinkers, Tuna or Egg Salad, and people who get animals and give
them away.
Our Team:
Brother & Sister
Duo




Ryan J. Mello
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Office manager, NSN Support/ Billing
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Graduate of the University of North Texas with BA in Sociology. Former school teacher from Presidio, TX. I've worked as a customer service specialist for American Airlines, and as a Park Services manager for Coney Island Cincinnati and other water parks.
20 years off and on with 5 years as full time care giver to elderly grandparents.
Fun Facts:
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Loves Hiking Outdoors (dessert and prairie), Playing the piano (ragtime), art (painting), weight training and working on cars.
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Dislikes, feta cheese (allergic), being bored, and not appreciating simple pleasures in life.


Gabrielle Riley, NP Medical Director: is a trusted family friend, experienced healthcare professional, and owner of Bright Waters Psychiatry and Wellness in Maryland. As our Program and Consulting Medical Director, she brings expertise and compassionate care to everything she does.