Today we’d like to introduce you to Altia Landis.
Hi Altia , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a young Black girl growing up in the inner city of Miami, I always carried a dream of helping others. That dream led me to pursue medicine, and though my path ultimately took me into a field that is often overlooked, I have found a profound sense of purpose as a practicing Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner, caring for the aged population confined to institutions across Broward. What many might see as a forgotten population, I came to see as a community full of wisdom, resilience, and stories worth hearing. I fell in love with sitting by their side, listening to their journeys, and treating them with the dignity they deserve. Through this work, I came to understand how deeply mental health affects nearly every facet of a person’s life, and how profoundly it shaped theirs. Today, I work tirelessly to improve their mental health, not only to ease their suffering, but also to preserve their ability to give back to younger generations who need their voices and experiences most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth. Growing up as a young Black woman in the inner city of Miami, I faced challenges that extended far beyond academics. Limited resources, financial constraints, and environments where opportunities felt scarce were constant realities. At times, I was made to feel that my dreams of entering medicine were too ambitious for someone who looked like me or came from my background. Navigating predominantly white educational institutions also brought its own struggles. Feelings of isolation, implicit bias, and the need to constantly prove my worth in spaces where representation was limited.
Additionally working with the elderly in institutional settings was not the most glamorous or sought-after specialty, and it came with its own set of challenges. These patients are often overlooked, underfunded, and underserved, requiring not just medical care but advocacy.
Yet, these struggles shaped me. They taught me persistence, deepened my empathy, and gave me the ability to connect with patients who also feel unseen. My identity and many of these experiences as a Black woman are not barriers but strengthens my ability to care for the elderly.
We’ve been impressed with Advanced Care Consultants , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
You can call me “A Voice for the wise”—because that’s truly where my heart lies. For the past 12 years, I’ve been working inside skilled nursing facilities across Broward County, showing up every day for a population that is too often overlooked.
My work is rooted in psychiatric and mental health care, but I also bring the versatility of being dual-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. This allows me to address both the medical and the mental health needs of my patients in a holistic, compassionate way. What sets me apart is not just my credentials, but my approach—I don’t see these residents as “the forgotten population,” but as individuals with rich stories, wisdom, and an enduring ability to give back to younger generations if only we take the time to listen.
I’m most proud of building a brand of care that advocates fiercely for dignity, voice, and quality of life in our elderly community. While others may overlook this work as less glamorous, I see it as one of the most meaningful callings in medicine. I want your readers to know that my mission is to change the way we think about aging and mental health—to highlight that our seniors deserve not only treatment but advocacy, respect, and the chance to be heard.
Any big plans?
I plan on continuing my work by expanding efforts to help more of our elders age in place, giving them the dignity and independence they deserve while still receiving the care and support they need. As for the future, I do have some exciting plans and changes on the horizon but I can’t give away too much just yet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://advancedcareconsultants.net/
Image Credits
K.ameyphotography
