About Me

Hello, I’m Robert van der Vijver—a 52-year-old originally from The Netherlands who moved to the USA in 1995. Throughout my life, I’ve worn many hats: father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. I’ve been divorced, widowed, in love, successful, knocked down, and helped back up. Along the way, I discovered that what I do best is be there for people.

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I’ve owned and operated a winery—making wine not just for myself but for other wineries as well—while also leading nonprofits, consulting on legal and business projects, and managing a law office with extensive paralegal experience under my belt. I’ve dedicated time to research on justice-involved reentry, focusing on the healthcare challenges these individuals face and striving to bridge gaps between medical, legal, and social support.

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I also help people keep divorces civil by offering a neutral perspective on issues that can quickly become heated, guiding them through difficult conversations so they can focus on what truly matters instead of escalating conflict. In both criminal and civil matters, I’m adept at anticipating obstacles and translating complex jargon into understandable terms—because no one should feel left in the dark. Over the years, I’ve developed an extensive network of connections, enabling me to bring in the right resources when needed.

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To top it off, I’ve served as a private chef for events ranging from cozy dinners to groups of up to 120 guests, which taught me a thing or two about bringing people together (and making them happy in the process). Whether it’s launching innovative ventures, coordinating community programs, helping clients navigate legal or medical processes, or preparing a meal for a crowd, I thrive on solving problems and thinking outside the box.

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My experience with Medical Navigation began when my late wife was diagnosed with breast cancer while we were on vacation. After assisting a close friend through her own (thankfully not life-threatening) diagnosis, I was encouraged by doctors, nurses, and loved ones to turn this support into a profession.

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Over the years, many people—friends, colleagues, even strangers—have sought me out as a sounding board, whether for major life decisions or just to share frustrations. They tell me I have a knack for genuinely understanding what they’re going through, likely because I have a broad educational background, which includes Information Science, giving me a deep understanding of how people seek, manage, and organize information. I also consider myself a lifelong learner with a proven ability to overcome challenges. If I don’t know something, I take it to mean I just don’t know it yet.

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I’m not just some random guy who decided to build a website. I’m a professional who has learned how to anticipate and navigate obstacles. If you need someone to listen—whether it’s about healthcare worries, re-entering the dating world, or simply wanting a fresh perspective—I’m here. Feel free to reach out, and let’s see what we can tackle together.