JAN'S BIO
Greetings! I am native Texan and currently split my time between North Texas and Anchorage, Alaska. I began my nursing education at the Baptist School of Nursing where I achieved an Associate Degree to become a Registered Nurse (RN). I later attended the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. I always wanted to learn more and still do! As an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) I am recognized as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. I maintain active professional memberships in the American Association of Neuroscience Nursing, where I am recognized as Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN), and the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN). In 2020 I attended the Mayo Clinic Wellness Coach Certification program and became a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NB-HWC). I have offered professional educational programs to health care professionals, communities and patients at the local, state and national levels on various neuroscience topics. My special focus now is on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and finding ways to offer education, wellness coaching, and bring Health and Wellness programs to MS Centers.
Experience in Multiple Sclerosis
I have worked in many positions during my 35+ years as a professional nurse and educator. As a clinical practitioner, I started out focussing on critical care and worked in a variety of intensive care units in various roles. Later, as my passion for neurology grew, I lead and participated in creating special programs and providing care to patients with a variety of neurological conditions. In the roles of sub-investigator and national consultant, I supported clinical research studies and the creation, or expansion, of several Comprehensive Care MS and Parkinson's Disease Centers throughout the United States. During the most recent 11 years working for a leading pharmaceutical company, I offered support services and education to patients, communities, and health care professionals focused on various neurological diseases.
In 2005, I was a founding Board Member and Executive Director to create the nonprofit Multiple Sclerosis Center of South Texas. This center was established in San Antonio to offer comprehensive care and education to individuals and families impacted by MS. In 2015 I became President of the Board and worked with a team to transition the support services to the online platform Your MS Compass. In order to meet the ever changing needs of those living with MS, am now transitioning the online support to a multifaceted education and coaching outreach I call the Multiple Sclerosis Makeover.
Unique Perspective
What sets me apart from many MS experts, nurses and educators, is my very personal journey of 30+ years living with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). I have experienced and witnessed first-hand the devastation this disease can bring to your mind, body and spirit while wreaking havoc on your life. I now want to open up to share my knowledge and personal experience in facing the challenges that those who are impacted by this disease know all too well. Through my stories about Life with a Duck, I offer a unique perspective on how to achieve success when facing the challenges of living with an incurable, chronic, and potentially disabling disease. Through what I call the 50:50 Approach, many are able to take charge and gain control of their MS and the unwelcome symptoms. Many go on to thrive and achieve many personal and professional goals. My current goal is to share my extensive knowledge and experiences to guide and support others in taking charge and achieving their personal goals for health, wellness and control of their life with MS.
There is no need for anyone to try and figure this out by trial and error!
Current Plans
Over the years, I found that most people know that lifestyle factors have a major impact (positive and negative) on their overall health and on their MS. Many have difficulty with identifying what specific changes will benefit them, where to start, keeping their MS stable while making changes, and most importantly, how to build lasting changes that will work for them. With a high level of knowledge in MS Care, combined with the understanding of the impact of lifestyle choices on chronic illnesses, I have transitioned my career to an Education & Wellness Coaching Model. To do this, I attended the esteemed Mayo Clinic Wellness Coach Training program in Rochester, MN. After becoming certified through Mayo Clinic, I achieved national certification through the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching. I currently offer education programs on various topics related to life with MS combined with Health and Wellness Coaching specific to MS for groups and individuals.
My ultimate goal now is to integrate Wellness Coaching and Lifestyle Management into Comprehensive Health Care Programs for MS.