JAN'S BIO
I initially attended the Baptist School of Nursing in San Antonio, TX to become a Registered Nurse (RN). I went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio (UTHSCSA) . 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 new ways to offer education and wellness coaching to individuals and groups, and to bring and/or expand Health and Wellness programs in MS Centers and Clinics.
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 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 and/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 also offered support services and education to patients, communities, and health care professionals focused on various neurological diseases.
In 2005, as a founding Board Member and Executive Director, I worked with a team to create the nonprofit Multiple Sclerosis Center of South Texas. This center was established in San Antonio, TX 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 calledYour MS Compass. In order to meet the ever changing needs of those living with MS, I am now transitioning the online support to a multifaceted education and wellness coaching outreach that I call the Multiple Sclerosis Makeover.
Current Plans
During my years of offering education, I found that most people know that lifestyle factors have a major impact (positive and negative) on their overall health and on their MS. Yet many have difficulty with identifying what specific changes will benefit them, where to start, how to keep 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. 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.
I believe that when you combine medical management of MS with quality education, social support, and wellness coaching, then add in a little motivation, you can change the outcomes and lives of those living with MS. I'm living proof that this combination actually works well. We also know through history that without these key ingredients, it is much more difficult to treat the disease and symptoms while minimizing ongoing progression. We are on the cusp of many new scientific advances in MS care and we need to be ready to receive them with open arms. That is why I am working hard to support others to become as strong, healthy, and prepared for what's coming next.
My ultimate goal now is to integrate Wellness Services and Wellness Coaching into Comprehensive MS Health Care Centers and Clinics, neurology offices, and any health care settings that provide care to individuals with MS. I am also focused on supporting the expansion of specialized MS care to rural areas that currently do not have this expertise readily available.
What an amazing way to finish out my professional career!