JAN'S BIO
Greetings! I am native Texan and currently reside in North Texas. 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 returned to higher education at 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. 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 and the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses. I am as a Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) and recently became a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NB-HWC). As a nurse expert, I offer education programs at the local, state and national levels on various neuroscience topics with a special focus on Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Experience in Multiple Sclerosis
I have worked in many positions during my 35+ years as a professional nurse. As a clinical practitioner, I started out in critical care nursing and worked in a variety of intensive care units. Later, as my passion for neurology grew, I developed programs and provided care to patients with MS and other neurological diseases. In the roles of sub-investigator and national consultant, I supported clinical MS research studies and the creation / expansion of several Comprehensive Care MS 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 for 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 / coaching outreach called the Multiple Sclerosis Makeover.
Unique Perspective
What sets me apart from many MS experts 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. It's now time for me 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, I am able to take charge and gain control of MS and the unwelcome symptoms, and thrive to go on to achieve many personal and professional goals. My current goal is to share my extensive knowledge and experience 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 figure this out by 'trial and error'!
Current Plans
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. My ultimate goal now is to integrate Wellness Coaching and Lifestyle Management into Comprehensive Health Care Programs for MS.
My Motto: “You won’t know how far you can go until you get there”. This has guided me to keep moving forward even during the most difficult and challenging times living with MS.