My work is focused on two related but distinct areas. I specialize in Lyme and tickborne diseases and I am also a Lyme advocate. Given the journey me and my family have been on the last 2 decades I am also a JOY coach and facilitator in helping families of the chronically ill bring back the joy in their lives through my flagship company Families for JOY. I save lives and I do that by helping caretakers take care of themselves and remember the vital role they play in the family system. Most often the primary caretakers are the people who set the tone and hold the space for the family and home dynamic. Teaching them some simple but effective tools creates a joyful caretaker, a healthier family, a more love-filled home and a better world. I do not offer medical expertise but instead spread awareness and prevention through education. People, their loved ones, and even their pets, can be kept much safer in the fight against this terrible disease by employing teachable precautions. I host speaking events, provide hands-on experience, and take calls to advise people one-on-one. I reach for every bit of information available to remain as up-to-date as possible and implement the most current knowledge in all my efforts. This includes coaching training, supporting educational booths at fairs, attending conferences, speaking at national and international events, learning herbal medicine from Cornell to consulting local hiking groups. This work is my life and my passion as it has impacted so much of my own life and family. I strive to have a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to supporting people in any way that I can. In addition, I have a weekly Caregiver support group with Families for Joy that has had a positive impact on the individuals in that community where we bring connection, community, support and JOY. This has been such a success that I have recently had to add another day since there was such a high demand from caretakers needing this support and outlet. Most recently I have become part of the TickJEDI (Juvenile Education Defense Initiative) coalition which is an Educational Program for kids K-12, to ensure that tick education is taught in schools. I have stepped up to be part of the coalition to advocate for this education Bill getting passed and implemented. The best way to protect our children from life long diseases is educating them and ourselves how to stay protected and this Bill plans to do just that.