Expertise:  Are you wondering how to make your support group more uplifting? Want to know how to ask for help when you really don't want it? Are you wondering what you can do to help increase awareness about your invisible illness? Do you want to start some kind of outreach in your religious congregation to the chronically ill?

Experience in the area
As founder of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and Rst Ministries, the largest Christian organization in the USA that specifically serves the chronically ill, I have ten years of experience in encouraging those with chronic illness and educating others, such as pastors and support group leaders. I have lived with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since the age of 24, in 1993.

Organizations
Affiliate of Joni and Friends International Disability Ministry San Diego Christian Writers Guild Christian Small Publishers Association

Publications
Numerous magazines and ezines. I also am the editor of HopeKeepers Magazine, a 64-page quarterly publication for Christians looking for chronic illness support. My works hav also appeared in books such as "But Lord I Was Happy Shallow" and "God Allows U-Turns." I am the author of eight books, including "Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend" and "Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness Seek and Why." See www.comfortzonebooks.com for others.

Education/Credentials
BA in Sociology from Cal State San Marcos

Awards and Honors
Recognized with a volunteer award from the Arthritis Foundation

Past/Present Clients
Rest Ministries has about 80,000 visitors each month and thousands participate in National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week.