Michelle was born in England and currently lives in Argentina. She was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2004, as a single full time working mom with four boisterous young sons. On her incredible and often-complex journey towards physical and emotional well-being, together with her wish to help others, Michelle became a Certified Life Coach in 2016, obtained her Contemporary Thanatology Diploma in 2017, and joined the IFCI program in 2018. She aims to help and support others with fibromyalgia to best manage and improve their symptoms, assisting and encouraging them on their own personal journey, promoting self-awareness, self-confidence and self-worth.

Brandi is a Veteran living in South Carolina with her husband and children. After six years of struggling with body aches, joint stiffness, overwhelming fatigue, and other ailments, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She embarked on a journey to become well and regain a ‘normal’ life. Her journey included successes and failures, but also led to a healthier life, new friendships, and a place in the fibromyalgia community. Brandi’s next steps are to pursue certifications in nutrition and wellness, and to continue her passion of helping others through her advocacy, writing, ongoing education, and work with the Support Fibromyalgia Network.

Karen is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor and Licensed Esthetician. She has lived with Fibromyalgia for over twenty years and understands the struggle of searching for answers. After being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia only a year ago, she became motivated to obtain the education needed to help others with Fibromyalgia live happy, healthy lives. She believes in finding the joys in life to promote balance and overall well-being. Through her education and commitment to be an advocate, Karen welcomes the opportunity to share her story and lend a helping hand wherever possible.

Jara is a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach and a Certified Family Health Coach from Dr. Sears Wellness Institute. She partners with adolescents and their families to learn ways to cope with and manage Juvenile Fibromyalgia. A mother of two teenagers, Jara has learned first-hand about living with Fibromyalgia when her daughter was diagnosed at the age of 13. Through this journey, Jara has gained understanding of what fibromyalgia is, what its impact is on not only her daughter but the entire family, and what it’s like to be a caregiver. With a supportive environment, she can help your teen be the “best they can be” while living with fibromyalgia.

In 2008, after a series of illnesses and injuries, one of which required surgery that Kelli never fully recovered from, and after a battery of tests that revealed nothing, Kelli saw a GP filling in for regular doctor. This GP truly listened, knew what was wrong, and sent Kelli to a specialist who confirmed she had fibromyalgia. After nine years of no other help and very little treatment, she decided to figure things out on her own, get educated, and help herself. Kelli, is now ready to educate others in the same situation, so they too can lead a full, productive and happy life.

Special Commencement Speaker Melissa Congdon, MD, FAAP Fibromyalgia Medicine Specialist for Children and Adults

Dr. Melissa Congdon was forced to retire from her general pediatric practice 11 years ago due to severe fibromyalgia symptoms. After using a variety of therapies, her health markedly improved, and she was able to return to practicing medicine 20 months after her diagnosis. She chose to devote her medical career to the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia, including teaching patients how to reduce their symptoms with the use of the guaifenesin protocol. She is the producer of the documentary, Fibromyalgia: Getting Our Lives Back, Success Stories on the Guaifenesin Protocol.