Fort Lauderdale,
FL
As a State Captain for the COPD Foundation in Florida, I serve as a pulmonary rehabilitation physiologist, advocate, and voice for a community that has long been underserved. My role is rooted in direct patient care, but extends far beyond it—into education, empowerment, and public policy.
With a background in exercise science and years of hands-on experience helping individuals with chronic lung disease improve their quality of life, I’ve witnessed both the power of pulmonary rehabilitation and the gaps that still exist. Only 3% of eligible patients utilize pulmonary rehab—a staggering statistic that highlights just how underused and underrepresented this life-changing intervention truly is.
As a COPD Foundation Captain, my focus is on public policy and advocacy, because I firmly believe that real, sustainable change happens through legislation. If we want to impact not just individuals, but entire populations, we must fight for systems that prioritize access, awareness, and equity in lung health.
My proudest moment is being able to say I went to college and built a foundation that allows me to serve others at a high level—turning knowledge into impact. That journey shaped my discipline, my perspective, and my purpose.
I live by the quote: "Today is the first day of the rest of your life—what are you going to do that’s different?" That mindset drives everything I do. It’s about action, urgency, and refusing to stay the same when change is possible.
At my core, I simply love helping people—deeply and unapologetically. And I believe there is no greater way to do that than by reaching the masses. This role is not just a title; it’s a mission to amplify voices, challenge the status quo, and ensure that those living with COPD are no longer overlooked, but fully seen, supported, and served.