About Joy

The Cardiac Coach

I have lived experience having undergone an emergency open-heart surgery and having a personal understanding of many of the complexities from the process. In March 2022, I luckily received the ROSS procedure as it saved my life, but it was not a simple cardiac surgery, and recovery was far more challenging than I anticipated, both physically and mentally. Just a month after surgery, I suffered from pericarditis, which led to another difficult hospital stay. I was so scared but was told it was somewhat common. The side effects of the prescriptions to combat it was another story, but I was finally recovering. A couple of months later, my cardiac surgeon gave me the thumbs up to gradually return to work 2-3 days per week. Despite my surgeon’s approval to return to work part-time, my demanding job pushed me back into the office too soon and working hours that were too long, way beyond the surgeon’s approved amount, causing extreme exhaustion and further health setbacks, including a second episode of pericarditis. I had never experienced such fatigue before!

I now advise people to learn from my mistakes – set boundaries at work and ensure you’re ready to go back! Take more time, if needed. I endured so much unnecessary stress. During my recovery, I struggled with brain fog, some cognitive dysfunction (including a changed filter!), and higher levels of anxiety and depression, yet found little support. I enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program that helped with physical recovery, but it didn’t address the emotional and mental health challenges I faced. This gap in support became clear to me, and I am now committed to filling it!

I am a former COO and National Director, with a BA in Psychology and I’m a certified Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Counselling. I’ve led teams, programs, and projects, as well as one-on-one counselling sessions and support groups. I’ve coached consultants, volunteers, staff, and students. I’ve mentored business partners and leadership teams, both onsite and remotely. I’ve also leveraged my skills in coaching, counselling, leadership, team building, nonprofit management, career development, workshop innovation, and public speaking to create a positive impact on social initiatives and foster inclusive practices. Those experiences have given me the insight I have today, along with my lived cardiac experience, to see where support is needed. Additionally, my research has shown that the number of people who have had cardiac surgery have increased levels of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and cognitive dysfunction – and/or other mental health concerns including suicidal ideations – which can increase the risk of mortality and morbidity. Studies have also shown that these areas of concern improve with coaching, which include awareness, education, and support!