APRIL LARA, BBSA

AUTHOR SPEAKER EDUCATOR

I know what burnout feels like because I’ve lived it—as an educator. I started with so much passion and hope, excited to make a real difference for my students. But over time, the pace and pressure of the system took a toll, leaving little room to recharge or reconnect with the heart of the work. I felt like a wind-up toy that kept hitting the wall. I had a nice job—but... I... just... didn’t... want... to... do... it... anymore.

What hurt even more was watching it happen to those around me—dedicated teachers losing their spark, students growing more disengaged, and no one quite knowing how to fix it. That’s when I knew I had to take a different path. I wanted to offer something better—to create tools that would help educators feel stronger, more hopeful, and more supported in their work.

That’s how Burnout to Joy was born. What started with helping a few colleagues has grown into a mission to reach thousands. Along the way, I wrote Becoming Awesome to share stories, tools, and encouragement for anyone ready to reclaim joy in their work. This isn’t just theory—I’m walking this journey, too.

SAM BELL, RN, RM, PGCE,

AAEH, AAEP, Reiki Master

AUTHOR SPEAKER EDUCATOR

Sam is a UK Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife (RN, RM), holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and has recently celebrated her 40th year in healthcare. She is certified as an Integrative Health Coach,  Reiki Master and Angel Empowerment Practitioner and Healer, and more recently, has developed her practice as a Nervous System Regulation Coach.  All of it is incorporated into Burnout To Joy.  Her nursing career spans 3 countries… from Paediatrics, Midwifery, Clinical Audit in Infection Control and Quality Management in the UK's NHS to Case Management and Public Health in Canada. She now works in Communicable Disease Control in Calgary. Sam has experienced burnout as well as PTSD, and Social Anxiety Disorder. She has experienced panic attacks before her shift, and the effects of increased blood pressure and anxiety taking their toll on her physical health. She completely understands how it feels: "As a Manager in the NHS, I gave everything to my role until there was nothing left of me. I was exhausted, defeated, and completely overwhelmed, running on empty while trying to hold everything together. Then I became sick, unable to work, and the financial stress only added to the weight, and no matter how much I pushed through, it never felt like enough. Burnout didn’t just drain my energy—it took my passion, my confidence, and a part of who I was. Overcoming burnout wasn’t instantaneous—it was a process of reclaiming myself. I had to step back, acknowledge that I couldn’t keep sacrificing my well-being, and start making changes. I sought support, shifted my mindset, and learned to set boundaries.  Most importantly, I reconnected with what truly mattered to me. That journey led me to where I am now—helping others break free"