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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."

Sam is qualified:

Today, Sam teaches tools and self-management techniques to help you build resiliency and rediscover joy in all areas of your life. Her strategies and techniques are proven and based on studies done about Nervous System Healing and Vagus Nerve Regulation - She avoided burnout whilst working on the frontlines during the pandemic and assisted many more to recover. For the first time, she shares them in this new course, designed specifically for nurses and healthcare professionals. Alongside U.S.-based co-facilitator and educator, April Lara, they have created a program that truly helps people find their way back to JOY and rediscover their purpose and passion.

Lara's book: 

BECOMING AWESOME!

LIFE LESSONS FROM THE WORLD’S GREATEST LEADERS


AMAZON #1 NEW RELEASE IN TEACHER AND STUDENT MENTORING, PARENT PARTICIPATION, CURRICULA, LEADERSHIP, TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT EDUCATION, AND NON FORMAL EDUCATION

 

Be the one to make a difference in a teens life by helping improve their attitudes about self, school and tasks.

For Teens:

  • Learn and practice 25 critical social and emotional skills needed to prepare for 21st century success.
  • Think, reflect and respond strategy questions for each chapter help reinforce skills as well as help educators navigate discussion and learning.

For Educators:

  • Great resource/textbook for remote and distance learning
  • Online resource includes google classroom docs
  • Sign-up to be the first to know about live on- line Zoom classes for educators
  • Recommended for 6th grade and up

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING