JOH Family

---

Marcia Lim

Marcia worked for nineteen years in an academic setting serving as an administrator in various roles from Dean of Students, Administrative Director, and Education Manager.  She is a volunteer tutor at Mercy Learning Center since 2019, working specifically with adult women teaching English conversation skills, reading, writing, and social studies.  Marcia joined the Journal of Hope Non-Profit Organization in 2019 at its inception as a Board Member and is one of the developers of its current curriculum.  She enjoys spending time with her family, is active in her church as a youth leader and co-leads a monthly Global Philanthropy Leadership virtual meeting with Episcopal high school students introducing them to web-based microlending initiatives to aid underserved communities around the world.  Marcia is a graduate of Charter Oak State College with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Lauren Lodato (she/they) is a dedicated Early Childhood educator, coach, and consultant working with local Connecticut childcare providers and community organizations. Lauren’s journey in education began with a job at an after-school program over thirteen years ago where they fell in love with working with children and families. Lauren’s been developing their skillset ever since. Most recently Lauren was a coach for a National Curriculum Study and received their certification in DIRFloortime play therapy.

While pursuing their degree in Early Childhood Education, Lauren also achieved a Master of Fine Art in Creative Writing. Lauren has always been an avid storyteller and as a college student would pour many of their stories into journals. Being able to write stories in their journal, both real and fake, was an outlet Lauren needed during difficult situations. That practice turned into a self-care tool they use consistently to this day.

Being a board member for Journal of Hope brings together Lauren’s passion for writing and their commitment to helping their communities thrive. Lauren believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn to how journaling can be a tool to improve their relationship with themself and others.

Lori, aka “Badass Buddha”, is an Authenticity Teacher, Coach, and Speaker, Chiropractic Physician, co-host of the show “Viva Cafe con Leche” and “Viva Moms After Dark”.

Her speaking career began at Sherman College, teaching patients about wellness.  She earned her Doctorate in Chiropractic in March 1999 and while maintaining a full-time practice, continued lecturing at health and wellness venues and teaching workshops in her office.  In 2001, she began teaching post-secondary health and human sciences and focusing her continuing education studies on neuroscience, quantum theory, human behavior, and mindfulness.

She’s a compassionate and silly human, a loving mom, and a proud Gen-Xer. She is unapologetically herself and teaches and inspires others to be the same!

Daiana Negrón is a Taíno healer, entrepreneur and mentor whose gifts have impacted the lives of people residing in Puerto Rico, Connecticut and New York.

Born in Connecticut, Daiana is the founder of Body Therapy by Dai and Journal of Hope. At Body Therapy by Dai, Daiana provides recovery to people by applying specific therapeutic massage treatment methods, indigenous treatments, and perceptual abilities to assist the body’s organic healing process.  Her personal healing journey awoke a dormant passion which helped her gain knowledge in the field of Integrative Medicine leading to enrollment at Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy where she graduated in 2016. She also holds certifications in Second Degree Reiki, Thai Massage, and Pediatric Massage Therapy. 

Practicing self-care is a vital aspect of her life and through her practice she is able to share knowledge with the community.  As a community leader you can find her advising, mentoring, and volunteering for different organizations.  Daiana deeply believes in the importance of empowering people to enhance personal development and create a positive chain reaction that can impact the whole world.