Joan E. Guthrie Medlen

Before we left the hospital with our youngest son, I was worrying about our family leading a healthy lifestyle. My mental image of a person with Down syndrome was of an obese man waiting on a bench for the bus. I didn't want my child to struggle with weight the way I did. And thus, the journey began. The books I write, the tools I create, the services I provide are all about creating what my own family needs to live a healthy lifestyle. I've broadened the scope over the years to include more than people with Down syndrome. Regardless, this is something that I feel is needed. It's also work that I thoroughly enjoy. I also enjoy doing calligraphy, riding my bike, and exploring communities. I live in the Portland, Oregon with my husband and grown son who has Down syndrome, Autism, Celiac Disease, and few words. My oldest has flown away, but is very much a part of our life.