IMG_0699Lorraine Medeiros

Project Director/Web Administrator

Over 9 years ago, I weighed in at 320 pounds.  This was the highest weight I had been my entire life.  I struggled with obesity since I was a small child.  After giving birth to my son, I packed on the pounds even more.  I was uncomfortable, miserable, and heading to an early death fast!  I tried every diet gimmick available.  It wasn’t until the day God spoke to me, through a very dear woman, that I found my answer.  I had to trust in the Lord and not in man.  God, consistently, brought me the tools I needed to successfully lose weight.  During my weight loss journey, I discovered the amazing story of Jordan Rubin.  I read his book, The Makers Diet, and it changed my life.  I began to look at food, activity, emotions, and lifestyle with different eyes.
 
I lost an overall total of 150 pounds with simple changes that I consider to be a lifestyle.  I continue to research and keep myself informed.  I now teach classes, sharing all the things I have learned through the years—something I never thought I would be doing.  I am living proof that ANYONE and EVERYONE can achieve their health and fitness goals.  Just believe in yourself!
In 2008, I began working at Abundant Living Family Church (ALFC) as a receptionist.  In my spare time I researched health and wellness, continuing my health journey.  I also started to teach myself Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.  My self initiative and skills caught the eyes of the Publications Manager and soon I was designing flyers, posters and business cards for the church.  Not long afterwards I was promoted to Administrative Assistant to the Office Manager & Publications Director.  I continuted to expand my skill sets and in 2011 Pastor Deigo, Senior Pastor and Founder of ALFC, asked me to help launch a Health Initiative Ministry (The Health Initiative).  
I started teaching classes, focusing on healthy cooking demonstrations.  This expanded into other health and wellness workshops in which various guest speakers and experts on health and wellness were invited to speak at the church.  It was at this time that I was introduced to Dr. Tony and Lisa.  Since then and over the past several years I have collaborated with Dr. Tony and Lisa on a number of Health and Wellness Workshops for the Abundant Living Family Church Community.  I was instrumental in coordinating and promoting each event from start to finish and instrumental in “planting and watering the seeds to health”.  I can not express enough how blessed I am to have Dr. Tony and Lisa in my life.  They are not only my mentors but also my very dear friends.
 
I am married to a wonderful man, Jimmy, and we have a handsome 12-year old son named Chandler.  We recently relocated to Northern California where we enjoy lots of outdoor activities.  I have a background in Veterinary Medicine, Graphic Design, Web Design, Social Media, Event Coordinating, and Computers.  My hobbies include an array of things such as hiking, shopping, music, cooking, and crocheting.