I am a non-insulin dependent Type 2 Diabetic. My grandparents, mother, aunts and uncles, and siblings all had/have diabetes.  
                                                              Lisa and alpaca in Peru 

 

I joined Defeat Diabetes Foundation in 2001. My duties and responsibilities have changed over the years. Currently I am responsible for website content and its workings, publish each month's E-Lerts™ newsletter, oversee DDF programs, human resources and whatever else arises.

 

My background, both educational and work experience, gives a different perspective than most, and I feel it is a valuable one. I have a Master of Science in Business Administration, (MSBA), with a concentration in Human Resources, from the University of Massachusetts.

 

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, (CEBS), from the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In the employee benefits and compensation field, the most widely respected professional credential is CEBS - the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist.

 

I worked in Human Resources with employees and in corporate headquarters for BMC Software, United Technologies/Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and for smaller companies like BGS Systems.  I was instrumental in decisions regarding choosing Health Insurance and Retirement Plans, Employee Benefits Plans, (I wrote United Technologies Employee Stock Options Manual and brochures), instituted wellness programs and many more compensation, affirmative action and government regulation adherance responsibilities. I worked with our construction people to make sure we complied with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.

 

In my role as a counselor to employees, I was involved with individuals and their families and the issues and the crises they faced with health problems, insurance companies, and of course, accommodations. Being an advocate for our employees with the insurance companies taught me more than any one personal experience ever could.

 

When I moved to Florida from Massachusetts I decided to make a career change. I wanted to do something where I felt I made a difference. I believe in the Mission of Defeat Diabetes Foundation of awareness and prevention of Diabetes and its complications. It's great to have a passion for my work and enjoy going to work "most" every day.

 

I love to travel and have been to over 35 countries, but I'm still missing 14 states in the US. I have lived overseas and though I no longer backpack, I like to go to the villages and interact with the people of the country. My latest trip was to the Galapagos Islands with my son, Daniel Rasolt, who writes for Defeat Diabetes® News, when he has time. I highly recommend these unique islands.