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About Me

I am my own hero.
AND NOW, I HELP OTHERS SEE THEIRS.

My journey has taken me through the darkest valleys— abuse, addiction, bipolar disorder, trauma, and rock bottom. But it also brought me here: a place of purpose, compassion, and fierce advocacy.

Today, I use my voice to break stigma, support those in crisis, and create real change—for people and the animals they love.

I believe in second chances, in unseen strength, and in the power of sharing our stories.

Today, I stand not because life has been easy,
but because I chose to keep moving forward.

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My Story

From a childhood filled with chaos to a life-altering diagnosis, from losing everything to rebuilding with nothing—I know what it means to feel invisible.

But I also know the power of resilience, the importance of support, and the healing that comes from speaking your truth.

I wrote Seeds in Shattered Soil to honor my journey and to remind others that no matter how shattered we feel, we can still grow.

My Mission

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Advocate  for mental health, domestic violence survivors, addiction recovery, and animal welfare.

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Create  compassionate solutions that keep families—two- and four-legged—together.

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Empower  others to find their voice, their strength, and their purpose.

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Inspire  through real stories, honest conversations, and unwavering hope.

What I Believe

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Every person deserves hope.

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Every family deserves to stay together—including the pets they love.

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Healing is possible.

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Our greatest struggles can become our greatest purpose.

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Asking for help is an act of courage.

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No one should ever feel invisible.

Beyond the Stage

When I'm not writing or speaking, you'll most likely find me somewhere outdoors with my three pups. Whether I'm hiking Colorado's mountain trails, paddleboarding on a quiet lake, or simply watching a sunset, nature reminds me that healing rarely happens all at once—it happens one step, one sunrise, and one courageous decision at a time.

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Ready to Walk This Journey Together?

Whether you're looking for a keynote speaker, discovering Seeds in Shattered Soil, supporting the National Animal Foster Network, or simply searching for hope— you belong here.

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JoAnn Lagace

AUTHOR  •  SPEAKER  •  ADVOCATE

  Turning Pain Into Purpose.
Helping the Invisible Feel Seen.

Let's Create Change Together

Through stories. Through compassion.  Through action.

Turning pain into purpose.
Changing lives.

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