In 2011, Josette was diagnosed with severe sudden onset of advanced rheumatoid arthritis, known as RA. The disease was excruciating for Josette on more than just physical levels. Her left elbow fused almost immediately after diagnosis, a process that she recalls was “horrific to experience as [I] witnessed my own body destroying itself. Beyond the physical horror, there was a complete loss of identity. I entered the darkest emotional and spiritual moments of my life.” As a former professional dancer (graduate of The Juilliard School, former pro at Joffrey Ballet, and more) Josette entered into a total loss of her ability to move, and the person she had up until that moment thought she was.

Josette’s son Tomas, was 2 -- he became the catalyst for the “I MUST find a way out” that started her inner journey of discovery. “Tomas always saw in me an invincible superhero. He never saw my illness. In his innocence and raw authenticity his love for me and mine for him became my single-pointed reason." Josette made the decision to seek another way, without meds, even though every doctor told her there was no other way. They were wrong.

Josette was declared a medical miracle for self-healing and completely reversing her autoimmune disease. She went on to create what is globally known as the world's most well-attended Zumba Class.

Kristina McKean has felt a deeply rooted kinship with animals for as long as she can remember. When she traveled through Thailand and witnessed baby elephants on the streets of Bangkok being exploited for money, she was devastated. Later, back in the U.S., she became further outraged at the treatment of elephants in the circus, unable to comprehend how animal abuse could be construed as entertainment in any way. After years spent signing petitions, protesting circuses, and creating social media campaigns to help spread awareness surrounding the mistreatment of elephants, Kristina felt propelled to do more. 

The welfare of elephants has become her passion and life quest. In creating The Elephant Project, she is now able to make a significant contribution to saving elephants. Sales of the specially created stuffed animals go directly to organizations that are helping to end the poaching crisis, as well as distributed to elephant sanctuaries in the United States and abroad.