Cheryl Crow: Founder & CEO
Cheryl Crow is a fierce advocate for meeting the full picture of patients’ needs beyond joint pain. After living with rheumatoid arthritis for over a decade and becoming an occupational therapist, Cheryl founded Arthritis Life with the mission of educating, empowering and supporting people with arthritis.
Cheryl is known for her entertaining yet educational videos featuring arthritis life hacks, product demonstrations, and insights into the psychosocial aspects of life with invisible chronic illness. She created and hosts the Arthritis Life Podcast and runs the online self-management course and support group Rheum to THRIVE, where she helps people adjust to their conditions and live full and meaningful lives.
Cheryl lives in the Seattle, Washington area with her husband, son, two cats and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog Teddy. Learn more about Cheryl’s story (including links to her past articles and podcast appearances) here!
Lauren Huffman: Program Coordinator (Part Time)
Meet Lauren Huffman, part time Program Coordinator at Arthritis Life! Lauren is certified as a health education specialist, has a background studying assistive & rehabilitative technology, and is working towards her doctorate in occupational therapy. She has been passionate about support for people with rheumatic diseases since her AS/JIA diagnosis when she was 21.
Lauren is also a certified professional dog trainer with years of experience raising service dogs, participating in dog sports, and teaching for both. She loves sharing tips and tricks for making pet ownership more accessible.
Lauren understands what it’s like to cope with the mixed feelings that come with diagnosis and treatment, change lifestyle habits, navigate the healthcare system, manage fluctuating symptoms, and how to advocate – because she’s been there herself. She hopes to use her experiences to empower others to thrive despite the challenges of chronic illness!
Katheryn Bourne (Virtual Assistant, Part Time)
Katheryn is a certified occupational therapy assistant turned college instructor and virtual assistant.
As the owner of KB Virtual Assistant Services, she helps occupational therapy and health and wellness entrepreneurs streamline their businesses with expert support.
When she’s not working, Katheryn enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog, practicing yoga, or unwinding with a crochet or watercolor project.
Chrissy Livergood – Certified Rheum to THRIVE Facilitator
Chrissy Livergood has lived with joint pain for as long as she can remember, from being the only kid who couldn’t run the mile in elementary school, to spending two decades visiting doctor after doctor who could never explain why something was always hurting or swollen. After nearly 35 years of searching for answers, she finally got one: first a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis in 2021, then a revised diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis in late 2025.
Chrissy became a Rheum to THRIVE facilitator because programs like this one changed her life. After diagnosis, she found herself in some genuinely dark places – overwhelmed, grieving the years she’d lost, and unsure how to build a life around a chronic condition. Community pulled her out. She has been facilitating Connect Groups for the Arthritis Foundation for over a year, and what she loves most about it is watching that shift happen; the moment someone goes from feeling alone and overwhelmed to feeling informed, supported, and capable. She brings her own experience with delayed diagnosis, the challenges of being a woman with ankylosing spondylitis, and a deep belief that community and education are among the most powerful tools in any arthritis toolkit.