Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dana Spradling. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dana, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My purpose wasn’t found. It was given to me. I remember the exact moment actually. My husband and I were sitting in a private room with our son’s Neuro Intensivist, Dr. Moshe Mizrahi. He was sharing with us the details of Taylor’s neurological status. He said, “He is not brain dead.” He said other stuff about IF he woke up from the coma, he would not likely be himself and if he didn’t wake up from the coma then he would likely remain in a vegetative state. All I heard was “He is not brain dead.” Dr. Mizrahi said, “There is a good chance he will not recover. We need the heart to heal itself and he has pulmonary edema. As it is right now, he has 3-6 months and at that point you need to make a decision.”
In that moment, I was not upset, scared or freaked out or anything, actually. I felt a comforting calm surround me. I looked at Dr. Mizrahi and said, “Well, I have heard your words. But I serve a God of Miracles and as far as I am concerned, that is how I plan to proceed.” Dr. Mizrahi looked at me with very warm eyes and said, “Then Taylor deserves time. He needs to declare himself.” All I needed was a plan and that became my Purpose.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Just in Time Adaptive Wellness, we support families and individuals navigating the often overwhelming world of caregiving, disability, chronic illness, and life transitions. Through personalized coaching, wellness services, public speaking and adaptive resources, we help people find clarity, confidence, and a path forward—even in the most uncertain moments.
What makes Just in Time truly special is our deeply personal and adaptive approach. We understand that no two journeys are the same. That’s why we focus on meeting each family exactly where they are, offering thoughtful, flexible solutions that reflect their unique needs and lived experiences. It’s care without judgment—just support, empowerment, and real-life tools designed to help people feel seen, heard, and uplifted.
What excites me most is giving people and their families the chance to simply be—to enjoy something as ordinary yet meaningful as a haircut, a relaxing massage, or getting their nails done—without their disability being the center of attention. Just care, connection, and dignity in the moment. We have focused on creating a premiere network of service specialists focused on the business of inclusive health and wellness to encourage a lifestyle of joy in the middle of recovery.
In addition, I am excited about our new Family Coaching Packages, which provide weekly in person and/or virtual support for families navigating complex care situations as well as opportunities for public speaking—where I can educate, inspire, and share our story in hopes of empowering other families on their own journeys whether they are just beginning or have been on them for a while. I also believe hearing the story of how to navigate the unimaginable, whatever that may be in someone’s particular story is a valuable life tool.
At the heart of Just in Time is a belief that everyone deserves wellness, regardless of their circumstances. Our mission is to make that wellness accessible, inclusive, and deeply human.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, empathy, and resourcefulness.
Resilience has allowed me to keep going through some incredibly hard seasons—not by pretending everything is okay, but by learning to bend without breaking. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about being strong all the time; it’s about allowing yourself to feel, to rest, and then to rise again with purpose.
Empathy has helped me connect deeply with the families I serve. Having lived many of the same experiences, I’ve come to understand that sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer is your presence, not just your solutions. Developing empathy starts with listening—really listening—without rushing to fix or explain.
And resourcefulness has been key to navigating complex systems and finding creative solutions when the “typical” path didn’t fit. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say: don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek out community, and think outside the box. You don’t have to have all the answers—just the willingness to keep looking for them.
To those just starting: give yourself grace. Growth takes time, and you’re allowed to learn as you go. Surround yourself with people who get it, and don’t underestimate the power of small steps. Even baby steps are steps forward.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning to let go of perfection and lean into trust—trusting the process, trusting myself, and trusting in the opportunity to help others turn what feels unimaginable into something possible and real.
This past year has taught me that real impact happens in the authentic, imperfect moments—when I show up fully, even when I don’t have all the answers. I’ve also grown in my ability to set boundaries and prioritize sustainability over burnout.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justintimeadaptivewellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justintimeadaptivewellness/?igsh=a2VheGFobWlqNTkw#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565401410452&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Dana Spradling
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