Wellness that Works for You!

Stepping Forward, LLC

Lilly Mees, CEO/Owner

My Story
My journey began about 20 years ago when I was working in an Outpatient Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program as an Exercise Specialist. I had been feeling tired, hungry, losing weight, and frequently urinating for several weeks. I had no idea why, and asked one of the RN’s I  worked with what might be the cause of this? She preceded to tell me, “Lilly that sounds like diabetes.” I had no understanding of what diabetes was and no one in my family had diabetes. She encouraged me to speak with my doctor about it. The next day I went to work around 7:00 am in the morning and checked my blood sugar which was in the 300’s (fasting blood sugar target ranges 80-120). I thought surely this glucometer is not working. About an hour later my co-workers came in and I told them what transpired. They said, “Lilly you need to check it again.” I did and it was still in the 300’s, I went to the emergency department and there began the longest day of my life.
They had completed several tests and were able to confirm that I did have Type 1 Diabetes. Therefore, I would be insulin dependent for the rest of my life. After the SHOCK of it all, I realized that I did not want to become a victim and became empowered and took charge of this chronic disease, along with the help of my team. My goal is to help as many people as possible become empowered and overcome the obstacles that may be hindering them from improving their overall quality of life. It's about progress not perfection! 


About US image
Stepping Forward is passionate about equipping and supporting those that want to break free from the constant struggle against chronic disease and are in need of supportive services. We provide patient advocacy, case management, social services and helpful resources, and education to improve your quality of life. Stepping Forward is here to come alongside you to bring about the changes to empower you and assist you in your healthcare journey. We will partner with you in navigating and understanding the healthcare landscape. We focus on patient-centered care and are ready to move forward when you are!

Our focus is on these two core areas-
1. Patient Advocacy & Case Management
  • Assisting with navigating health care issues and various medical needs (referrals, medical appointments, transportation, communication with Providers, medication management, equipment, hospitalizations, and transition of care)
  • Ensure you receive adequate health care and assist you in understanding your rights as a patient. Help you address questions and concerns and provide supportive services 
  • Providing community resources and services to enhance your quality of life and wellness needs. Includes; Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, Financial, Physical, Environment, Occupational, and Social wellness
2. Diabetes Prevention and Management
  • Providing 1:1 coaching for those with who need an individual care plan and want to overcome barriers in their health journey
  • Assist you in understanding diabetes management with a patient-centered approach.
  • Coordinate your care with your team of Providers
  • Help you improve your quality of life and reduce complications                                                     
  • We provide virtual (telehealth) coaching for individuals or small groups, and can provide face to face visits 
If you are ready to make a positive, life-changing difference in your life or the lives of others we are ready for your call or email!

Stepping Forward LLC
520.307.0574      

info@SteppingForward.net




PATIENT ADVOCACY

Our patient advocacy service is here to educate and guide patients through the healthcare system, advocating for their rights and ensuring they receive the best possible care. We are part of the Greater National Advocates https://gnanow.org/. Contact me for a free consultation as your Patient Advocate representative to ensure you get the services you need!

PERSONAL CASE MANAGER

Before, during, or after your medical treatments we work with your medical professionals, and others involved in healthcare to ensure you are receiving the most appropriate, comprehensive and excellent care available. We are part of the Greater National advocates https://gnanow.org/. Contact me as your Patient Advocate representative to ensure you get the services you need!

DIABETES COACHING & SUPPORT GROUPS

Our Certified Diabetic Educators provide 1:1 and small-group Diabetes and wellness coaching for those with Pre-Diabetes, Type 1, or 2 Diabetes. We are dedicated to partnering with you so you can live your best life possible.

Navigating Your Health Path through Patient Advocacy
We play a critical role in supporting individuals navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, particularly for those managing chronic diseases. 
What Are Patient Advocacy Services? Patient advocacy services are designed to empower individuals by ensuring they have access to the information, resources, and support needed to make informed healthcare decisions. These services are often provided by professionals with experience in medical, social, and educational fields, such as RN, Clinical Exercise Physiologists, Clinical Social Workers, and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.
Why Choose Patient Advocacy Services? For individuals dealing with chronic diseases, navigating healthcare systems can be overwhelming and confusing.          
Patient advocacy services provides: 
•Clarity: Helping patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and care plans. 
•Support: Offering emotional and practical assistance to patients and their families. •Access: Connecting patients to resources, specialists, and services that best suit their needs. 
•Empowerment: Encouraging patients to become active participants in their care. 
•Coordination of care: Communicating with the patient’s team of Providers to ensure their needs are met. 
•Accompanying: Partnering with patients to their Providers appointments and advocating for their needs 
•Follow-up visits: To ensure patients obtain what they need
For more details contact us @ 520-307-0574 or e-mail @ info@steppingforward.net

Heather Orr

Client

     

I just wanted to share my personal testimony about my personal experience having Lilly as a patient advocate. I had the privilege of getting paired for services with Lilly. Lilly came at just the right time for me when I needed a lot of help and support with my medical problems and referrals. I have on going health issues and that in itself is a struggle. Another struggle is receiving referrals for specialists and scheduling appointments. I was getting lost in the shuffle of all of that and really needed an advocate and support. With Lilly as my advocate she helped me make a lot of progress to get my much needed doctor appointments. Lilly would make calls to doctors office on my behalf to get me scheduled. She would email me to follow up and make sure I did get the appointments scheduled. She would look up specialist for me also. She was and is very easy to talk to and reliable. I don’t know what I would have done without her support. She came at the right time and stuck with me always helping.

Martha Garner

Client

     

Your very prompt understanding of my emotional conflict at the need to dialogue between my PCP office and Outpatient Physical Therapy was immediate and successful. I was astonished that you were able to unravel many messages I had left to obtain the PT that I needed to walk again in a few well placed calls and I had answers within days. I had been unsuccessful and growing more hopeless until we talked. You took pertinent information and listened as I detailed what I could not accomplish by making numerous phone calls and waiting for results. Within a few days and phone calls that you made while I was also on the line, in conversations, made me start to feel hopeful again. Within a week I had return calls from my PCP office with a names and phone numbers of my Case Mgr RN, at PCP office, as well as the SW at my PCP. You kept me updated and concerned with the progress. Within a week I had Home Health established and an RN assigned and visited me to start services. Physical therapist and Occupational therapist came for an intake of needed services. My RN, Matt, from Assisted Home Health cleaned and dressed my wound om my stump and has returned three more times last week and twice this week to assess the healing progress, documenting with pictures of the wound every week. I have had miraculous results because you were my advocate and lifted my spirits in your cheerful, friendly manner. I have enjoyed every phone call you have appointed to me and you were there on the time and date you said you would call. I am a heartfelt believer and a more hopeful patient in the whole manner of healthcare issues that you separated out and quickly took charge to find my answers. I hold you in high esteem as a problem solver and untangler of knots. I am much happier, safer, and recovering nicely thanks to you. I tell all my older adult friends to get you involved in Stepping Forward and Lilly Mees as their advocate. You have lifted my Hope this season to a new high and I feel I am improving now thanks to your help. God bless you, my Christmas Angel in all you do in 2025. Sincerely thankful,

Anonymous

Client

     

Lilly has been absolutely fantastic! You guys have been GREAT! Much appreciated! This is coming from someone with a cold dead black heart (her words).

MaryJean Brennan

RN,BS,CCM

     

I have the privilege to work with Lilly Mees in Case Management. Lilly brings many years of expertise in Diabetes and Cardiac Health Management . Lilly's education as an MSW (Master in Social Work), Exercise Physiologist with emphasis on nutrition, is able to uncover the clinical and psychosocial aspects of these life controlling diseases. Lilly reveals the powerful and essential skills needed to embrace a positive healing impact for ones wellbeing. Lilly brings an energetic practical and inspiring presentation to groups and private practice . Through her transparency and motivational attitude she is able to engage her audience into successful disease self management through imparting the greatest gifts of all. . . Hope and Empowerment .

Jan Karberg

Volunteer Facilitator Flagstaff Diabetes Support Group

     

"How do people deal with difficult events that can change their lives, such as diabetes & heart disease? By "Stepping Forward" where the focus is on prevention and/or maintenance regarding these diseases. Lilly has always been an huge supporter of my Flagstaff Diabetes Support Group. She's always: supportive • provided educational & up-to-date information provided additional resources individuals can access & rely on regarding diabetes & heart disease • listens & hear individual's concerns Her teaching ethics are excellent. She teaches people resilience, an on-going process that requires time & effort & engages people in taking the number of steps required to attain their goals. She focuses on developing & using a personal strategy for enhancing resilience. I thoroughly support Lilly in this new endeavor."

DIABETES EDUCATION  image
Diabetes and diabetes-related health complications can be serious and costly. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is responsible for an estimated $327 billion in medical costs plus lost work and wages. Beyond the medical, diabetes can take a serious toll on your quality of life. It effects your physical, mental, and emotional well-being as well. While there currently is no cure for diabetes, there are a lot of things you can do to manage it and its health complications.

We would love to partner with you to set attainable goals, overcome the anxiety, fear and struggles you face. Our person-centered approach allows you to experiencing the positive changes you want through our comprehensive, holistic coaching and team approach. Taking action today with a few simple steps and the Stepping Forward team can make a huge difference for the rest of your life!

Call or email us now to learn more and connect with your life-changing program!

Your Stepping Forward team provides education and self-management skills to empower those with Diabetes to be proactive about their health needs and concerns. Studies have shown that keeping A1c and blood pressure on target for those with Type 2 Diabetes reduces the risk of death and complications by up to 35%. Other studies for those with Type 1 Diabetes revealed that keeping your A1c below 7% reduced the risk of eye, kidney and nerve disease by up to 76%!

Our team implements evidence-based education and support to assist you with increasing your knowledge, improving your health, reducing complications, and lessening the burden of care for those living with Diabetes. We provide group sessions and 1:1 coaching that includes:
• Nutritional Counseling
• Physical Activity Guidelines
• Medication Management
• Blood Sugar Monitoring & Technology
• Problem Solving
• Health Coping & improving Mental Health
• Reducing Complications
• Care Management (resources, referrals & more)

Contact us at info@SteppingForward.net to get started!
Get started today! image
ONE ON ONE COACHING: Our robust one-on-one Diabetes Coaching is available when you are. We individualize a care plan where you decide what you want to accomplish! We provide education on nutrition, exercise, medications, emotional health, ways to reduce complications, monitoring blood sugars, and the latest technology. We will start with a free 20-minute consultation to discuss your needs and our services. 

Our focus is on the goals you want to achieve, helping you improve your quality of life and allow you to be empowered to live your best life! Please feel free to reach out to me today at info@SteppingForward.net, for your free consultation. We look forward to serving you!

GROUP SESSIONS: Our fun, informative group sessions are interactive and are designed to help you understand how diabetes can affect you and show you the many ways you can overcome and avoid the many complications that this chronic disease can cause.

Knowing not just what to do but how to do it is KEY. This is where Stepping Forward can make a difference! You will have a team available of Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, Registered Dieticians, Clinical Social Workers, Nurses, and Clinical Exercise Specialists ready to partner with you to achieve the success you want for yourself.

Our team implements evidence-based education with a person-centered approach that will assist you with increasing your knowledge, improving your health, reducing complications, and lessening the burden of care. We start where you are and offer support, encouragement, education, and accountability that you want. Our goal is to increase your quality of life, reduce lost work days, minimize episodes requiring emergency care, limit hospitalizations, and reduce the anxiety and depression that uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause.

Our weekly interactive Diabetes Education & Support Groups are limited to 10 individuals. This allows individuals to receive the attention and focus needed while providing motivation and encouragement from fellow group members. New groups are forming every two to four weeks. Contact us at info@SteppingForward.net to learn more and connect with this life-changing experience!


  •  7/2/2025 06:00 PM - 7/30/2025 06:00 PM
  • Online Event

Starting July, 2025, we have new groups forming! This weekly, 60-minute virtual Diabetes education and support group will provide valuable information to help you take control of your Diabetes. The fee for this group is $35.00 per weekly visit for 4 weeks. This interactive group includes discussion on the following topics and much more: 1. Getting the Most Out of Your Health Care Team; 2. The Consequences of Not Taking Care of Your Diabetes; 3. The Latest Advances in Research, Medications and Treatments; 4. Coping with the Nutritional, Physical & Mental Challenges of Diabetes. Sign Up Today! A confirmation email with all the details will follow.

  •  4/1/2025 09:00 AM - 12/31/2025 09:00 AM
  • Online Event

Upon registering for your one-on-one session, we will set up a specific time for our meeting. Each coaching session lasts one hour. Be ready to take control of your life again!

  • PO Box 272 Cortaro, AZ 85652

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