Faces Of Tbi

Join host Amy Zellmer as she speaks with Ira Pastor. Ira Pastor - Chief Executive Officer – Bioquark Inc. (www.bioquark.com) - Over 30 years of experience across multiple sectors of the pharmaceutical industry including pharmaceutical commercialization, biotech drug development, managed care, distribution, OTC, and retail; Served as VP, Business Development for drug development company Phytomedics Inc., raising $40 million of private equity, consummating over $50 million of licensing deals, and bringing lead drug candidate from discovery stage to Phase III development; Prior to that, employed by SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals working in sales, marketing, and business strategy positions. Mr. Pastor has also served as Vice President of Corporate Development for the pharmacy benefit management company Prescription Delivery Systems (acquired by Cigna Health Insurance); MBA, Temple University; BS, Pharmacy, Rutgers University; He is also a Board Member of RegenerAge SAPI de CV, (www.regenerage.clinic/en/) a

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Dr. Barry Sears Dr. Barry Sears is a leading authority on the dietary control of hormonal response. A former research scientist at the Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Sears has dedicated his research efforts over the past 30 years to the study of lipids. He holds 13 U.S. Patents in the areas of intravenous drug delivery systems and hormonal regulation for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. His research has elevated food from more than simply a source of calories to being recognized as an exceptionally powerful drug. Because of his revolutionary research, Dr. Sears has been a frequent guest on many national programs such as 20/20, Today, Good Morning America, CBS Morning News, CNN, and MSNBC. Dr. Sears continues his ongoing research as the President of the non-profit Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead, MA. In addition to continuing research on the hormonal effects of food, Dr. Sears has expanded

Join host Amy Zellmer as she speaks with TBI survivor Deb Brandon. I was born in England, raised in Israel, Switzerland, and England, and now live in the United States. I’m a math professor at Carnegie Mellon University. I’ve participated nationally and internationally in dragon boating. I’m a mother, a writer, and a respected textile artist. I am also a brain injury survivor. My journey towards reclaiming my life began with three brain surgeries in as many weeks—two carefully planned, the third a terrifying surprise. My essays have appeared in several publications, including the Weave A Real Peace newsletter, where I have a regular column; Dragon Boat World International, Hand/Eye Magazine,and Logan Magazine; and SIAM Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Journal of Integral Equations and Applications. As a speaker, I present programs about brain injury (both my own and the wider scope of brain injury). I am an active blogger and participate in social media platforms including Facebook, discussing br

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Dr. Carolyn Dean Carolyn Dean, MD, ND is a brain health, diet and nutrition expert, author of "365 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power: Tips, Exercise, Advice" and "The Magnesium Miracle". Dr. Dean is a health pioneer with over 30 years of experience with brain health, diet, rehab and nutrition issues. She’s authored 30 books including  "Atrial Fibrillation: Remineralize Your Heart", "The Yeast Connection", "Future Health Now Encyclopedia", "Hormone Balance", "365 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power: Tips, Exercise, Advice", "IBS for Dummies" and "The Magnesium Miracle". Radio, TV and magazines interview her regularly including ABC's The View, NBC and CBS. Know the Cause with host Doug Kaufmam, Your Health with Dr. Becker, The Women's Connection with Barrie Switzen, Weekend Today in NY, WNBC with Dr. Ian Smith, Health Matters with Christine Crosbie, Global TV to name a few. She is on the Medical Advisory Board for the Nutritional Magnesium Association. www.nutritionalmagnesium.

Join host Amy Zellmer as she speaks with Dr. Joyce Mikal-flynn Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn has firsthand experience with trauma. An avid marathon runner and triathlete, in 1990 she survived a sudden death event requiring 22 minutes of CPR. Since her survival she completed 5 marathons, several triathlons, earned her Master’s In Nursing and a Doctor of Education. She is passionate about her philosophy of using one’s inner strengths and courage to turn tragic events into victories. Her ongoing research and clinical work is intended to positively influence the field of trauma focusing on PTG for individuals, vicarious survivors and communities who suffered and survived critical events. She developed a contemporary system of rehabilitation: Metahabilitation bringing forth her business: Methab.com. An associate professor at CSUS, she continues clinical practice, lecturing and researching on posttraumatic growth (PTG), presenting internationally and nationally on the subject. Publications include articles in Nursing Tim

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Dr. James Giordano Dr. James Giordano is Professor in the Departments of Neurology and Biochemistry, and Chief of the Neuroethics Studies Program of the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics at Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA; and is Executive Director of the Center for Policy for Emerging Technologies (C-PET), a Washington DC-based international think tank. Dr. Giordano is also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Brain Science, Health Promotions and Ethics at the Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany. Dr. Giordano has served as an appointed member of United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Advisory Council on Human Research Protections (SACHRP); appointed member of the Neuroethics, Legal and Social Issues (NELSI) Advisory Panel of the Defense Advanced Research Projects’ Agency (DARPA); as Senior Science Advisory Fellow of the Strategic Multilayer Assessment Branch of the Joint Staff of the Pentag

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with survivor Matt Faulkner. Matt Faulkner is the co-author of Most Likely to Survive (2013) and the subject of the documentary film, Recovery (2016), both of which detail the events surrounding his unexpected recovery from the severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) he suffered 3 ½ months before his high school graduation. After spending nearly two months in a deep coma, unlikely to survive, Faulkner beat the odds by walking out of the hospital after 103 days and across the stage at his high school graduation two weeks later. He went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in economics less than four years after that. Today, he is happily married to his husband, Kyle and works as an auditor for NRG Energy, Inc. Outside of his full-time job, he is a frequent guest speaker on the topic of TBI rehabilitation & recovery to groups of students, nurses and young therapists. Faulkner hopes to use his experience to positively impact the current paradigm of neuro-rehabilitation so

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Jarrod Pedone Before 9/2/12, Jarrod Pedone was a full time musician, recording engineer & composer. On that evening, while out for a run, he was struck by an intoxicated driver. He suffered a laundry list of injuries. The most concerning of which was the traumatic brain injury.  When Jarrod eventually woke up, he learned that outpatient physical & mental therapy understandably left something to be desired in regards to musician's skills recovery. He naturally resumed his career path. Little did he know that creating music was now going to be by far the most significant source of therapy that he'd experience. Jarrod has been creating music (as "Ninth Floor Mannequin") & showing steady improvement ever since. Find Jarrod's Music here: https://ninthfloormannequin.bandcamp.com/track/absences Episode sponsored by: Minnesota Functional Neurology: Center for Brain Health 

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Mary Lee Etsy. Mary Lee Esty, LCSW-C, PhD, is President of the Brain Wellness and Biofeedback Center of Washington, Bethesda, MD, and a Senior Fellow of the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback. The Center provides biofeedback and neurofeedback treatments for symptoms following concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), including headache, insomnia, fatigue, cognitive problems, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Her first research for TBI was done with NIH funding through the Kessler Rehabilitation Hospital, and published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation in 2001. Conquering Concussion, by Dr. Esty and C.M. Shifflett, defines numerous effects of concussion: short and long-term physical, social, emotional, and metabolic effects that present therapeutic challenges to health care providers. This book informs professionals and lay people about life-long effects of concussion that are not generally understood. Who

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Kimberly Jones Kim is the mother of a 24 year old TBI survivor, Jeffry Lovell. Jeffry’s TBI was acquired in a motor vehicle accident at the age of 13, and it left him with severe diffused axonal injury and left frontal lobe damage. Jeffry was in a coma for over 40 days and endured inpatient neurorehabilitation for 4 months and constant outpatient rehabilitation for the next 5 years. After the initial critical phase of her son’s recovery, Kimberly experienced depression, suicide attempts, and declining physical health. At her lowest point she finally took her doctor’s advice and joined a gym, seeking to get some relief. Her hope is to encourage other caregivers to seek professional help for themselves, and she hopes to assist caregivers in finding resources for their own health as the second, silent victims of TBI. Her message is “Care for the Caregiver: Survive AND Thrive!” The truth is that without the caregiver, there is no survivor. episode spnosred by: Minnesot

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Joy Kiefrer Joy Kieffer is a lifelong educator, Bachelor of Science in Education from university of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Masters Degree in Special Education from Mankato State University, Sixth Year Certification in Education Administration from University of Minnesota- Mankato. She taught in general education and special education from 1979- 1989, and worked as a Special Education Coordinator and then as a Director of Special Education Services until she retired in 2015 (to care for and serve as guardian/conservator her son who sustained a traumatic brain injury.)   Currently, Joy Kieffer is the Employment Services Manager in the Twin Cities marker for Mind Shift, a 501©3 providing sustaining employment for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Joy Kieffer taught in Boscobel, WI, Cornell, Wi, Austin, MN, and Owatonna, MN, She served in school administration in Owatonna, MN and Buffalo, MN. She has two remaining children- Erica Ash Gibson in Kentucky and Connor Marti

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Dr. Alina Fong about Depression and axniety after brain injury. Alina K. Fong received her PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology with an emphasis in neuroradiology from Brigham Young University. She received the national American Psychological Association Clinical Neuropsychology Division 40 Graduate Student Research Award in 2004 for her research on "Cortical Sources of the N400 and 'The N400 Effect." Dr. Fong's interest in brain mapping soon turned to functional MRI, and since then, her research efforts have been focused on the clinical applications of fMRI. Sponsored by: Minnesota Functional Neuorology DC

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Dr. Henry Emmons. Henry Emmons, MD, is a psychiatrist who integrates mind-body and natural therapies, mindfulness and neuroscience into his clinical work. He is a founder of Partners in Resilience, committed to integrating the best of nutrition, movement, natural therapies and the psychology of mindfulness to help restore resilience and rediscover joy. Henry is the author of The Chemistry of Joy, The Chemistry of Calm, and Staying Sharp, and is in demand as a workshop and retreat leader for both healthcare professionals and the general public. Learn more at www.henryemmons.com Purchase his book on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Df4L0C episode sponsored by: Minnesota Functional Neurology: Ceter for Brain Health 

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Dr. David Traster. Dr. David Traster is a licensed chiropractor with a Master’s Degree in Sports Health Science.  Dr. Traster is the CEO of South Florida Integrative Health in Miami, Florida which specializes in post-concussion rehabilitation. Dr. Traster is an associate professor for the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies and lectures around the world on translating clinical research into clinical practice. Dr. Traster has received a Diplomate in Chiropractic Neurology by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board, as well as a Fellow in Brain Injury and Rehabilitation by the American College of Functional Neurology.  He is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician through the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians and a Certified practitioner in Applied Kinesiology.  He is a certified personal trainer with specialties in performance enhancement and corrective enhancement through National Academy of Sports Medicine.  He has been a co-author on 36 case s

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Dr. Joseph Cleary. Dr. Joseph Cleary is a pediatric neuropsychologist at Mt Washington Pediatric Hospital. He is a graduate of Widener University, where he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology with specialties in Neuropsychology and School Psychology. Dr. Cleary completed his internship training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health.   Currently, Dr. Cleary provides comprehensive neuropsychological assessment for children with chronic medical conditions, specializing in acquired brain injuries.  Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital provides family-focused, integrated care to children with serious, chronic or complex medical needs. Since 1922, the hospital has helped children heal from illness and injury, and now treats nearly 9,000 patients each year. The 102-bed hospital is a jointly owned affiliate of The University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins Medicine

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Mira Bartók Mira Bartók is the author of the New York Times best-selling memoir The Memory Palace, which won a National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography. The Memory Palace was also a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection and was voted a best book of 2011 by the Chicago Tribune and the Washington Post. Mira Bartók has written and illustrated numerous nonfiction titles for children and has also edited and translated several picture books in Italian, Norwegian, and Sámi (Lapp). The Wonderling is her first novel for young readers. Sponsored by: Minnesota Functional Neurology DC 

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Christy Sands of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.  Christy Sands, PT, DPT Christy Sands has been a physical therapist at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital for 9 years. She earned a B.S. in Kinesiological Science in 2004, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from University of Maryland in 2009. She has a clinical specialty treating pediatric vestibular and coordination disorders. She assisted with development and oversight of MWPH’s Balance Clinic in conjunction with occupational therapy. She is responsible for organizing physical and occupational therapy care for patients in the Concussion Assessment and Management Program (CAMP) at MWPH.  Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital provides family-focused, integrated care to children with serious, chronic or complex medical needs. Since 1922, the hospital has helped children heal from illness and injury, and now treats nearly 9,000 patients each year. The 102-bed hospital is a jointly owned affiliate of The University of

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with advocates Rekha Iyer and Jash Desai. Rekha Iyer is a junior at Neuqua Valley High School, and an avid advocate for students that have suffered traumatic brain injury. After her own experience with 2 concussions, Rekha is rewriting "return to learn protocols" for students post-injury. She actively pursues her passion for policy and advocacy through several youth organizations and courses in the realms of law and politics.  Jash is currently a senior at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois. After spending much of life involved in combat sports, specifically Tae-Kwon-Do, Jash could see the effects of concussions on his teammates and wanted to fix the gaps in the state system of academic reintegration post-injury after hearing what happened with Rekha.  Episdoe sponsored by: Minnesota Functional Neurology DC

This is a special epsisode for me -- my two-year podcast anniversary! I will be joined by several of my fellow TBI friends who have been instrumental in my advocacy work: Paul Bosworth, Toni Popkin, and Anne Forrest. Join us as we have a candid conversation looking back on the last two years that I have gotten to know them, and how we have collaborated to be amazing advocates of traumatic brain injury!!  sponsored by: Minnesota Functional Neurology, DC 

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Lindie McDonough from Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.   Lindie McDonough, CTRS, CBIS, CPST Lindie McDonough attended Stevenson University and George Washington University, where she earned degrees in Therapeutic Recreation and Transitional Services for Traumatic Brain Injury. Lindie has been employed at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital for 12 years, and works as a Senior Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She coordinates therapeutic recreation programs, Abilities Adventures, and community and school re-entry programs for inpatients and outpatients in the rehabilitation program.  Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital provides family-focused, integrated care to children with serious, chronic or complex medical needs. Since 1922, the hospital has helped children heal from illness and injury, and now treats nearly 9,000 patients each year. The 102-bed hospital is a jointly owned affiliate of The University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins Medicine and has lo