Faces Of Tbi

Saloni Agarwal, PT, is certified in vestibular rehabilitation, and works with patients at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altamonte Springs to rehabilitate vestibular disorders through patient-specific routines that are determined by an in-depth assessment, which identifies the base of the issue. Once a patient isdischarged from the rehabilitation hospital, he or she will continue rehabilitation through a patient-specific home exercise program designed to improve the efficiency of rehabilitation and achieve faster results. The vestibular rehabilitation program has shown successful recovery results in patients with balance, dizziness, vertigo and postural dysfunction caused by stroke, head injury and other neurological disorders.

Join host Amy Zellmer of Faces of TBI as she chats with author and stroke survivor, Mark Moore. Mark is a philanthropist and successful businessman. Along with his wife Brenda, a former nurse, Mark has established the Mark and Brenda Moore and Family Foundation, through which he supports advances in healthcare, education, culture and the arts, and Christian evangelism. Prior to engaging full time in his philanthropic work, Mark was Chief Operating Officer and co-owner of Segovia, Inc., a leading provider of global internet protocol services to the US Defense Department. Mark is also the Mid-Atlantic Ambassador for the American Stroke Association and the author of the memoir A Stroke of Faith, which is now on sale. Mark’s new memoir (FaithWords, on sale now), follows his journey from successful businessman to unexpected stroke victim and survivor.  In May 2007, Mark was hit in quick succession by two nearly fatal strokes at the age of 46 and spent a month in a medically-induced coma. Now, almost ten years la

Listen in as host Amy Zellmer chats with Dr. Mario Dulay. Dr. Dulay conducts neuropsychological assessments on adults with various neurological diagnoses including dementia and traumatic brain injury in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Houston Methodist Hospital. He provides cognitive rehabilitation treatments, works with families of individuals with cognitive issues, and determines patient disability status for benefits. In association with the Houston Methodist Concussion Center, he provides evaluations of patients of all ages who have experienced sports-related or other types of concussive injuries. He is an assistant professor at the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Neurological Surgery, adjunct assistant professor of psychology at the University of Houston, and director of The Houston Institute for Neuropsychological Knowledge (THINK) lab. Episode sponsored by: Minnesota Functional Neurology 

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Judy Chase. Judy Chase is the mother of an elite snowboarder that survived several traumatic brain injuries. Her son, Matt, was a sponsored snowboarder, and National Champion for USASA & PBRJ. He also took 2nd place in the Revolution Tour just behind the Olympic alternate for Shaun White. Matt was on his way to becoming a professional snowboarder when his dream came to a crashing halt. With a series of brain injuries, Matt found himself giving up his snowboard for a dark, quiet room, confined to his bed with migraines. In this podcast, hear about Matt’s journey through his traumatic brain injuries from debilitating symptoms to complete recovery. Judy has a message of hope, inspiring those with brain injuries to find treatment that actually heals the brain injury rather than just treating the symptoms. This treatment was found at Minnesota Functional Neurology & Chiropractic, where Judy is now the Office Manager & Patient Advocate. She gives encouragement a

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Jami Benz, mother to Braden. Braden is a gifted child who is diligent about wearing a helmet on the family's ATV. Jami was unaware of the dangers lurking on her son's soccer field. She hopes to educate parents, coaches and referees about the dangers of head injuries on (and off) the field and how a helmet doesn't necessarily protect the brain from a concussion. 

Certain neurological conditions, including stroke, brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease, cause muscles in the head and neck to have decreased strength, range of motion, coordination and/or speed, which can result in dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty or discomfort when swallowing. While it is a common post-stroke symptom, the severity of dysphagia can range from minimal to profound impairments, and may require the temporary or permanent placement of a feeding tube. This treatment team includes a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and a nutritionist who work together to create a proper nutrition plan.  SLP: Lauren Stermer Holdaway, SLP at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Ocala received her bachelor’s degree from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio in 2006 and then went on to earn her master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Montevallo in 2011. She has since worked in a variety of settings including inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, outpatient rehabilitation and ski

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Dr. Deborah Zelinsky about how eyes are affected after a brain injury.  Deborah Zelinsky, O.D., F.N.O.R.A., F.C.O.V.D. graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1985 and founded the Mind-Eye Connection in 1993. She has spent the past thirty years developing methods for assessment of brain function with emphasis on the often untested linkage between eyes and ears. Certification in the use of those methods is beginning in 2017. Customized eyeglasses can be used to stabilize dysfunctional eye/ear connections, enhancing learning and language abilities. When visual and auditory pathways are not solidly interacting, reading and spelling abilities suffer, as do social skills.  Dr. Zelinsky’s cutting edge research in retinal circuitry and three patents in novel usages of retinal stimulation have been described in neuro-optometric rehabilitation publications and optometric courses worldwide. Currently she is a reviewer for the Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehab

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Dr. Michael Lewis. Michael is an expert on nutritional and nonpharmaceutical interventions for brain health, particularly the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and omega-3 fatty acids. In 2012 upon retiring as a Colonel after a distinguished 31 year career in the U.S. Army, he founded the nonprofit Brain Health Education and Research Institute. His pioneering work in the military and since has helped thousands of people around the world and he is regularly featured in the media, radio, podcasts, webinars, scientific conferences, and television including CNN’s Sanjay Gupta MD show.  Dr. Lewis is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Lewis is board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and American College of Nutrition. He completed post-graduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with survivor Sam Black.  In early 2013, Sam was a passenger in a car that was hit by an impaired driver, and from that moment her life changed forever. Suffering from several injuries, including a brain injury, Sam was unable to return to a career that she loved very much.  Through months of healing, reflection and support, Sam was able to focus on the gifts that she still had to offer the world, and through this transition, Grounded Roots Wellness was born. Sam Black is the Executive Director of Grounded Roots Wellness Inc., a space dedicated to healing the mind, body and soul.  Sam is a Certified Psychic Medium and Wellness Coach, Trainer and Speaker.  She has a passion for helping others find the little gems inside and empowering others to shine their light!

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Becky Henry about self-care and mindfulness for TBI survivors and caregivers. Becky Henry inspires people to reclaim joy. In 2003, Becky created Hope Network, LLC inspiring families living with eating disorders to let go of pain and suffering and get their lives back. She is the National Award Winning author of Just Tell Her To Stop: Family Stories of Eating Disorders. (Infinite Hope Publishing). Becky is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Associate Certified Coach (ACC) designated by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Becky Henry's HOPE Network, LLC is changing the way caregivers are supported while care-giving. Through education, coaching and a community of support, hopelessness and helplessness are replaced with HOPE. She will share self-care and mindful tools such as: BreathingMeditation - including a hands on oneDBT Skills (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) - for mindfulness and distress toleranceLaughter YogaJoyful Movement - ie- walking,

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Penny Eissenberg of Health South. While driving may be second nature to most, it is a privilege that requires sharp physical, visual and mental skills. As we age, tasks that once seemed simple can require increased focus, practice and dexterity. Medical conditions that may affect driving skills include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury or arthritis. These conditions may affect vision, memory, attention and the ability to problem solve and act quickly, which are both necessary skills to remain safe on the road. With physical rehabilitation, older drivers, or those who have suffered an injury, can practice the movements and skills needed to travel safely, such as getting in and out of the car or reacting to unexpected hazards on the road. Since maintaining mobility is one of the most important aspects of preserving independence, older drivers can greatly benefit from participating in these activities. During the week of December

Join Amy as she reflects on this past year, and all of the wonderful advocacy work she has been able to do ... as well as the fantastic TBI survivors she has met! 

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with former NFL wife, Cyndy Feasel, about the NFL, CTE, and her late husband, Grant Feasel, who played for six years with the Seatle Seahawks. Feasel died on Sunday, July 15, 2012, in Ft. Worth, TX. He was 52. He was found to have stage 3 CTE in his brain --  a result of repetitive head trauma from playing football. Cyndy will share some of her memories, as well as talk about her soon-to-be-released book "After the Cheering Stops: An NFL Wife’s Story of Concussions, Loss, and the Faith that Saw Her Through" Former NFL wife Cyndy Feasel tells the tragic story of her family’s journey into chaos and darkness resulting from the damage her husband suffered due to football-related concussions and head trauma—and the faith that saved her. Cyndy Feasel was married for twenty-nine years to NFL lineman Grant Feasel, who was discovered after his death to have developed CTE—a progressive degenerative brain disease—from the concussions he received playing football. An art teacher in Fo

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with NFL Indianapolis Colts SuperBowl champ, Ben Utecht, about his newly released book, and how he is losing his memories after muliptle concussions.  As an influential advocate for brain health, Ben served as the national spokesperson for the American Academy of Neurology and currently sits on the prestigious board of the American Brain Foundation.  Ben was given the AAN’s most esteemed honor, the Public Leadership in Neurology Award, in 2014.  Also at that time, Ben released a music video for his song “You Will Always Be My Girls,” written as a love letter to his wife and daughters with the goal of emotionally connecting people to the importance of their memories.  The video has impacted the lives of many, garnering over 1.3 million YouTube views to date. Ben can now add “author” to his résumé, with the release of his new book Counting the Days While My Mind Slips Away, published by Simon & Schuster.  The book is the first memoir from a former NFL player who left the

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with TBI survivor, Adam Pepiton. Adam Pepiton, a graduate of Cesar Chavez High School, was living a full life as a college student studying Criminal Justice, working for Kmart and spending time with family and friends. Then on September 5th, 2010 his life changed forever. When leaving a friend’s house after a party, he was the victim of a drive-by shooting in which he was shot in the head. The bullet entered on the left side and lodged in the skull on the right side. This type of injury (transverse) has less than a 1% survival rate, so Adam surviving was a true miracle.  Adam is diagnosed as a quadriplegic due to the brain injury. This means he has feeling throughout his body but can’t control his legs, trunk, has diminished use of right arm and limited usage of his left arm/hand.   Adam is currently taking college classes and volunteers for the American Red Cross handling the volunteer applications and processes, along with starting his Youtube channel.

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with 2015 Miss Oregon & TBI survivor, Ali Wallace. Ali recently turned her crown over to the new 2016 Miss Oregon, but TBI awareness is still part of her daily platform. Hear about Ali's struggles after receiving a traumatic brain injury in high school, and how it affected her in pagaent competitions inlcuding Miss Oregon and Miss America -- where TBI was her platform! Also, learn what she is up to next now that she has retired her crown!

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with Speech Therapist, Richard DuBose. Richard has has 11 years of experience working directly with a primarily TBI population. Richard came about his calling to work with traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in a very personal way. During his junior year of college at the University of South Alabama, his father was in a car accident on the way to work and sustained a TBI. Through this experience and his fascination with cognition and how the brain works, he became interested in treating adults and adolescents with TBI. His first job out of college was working with a brain injury program in Greenville, South Carolina, where he worked with patients in an inpatient and outpatient setting. He also spent a couple of years working in a skilled nursing facility, but found his way back into the rehabilitation setting in his current position at AnMed Rehabilitation Hospital, a rehabilitation hospital in the HealthSouth network. He’s presented on topics of cognition, behavior and

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with EmilyFiocchi, a yoga specialist and physical therapy assistant at HealthSouth Geisinger Rehabilitation Hospital and hatha yoga instructor.  Emily Fiocchi is a physical therapist assistant at HealthSouth Geisinger Rehabilitation Hospital and certified Hatha Yoga Instructor. As a clinician for the last 25 years, she has treated patients in inpatient and acute care rehabilitation, neurologic and orthopedic outpatient clinics. To keep herself healthy, physically and emotionally in a demanding career, Emily turned to Yoga. She experienced the benefits of a weekly practice and wanted her patients to experience the same. Once certified, in June 2000, through the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, Emily began to use Yoga techniques as a compliment in the treatment of outpatients who suffer with chronic pain or fatigue, fibromyalgia and/or with high anxiety and depression. Recently, she became a part of a multidisciplinary team of health professionals who provide monthly educati

Join host Amy Zellmer as she chats with SchaOn Blodgett about his own rehabilitation from multiple concussions.  SchaOn specializes in relaxation & de-stressing therapies, as well as working with individuals with chronic ‘hard-to-resolve’ issues. He has completed extensive training in Esogetics Holistic Medicine and Kirlian Energy Emission Analysis, completed various levels of training in BodyTalk Access, Access Consciousness “the Bars”, Complex Homeopathy and Ayurvedic Medicine. Additionally, SchaOn is a regular guest speaker on the topic of Esogetics Colorpuncture at Anoka-Ramsey Community College for their Nursing and Holistic Health Degree programs, and from 2013-2015 was an Instructor at Normandale College teaching classes on Holistic Health & Wellness. In 2014, he was invited and held workshops for the State of Minnesota’s Department of Administration on the topic of “Natural Stress Release for the Busy Professional” during their “Stress Quest Week”.

Join Amy Zellmer as she chats with yoga instructor, Laura Erdman-Luntz, about the powerful healing benefits of yoga, and how yoga played an important part in Amy's TBI rehab. Experienced Yoga Educator, Author, inspiring Life Coach and Business Entrepreneur, Laura Erdman-Luntz has over 20 years experience in the fitness and wellness industries.  She uniquely blends her Life Coaching knowledge and vast experience with Yoga to create programs, classes and workshops that truly do bring mind and body together for positive change, inspiring people to live their most authentic life.  She incorporates New Thought ideas into classes and programs on positive living, manifesting and changing subconscious beliefs.  Her Yoga training began in 1988 and began teaching in 1992.  She has taught over 500 workshops, over 15,000 hours of yoga classes, coached hundreds of clients and has trained dozens of yoga teachers at the beginner and advanced level.