Faces Of Tbi

Abby Maslin shares an inspiring story of resilience and commitment in a deeply affecting new memoir. After her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury, the couple worked together as he recovered—and they learned to love again.  When Abby Maslin's husband, TC, didn't make it home on August 18, 2012, she knew something was terribly wrong. Her fears were confirmed when she learned that her husband had been beaten by three men and left for dead mere blocks from home, all for his cell phone and debit card. The days and months that followed were a grueling test of faith. As TC recovered from a severe traumatic brain injury that left him unable to speak and walk, Abby faced the challenge of caring for—and loving—a husband who now resembled a stranger. Love You Hard is the raw, unflinchingly honest story of a young love left broken, and the resilience required to mend a life and remake a marriage. Told from the caregiver's perspective, this book is a daring exploration of true love: what it means to love b

Dr. Uzma Samadani founded Oculogica in 2013, and her laboratory has developed the eye-tracking methodology and published six papers on its utility. She is currently the Rockswold Kaplan Endowed Chair for Traumatic Brain Injury at Hennepin County Medical Center and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota. She serves on the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Executive Committee for Trauma and Critical Care and is Scientific Program Chair of the AANS/CNS National Neurotrauma Society Joint Satellite Meeting. Rosina Samadani is the CEO of Oculogica and has 20 years of experience with medical device companies, including 7 years with McKinsey & Company as a leader in their healthcare practice. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University and BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. Oculogica a medical device company dedicated to developing breakthrough technology to fundamentally transform the diagnosis o

A licensed physical therapist with a Master’s degree in counseling, Sharik has dedicated his career to finding natural ways to heal the brain and body. His passion for natural healing developed out of his own journey and recovery from breaking his neck and back and sustaining brain injuries including a vertebral artery dissection stroke in 1986. Sharik’s personal research research led to study of IASTM, Gua Sha, acupressure, taping, and vibration and their impact on the body and mind. One night, Sharik awoke with a distinct impression that vibration can be used to aid in healing the human nervous system. He then threw himself into searching for the perfect tool that would target the areas of chronic pain and muscles that hold onto stress and tension. Sharik simply could not find the right tool to help people in the way that he knew they could be helped. Because Sharik could not find the right tool, he decided to create it. The first version of the Rezzimax® Tuner Pro, an FDA registered class 1 510(k) exempt

DEB BRANDON is a weaver, respected textile artist and enthusiast, and writer. She’s been an active volunteer with Weave a Real Peace (WARP), including serving multiple terms as a board member as well as writing the long-running “Textile Techniques from Around the World” column for the WARP newsletter. Brandon is a popular speaker on textiles and other topics. She’s an avid traveler and has competed nationally and internationally in dragon boating, and she’s been a professor in the Mathematical Sciences Department at Carnegie Mellon University since 1991. Her other books include the memoir “But My Brain Had Other Ideas,” and her essays have appeared in several publications, including HandEye Magazine and Weaving Today. Find her books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2L4lI2V and https://amzn.to/2Pr3mKj

Dean Foor, is the founder of Oregon Medi Hemp and the proprietor of Entangled Biome product line. Dean has a wide professional background that makes him a much sought after expert in the field of Medical Hemp Processing, from farm-to-table. Before Entangled Biome, Dean has worked in environmental impacts of water and soil, bioremediation in Alaska, art and science of wine making in Australia, Switzerland, and Oregon and responsible for the conception of many renewable energy Biogas Plants. With overseeing the daily operations of Entangled Biome that include quality control from seed to harvest and the processing that involves ethanol extraction of Organic Certified USDA industrial hemp.  Dean believes in a hands on experience to achieve the best quality Organic 'CBD-rich' Full Spectrum Hemp Oil that helps support a healthy and active life for many family, friends and customers. Dean also holds degrees in both Civil Engineering and Geomatic Engineering from Ohio State University.  He also serves as a consul

I am a graduate of Michigan State University and I have been a practicing speech-language pathologist since 2014.  I have worked in skilled nursing facilities and in hospitals in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation.  My true passion is in working with individuals with brain injury, and I am grateful to work at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center.  I am a co-instructor of several of Origami’s group therapies, which include Brain Injury Education Group, Memory Group, and Social Communication Group. I received my Vital Stim swallowing therapy certification in 2017. I enjoy my job because it allows me to help individuals improve their lives following brain injury.   Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization located in Lansing, Michigan. Origami provides comprehensive rehabilitation care for survivors of brain injuries and their families. Through their compassionate and innovative service, Origami creates opportunities and transforms lives.

Lee Gerdes is the founder of Cereset, a wellness company that helps clients manage stress, restore hope and finally achieve restful sleep through patented BrainEcho™ technology. Gerdes, an experienced computer engineer with a background in psychology, physics and math, created Cereset to ease his own stress and restless nights following a violent, physical attack that left him traumatized. His proprietary algorithm has been used to help 130,000 worldwide and has been the subject of several successful clinical trials by Wake Forest University and the U.S. Military. Find Lee's book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ziahA3

Dr. Wice graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2012. She has provided treatment and assessment services to adults, couples, and families in a variety of healthcare and community settings. She has experience providing cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments for mood and anxiety disorders, grief and loss, and coping with stress. During her internship and residency at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, she received advanced training in interventions and assessments related to chronic disease management. Dr. Wice enjoys helping people cope with chronic diseases, physical injuries, and related emotional challenges. She is interested in research-based strategies to prevent illness and injury, reduce the burden associated with these challenges, and to improve the quality of life for individuals who are living with these conditions.  Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization located in Lansing, Michigan. Origami provides

Becky Henry is changing the way parents & other caregivers are supported by helping them have SHIFT HAPPEN! With lived experience and professional coaching training, Becky guides caregivers to release; fear, panic, sadness and worry and allow waves of joy and sorrow to co-exist so they have more; confidence, calmness and compassion to support a loved one in recovery. Since Becky founded Hope Network, LLC in 2003 she’s been coaching parents to practice self-care skills when caregiving and feel less isolated and more supported.  

Elisabeth Wilson is an acquired brain injury survivor, a brain health advocate, an attorney, and a licensed occupation therapist. She was a busy litigation attorney when she began experiencing numerous troubling neurological symptoms and cognitive decline, leading to her inability to practice law. She was eventually diagnosed with a very rare brain tumor of the pineal gland, a pineocytoma. After brain surgery to remove the tumor in 2016, she underwent extensive rehabilitation with a variety of practitioners and made lifestyle and nutrition changes to support her recovery. She also suffered a concussion during the course of her recovery from a run-in with a bookcase in her home in the dark. After experiencing her life-changing injuries, she decided to devote her life to Neuro rehabilitation and helping others in their recovery from neurological injury and disease.   She went on to serve as the Editor of the book How to Feed a Brain: Nutrition for Optimal Brain Function and Repair by Cavin Balaster, which

Linda is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center. She graduated from Michigan State University for both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.  Linda has worked in neuro-rehabilitation for 18 years.  Neurological injuries are as diverse as the people themselves; which Linda finds fascinating and a good challenge to determine the best treatment for each person.  Linda is also an Adjunct Faculty and Clinical Faculty for the School of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University.  Linda also is one of the facilitators for the Lansing Area Aphasia Support Group which meets once a month.  Linda finds the most gratifying aspect of her job is helping her clients improve their communication abilities and complete tasks to achieve their goals.  Linda says she loves it when she can help them succeed and smile. Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization located in Lansing, Michigan. Origami provides comprehensive rehabilitation care for su

Rebecca Wyatt is a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) at Michigan State University.  She received a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from Central Michigan University in 2004 and her medical degree from MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) in 2008.  Dr. Wyatt’s residency training was completed in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Sparrow Hospital through MSU 2008-2012 where she served as the chief resident during her last year of residency.  She is an associate professor with the Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Michigan State Universities School of Osteopathic Medicine.  It is a great privilege to be the Medical Director and part of the Origami team. Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization located in Lansing, Michigan. Origami provides comprehensive rehabilitation care for survivors of brain injuries and their families. Through their compassionate and innovative service, Origami creates

Hart Shafer is the founder and CEO of TheraSpecs Company, makers of precision-tinted glasses that help relieve migraine, post-concussion syndrome, and other issues triggered or worsened by light. TheraSpecs glasses help people get out of the dark and back to their lives.  Hart was inspired to start TheraSpecs by his wife, Kerrie, who lives with chronic migraine. Previously, he worked in technology product development and still coaches, consults, and speaks on innovation and agile leadership. He is the inventor on three patents, holds a degree in physics with a mathematics core from Macalester College, and lives in Phoenix, AZ. www.theraspecs.comhttp://www.theraspecs.com $10 off with coupon code: FACESOFTBI

Michael is a 2002 graduate of Michigan State University.  At Michigan State, he received a bachelor’s of science in Psychology along with the completion of premedical tracking. He started working at Origami shortly after graduating in December 2002.  At Origami, he started off as a direct care provider.  In 2004, he transitioned into the role of a Care Coordinator.  He is a certified brain injury specialist and certified case manager, currently he also serves as the care coordination supervisor. Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization located in Lansing, Michigan. Origami provides comprehensive rehabilitation care for survivors of brain injuries and their families. Through their compassionate and innovative service, Origami creates opportunities and transforms lives.

On February 19, 2016, a group of tourists were frolicking in the waters of Colombia, South America. The merriment was interrupted when a boulder came crashing down on top of them. All but one made it to safety— her name is Schuyler. Our guest today is her mother, bestselling author and international motivational speaker Meridith Alexander. Meridith’s book THE SKY IS THE LIMIT hit the #1 New Release in the motivational category on Amazon the night that it was launched. Meridith and Schuyler’s story has impacted thousands upon thousands and has established Meridith as an expert in the power of a deliberately positive mindset. Today, Meridith and Schuyler continue to spread their message of hope and empowerment by showing others that how we view our circumstances truly impacts how we experience every aspect of our life. Find Meredith's book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NRR8cK

Kathie is an Occupational Therapist and certified as an Employment Training Specialist. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University and has been practicing in the Lansing area for over twenty years, with experience working in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient services, and industrial rehabilitation.  She has lectured on accommodations and productivity after a brain injury and published work on Adolescents with TBI: Transitioning Back to School.  She is a Proctor for Certified Brain Injury Specialist exams and enjoys assisting co-workers prepare for this certification.  She is honored to be part of a company that focuses on staying educated on the most up to date information, educating the community, and providing quality care to those they serve. Working in such a natural environment alongside so many individuals who truly have the best interest of the clients and family members at heart is very rewarding to her.  Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization loc

Mackenzie is a 2013 Michigan State University kinesiology graduate and received her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University in 2015. Since working at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, she has received training and presented on topics within the community, including: serial casting techniques, AARP CarFit, vision therapy, cognitive perceptual motor retraining, and pre-driving rehabilitation services. Mackenzie currently works as an occupational therapist specializing in functional and community OT as well as some vision therapy and upper extremity modalities.  Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization located in Lansing, Michigan. Origami provides comprehensive rehabilitation care for survivors of brain injuries and their families. Through their compassionate and innovative service, Origami creates opportunities and transforms lives.

Amanda Lopez is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center.  She graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2011 with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.  She is a CPI-Certified Instructor for Non-violent Crisis Intervention.  At Origami, Dr. Lopez provides individual and family therapy to clients and caregivers.  She also serves as a co-facilitator for group therapy targeted at brain injury education as well as ongoing support for transitioning back into the community and the workforce.   Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization located in Lansing, Michigan. Origami provides comprehensive rehabilitation care for survivors of brain injuries and their families. Through their compassionate and innovative service, Origami creates opportunities and transforms lives.

Tina Hutchence was born in Australia and lived in Hong Kong as a teenager, finally making California her home for the past 46 years. Her background is in Makeup for motion picture but when her brother Michael Hutchence - lead singer of INXS - took his life in 1997 she and her mother Patricia authored ‘Just A Man the Real Michael Hutchence’ for Pan Macmillan. She has now written a more in depth, personal book on Michael’s life written with music writer Jen jewel Brown due out in late September. In it she discusses Michael’s struggle with his traumatic brain injury. Pre-order Tina's book, "Michael: My Brother, Lost Boy of INXS" -- due out late September: https://www.bookdepository.com/Michael-Tina-Hutchence/9781760633134

Arika Button graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences then went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Grand Valley in 2008.  Since then she has been working at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center as a Physical Therapist and treats clients with various neurologic and orthopedic conditions.  She is an APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor and mentors 3-4 students a year.  She is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and has received advanced training on serial casting, manual therapy techniques, and vestibular rehabilitation.  Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization located in Lansing, Michigan. Origami provides comprehensive rehabilitation care for survivors of brain injuries and their families. Through their compassionate and innovative service, Origami creates opportunities and transforms lives.