CBIRT Online

This podcast highlights the work of Neuro Community Care (NCC), an organization providing comprehensive case management and support for individuals with brain injuries and other neurological conditions. A central theme is NCC’s holistic, individualized approach, which focuses not only on medical needs but also on social determinants of health, such as access to resources, stable environments, and meaningful social connections. NCC tailors services to each client by assessing unique needs and connecting individuals and their caregivers with appropriate community resources. A key emphasis is the role of social connection and social capital in recovery and long-term well-being. The discussion underscores that strong community ties can improve both mental and physical health, reduce depression, and encourage more active, engaged lifestyles. Another important component of NCC’s model is its use of virtual case management. By leveraging technology, NCC maintains consistent communication with clients and partners, particularly benefiting those in rural or remote areas. This approach increases efficiency while expanding reach. NCC collaborates with a network of more than 200 highly vetted and trained community providers, ensuring clients receive high-quality, coordinated support across multiple areas of need. Looking ahead, the organization aims to expand its services further, including outreach to populations such as first responders, while continuing to advocate for the integration of social determinants of health into care models. Overall, the episode emphasizes that effective brain injury care extends beyond clinical treatment. NCC’s model demonstrates the importance of individualized support, community connection, and equitable access in improving outcomes and quality of life.

In this powerful episode of Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury, host Melaney Grenz welcomes retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Victor Medina and his wife, Roxana Delgado, PhD—co-founders of the TBI Warrior® Foundation. Together, they share an inspiring story of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to serving others impacted by brain injury. Victor recounts the life-altering moment during his third combat tour in Iraq when he sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) on June 29, 2009. A Purple Heart recipient, Victor describes the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, including years of rehabilitation and the difficult decisions that reshaped his life. With determination, he became a rehabilitation counselor and dedicated his life to helping others navigate similar paths. Roxana Delgado, PhD shares her unique journey from professional researcher to include national advocate. As a health scientist and epidemiologist, Roxanna has led critical research on military families and veterans, bringing awareness to the psychosocial impacts of injury and the systemic gaps in support. Her lived experience as Victor’s wife informs her groundbreaking work, especially in developing the Military and Veteran Research Portfolio. The couple also discusses the founding of the TBI Warrior® Foundation, a nonprofit based in Boerne, Texas, that provides rehabilitation counseling, access to care, and caregiver support—not just for veterans, but for anyone affected by brain injury. Their mission is driven by faith, family, and a commitment to community service. Listeners will learn about the foundation’s outreach efforts, including veteran-specific and community-wide support groups, educational webinars like their recent “Thinking, Thriving, and Well-Being” event, and their vision for expanding advocacy and policy change around TBI. "While TBI is prevalent, it’s also a very underserved community," Victor notes. Together, he and Roxanna are determined to change that. Tune in for a story of love, sacrifice, and hope—and find out how you can support their mission at tbiwarriorfoundation.org.   Podcast Transcript

In this powerful episode of the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training’s podcast, “Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury,” host Melaney Grenz welcomes guest Marchell Taylor. Once entrenched in a life of crime beginning in his pre-teen years, Marchell's story takes a profound turn after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) screening at Denver County Jail in 2016. Through a pilot program led by neuropsychologist and University of Denver professor Dr. Kimberly Gorgens, Marchell received targeted therapies that helped him understand his brain, regulate his behavior, and reclaim his self-worth. Marchell shares his difficult childhood in Flint, Michigan—his early exposure to alcohol, repeated brain injuries, and the escalating choices that led to incarceration. Facing a lengthy prison sentence, he was identified as having a TBI and was introduced to therapy, grief counseling, and meditation techniques. These interventions became the foundation for his transformation. Today, Marchell is a partner in Dr. Gorgens’s research and advocacy work. Together, they helped pass a 2021 Colorado law to implement brain injury screenings for individuals in the criminal justice system. Marchell also reconnected with former inmate Corey Shively to co-launch AYBOS Advocacy and the Rebuild Your Mind Challenge—a mental health awareness campaign within justice-involved communities. We also had the opportunity to speak with his colleagues, Tramel Thomas and Nicki Mitchell, who shared their roles in this meaningful work and emphasized the importance of advocacy, support, and trauma-informed care in justice-impacted communities. Their insight added even more depth to this inspiring conversation. Now a peer counselor, Marchell continues to thrive, dedicating his life to helping others break cycles of trauma. The episode underscores the importance of understanding the role of TBI in criminal behavior and advocates for nationwide screening and treatment programs. Marchell’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of compassion, science, and second chances.

In this episode of Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury, host Melaney Grenz welcomes Jonathan Boland, a former elite athlete whose dreams of NFL stardom were derailed by multiple concussions. Jonathan shares his journey from early football success to the devastating realization that his brain injury made continuing impossible. Struggling with identity loss, he turned to self-medication, leading to a series of mistakes that resulted in a prison sentence. While incarcerated, he found purpose through faith, fitness, and mentorship, eventually earning a second chance at life. Now a certified strength and conditioning specialist, Jonathan is dedicated to helping others overcome adversity and educating young athletes about the dangers of concussions. Through his business, Breath of Life Training LLC, he empowers individuals to rebuild their strength—both physically and mentally. His story is one of resilience, redemption, and hope for a brighter future.

Join us for CBIRT's first Podcast in the "Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury" series!  We kick start the series by speaking with Tim Siegel about his book, "Fight Like Luke: Transforming Grief Into Love, Strength, and Faith." and his journey navigating through the world of brain injury after his son's injury in 2015.  His journey led him to create a nonprofit organization called, "Team Luck Hope For Minds Supporting Kids After Brain Injury." https://www.teamlukehopeforminds.org/  Tim and Luke have been featured on podcasts, interviews, and other media platforms such as the NFL Countdown. 

In episode five, Deb Harper, President of the Alamo Head Injury Association in San Antonio, shares her remarkable journey from tragedy to advocacy after her husband, Dan, sustained a traumatic brain injury in a 2016 car accident. Deb describes the profound changes in her family’s life, highlighting the challenges of navigating a hidden disability and the initial lack of support services. She found solace and strength in support groups, which became her lifeline as she adjusted to living with “a new person.” Now as the President and Chair, Community Outreach Committee at the Alamo Head Injury Association, Deb contributes to the facilitation of the monthly support groups and organization of the annual Brain Injury Symposium, offering survivors and caregivers a sense of community, resources, and hope. Her message to listeners emphasizes resilience, understanding, and the power of connection in overcoming life-altering challenges. This inspiring episode underscores the importance of advocacy, awareness, and support in the brain injury community.

Join us for a special episode of The Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury Podcast. Host Melaney Grenz will be speaking with Ben Utecht, former NFL player and Super Bowl Champion, about his book "Counting the Days While My Mind Slips Away: A Story of Perseverance and Hope." In this episode, Ben shares his personal journey, discussing the impact of brain injuries sustained during his NFL career, how they have shaped his life, and the importance of raising awareness about brain health. His story is one of resilience, perseverance, and hope. Don't miss this important conversation!

Listen to the newest episode of the Lived Experiences Podcast!  Join Melaney Grenz as she meets with Dr. Patricia Kay Reyna, EdD., to discuss her work on brain injury and what started her journey.  Patricia Kay Reyna, EdD received her doctorate in Education, Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, her MA in Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University, and her MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Christian Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Her research interests include catastrophically injured law enforcement officers in the US including those with traumatic brain injury, prevalence of traumatic brain injury among law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and other first responders in the US, first responder suicide, and suicide prevention mediators including hope. Kay’s research interests also focus on interventions for caregivers providing care for persons with traumatic brain injury. She has a special interest in caregivers providing care for injured law enforcement officers, an unserved population of caregivers in the United States, and on caregiver hope. Kay has professional experience through non-profits focusing on injured law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and veterans and their caregivers. She is an ordained minister, certified Health Care Life Coach, and a Certified Spiritual Christian Counselor. Additionally, Kay serves as a dissertation chair and content expert for doctoral learners and is an Adjunct Professor. Her background includes a wide variety of education, non-profit, health care, caregiving, and ministry experience.

Listen, learn, and be inspired! “Please help us protect the tiniest and most vulnerable among us…”~ Melaney Grenz Join us on this important journey of awareness and action. Welcome to the latest episode of CBIRT's "Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury" podcast series! In this compelling new installment, we're thrilled to feature Bonnie Armstrong, Executive Director, and Felicia Hernandez, Director of Prevention Education & Social Media at The Shaken Baby Alliance, a dynamic nonprofit based in Fort Worth, Texas. In this episode, we dive deep into the impactful mission of The Shaken Baby Alliance, which is dedicated to supporting victim families, preventing child and elder abuse, and advocating for justice. Discover the origins of this incredible organization and learn about the ongoing efforts they’re making to effect real change in communities across Texas and beyond. Tune in as our host, Melaney Grenz, engages with Bonnie and Felicia to uncover the powerful stories and initiatives behind The Shaken Baby Alliance. This episode promises valuable insights into their crucial work and the difference they’re making every day. To learn more about The Shaken Baby Alliance, visit shakenbaby.org  

From webinar to podcast, this episode features pediatric neuropsychologist Gerard Gioia, Ph.D., discussing the critical role of schools in managing student concussions. He explains that concussions are a "software injury," affecting the brain's neurometabolic function without visible signs, making proper assessment and support essential. While most students recover within four weeks, some require longer, emphasizing the need for a structured, individualized approach to their return to school. Dr. Gioia highlights the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and educators to assess symptoms and provide targeted academic supports. He introduces assessment tools like CLAS and PACE, which evaluate academic challenges and self-efficacy, and STAMP, a framework for guiding interventions. These tools help ensure students receive the right accommodations to aid recovery without unnecessary restrictions. A key takeaway is the need for schools to establish concussion management teams that monitor student progress, adjust supports over time, and maintain open communication with families and medical providers. By implementing a systematic approach, schools can better facilitate students' recovery and reintegration into academics. Tune in to learn how educators and healthcare professionals can work together to support students recovering from concussions.

Adapted from a live webinar, in this podcast we hear from Stanley Herring, M.D, a leading expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, to discuss the complexities of sports concussions and the broader impact of physical activity on youth health. With over 40 years of experience and a clinical professorship at the University of Washington, Dr. Herring brings valuable insights into balancing concussion safety with the need for regular physical activity. While concussions are a serious concern, Dr. Herring stresses that the greater long-term health risk for young people is physical inactivity. He cautions against excessive restrictions on sports participation, emphasizing the physical, mental, and academic benefits of staying active. Proper concussion management, he explains, requires a collaborative approach involving athletic trainers, medical professionals, educators, and families to ensure safe recovery and return to play. Dr. Herring also sheds light on the unique challenges faced by rural and underserved communities in accessing concussion care, highlighting the need for better resources and school-based concussion management teams. His discussion underscores the importance of striking a balance between protecting young athletes and fostering an active, healthy lifestyle. Tune in to learn more about the latest approaches to concussion care and the critical role of physical activity in youth development.

This insightful webinar, now a podcast, features Ann Glang, PhD, a renowned special education researcher and former director of the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT). Dr. Glang shares her inspiring journey from studying French to becoming a leader in brain injury research, influenced by pioneers in instructional design like the late Dr. Siegfried “Zig” Engelmann and Doug Carnine, PhD. Her work has focused on developing interdisciplinary teams in schools to support students with brain injuries and advocating for legislative changes to improve access to services. Key achievements under her leadership at CBIRT include the development of a stakeholder-driven team model in Oregon schools, successful policy advocacy such as removing medical documentation barriers for TBI identification, and expanding research into areas like education in corrections facilities. Dr. Glang emphasizes the importance of focusing on functional, real-world skills and working closely with families and educators to design effective interventions. She also discusses strategies for raising public awareness about the prevalence and preventability of brain injuries and shares her vision for CBIRT to continue building partnerships and disseminating evidence-based practices widely. As she steps back from day-to-day responsibilities, Dr. Glang remains committed to mentoring and supporting select projects. This episode offers invaluable insights into the evolution of TBI knowledge, family engagement, and the systems-level changes needed to prioritize support for students with brain injuries.

In this podcast, adapted from a live webinar, we explore Oregon's efforts to support students with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), a low-incidence disability affecting 313 students statewide. While TBI cases in schools are relatively rare, Regional Inclusive Services (RISC) plays a vital role by providing consultative support through trained TBI liaisons. These liaisons work closely with schools, families, and communities, offering training and resources to ensure students with TBI receive the support they need. We discuss the TBI evaluation process in Oregon, which includes medical exams, psychological assessments, and credible history interviews to gather key information when medical records are unavailable. Students with TBI may qualify for either a 504 plan or an IEP, depending on the extent of their educational needs. House Bill 4140 further ensures a coordinated return-to-school process, mandating a standardized form for documenting symptoms and planning accommodations after a concussion or brain injury. Looking ahead, Oregon is prioritizing inclusive practices, accessible educational materials, and evidence-based strategies to better serve students with TBI. Linda Brown, Ed.D., a retiring educational specialist with 34 years of experience, shares her insights into what special educators need to know about TBI. Tune in to hear how Oregon’s proactive approaches and the dedication of specialists like Linda are shaping a more inclusive future for students with special needs.

What started as a webinar is now a podcast exploring the inspiring journey of Josh Goblowsky, who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury at just 3.5 years old following a hit-and-run accident. Despite a 34-day coma and months of intensive rehabilitation, Josh and his father, Mark, have turned their challenges into a mission of hope and resilience. Mark, Josh's primary caregiver, reflects on navigating recovery, education, and the unknowns of life after such a life-altering event. Josh has channeled his experiences into writing two children’s books, "Josh's World" and "Josh's Friends," with all proceeds supporting the Sunshine Foundation, an organization that granted the family a transformative wish. Together, Josh and Mark now speak publicly to inspire others facing adversity, sharing their journey through podcasts, blogs, and speaking engagements. Their story doesn’t stop there—Josh is also the Chief Culture Officer at the martial arts school he and Mark founded, using martial arts to empower others while continuing his personal growth. Mark is currently writing a memoir, Strength Through the Struggle, exploring their path and the resilience they've built. Tune in to hear how this father-son duo is turning hardship into hope, and how they continue to inspire others to find purpose and strength in the face of adversity.