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Lived Experiences with TBI | Tim Siegel TEAM LUK3 HOPE FOR MINDS

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. 

Lived Experiences with TBI | Look How Far We’ve Come, Alamo Head Injury Association, Deb Harper- President

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.

Lived Experiences with TBI | Counting the Days While My Mind Slips Away A Story of Perseverance and Hope. Ben Utecht -Super Bowl Champion

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!

Lived Experiences with TBI | Injured First Responder and Caregiver Advocate, Patricia Kay Reyna, EdD

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.

Lived Experiences with TBI | Shaken Baby Alliance, Ft. Worth, Texas

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
 

A Chat with Gerard Gioia, PhD | Moderating Concussion Complexities

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.

A Conversation with Dr. Stan Herring | 30 Years of Concussion Care

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.

Lessons Learned in 30 Years Studying Brain Injury

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.

10 Things Special Educators Should Know

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.

The Josh Goblowsky Story

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.