Part 1 introduces Mary Margaret Scharf, a retired attorney, a mother of 2 beautiful girls and a survivor of the most brutal type of brain injury… delivered by the hands of her then husband. This merciless attack reveals the intersection of domestic violence and traumatic brain injury.

In Part 2 of my interview with Mary Margaret we talk about her recovery; physcially, cognitively and emotionally.  This amazing woman is brave, self confident, intelligent and positive beyond measure.  Mary Margaret's two daughters stand proud next to her creating a strong family bond.

You have heard many amazing recovery stores over the past 2 years on this podcast and am honored to bring you another example of powerful determination and in this story..survival instincts . Together, Mary Margaret Scharf and I, are going to bring awareness to the intersection of brain injury and domestic violence.

Mary Margaret Scharf a retired attorney, a mother of 2 beautiful girls and a survivor of the most brutal type of brain injury… delivered by the hands of her then husband.  Her marriage was in the news twice, first in the New York Times marriage announcement section on Mary 4, 1997 and then on the ABC news on February 5, 2015.  The title of the ABC news report was EX-Wife Recalls Flashlight Attack That Nearly Killed Her.

In Part 1 we talk about her traumatic brain injury followed by Part 2 : How this amazing role model for mothers, professionals and survivors is doing now.  

Meet Maureen O'Neil Brown, Cognitive Consultant!  Maureen is a registered, licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and their families to return to meaningful activity following cognitive injury or illness.  Maureen works collaboratively with clients and their team to problem solve, educate, and create individualized plans based upon the specific goals of individuals and their families.

I asked Maureen what the role of a Cognitive Consultant is and the difference between the responsibilies of a Consultant and that of a Social Worker.  We went on to talk about working with persons with a brain injury develop a "Personal Resource Page".  She is a wealth of knowledge and offers tools and tips that are valuable to everyday life.  Join us!

Davison was born with a heart defect, then his Dad had leukemia and heart failure and survivred both, then Davison and his Mom were hit by a truck 3 years ago that resulted in Davison's TBI.  This is a lot to handle for a young life.  But survive he did, and is a fantastic young man with many dreams to fulfill.

It was an absolute pleaure to talk with Davison and his Mom, Blake.  Davison had his Mom fill in the blanks when I asked him about the horrific accident that was caused by a truck, full force, in a school crosswalk. They talk about Davison's occupational, physical, cognative and emotional therapies. And most importantly, I asked him about his return to high school and his dreams to be a teacher like his Mom and his application to Longwood College.  I know you will agree, he is one fine gentleman.

http://tbihopeandinspiration.com/March2022.pdf

This is a must listen to podcast for brain injury survivors that struggles with getting benefits from the Social Security Administration!

Spencer Bishins has a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA’s complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system.  His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it’s so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits.

After interviewing Spencer I bought 3 copies of his book for social workers at the Philadlephia VA Hospital, Good Shephard and Success Rehabilitation Centers.  This book is a must read for anyone who applies for benefits.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-bishins-806551201/

Candace joined the amazing Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania  (BIAPA) conference on June 28th and interviewed 4 participants: a survivor, a caregiver, a presenter and exhibitor.  Each were asked "Why should survivors and their families go to a brain injury conference".  Everyone agreed...  you will find a loving community, learn about services and hear powerful speakers that will help in your journey to recovery.  Look for a Brain Injury Association or Mind Your Brain conference in your area and know you are not alone!

https://biapa.org

https://www.mindyourbrainfoundation.org/

https://www.biausa.org

https://mageerehab.jeffersonhealth.org/doctor/todd-lewis/

Listen to Maureen Miller talk about Craniosacral therapy (CST) and it's application for relieveing chronic pain.  CST is a gentle hands-on technique that uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity. Learn what studies show about the central nervious system and recovery.

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https://thervo.com/pa/chester/massage/maureen-miller-lmt

What is the difference between a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and a Speech Therapist?  You should know when selecting a rehabilitation specialist. Katya Bowen, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS is a speech language pathologist and certified brain injury specialist in Western Massachusetts. She has worked in the clinical setting for 20 years, treating patients with acquired and traumatic brain injury. Katya has worked in both the outpatient and acute care settings and tell us today what role a Pathologist and Therapist play in your recovery journey.  I asked the same questions you do... "Isnt' speech just sounds, voice pitch and even swallowing? Who can help me get back to work and play?"

Berkshire Health Systems - Berkshire Medical Center Katya Bowen https://www.mbsimp.com/clinicians.cfm

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Listen to Dr. Keith Robinson talk about the flawed outcome predictability scales when working with brain injury survivors.  He goes on to share information about behavior activation, as it relates to depression, PTSD and and everyday life functioning.

Dr. Robinson a specialist in neurological rehabilitation.  He is an Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and the Chief of Rehabilitation at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/providers/profile/keith-robinson

Stacia has a Masters in Education and is a brain injury coach, educator, public speaker and survivor.  She specializes in helping others find personal and professional growth relating to brain injury. Passionate about education, Stacia spent much of her career as a secondary math teacher until taking on roles in administration and academic coaching.  In 2011, she became a licensed middle and high school principal with aspirations of running her own school, however, a bicycle accident that same year left her with a traumatic brain injury and her career as a public school educator came to an end. 

Stacia talks about how she lost her identity, friends, family and her job and then learned how to build a ladder to get out of that dark hole.

https://www.tbimentor.com

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