Shepherd Center

Katie Stembridge greatly benefited from Shepherd’s Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (CRU). During her treatment for a C-4 level spinal cord injury (SCI), she regained control of her shoulders and biceps, learned how assistive technology could help her get around and stay in touch with friends, and built an emotional support team that helped her through the ups and downs of her recovery. But she left with something else, too — a new best friend. Hannah Anderson was also a patient at the time, receiving treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The two have stayed in touch since Katie graduated from inpatient treatment in February 2023. Hannah has since rejoined CRU as a nurse, and Katie hopes to return to Shepherd as a staff member, working as a case manager. In the meantime, Katie continues to progress in her recovery. After two rounds of the SCI Day Program, she’s built mobility in her arms while trying recreation therapy activities like power soccer. Now, she has control of her forearms and wrists. She’s also returned to many activities she enjoyed before her injury, like going out to dinner with friends and cheering on her favorite soccer teams, Team USA and Chelsea F.C. She also loves traveling — this summer, she went on a trip to Montana with her sister and cousin. “It’s nice because I still get to be 23,” Katie says. “Shepherd showed me I still have so much life to be lived.” You can read more about Katie’s story here: https://bit.ly/4eW4ukx #RestoringLives #RehabilitationStory #Community #ShepherdCenter

?? Roasting rehab! Ashley Tobin, who runs a Main Street shop in Roanoke, Alabama, with her husband, had dreams of adding coffee to their menu. But before they could get her coffee plans brewing, Ashley experienced a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) flare and came to Shepherd Center for treatment. When her therapist, Tayla Magnus, heard about her coffee aspirations, they incorporated latte-making into one of her occupational therapy sessions. They transformed Shepherd’s “I Can” Studio into a café as Ashley whipped up lattes in flavors like mocha and honey lavender. Using her phone for orders and a sprinkle of cinnamon for flair, she served up happiness—and a latte of smiles. #ShepherdCenter #LatteArt #MultipleSclerosis #MSWarrior #ICanStudio

Students are creating change at Woodward Academy! Upper School students showcased their innovative assistive technology devices at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference, designed to help people with spinal cord injuries in partnership with Shepherd Center. A special shoutout to Shepherd’s rehabilitation engineer, Jared Grier, for collaborating with the students. Jared guided them in crafting devices for individuals with limited hand function, even testing their designs and providing invaluable feedback. Partnerships like these inspire real-world problem-solving and make a lasting impact. Click below to read the full blog post: https://bit.ly/4i3z3HZ #InnovationForAll #AssistiveTech #AccessibilityMatters #ShepherdCenter #WoodwardAcademy

Up up, our patients went as they climbed to the top of the adventure at an adaptive climbing clinic in Washington, D.C., hosted in partnership with Catalyst Sports. These outings are more than just thrilling adventures—they’re an integral part of Shepherd Center’s Recreation Therapy Program, helping patients rediscover confidence, build strength, and embrace the joy of new possibilities. Recreation therapy provides transformative opportunities for patients to connect with their passions and explore life beyond injury. This Giving Tuesday, you can help us expand these experiences for even more patients. Your donation ensures that life-changing outings like this are continuously available for our community. Giving Tuesdays starts December 3. #GivingTuesday #GivingTuesday2024 #AdaptiveClimbing #RecreationalTherapy #ShepherdCenter #SupportShepherd #CatalystSports

"This night is sparkling, don't you let it go…" When Lily, a former collegiate athlete, and Shepherd Center patient, shared at Project Rollway, our annual adolescent fashion show, that she missed Taylor Swift's Eras Tour while recovering from a traumatic brain injury, a generous donor offered to purchase tickets for her. Then, board member Tony Marzullo went above and beyond to make her dream come true. Tony arranged a private plane to fly Lily and her mom from Atlanta to New Orleans. They explored the city, enjoyed brunch at Commander's Palace with a live jazz band playing Taylor Swift songs, and toured Magazine Street and Bourbon Street. That night, Lily had premium seats to experience the Eras Tour, singing her heart out. After the concert, they flew back to Atlanta, stayed in a luxurious hotel, and returned to Virginia the next day—making every moment unforgettable. This is mind-boggling," Lily's mom shared, reflecting on their first-time experience of such incredible care and travel. Tony later said, "I cried. It's the best money I've ever spent." Because of kindness and generosity, Lily didn't just attend a concert—she lived an eras-worthy adventure! #TaylorSwift #TaylorSwiftErasTour #ShepherdCenter #TBI #MakeADifference

After a catastrophic injury, returning to work or the classroom can be an integral part of getting back to life. “It’s easy to forget how essential working is to our human experience,” says Laura McDowell, MS, CRC, CVE, a vocational rehabilitation counselor at Shepherd Center. “It’s about our ability to participate in our culture, provide for ourselves and our loved ones, and to feel productive and valuable in our society.” That was true for Skylar Miller, a patient at Shepherd Center in 2022, rehabilitating from a paralyzing injury that occurred during a complicated surgery to remove a tumor in his spinal cord. Skylar had a job that required a great deal of mobility — he was a showroom manager at PDI’s Atlanta location, overseeing sales of bathroom, kitchen, and lighting fixtures, and he was anxious to get back to work. “My counselors had great conversations with my employers to come up with a game plan for my return,” Skylar says. “And my boss was on board. He said, ‘I didn’t hire you to do this job because you could walk. I hired you because you could do the job.’” Less than two years after returning to work, Skylar was assigned to PDI’s Alpharetta location — a higher-volume store and one of the company’s top showrooms. He also volunteers in Shepherd Center’s return-to-work classes, sharing his journey with current patients. “Shepherd Center just prepares you so well to return to daily life,” Skylar says. “I remember Laura (McDowell) was such a great advocate and so good at taking my anxiety away. She would say, ‘Hey, you’re still you. It’s about what’s up here, not anything else. Your mind, your abilities will shine through.’” #ReturnToWork #VocationalRehabilitation #ShepherdCenter #RehabilitationSuccess #DisabilityInclusion

Raymond Leonard has spent his career in education. After he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and experienced a stroke in August 2021, he was determined to return to Factory Shoals Middle School in Douglasville, Georgia, where he serves as principal. He spent three months in the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (CRU) at Shepherd, where he learned to walk again and to feed and dress himself. Raymond made slow but steady progress. He started using a power wheelchair and then a manual wheelchair. In outpatient therapy, he practiced walking on the Lokomat?. He moved to a walker and set a goal of walking up the stairs with only the aid of a cane. “I was motivated by setting incremental goals,” Raymond says. “That really helped because I could see progress.” He went back to work, slowly building up his hours, and in August 2022, he walked into the school unassisted and returned to work full-time. When reflecting on his achievements, Raymond credits his family for their unwavering support and the “family” at Shepherd Center. “They were motivational and inspirational. It’s like a family. Three years later, I still have connections there.” #ShepherdCenter #RehabilitationHospital #PatientStory #DouglasvilleGeorgia #SmallSteps

Raymond Leonard has spent his career in education. After he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and experienced a stroke in August 2021, he was determined to return to Factory Shoals Middle School in Douglasville, Georgia, where he serves as principal. He spent three months in the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (CRU) at Shepherd, where he learned to walk again and to feed and dress himself. Raymond made slow but steady progress. He started using a power wheelchair and then a manual wheelchair. In outpatient therapy, he practiced walking on the Lokomat?. He moved to a walker and set a goal of walking up the stairs with only the aid of a cane. “I was motivated by setting incremental goals,” Raymond says. “That really helped because I could see progress.” He went back to work, slowly building up his hours, and in August 2022, he walked into the school unassisted and returned to work full-time. When reflecting on his achievements, Raymond credits his family for their unwavering support and the “family” at Shepherd Center. “They were motivational and inspirational. It’s like a family. Three years later, I still have connections there.” #ShepherdCenter #RehabilitationHospital #PatientStory #DouglasvilleGeorgia #SmallSteps

This year’s AAPMR conference was one for the books! With attendance reaching an all-time high, our Shepherd Center team had the incredible opportunity to educate, network, and showcase our fellowship programs. Some highlights included interactive exhibits featuring recreational therapy, recumbent bikes, and animal-assisted therapy. A massive shoutout to Jacque Jones and everyone who contributed to making our booth successful — we couldn’t have done it without you. We’re already looking ahead to AAPMR 2025 in Salt Lake City, where we’ll be at booth #1210, and planning more exciting ways to showcase what makes Shepherd Center so unique. Plus, stay tuned for updates on a proposed resident party collaboration! #ShepherdCenter #AAPMR2024 #Physiatry #InnovationInRehab #ProfessionalConference

Meet Dominique Ross, a 17-year-old aspiring actor, Spider-Man fan, and talented seamstress who faced an unthinkable challenge after sustaining a spinal cord injury last summer. Shot 13 times in a case of mistaken identity, Dominique worried she might never sew again, return to school, or pursue her dreams on the stage. While rehabbing at Shepherd Center, her therapist continually helped her see she was still capable of a lot more than she thought. They set up a specifically adaptive sewing machine Dominique used to create a custom jumpsuit for one of her counselors. Shepherd Center’s No Obstacles Program, a program created to help smooth adolescents’ return to school, helped her realize that returning to school was not out of the question either. Kelsey Shearman, MA, academic coordinator in Shepherd Center’s Adolescent Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, met with Dominique’s teachers, drama department, and principal to review what Dominique would need to succeed: assistance with notetaking, a seat in the back of class to give her the freedom to move around frequently, accessibility improvements in the theater, and renovated bathrooms. And it’s made a world of difference. Dominique is thriving back at Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is gearing up for her first school musical and has started a new job at a comic bookstore. She hopes to attend college and study theater, film, and maybe costume design. Want to learn more about Dominique’s story, including her impressive sewing skills? Click the link below! https://bit.ly/492ucCM #ShepherdCenter #NoObstacles #DisabilityEmpowerment #ReturnToSchool