Sharing Experiences with Concussion/TBI

In this episode of The Sharing Experiences With Concussions/TBI podcast, Ryan Sutton sits down with Stephanie McFarland, an Occupational Therapist at Holland Bloorview Concussion Clinic, to talk about how to effectively accommodate concussions in the classroom. As one of the leading experts in the field of pediatric concussion, Stephanie works with students every day to build strategies for their recovery.

We asked teachers and educators across Ontario to submit their questions and experiences regarding concussion support in the classroom. Listen in as Stephanie answers these questions while busting myths and highlighting her best tips and advice for educators on creating accommodations in the classroom.

In this episode of The Sharing Experiences With Concussions/TBI podcast, Libby Nicholaou, the Manager of Outreach Operations at LoveYourBrain, welcomes Krystal Merrells RD, Vijaya Kantipuly MSW, and Dr. Eric Guillemette to talk about recovery at home after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

Listen in as they break down their special roles in the concussion/TBI recovery process, along with advice and insights on nutrition therapy for TBI patients, at-home concussion rehabilitation exercises and strategies, and the powerful benefits of online support groups for people recovering from brain injuries. You’ll also learn tips and tricks for creating a home environment that is conducive to the recovery process.

In this episode of The Sharing Experiences With Concussions/TBI podcast, Caron Gan, a Registered Psychotherapist and Marriage and Family Therapist, welcomes Anne Sanger, Stacey C., and Madeline Roitman to talk about what life is like for families whose loved one has suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

Listen in as these incredibly brave caregivers share their stories and experiences of caring for their spouse, brother, and child who are recovering from brain injuries. They highlight their initial thoughts and feelings after the injuries, the most significant impacts the injury has had on them and their families, how existing healthcare systems can better prepare families for life after brain injury, and how roles, responsibilities, and communication dynamics have since changed.

In this episode of The Sharing Experiences With Concussions/TBI podcast, Simon Kardynal welcomes May Machoun, Ryan Carey, and Blair Hennessy to talk about brain injuries and head trauma in the military and veteran community. 

Listen in as these veterans shed light on their experiences with concussion and TBI, the systemic healthcare problems veterans are facing in Canada, and how we can continue advocating for better treatment of veterans with TBI and improving TBI education throughout the military. Whether you’re a veteran, a medical professional, or a family member of a concussion survivor, you have the power to make a positive change, so let’s do this together!

Dr. Carolyn Lemsky is a board certified neuropsychologist with 25 years of experience working in rehabilitation settings in the U.S. and Canada. For the past 15 years she has been the Clinical Director at Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS) of Toronto—a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care funded agency designed to promote community re-integration of persons living with the effects of acquired brain injury. In this episode, Dr. Lemsky guides a group discussion over zoom, with other professionals about the challenges and barriers individuals with a brain injury experience in navigating the justice system.

The Sharing Experiences with Concussion/TBI is an experience driven, multi-media podcast series that seeks to educate, support and spread awareness on the many facets of Concussion/TBI injuries. We are excited to share 5 new episodes of the podcast series focused on understanding the lived experience of concussion/TBI. This series facilitates an environment for industry professionals and people directly affected by the injury to have meaningful, informed discussions about what it's like going through a Concussion/TBI in various aspects of life.

In this bonus episode of The Sharing Experiences with Concussions/TBI podcast, we bring all of the facilitators from the series together in a conversation to share their insights and perspectives on these invisible injuries.

Becky Moran, Occupational Therapist with the Acquired Brain Injury Outpatient Team at Parkwood Institute facilitates this discussion about adapting to a new way of life following a concussion. Some of the topics this episode explores are the challenges of pacing oneself, relationships, and changes in identity.

Dr. Lesley Ruttan, a Neuropsychologist, and other professionals who support persons with concussions and brain injuries gather together in this episode to talk about their experiences and the challenges associated with accessing supports and services for their clients.

Connor Massimo, Physiotherapist and Founder of Pulse Physiotherapy in Peterborough, Ontario leads a discussion about returning to sport after experiencing a concussion/TBI. This episode brings together athletes from various sport backgrounds who have competed at different levels to talk about stigma and identity following a concussion.

Leslie Birkett, an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) at McMaster University facilitates this discussion about participants’ experiences returning to work following a concussion/TBI. The conversation explores challenges, balancing life’s stressors and accommodations. 

Penny Welch-West, a Speech-Language Pathologist with Parkwood Institute, guides a group of current students and graduates through a discussion about their experiences transitioning back to school following a concussion/TBI. Group members talk about challenges, accommodations and strategies they implemented to support their return. 

Dr. Steph Dallaire leads a discussion with other doctors, a nurse practitioner and a neuropsychologist from across Ontario to speak about the complexity and challenges of diagnosing concussion/TBI. 

Sharing Experiences with Concussion/TBI is an experience driven, multi-media podcast series that seeks to educate, support and spread awareness on the many facets of Concussion/TBI injuries.