Mariellen Jacobs

How did you join the Peer Support Program?

After my son's brain injury and stroke led us to Shepherd Center, I had the opportunity to come back several times in a volunteer role to meet with families who found themselves navigating the long, exhausting road of brain injury and rehabilitation. I found it was cathartic to share our journey with others to help them find their own way through the many challenges experienced in trauma and recovery.

What is your role and tenure?

Employed since September of 2019, I am the ABI Family Peer Support Lead Liaison. I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet with families and help them develop their brain injury survival skills!

What is your favorite thing about this program?

I think the most important thing we do for our caregivers and families is normalize the vast range of emotions you experience from the initial trauma to transitioning back to home and community. Knowing that someone else truly understands how you feel is priceless.

What do you like to do during your leisure time away from work?

I love spending time with my husband and our two grown children. Playing tennis and working out help to keep me healthy and energized. My son's injury from a loft bed fall on campus also created an opportunity to get involved in college safety advocacy, a role that is both exciting and challenging.