How did you join the Peer Support Program?
I began my affiliation with Shepherd's Peer Support Program as a volunteer in the Family Caregiver Advisory Committee the year after my daughter's brain injury. Volunteering at the place that gave our daughter her life back was a rewarding experience. It wasn't long before the idea was born to begin a Brain Injury Family Peer Support Program that would be modeled after our already successful Spinal Cord Injury program...and I had the honor of taking on the coordination of that new program as a Peer Support employee at Shepherd Center.
What is your role and tenure?
Employed since September of 2019, I am the ABI Family Peer Support Lead Liaisonr. I currently work as a Family Peer Support Liaison in a limited/PRN role. I continue to support individual families and co-facilitate one of our weekly support groups for outpatient families.
What is your favorite thing about this program?
Connecting with new families and seeing our most challenging and traumatic personal experiences be used for good to help other patients and families who are just beginning their journey in the often overwhelming and confusing world of brain injury.
What do you like to do during your leisure time away from work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling with my husband, and I am always looking for new and fun restaurants to try!