Five adults pose together, smiling warmly. One man in the center wears a black shirt with a sheriff’s badge and tan pants. Two women sit in front, while another man and woman stand behind, all against a dark blue background.

Mike Constanzo

Graduate, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program

  • Purpose

About the portrait

Self-Titled

Warrior/Guardian

Photographer

Celina Odeh

About Mike

Mike Costanzo, a longtime law enforcement officer from Northern Virginia, was serving as a Deputy for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office when his life changed forever. On July 1, 2020, while helping the driver of an SUV that had run out of gas, a pickup truck pulling a trailer slammed into his patrol car. The violent crash struck other vehicles, including Mike himself, and pushed a tow truck driver off the bridge, tragically killing him. Mike sustained multiple broken bones and a severe traumatic brain injury from the impact.

Mike’s portrait, titled “Warrior/Guardian,” reflects his identity as both a protector and a compassionate supporter. Through his recovery, he has embraced this balance, knowing when to be strong and when to nurture others. His experience inspired him to dedicate his life to volunteering as a baseball coach and educating law enforcement about mental health, turning his injury into a new purpose.

Looking back on his rehabilitation, Mike emphasizes the power of hope, family support, and accepting help during difficult times. Though his brain injury ended his career in law enforcement, he found resilience in new goals and relationships, especially with his children, who remain his greatest pride.

To others facing similar challenges, Mike’s message is one of perseverance and gratitude: healing is possible with community, determination, and willingness to find new meaning beyond injury. He expresses deep appreciation for Shepherd Center, not only for its resources but also for the genuine care and empathy of the people who made his recovery possible.

In his portrait

  • Chris Constanzo (brother): He was a crucial advocate and support throughout Mike’s recovery, helping him manage frustrations and providing steady encouragement.
  • Sara Constanzo (daughter): She was inspired by the incident to change her career path and become a neuro ICU nurse, which fills Mike with pride and gratitude.
  • Bridget Kelly (girlfriend): She was an important source of comfort and support during his recovery
  • Matilda Lamar-Reed (unit secretary for brain injury unit): She helped him feel less lonely and provided emotional strength throughout the challenging rehabilitation process. He often found solace in visiting Matilda at the unit desk while she was on shift.
A man wearing a black cap and black polo shirt with a sheriff's badge emblem stands in front of a blue background, facing the camera and smiling slightly.
Two law enforcement officers pose for a portrait. One is a woman seated in a light-colored suit, and the other is a man standing behind her, wearing a black uniform and cap with a sheriff's badge. Blue background.
Six people pose for a group photo in front of a blue backdrop. Three are standing in the back, while three are seated in front. They are all smiling and wearing business casual clothing.
Left image: Mike; Top right image: Matilda and Mike; Bottom right image: (back row) Chris, Alana Shepherd (co-founder), Mike, and Bridget, (front row) Matilda, and Sara