Recovering from any type of concussion or brain injury can feel like a really long journey. But what if you have been developing a resilience you didn’t know you had all along? Whether you’ve had the injury yourself, or if you are a loved one - join us in this episode for some encouragement.
In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden interviews Speech-Language Pathologist Wendy Ellmo, who shares both her professional expertise and personal insight after sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury at age 17. Wendy breaks down the foundations of cognitive recovery, offering practical tools to reframe accommodations and strategies as empowering safety nets rather than limitations. Listen for practical ways to foster resilience and find purpose along the journey.
We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center on neurological resilience and neuroplasticity. Dr. Schmoe shares how intentional stimulation, including quick eye movements, visualization, breath mechanics, and cognitive dual-tasking, helps neurons fire and wire together while calming microglial neuro-inflammation.
🧠 In this episode:
- Recognizing attention as the foundational building block for memory, word-finding, and cognitive organization.
- Overcoming resistance to compensatory strategies and embracing accommodations as supportive tools.
- Making the crucial mental shift from "rehab mode" into "living mode" after brain injury.
- How gratitude and tracking small daily victories physically alter brain chemistry and elevate mood.
- Navigating the grief of changed identity and learning to give yourself grace on tough days.
- How family members and friends of the brain injured person can adapt communication and stay connected to prevent isolation.
The Hope Collective: read and share reflections on life after brain injury: hopesurvives.org/thehopecollective
CONNECT
Follow @hopesurvives
Visit hopesurvives.org
Join a support group at hopesurvives.org/community
Reach out to us anytime: [email protected]
Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com
-------
Sponsor
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more: thefnc.com
-------
0:00 Intro
1:55 Welcome with Cristabelle
2:50 Neuroplasticity & Brain Resilience - Dr. Jeremy Schmoe
7:07 Introducing Wendy
11:45 How Personal TBI Experience Helped in SLP Practice
13:15 Common Changes after Brain Injury
16:48 Ways to Strengthen Resilience
25:04 Small, Practical Steps
29:08 Encouragement for Family Members
31:18 Words of Hope
-------
Disclaimer
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: hopesurvives.org/podcast
