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Center on Brain Injury Research and Training
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Dedicated to improving the lives of those who experience brain injury.

  1. 06/13/2025

    Lived Experiences with TBI | Healing Towards a Bright Future, TBI Warrior Foundation

    In this powerful episode of Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury, host Melaney Grenz welcomes retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Victor Medina and his wife, Roxana Delgado, PhD—co-founders of the TBI Warrior® Foundation. Together, they share an inspiring story of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to serving others impacted by brain injury. Victor recounts the life-altering moment during his third combat tour in Iraq when he sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) on June 29, 2009. A Purple Heart recipient, Victor describes the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, including years of rehabilitation and the difficult decisions that reshaped his life. With determination, he became a rehabilitation counselor and dedicated his life to helping others navigate similar paths. Roxana Delgado, PhD shares her unique journey from professional researcher to include national advocate. As a health scientist and epidemiologist, Roxanna has led critical research on military families and veterans, bringing awareness to the psychosocial impacts of injury and the systemic gaps in support. Her lived experience as Victor’s wife informs her groundbreaking work, especially in developing the Military and Veteran Research Portfolio. The couple also discusses the founding of the TBI Warrior® Foundation, a nonprofit based in Boerne, Texas, that provides rehabilitation counseling, access to care, and caregiver support—not just for veterans, but for anyone affected by brain injury. Their mission is driven by faith, family, and a commitment to community service. Listeners will learn about the foundation’s outreach efforts, including veteran-specific and community-wide support groups, educational webinars like their recent “Thinking, Thriving, and Well-Being” event, and their vision for expanding advocacy and policy change around TBI. "While TBI is prevalent, it’s also a very underserved community," Victor notes. Together, he and Roxanna are determined to change that. Tune in for a story of love, sacrifice, and hope—and find out how you can support their mission at tbiwarriorfoundation.org.   Podcast Transcript

    32 min

  2. 04/02/2025

    Lived Experiences with TBI | Marchell Taylor, Beating The Odds

    In this powerful episode of the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training’s podcast, “Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury,” host Melaney Grenz welcomes guest Marchell Taylor. Once entrenched in a life of crime beginning in his pre-teen years, Marchell's story takes a profound turn after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) screening at Denver County Jail in 2016. Through a pilot program led by neuropsychologist and University of Denver professor Dr. Kimberly Gorgens, Marchell received targeted therapies that helped him understand his brain, regulate his behavior, and reclaim his self-worth. Marchell shares his difficult childhood in Flint, Michigan—his early exposure to alcohol, repeated brain injuries, and the escalating choices that led to incarceration. Facing a lengthy prison sentence, he was identified as having a TBI and was introduced to therapy, grief counseling, and meditation techniques. These interventions became the foundation for his transformation. Today, Marchell is a partner in Dr. Gorgens’s research and advocacy work. Together, they helped pass a 2021 Colorado law to implement brain injury screenings for individuals in the criminal justice system. Marchell also reconnected with former inmate Corey Shively to co-launch AYBOS Advocacy and the Rebuild Your Mind Challenge—a mental health awareness campaign within justice-involved communities. We also had the opportunity to speak with his colleagues, Tramel Thomas and Nicki Mitchell, who shared their roles in this meaningful work and emphasized the importance of advocacy, support, and trauma-informed care in justice-impacted communities. Their insight added even more depth to this inspiring conversation. Now a peer counselor, Marchell continues to thrive, dedicating his life to helping others break cycles of trauma. The episode underscores the importance of understanding the role of TBI in criminal behavior and advocates for nationwide screening and treatment programs. Marchell’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of compassion, science, and second chances.

    37 min

  3. 02/07/2025

    Lived Experiences with TBI | Jonathan Boland, BREATH OF LIFE

    In this episode of Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury, host Melaney Grenz welcomes Jonathan Boland, a former elite athlete whose dreams of NFL stardom were derailed by multiple concussions. Jonathan shares his journey from early football success to the devastating realization that his brain injury made continuing impossible. Struggling with identity loss, he turned to self-medication, leading to a series of mistakes that resulted in a prison sentence. While incarcerated, he found purpose through faith, fitness, and mentorship, eventually earning a second chance at life. Now a certified strength and conditioning specialist, Jonathan is dedicated to helping others overcome adversity and educating young athletes about the dangers of concussions. Through his business, Breath of Life Training LLC, he empowers individuals to rebuild their strength—both physically and mentally. His story is one of resilience, redemption, and hope for a brighter future.

    31 min
  4. Lived Experiences with TBI | Tim Siegel TEAM LUK3 HOPE FOR MINDS

    01/22/2025

    Lived Experiences with TBI | Tim Siegel TEAM LUK3 HOPE FOR MINDS

    Join us for CBIRT's first Podcast in the "Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury" series!  We kick start the series by speaking with Tim Siegel about his book, "Fight Like Luke: Transforming Grief Into Love, Strength, and Faith." and his journey navigating through the world of brain injury after his son's injury in 2015.  His journey led him to create a nonprofit organization called, "Team Luck Hope For Minds Supporting Kids After Brain Injury." https://www.teamlukehopeforminds.org/  Tim and Luke have been featured on podcasts, interviews, and other media platforms such as the NFL Countdown.

    32 min

  5. 12/11/2024

    Lived Experiences with TBI | Look How Far We’ve Come, Alamo Head Injury Association, Deb Harper- President

    In episode five, Deb Harper, President of the Alamo Head Injury Association in San Antonio, shares her remarkable journey from tragedy to advocacy after her husband, Dan, sustained a traumatic brain injury in a 2016 car accident. Deb describes the profound changes in her family’s life, highlighting the challenges of navigating a hidden disability and the initial lack of support services. She found solace and strength in support groups, which became her lifeline as she adjusted to living with “a new person.” Now as the President and Chair, Community Outreach Committee at the Alamo Head Injury Association, Deb contributes to the facilitation of the monthly support groups and organization of the annual Brain Injury Symposium, offering survivors and caregivers a sense of community, resources, and hope. Her message to listeners emphasizes resilience, understanding, and the power of connection in overcoming life-altering challenges. This inspiring episode underscores the importance of advocacy, awareness, and support in the brain injury community.

    36 min

  6. 10/11/2024

    Lived Experiences with TBI | Counting the Days While My Mind Slips Away A Story of Perseverance and Hope. Ben Utecht -Super Bowl Champion

    Join us for a special episode of The Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury Podcast. Host Melaney Grenz will be speaking with Ben Utecht, former NFL player and Super Bowl Champion, about his book "Counting the Days While My Mind Slips Away: A Story of Perseverance and Hope." In this episode, Ben shares his personal journey, discussing the impact of brain injuries sustained during his NFL career, how they have shaped his life, and the importance of raising awareness about brain health. His story is one of resilience, perseverance, and hope. Don't miss this important conversation!

    28 min
  7. Lived Experiences with TBI | Injured First Responder and Caregiver Advocate, Patricia Kay Reyna, EdD

    09/11/2024

    Lived Experiences with TBI | Injured First Responder and Caregiver Advocate, Patricia Kay Reyna, EdD

    Listen to the newest episode of the Lived Experiences Podcast!  Join Melaney Grenz as she meets with Dr. Patricia Kay Reyna, EdD., to discuss her work on brain injury and what started her journey.  Patricia Kay Reyna, EdD received her doctorate in Education, Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, her MA in Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University, and her MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Christian Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Her research interests include catastrophically injured law enforcement officers in the US including those with traumatic brain injury, prevalence of traumatic brain injury among law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and other first responders in the US, first responder suicide, and suicide prevention mediators including hope. Kay’s research interests also focus on interventions for caregivers providing care for persons with traumatic brain injury. She has a special interest in caregivers providing care for injured law enforcement officers, an unserved population of caregivers in the United States, and on caregiver hope. Kay has professional experience through non-profits focusing on injured law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and veterans and their caregivers. She is an ordained minister, certified Health Care Life Coach, and a Certified Spiritual Christian Counselor. Additionally, Kay serves as a dissertation chair and content expert for doctoral learners and is an Adjunct Professor. Her background includes a wide variety of education, non-profit, health care, caregiving, and ministry experience.

    35 min
  8. Lived Experiences with TBI | Shaken Baby Alliance, Ft. Worth, Texas

    08/15/2024

    Lived Experiences with TBI | Shaken Baby Alliance, Ft. Worth, Texas

    Listen, learn, and be inspired! “Please help us protect the tiniest and most vulnerable among us…”~ Melaney Grenz Join us on this important journey of awareness and action. Welcome to the latest episode of CBIRT's "Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury" podcast series! In this compelling new installment, we're thrilled to feature Bonnie Armstrong, Executive Director, and Felicia Hernandez, Director of Prevention Education & Social Media at The Shaken Baby Alliance, a dynamic nonprofit based in Fort Worth, Texas. In this episode, we dive deep into the impactful mission of The Shaken Baby Alliance, which is dedicated to supporting victim families, preventing child and elder abuse, and advocating for justice. Discover the origins of this incredible organization and learn about the ongoing efforts they’re making to effect real change in communities across Texas and beyond. Tune in as our host, Melaney Grenz, engages with Bonnie and Felicia to uncover the powerful stories and initiatives behind The Shaken Baby Alliance. This episode promises valuable insights into their crucial work and the difference they’re making every day. To learn more about The Shaken Baby Alliance, visit shakenbaby.org

    24 min
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About

Dedicated to improving the lives of those who experience brain injury.

Information

  • Creator
    Center on Brain Injury Research and Training
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    CBIRT Online