The Perfect Step Podcast: Pathways to Healing The Perfect Step Podcast: Pathways to Healing

Join hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye on "Pathways to Healing" as they share their unique journeys into kinesiology and their impactful work at The Perfect Step. Discover how their experiences at the University of La Verne, connections with key figures like Jenna Hardy Surina and Hal Hargrave, and their passion for innovative training techniques have shaped their careers. This episode offers insights into patterned neural activity recruitment, adaptive exercise equipment, and the diverse populations served by TPS. Cody and Logan also share personal highlights and valuable lessons from their extensive experience in paralysis recovery.

Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation that showcases the transformative power of dedicated rehabilitation work.

The Perfect Step Podcast, “Pathways to Healing” aims to provide valuable information, resources, and inspiration to those affected by paralysis, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Our hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye will interview medical professionals, fitness professionals, and even individuals living with paralysis to gather knowledge, information, and feedback with respect to their lines of work, industries, or stories. These interactions will provide compelling and engaging content for our listeners.

You can tune in here on Spotify or

on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music

In this powerful episode of "Pathways to Healing," we sit down with Stefanie Schaffer, a true beacon of resilience and inspiration. Stefanie's life took a dramatic turn on June 30, 2018, when a boating accident left her a T12 paraplegic and bilateral amputee. But rather than letting this tragedy define her, Stefanie has forged a path of incredible strength and determination.

Join hosts Cody and Logan as they delve into Stefanie's remarkable story. She shares insights from her journey, including writing her book "Without Warning," becoming an influential model, and working in the Women's Health Department at the University of Vermont Hospital. Throughout the episode, Stefanie offers invaluable advice on navigating life with spinal cord injuries, from adaptive clothing and fashion tips to innovations in medical care and wheelchair accessibility.

Key Topics Discussed:


Adaptive clothing and fashion for those with physical challenges
The power of peer support and online communities
Strategies for independent living with SCI
Adaptive driving and transportation solutions
Innovations in the medical field
Enhancing wheelchair accessibility and home modifications

Stefanie also opens up about her personal challenges, the resources that have been most helpful to her, and her experiences with The Perfect Step. Her story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and thrive despite life's toughest challenges.

Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical advice, or a deeper understanding of life with SCI, this episode offers something for everyone. Tune in to hear Stefanie Schaffer's extraordinary journey and gain insights that can help you or a loved one on their own path to healing.


The Perfect Step Podcast, “Pathways to Healing” aims to provide valuable information, resources, and inspiration to those affected by paralysis, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Our hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye will interview medical professionals, fitness professionals, and even individuals living with paralysis to gather knowledge, information, and feedback with respect to their lines of work, industries, or stories. These interactions will provide compelling and engaging content for our listeners.

You can tune in here on Spotify or

on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music

Join us on this inspiring episode of Pathways to Healing as we speak with Andrew "AJ" Velichko, who has turned a life-changing injury into a journey of empowerment and adventure. Andrew sustained a C4/C5 incomplete spinal cord injury from a car accident but has since navigated his path with remarkable resilience and determination. A pilot who flies planes for Christian missionary organizations, Andrew’s story takes us around the world, highlighting his commitment to helping others and spreading hope.



In our conversation, we explore several vital topics:


Employment and Career Opportunities: How Andrew carved out a fulfilling career post-injury.
Relationships, Dating, and Intimacy: Insights into maintaining personal connections and building new ones.
Celebrating Achievements and Milestones: A look at Andrew’s most memorable moments and accomplishments.
Traveling with an SCI: Tips and experiences from Andrew’s travels, illustrating how to navigate the globe with a spinal cord injury.
SCI Care Across the Globe: Observations on the varying levels of care and support available in different countries.



Andrew also shares personal stories of overcoming challenges, his passion for travel, and how he handles adversity on the road. Plus, he’ll reveal his top educational resources on paralysis and neurological disorders, and offer simple, impactful advice for those new to the paralysis community.



Don’t miss this episode where Andrew Velichko helps us see the world through his eyes and shows us the endless possibilities that come with reinventing life post-injury.



The Perfect Step Podcast, “Pathways to Healing” aims to provide valuable information, resources, and inspiration to those affected by paralysis, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Our hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye will interview medical professionals, fitness professionals, and even individuals living with paralysis to gather knowledge, information, and feedback with respect to their lines of work, industries, or stories. These interactions will provide compelling and engaging content for our listeners.

You can tune in here on Spotify or

on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast website⁠⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music

On this episode of Pathways to Healing, we have guest Jenna Hardy-Surina. Jenna is a mental health and family therapist, who also used to work as a Specialist at TPS. This gave Jenna the passion to work with the SCI community and those with neurological injuries/diagnoses. She is a wealth of knowledge on mental health and gives great insights into the mental recovery process. During this episode, we talk about how and when mental health should be implemented for someone with a neurological injury or diagnosis. We talk about the different psychological responses to an injury, career opportunities in Psychology for individuals with an SCI, parenting with paralysis, and many other topics. You will not want to miss how Jenna helps people down their pathways to healing.


Don't miss out on these insightful documentaries that were mentioned in the episode which delve into unique and inspiring stories:


"Coming to my Senses" by Dominic Gill (2017) - A journey of challenge and triumph, this film tells the story of one man's path to recovery and adaptation through extreme sports after a devastating accident.


"Life After Flash" by Lisa Downs (2017) - This documentary explores the life of Sam Jones after his iconic role as Flash Gordon, focusing on the personal and professional impact of his early fame.


"Rising Phoenix" by Ian Bonhôte (2020) - An inspiring look at the Paralympic Games, this film showcases the extraordinary talents and stories of Paralympians from around the globe.


"Code of the Freaks" by Salome Chasnoff and Susan Nussbaum (2020) - A critical perspective on the portrayal of disabled characters in cinema, this documentary challenges stereotypes and demands more accurate representation.


"Full Circle" by Trevor Kennison (2023) - Follow Trevor Kennison's remarkable journey back to the mountains after a life-changing injury, redefining what's possible in adaptive sports.



These documentaries provide powerful insights into the challenges and triumphs of individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. Worth watching for anyone interested in stories of resilience and determination!



The Perfect Step Podcast, “Pathways to Healing” aims to provide valuable information, resources, and inspiration to those affected by paralysis, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Our hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye will interview medical professionals, fitness professionals, and even individuals living with paralysis to gather knowledge, information, and feedback with respect to their lines of work, industries, or stories. These interactions will provide compelling and engaging content for our listeners.

You can tune in here on Spotify or

on our ⁠⁠⁠Podcast website⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠Apple podcast⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music

For this episode of Pathways of Healing, the host welcomes guest Adrain Valenzuela.
Adrain is a paraplegic who was injured as a horse jockey over six years ago.
During this episode, Adrain talks about his accident experience and the recovery
process both in the hospital setting and in recovery centers in the chronic
setting. Adrain also talks about his ability to get out of his comfort zone
post-injury and be reintroduced into the world, going to restaurants, concerts,
and other activities. Finally, Adrain shares his experience with fashion before
and after his accident, why fashion is and was important to him, and different
brands that have allowed him to be fashionable and comfortable in a
wheelchair. 



The Perfect Step Podcast, “Pathways to Healing” aims to provide valuable information, resources, and inspiration to those affected by paralysis, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Our hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye will interview medical professionals, fitness professionals, and even individuals living with paralysis to gather knowledge, information, and feedback with respect to their lines of work, industries, or stories. These interactions will provide compelling and engaging content for our listeners.

You can tune in here on Spotify or

on our ⁠⁠Podcast website⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠Apple podcast⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

on ⁠⁠Amazon Music

On Episode 3 of "Pathways to Healing," the spotlight is on Ashton Wray, a seasoned expert with a decade of dedication at The Perfect Step, where she holds the esteemed role of Director of Development and Education. Ashton, a graduate of Integrated Physiology from the University of Colorado, is integral to The Perfect Step, being one of its most experienced members. She plays a pivotal role in the onboarding and training of new staff, ensuring the quality and efficacy of the team.

In this insightful episode, Ashton delves into her personal journey within the field of paralysis recovery, tracing back to her initial encounter with The Perfect Step and her motivations stemming from familial experiences with neurological injuries. She provides a deep dive into the genesis of The Perfect Step's evaluation protocols and methodologies, which are central to the organization's success.

Moreover, Ashton shares compelling narratives from her extensive experience working with diverse client groups and her involvement in training various individuals, including the hosts Cody and Logan. Her stories not only shed light on the challenges and triumphs in paralysis recovery but also highlight the collaborative and innovative spirit that defines The Perfect Step. This episode offers a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes efforts that drive the organization's mission forward, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of dedicated rehabilitation work.






The Perfect Step Podcast, “Pathways to Healing” aims to provide valuable information, resources, and inspiration to those affected by paralysis, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Our hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye will interview medical professionals, fitness professionals, and even individuals living with paralysis to gather knowledge, information, and feedback with respect to their lines of work, industries, or stories. These interactions will provide compelling and engaging content for our listeners.

You can tune in here on Spotify or

on our ⁠Podcast website⁠

on ⁠Apple podcast⁠

on ⁠YouTube⁠

on ⁠Amazon Music