Tom Leyden and Maddie Walter, who was featured on the March cover of Westwood Living, chat at Terma Goods in Dedham. 

Maddie, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in May, 2015, has been a force in the TBI community thanks to her intelligence, fitness and drive. Her commitment to recovery and dedication to helping other people who are experiencing similar challenges is nothing short of inspiring. 

The Walter family formed the non-profit charity called "Life Goes On After TBI" to assist other families who are working to recover from traumatic brain injuries. 

You can find Maddie's story, written by Diana Bezdedeanu at http://www.westwood-living.com/march25 and you can learn more about Life Goes On After TBI by visiting http://www.lgoaftertbi.com

Maddie Walter

StepByStep is an app designed to evaluate and facilitate sequencing skills. It was designed by an occupational therapist and can be used with both adults and children. It is appropriate for users of all ages with impaired or developing cognitive skills.

StepbyStep

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/FALL-2024-BrainStorm_Recycling%20Pain_Pain%20to%20Purpose-LukeBohnenberger-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

Facing a mere five percent chance of survival after a devastating highway accident, Luke Bohnenberger's story is a powerful testament to human resilience. After being ejected from a vehicle, Luke underwent a critical craniotomy that would change his life forever.

In "Recycling Pain: Pain to Purpose" Luke shares how he transformed his traumatic brain injury experience into a mission to help others. Despite battling uncontrollable rage, suicidal thoughts, and the loss of his former identity, he discovered that rock bottom could become a foundation for something greater.  

Key highlights:
Survived against 5% odds after a critical accident
Navigated through emotional trauma and recovery
Founded Vision to Victory coaching program
Emphasizes turning pain into purpose
Advocates for sharing experiences to help others heal


The presentation, part of the quarterly virtual speaker Brainstorm series, is sponsored by the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System and Kessler Foundation. It was recorded on Friday, November 13, 2024.

View more Brainstorm speaker series videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL21CEB6CAC402EA50 

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join

Recycling Pain: Pain to Purpose with Luke Bohnenberger

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Brainwaves%20SPRING%202025%20Audio%20Newsletter%20TRANSCRIPT-V2.pdf

Discover how a life-altering bike accident transformed Stacia Bissell, MEd, into a powerful voice for the traumatic brain injury community. As a brain injury coach, educator, author, and TBI survivor, Stacia shares her personal battle with chronic pain, memory challenges, and the crucial role of support systems in recovery. 

This episode also highlights groundbreaking research from Kessler Foundation, demonstrating how modern treatment approaches are revolutionizing TBI recovery.  Learn about the unexpected heroes in TBI recovery - from using exercise as medicine to the vital services provided by organizations like Plan NJ. 

Ready to be inspired by a story of remarkable resilience and discover valuable resources for TBI recovery? Listen to this powerful episode that bridges hope with practical guidance.

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Chapters 

00:00:04 - Overcoming Traumatic Brain Injury 

00:01:53 - Finding Strength Through Community 

00:03:17 - Resilience and Recovery After Brain Injury 

00:04:44 - Importance of Exercise in Recovery 

00:05:53 - Types of Exercise and Tips

00:06:40 - Setting Goals for Health Improvement  

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Read this newsletter at https://kesslerfoundation.org/march-2025-tbi-brainwaves

Missed a newsletter, check out our Brainwaves archives, https://kesslerfoundation.org/publication-archives#block-traumatic-brain-injury-research-newsletter

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join

=========================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities. 
 
These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to Communications@KesslerFoundation.org

=======================================================
Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded in May 2025 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Embracing Grace: A Journey of Healing from Traumatic Brain Injury

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Your%20Impact%20SPRING%202025%20Audio%20Newsletter%20TRANSCRIPT.pdf

Steps Toward Healing: Breakthroughs in Brain Injury and Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation

A groundbreaking study at Kessler Foundation, led by Karen Nolan, PhD, associate director in the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering, is exploring the combined use of spinal cord stimulation and gait training to improve mobility in people with traumatic brain injury. This innovative approach aims to enhance brain plasticity and restore walking ability by delivering electrical impulses to the spinal cord while participants engage in structured walking exercises. Physical therapist Christina Dandola plays a key role in supporting participants and tracking their progress. The study could significantly improve quality of life for people with TBI and potentially inform treatments for other neurological conditions.

In a parallel effort to address health disparities, Cristina Román, PhD, adjunct research scientist in the Center for Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, is leading a national study on how healthcare barriers and cardiovascular risks contribute to accelerated brain aging in Hispanic people with multiple sclerosis. Funded by a prestigious NIH award, the study will gather both personal experiences and brain imaging data to better understand how social determinants of health impact MS progression. Dr. Román hopes the findings will lead to more equitable care and improved outcomes for underserved populations, emphasizing the importance of timely and consistent medical intervention.


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Article Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome
01:20 - When two is more powerful than one
04:18 - Stepping into research
06:17 - Under the looking glass (How healthcare barriers and medical risks impact Hispanics with multiple sclerosis)
09:15 - Your support means more
10:17 - Episode Wrap-Up

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Kessler Foundation researchers mentioned by order of articles:

Karen Nolan, PhD Associate Director, https://KesslerFoundation.org/aboutus/Karen-Nolan

Christina Dandola, PT, https://KesslerFoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/christina-dandola-pt-dpt-ncs

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Newsletter website links:

Ways to give - For more information, please contact us at (973) 324-8430 or Development@KesslerFoundation.org

Read this issue at https://KesslerFoundation.org/2025-spring-your-impact-newsletter

=========================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities. 
 
These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to Communications@KesslerFoundation.org

=========================================================
Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded in June 2025 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Steps Toward Healing: Breakthroughs in Brain Injury and Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Research

The Doctor IS IN!  Another POWERFUL & INFORMATIVE episode with the LEGEND Dr. Mark Gordon!
tbihelpnow.org/about
https://millenniumhealthstore.com/
"A Path Less Traveled" Article-
https://agemed.org/e-journal/feature-article-march-2025-a-path-less-traveled-how-alternative-medicine-became-mainstream-in-american-healthcare/
Dr. Gordon's YT Channel.
https://youtube.com/@markl.gordon5856?si=LMfBv7_e-br17mzT

ItsMeSpkn2U Ep. 153 Dr. Mark Gordon

Are you ready to be part of something bigger? Join a research study TODAY and help transform lives. 

At Kessler Foundation, our award-winning scientists are developing and testing breakthrough interventions to improve mobility, cognition, and quality of life for people with neurological and developmental disabilities. 

More than 10,000 volunteers have already joined us - And over half have come back to participate in more than one study! 

Since 2020, we've completed over 7,000 research sessions - Thanks to participants who showed up, stayed committed, and helped drive real progress. 

Here are 3 reasons to join a research study: 

#1 - You Can Help Drive Discovery 

Support the development of rehabilitation strategies 
Provide valuable data that improves care and independence 
Test new therapies and help scientists better understand medical conditions 
 
#2 - Flexible Options for Taking Part 
Join us in person at our research centers in East Hanover and West Orange, NJ 
Or participate from home - some studies require no in-person visits 
Time commitments vary, and we'll make sure you know what to expect 
We make participation easy - and even enjoyable! 
 
#3 - Experience Hands-On Research 
Depending on the study, you might: 
Engage in exercise-based programs or imaging studies using MRI 
Complete questionnaires or cognitive tests that feel like fun brain games 
Try cutting-edge tech like robotic exoskeletons or virtual reality equipment 

Ready to make an impact? 

Contact Jackie Leddy at 973.323.3686 
Email us at researchstudies@kesslerfoundation.org 
Or visit kesslerfoundation.org/join 
 
Be part of the discovery. Join a research study today.

Join a research study TODAY and help transform lives

Karen J. Nolan, PhD, associate director in the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering at Kessler Foundation, sat down with Heather Rose, host of Community Connections at Radio Free Roanoke, to discuss leads on groundbreaking research in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Dr. Nolan's work focuses on developing innovative robotic interventions to improve mobility and walking function for people with neurological conditions. These smart robotic systems, unlike traditional assistive devices, aim to help people regain natural movement patterns and participate more fully in community activities. 

Dr. Nolan's research also explores biomechanics and the use of sophisticated technology to create individualized treatment strategies. Her efforts have helped multiple devices gain FDA clearance, transitioning from research-only tools to clinically available equipment for both hospital and home use.

Used by permission: Community Connects, https://radiofreeroanoke.org/show/civic-connections-2/
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Kessler Foundation Investigators:
Lead: Karen Nolan, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Karen-Nolan

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EXPLORE our mobility research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-mobility-and-rehabilitation-engineering

PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join

=====================================================================================

LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?  
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.

=====================================================================================

Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.

Revolutionizing TBI Recovery: The Role of Robotics in Rehabilitation

In this episode, Darcy Keith shares candid insights from her TBI journey and offers practical tips to manage memory and daily life challenges. Topics include:

Using repetition, verbal, and visual cues to improve memory
The importance of regular routines and structure to avoid overwhelm
Embracing new interests when physical abilities change
Utilizing devices and notes for organization
Prioritizing rest and self-care.

Darcy also reflects on her career achievements post-TBI, including earning three professional insurance designations and working as a business analyst for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Her story is one of determination, gratitude, and living life to the fullest despite adversity.

Catch Up Anytime!
Missed one of our past BrainStorm events? No worries — you can watch all previous presentations on our YouTube channel,  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL21CEB6CAC402EA50. Dive into inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical tips at your convenience.

Want to Get Involved?
Whether you're interested in participating in our research remotely or in person, we’d love to hear from you! go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join to learn how you can contribute to advancing brain injury research.

- Learn more about Darcy at www.DarcyKeith.com



Highlights from a Conversation with Darcy Keith on her TBI Journey

Anthony H. Lequerica, PhD brings deep expertise and heart to his work at Kessler Foundation’s Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research. As a Senior Research Scientist and staff neuropsychologist at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, he’s on the front lines of advancing care for individuals recovering from brain injury.

His research dives into critical areas like sleep and wake disorders following brain injury, and how cultural diversity shapes rehabilitation outcomes. Passionate about equity, Dr. Lequerica is dedicated to improving neuropsychological testing and cognitive rehabilitation for Spanish-speaking and underserved communities.

A respected voice in the field, he’s an active member of the American Psychological Association and the Hispanic Neuropsychological Society. He also co-chairs the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Special Interest Group within the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System—championing inclusive practices in research and care.

Missed our past events? View them to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL21CEB6CAC402EA50

Want to Get Involved?
Whether you're interested in participating in our research remotely or in person, we’d love to hear from you!  Go to https://KesslerFoundation.org/join to learn how you can contribute to advancing brain injury research.

'Sleep on It.' An Overview of Sleep Health after TBI

Tom Leyden interviews local business owners and residents to learn more about their journeys and missions. Join the Westwood Living Business Network and start connecting in a meaningful way with others in Westwood and beyond.

Kessler Foundation - Changing the lives of people with disabilities through research in stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis,  spinal cord injury and by funding innovative programs that promote employment for people with disabilities. Podcasts are from various consumer and professional lectures   presented by our researchers and guest lecturers.

A small team of caring individuals dedicated to bridging the gap between technology and people with disabilities.

New tracks tagged #TBI