Welcome back to You're Not Alone Podcast!

This week Val shares all about her trip to Washington D.C. with the APTA to advocate on behalf of physical therapy and our amazing patients.

In April, 250 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy descended upon Washington D.C. in part of APTA's annual PT Day at the Capitol to lobby for important changes benefiting the profession and our patients.

While it isn't the most entertaining topic, Medicare payment reform remains high on the list of discussion points while lobbying at the Capitol. For far too long, Medicare payment has remained stagnant and has not reflected the rising inflation rates many clinics are negatively impacted by. Add in the Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) policy and you'll see why this advocacy is vital for the future of physical therapy and meeting community needs.

Additionally, the APTA strongly advocated against moving physical therapy out of the professional degree catagory, as this limits federal student loans to a lifetime cap of $100,000, well above most DPT program tuition costs. Val shares her predictions of what this could mean down the line.

If you are interested in writing your congressional representatives in support of the motions and legislation discussed in this episode, please visit:

https://www.apta.org/advocacy/take-action/patient-action-center

The letters are pre-filled, making it easy to write to your local representatives in just minutes! Thank you in advance!!

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If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com

If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC
5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-719-8080
Fax: 480-981-8595
Website: neuroandbrain.com

Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast!

This week, Morgan and Val interviewed Ra-Jon James, who shares his amazing recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, often referred to as GBS.

Ra-Jon's symptoms were dismissed by his local urgent care as "just the flu", but within days, he would be receiving life-saving measures and months of therapies to regain his ability to walk and live independently again.

Ra-Jon shares the intimate details of his recovery and what inspired him to keep going, and gives thanks to his family and friends for raising him up when he was not feeling strong. Shout out to Ra-Jon's parents and his wonderful friend, Maureen, who motivated him to keep moving forward - literally!!

Thank you, Ra-Jon, for sharing your amazing recovery story with us!!

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Details about Guillain-Barre Syndrome via Mayo Clinic website:

"Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis.

Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. In its most serious form, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital.

Guillain-Barre syndrome is rare, and the exact cause is not known. But two-thirds of people have symptoms of an infection in the six weeks before Guillain-Barre symptoms begin. Infections can include a respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection, including COVID-19. Guillain-Barre also can be caused by the Zika virus.

There's no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Several treatment options can ease symptoms and help speed recovery. Most people recover completely from Guillain-Barre syndrome, but some serious illnesses can be fatal. While recovery may take up to several years, most people are able to walk again six months after symptoms first began. Some people may have lasting effects, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue."

(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362793)

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If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com

If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC
5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-719-8080
Fax: 480-981-8595
Website: neuroandbrain.com

Welcome back to another episode of You're Not Alone Podcast!

Recently, Morgan and Val were asked to present to Creighton University's DPT Program for their Neurological Organization Day. While prepping for their presentation, they decided to also bring their podcast friends along and allow you to listen in as they answer student's questions.

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If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com

If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC
5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-719-8080
Fax: 480-981-8595
Website: neuroandbrain.com

Join us as we discuss community resources, collaboration, and patient-centered care with Kiera Flahart, PTA from Encompass Health East Valley.

Morgan, Val, and Kiera each have a unique experience with managing patient care and caregivers and they share their perspectives on how best to navigate early interventions and the transition to outpatient care. Kiera points out the three C's of advocacy: collaborate, connect, and communicate - all values that we each believe in while managing patient care.

Kiera shares details not only about the upcoming National Patient Safety Awareness Week and events being held during the week at Encompass Health East Valley, but also many resources available to patients and caregivers the community may be unaware of.

Thank you to Kiera and Encompass Health for all you do for our community!!

National Patient Safety Awareness Week - March 8-14, 2026

Scheduled events at Encompass Health East Valley:
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 @ 3pm - Damsel in Defense
Thursday, March 12th, 2026 @ 3pm - R.O.S.E. Fraud Seminar for the Elderly

Address:
Encompass Health East Valley
5652 E Baseline Rd
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-567-0350

Upcoming Events:
Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona - Run, Walk & Roll 10k/5k/1 mile Event, Saturday, March 21st @ Kiwanis Park

Community support groups at Encompass Health East Valley:

Parkinson's Disease - PWR group - 2nd Wednesday of every month @ 1pm
Amputee support group - last Monday of every month
Stroke support group - 4th Wednesday of every month @ 2pm

Other community resources talked about during podcast:

Meals on wheels : https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org

Arizona self help: https://www.arizonaselfhelp.org

Measurabilities: https://measurabilities.com

Ability 360: https://ability360.org

Azcaregiver.org

Area Agency on Aging: https://www.aaaphx.org

Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona: BIAAZ.org

Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast!

Join Morgan and Val as they interview stroke survivor Nancy Consalvo and learn more about her recovery and what got her through the last two years of rehabilitation. Nancy credits her husband, Matt, and son, Ben, for their quick action and getting on the phone to call for life-saving aid. Nancy discusses everything from rehab to returning home, and eventually returning to traveling, after hearing encouraging words from her primary care physician, Dr. Powell - "Live your life - What's the point of surviving something like this if you're not gonna live?"

Nancy, always the teacher, has gone on to earn a certificate as a neuro science coach and continues to learn about how the brain recovers from a stroke. She continues to work hard in physical and occupational therapy and is a true believer in neuroplasticity - the brain's lifelong ability to reorganize its structure, functions, and neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury.

Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your journey with us!!

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If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com

If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC
5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-719-8080
Fax: 480-981-8595
Website: neuroandbrain.com

Join us as Morgan and Val recap their 2025 summary, Morgan's ACL recovery, and Val's cruise to the Bahamas and Chris trialing the RioMobility Firefly device on the trip. Val was very excited to finally get Chris into the ocean, but certainly needed the help from a few others to get him back out! Listen in to hear more about the recent adventures from your podcast friends!

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If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com

If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC
5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-719-8080
Fax: 480-981-8595
Website: neuroandbrain.com

Welcome back to the You're Not Alone Podcast!

Today we are joined by John Wynkoop, PT, DPT and Army Veteran. John recently began showing symptoms that raised concern - Muscle rigidity, spasms, weakness, and an overwhelming feeling that something was wrong within his body. After completing many tests, only one showed abnormalities - a pulmonary test showing reduced function at 69%. However John's education as a physical therapist has given him the upper hand in understanding the diagnostic phases that come with complex conditions. And unfortunately, many neuron motor diseases are determined by ruling things out, instead of a specific test confirming. Currently, John is working through additional testing to determine if he is in the beginning stages of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

John is reeling with frustration while navigating his care through the VA, daily grief, and feels unable to move forward without receiving a diagnosis to confirm how he will plan for his future.

John asked for a favor this week - that if he can no longer advocate for himself, if ALS takes his voice, that his friends continue to speak on his behalf and advocate for him.

Well, John, you know we will.

If anyone has any resources to help John, please reach out to share details.

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If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com

If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC
5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-719-8080
Fax: 480-981-8595
Website: neuroandbrain.com

Welcome back to the You're Not Alone Podcast! Let's catch up!!

Val and Morgan update everyone about the new facility we opened on September 8, 2025. They discuss the ability to grow and foster creativity with the larger space. A grand opening will be happening later this year! Stay tuned!!

Morgan shares the latest update on her ACL tear, including some worries about what surgery on her SCI affected knee and recovery may look like. She is feeling strong and ready to go after completing pre-hab with Matt at our neighboring Spooner PT in East Mesa!

Val returned to Camp With A Ramp, this time managing the weekend without injury. She discusses Chris' day at the lake, kayaking - and swimming- albeit unexpected! She's now gearing up for the Arizona APTA Fall Conference and the 75th Anniversary of the Arizona Chapter. Congratulations to Lynette Lauterbach, PTA and Anna Fern-Buneo, PT, Arizona's PTA and PT of the Year! Congratulations are also in order to James Roush, PT, who is receiving the Pauline Wampler Service award!

If you have been a past guest on our podcast and are also interested in sharing your testimonial for marketing purposes for Neuro and Brain Performance Centers, please let Morgan and Val know so we can get you to our marketing team.

If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com

If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!

Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC
5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: 480-719-8080
Fax: 480-981-8595
Website: neuroandbrain.com