In this deeply moving episode of Pathways to Healing, we sit down with Marley Basurto and her mother, Melissa, to talk about their powerful journey of strength, love, and perseverance.

After a car accident in 2020 left Marley with a C4-C6 spinal cord injury, her world changed overnight. But through the challenges of recovery, isolation, and adapting to a new reality, one thing remained constant—her mother’s unwavering support. Melissa made the life-altering decision to retire and become Marley’s full-time caregiver, navigating the complexities of both motherhood and caregiving in a way she never imagined.

Together, they share:
- How their relationship evolved before and after the injury
- The challenges and rewards of being both a mother and caregiver
- Marley’s biggest accomplishments in recovery
- Their advice for families adjusting to life with an SCI

This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and family bonds. Whether you’re a caregiver, someone living with a spinal cord injury, or simply looking for an inspiring story of overcoming life’s toughest moments, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Pathways to Healing, we are honored to welcome Dr. Maya N. Hatch, a leading researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Hatch shares her groundbreaking work in neurorehabilitation, focusing on functional recovery and neuroplasticity in individuals with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions.

Together, we explore the science behind neuroplasticity, how personalized recovery plans can transform lives, and the latest innovations in rehabilitation techniques. Dr. Hatch’s passion for making advanced therapies accessible to everyone shines through as she discusses practical strategies for therapists and rehabilitation centers, and her vision for the future of neurorehabilitation.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or someone living with a spinal cord injury, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of recovery and resilience.

Tune in now to hear Dr. Hatch’s inspiring story and expert perspective on the cutting edge of neurorehabilitation!

In this powerful episode, Pathways to Healing kicks off Season 2 with the remarkable Chelsie Hill—a professional dancer, founder of the Rollettes, social media influencer, wife, and devoted mother. Chelsie shares her journey of living with paralysis while building a thriving career, raising her daughter Jaelyn with her husband Jay, and creating a community that has transformed lives across the world.

Throughout the conversation, Chelsie opens up about:

• How she balances personal healing with motherhood and entrepreneurship.
• The most rewarding moments of growing the Rollettes into a global movement of empowerment.
• Pivotal moments in her life when she felt like giving up, and what gave her the strength to keep pushing forward.
• Insights on emotional resilience, the importance of community, and how redefining what’s possible has helped her—and others—reinvent their lives.

Chelsie’s story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and purpose. Whether you're seeking motivation, advice on navigating life’s challenges, or just a dose of inspiration, this episode delivers it all.

Tune in to hear how Chelsie Hill is building bridges of accessibility, empowerment, and community.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Pathways to Healing, we sit down with the visionary founder of Zebrafish Neuro, Stephanie Comella, to explore how movement, mindset, and innovation are transforming the spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery journey. With a rich background in Pilates, ABT, and a passion for holistic recovery, Stephanie shares her unique approach to reducing tone and spasms, improving posture, and harnessing the power of fascia to create deeper body connections.

We delve into the origins of Zebrafish Neuro — from its humble beginnings to its bold vision for the future — and how it’s providing clients with greater autonomy, ownership, and self-discovery. Stephanie opens up about the emotional complexities of working with the SCI community and how grounding, mentorship, and continuous learning have shaped her personal and professional growth.

This conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating recovery, working in rehabilitation, or seeking to understand the true power of movement in healing. Whether you’re a trainer, a client, or a loved one supporting someone with SCI, this episode will leave you inspired to see recovery through a new lens.

Key Takeaways:

• How Pilates and ABT influence recovery for those with SCI
• The role of fascia in creating body awareness and control
• Zebrafish Neuro's approach to client autonomy and empowerment
• The emotional and psychological dynamics of working with the SCI community
• Stephanie's reflections on grounding, self-discovery, and her personal journey

Tune in to hear how Stephanie Comella is building bridges between science, movement, and community to reimagine what’s possible in spinal cord injury recovery. This episode will inspire you to rethink recovery, embrace the power of movement, and recognize that every step — no matter how small — can lead to extraordinary change.

Don't miss this transformative conversation on Pathways to Healing!

In this powerful episode of the Pathways to Healing podcast, we sit down with George Hanshaw — a human performance expert, sports psychologist, and Director of E-Learning Operations — to explore how mastering the mind can unlock new levels of recovery, growth, and reinvention.

With a career path that spans from aircraft technician in the U.S. Air Force to thought leader in human performance and education, George shares the life lessons and mental frameworks that have fueled his success. He breaks down complex concepts like neuroplasticity, task-specific training, and mental rehearsal, showing how these ideas apply to both physical recovery and personal development.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:
🎯 Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome – Learn why centering your energy on daily actions, instead of the end result, creates a powerful "internal locus of control" that fuels steady progress.
🧠 Harness the Power of Neuroplasticity – Discover how the brain can rewire itself after injury through repetition, sensory feedback, and visualization.
🚀 Embrace Lifelong Learning – Hear how George's journey from the Air Force to Lockheed Martin to a Director of E-Learning has taught him the value of curiosity and constant growth.
💡 Simple Steps to Reinvent Your Life – George shares his go-to process for mastering new skills, one intentional step at a time.

Whether you're navigating recovery, striving for personal growth, or looking for new ways to "reinvent your life," this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical steps to take control of your journey. Don't just listen — take action.

🎧 Tune in now to hear George's story and start mastering your own process: [Insert Link to Episode]

If you’re ready to see how small changes in mindset can lead to life-changing outcomes, this episode is a must-listen.

#PathwaysToHealing #PodcastEpisode #PersonalGrowth #Neuroplasticity #MindsetShift #ParalysisRecovery

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Samantha Bosco, a two-time Paralympic bronze medalist and Team USA para-cyclist. Born a congenital double below-knee amputee, Samantha’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. From finding her passion for cycling to conquering international stages like the Paralympic Games and UCI Para-cycling World Championships, Samantha has redefined what’s possible.

Join us as we explore Samantha's early love for athletics, her mental and physical training strategies, and the role of community in her success. Discover how she has overcome personal and professional challenges, advocating for accessibility and inclusivity in sports along the way. Samantha shares invaluable advice for aspiring athletes, insights into her daily routine, and her vision for the future of adaptive sports.

Whether you're an athlete, an advocate, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers a powerful reminder of the strength within us all to overcome and thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• Samantha’s journey to becoming a Paralympic medalist
• Overcoming adversity and building mental resilience
• Training adaptations for elite performance in adaptive sports
• Advocacy for inclusivity and accessibility in athletics
• Practical advice for individuals facing physical challenges

Tune in to celebrate Samantha’s extraordinary achievements and learn how her story can inspire your own journey of resilience and empowerment.

In this episode of Pathways to Healing, we are joined by Rowena Gates, a remarkable entrepreneur and health technology pioneer. Rowena is the Principal and Vice President of Business Development at Eng3 Corporation, where she launched the innovative NanoVi technology—a groundbreaking approach designed to aid cellular recovery and resilience. With a PhD from the University of Washington in international strategic alliances and economic development, Rowena’s journey took an inspiring turn from economics to wellness after a personal neurological injury led her to explore alternative therapies, ultimately aligning with NanoVi.

Rowena discusses her personal experiences and the incredible potential of NanoVi in aiding recovery for different populations, including athletes and individuals with neurological injuries. She dives into the science behind NanoVi, its application in exercise and rest, and her vision for its role in health and wellness. She also shares insights into the economic challenges surrounding neurological injuries and what the future holds for NanoVi.

Whether you're interested in the science of healing, or simply curious about innovative health tech, Rowena's story and expertise are sure to captivate and inform.

In this inspiring episode of Pathways to Healing, hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye sit down with Nicole Leasher, the Director of Education and Community Relations Liaison at The Perfect Step. Nicole’s journey into the paralysis community began with a personal connection — a close family friend sustained a spinal cord injury, opening her eyes to the strength and resilience of those living with paralysis. From that moment on, Nicole knew she wanted to be part of this incredible community’s story.

During this episode, Nicole shares how working with clients at The Perfect Step has transformed her perspective on life. She opens up about the deep connections she has built with clients, highlighting how their vulnerability and determination have been both inspiring and humbling. Nicole reflects on the power of a simple shift in perspective, explaining how it can lead to life-changing growth.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Nicole’s personal journey from Project Walk to The Perfect Step
• The incredible impact of community and peer support in the paralysis recovery process
• How Nicole balances her roles as a mom, wife, and professional in this demanding but rewarding field
• Practical advice for those entering the paralysis community for the first time
• Why fostering meaningful relationships with clients is central to Nicole’s work

This episode offers a fresh perspective on emotional healing, personal growth, and finding purpose through connection. Nicole’s story is a powerful reminder that when we change our perspective, we can change our lives — and the lives of those around us.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode now to hear Nicole's story and her insights into the paralysis community.