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Back to
Scho o l
Two former patients beat
the odds and return
to school to pursue
their dreams.
ALSO INSIDE
Shepherd Programs Help Students Return to School + Return to Soccer
After Brain Injury + Wounded Warrior Project Funds SHARE Research
news.shepherd.org | Fall 2021
FALL 2021
LETTER FROM SARAH MORRISON
Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
404-352-2020
magazine@shepherd.org
news.shepherd.org
Dear Readers,
Editor
Damjana Alverson In this issue of Spinal Column, we are highlighting patients who returned to
Design school after sustaining traumatic injuries. I love stories like these because
Soloflight Design they show that aspirations don’t end after injury. There may be bumps in the
road, and it’s not always smooth sailing, but accomplishing milestones,
Contributing Writers
Damjana Alverson and Sara Baxter such as graduating high school and/or college or dreaming of your first day
at work, motivates us to keep trying even when things get tough.
Contributing Photographers
Bryant Poole, Phil Skinner and Joann Vitelli Shepherd Center’s return-to-school programming includes a variety of ser-
Board of Directors vices like our unique No Obstacles Program that helps students transition
Alana Shepherd, Chairman back to school smoothly after leaving the hospital. The therapy team con-
Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA, sults with the school and ensures the returning student is set up for success
President and CEO *
Michael R. Yochelson, M.D., MBA, — making sure classes are accessible and educating students and faculty
Chief Medical Officer * to understand the injury all contribute to this success. Even more impor-
James D. Thompson, Vice President tantly, Shepherd Center helps patients advocate for themselves, a skill that
Stephen B. Holleman, MBA, CPA, Treasurer
Juli Owens, Recording Secretary
carries the patient well beyond school. Read more about it on page 4.
Sara S. Chapman, Corporate Secretary
Then, take a moment to meet our academic coordinator, Kelsey Shearman,
Members on page 5. She is a certified teacher who works with patients like Marvin –
Fred V. Alias, Shaler Alias, David F. Apple, Jr.,
M.D., Cyndae Arrendale, C. Duncan Beard †, who you’ll meet on page 6 – to help keep them on-track to graduate on time
Bryant G. Coats, Bob Cunningham, Charles L. with their peers. Along with Marvin, you’ll learn about Abbey Climer. They’re
Davidson III, Clark H. Dean, John S. Dryman,
Gen. Larry R. Ellis, William C. Fowler, Susan
both former patients who achieved their education goals despite the con-
Hawkins, Justin Jones, Molly Lanier, Donald P. siderable challenges they faced. Both Marvin and Abbey gained a new per-
Leslie, M.D., Douglas Lindauer, Bernie spective post-injury that will help them moving forward in life.
Marcus†, Charles Talbot Nunnally, Sally D.
Nunnally, Vincenzo Piscopo, John Rooker,
James H. Shepherd III, W. Clyde Shepherd III, In addition to these stories, you’ll read about many more heartwarming
K. Boynton Smith, James E. Stephenson, experiences that show Shepherd’s culture of hard work, humor and hope.
Jarrad Turner
* Ex
On page 18, we recognize our volunteers who are family to us and help the
Officio
†
Emeritus hospital run smoothly day-to-day. We started welcoming some of our won-
derful volunteers back this summer after a pause due to the pandemic.
Shepherd Center Magazine: Spinal Column
is published quarterly by Shepherd Center, While we continue to observe strict COVID protocols, their presence has
a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing certainly been appreciated by staff, patients and families alike.
in the treatment, research and rehabilitation
for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury,
multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, During my career here, there have been so many mission moments that
and other neuromuscular conditions. To request
removal from our mailing list, email magazine@
have touched my heart. From watching our staff members attend patients’
shepherd.org or mail Shepherd Center, graduations and even cross the stage with them to witnessing young
Attn: Shepherd Center Magazine Mailing List,
2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia,
people find passions they didn’t know they had in their new normal post-in-
30309. Please include mailing label. jury, these are the moments that give us purpose. Join me in celebrating
Shepherd Center Magazine accepts no
advertising. Spinal Column is a registered
these stories of achievement.
trademark of Shepherd Center.
Sincerely,
ABOUT THE COVER:
After sustaining a spinal cord injury, Marvin
Zetina-Jimenez returned to school. Now, he
wants to use his education in computer science
Sarah Morrison
and engineering to help people with disabilities.
Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA
Photo by Phil Skinner President and CEO of Shepherd Center
Fall 2021 • Shepherd Center
CONTENTS
FEATURES
06 BACK TO SCHOOL
Two former patients beat the odds and
return to school to pursue their dreams.
14 MAKING GOALS ON
AND OFF THE FIELD
Will Fraser-Gray returns to collegiate
soccer after sustaining a traumatic
brain injury in a car crash.
DEPARTMENTS
02 SHORT TAKES
04 SPOTLIGHT
Shepherd Center takes an individualized
approach to help students return to
school successfully.
05 STAFF PROFILE
Kelsey Shearman, MA,
academic coordinator
18 FOUNDATION
FEATURES
24 HONORARIUMS
AND MEMORIALS
Marvin and his brother, Max, are very close. Among other
activities, they enjoy playing soccer together at the park.
Photo by Phil Skinner
Gifts of Generosity
See news.shepherd.org If you would like to make a gift to support the work you have read about,
for additional online content. please contact Sarah L. Batts at the Shepherd Center Foundation
at 404-350-7305 or visit shepherd.org.
Spinal Column® | Fall 2021 • 1
Sshort
takes
Shepherd’s Men Run
Raises Awareness and
Funding for SHARE
Military Initiative
Shepherd’s Men, a group comprised of
active or retired military and civilian
volunteers, completed its seventh
annual Shepherd’s Men Run benefiting
Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military
Initiative. The event included a weeklong
journey of running, rucking and swimming
across multiple states from May 24 to May
31. Since their inception, Shepherd’s Men
U.S. News & World Report Again Names has raised more than $6.4 million for
SHARE to date and played an integral
Shepherd Center Among Best in Rehabilitation role in the program’s continued growth.
Shepherd Center was recognized among receive care for challenging health condi- “We continue to engage in this fight as
the top 10 Best Hospitals for Rehabilitation tions or for common elective procedures. the need is ever present,” says Travis
by U.S. News & World Report. In the “In a year of extraordinary challenges in Ellis, Shepherd’s Men co-founder. “Our
2021-22 rankings, Shepherd Center moved healthcare, it is especially rewarding to be
up to No. 7 from the No. 8 spot last year. recognized by U.S. News and World Report
The neurorehabilitation hospital has been as one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the
in the top 10 since 2008. country,” says Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA,
The annual Best Hospitals rankings and MHA, president and CEO of Shepherd
ratings, now in their 32nd year, are designed Center. “This recognition underscores the
to assist patients and their doctors in unwavering commitment of our staff to restor-
making informed decisions about where to ing the lives of our patients and their families.”
Shepherd Center Highlighted as a Best Place
to Work for Disability Inclusion
“This recognition by American Asso-
ciation of People with Disabilities and
Disability:IN underscores Shepherd
Center’s commitment to its mission,
which is to help people with disabilities
rebuild their lives with hope, indepen- goal is to raise advocacy and resources
dence and dignity, while advocating for for SHARE, while identifying individuals in
their full inclusion in all aspects of com- need who could most benefit from the
munity life,” says Sarah Morrison, PT, clinical care rendered daily at this life-sav-
MBA, MHA, president and CEO of ing program. Additionally, we will not rest
Shepherd Center. “We’re honored by this until the number of lives lost every day to
recognition and will continue to expand
Shepherd Center peer support liaison Talbot Kennedy suicide goes from 22 to zero. Our veter-
our efforts to increase inclusion and
connects with patient George Casares. ans deserve to live meaningful, gratifying
celebrate the unique talents and per-
lives with their families after their coura-
Shepherd Center was named a “Best Place spectives our team brings to Shepherd
geous service to our country.”
to Work for Disability Inclusion” by the Center and the community.”
The group began in Arlington,
American Association of People with Disabilities Of the 272 businesses to qualify for
the Disability Equality Index in 2021 with Virginia, and ended at SHARE Military
(AAPD) and Disability:IN. Shepherd Center
earned this recognition with a score of 90 out scores of 80 or above, Shepherd Center Initiative at 80 Peachtree Park Drive on
of a possible 100 on the Disability Equality was one of 58 companies to earn a Memorial Day. Their efforts will help
Index® (DEI), the world’s most comprehen- score of 90 or higher. Shepherd Center support SHARE’s mission to empower
sive benchmarking tool for measuring dis- is one of only a few hospitals to receive post-9/11 veterans and service
ability inclusion in the workplace. a score of 90 or above. members with brain injury to live
with hope and purpose.
2 • news.shepherd.org
Multiple Sclerosis Counselor
Joins Shepherd Center Shepherd Serves
Jackie Haar, MSW, LCSW, joined Shepherd Supports Gateway Center
Center as its multiple sclerosis (MS) coun-
selor on July 26. Jackie has more than 25
years of clinical experience providing indi-
vidual counseling and group therapy to
adults, couples and children with various
complex medical, developmental, learning
and mental health issues. Her goal is to
help her patients and clients develop
strengths to cope more successfully as
they embark along their journey toward
growth and resiliency.
“We are so excited to be expanding our
Jackie Haar, MSW, LCSW, joined the
Shepherd Center team on July 26. existing counseling services for patients
with MS and their families,” says Laurie Shepherd Center employees helped sort and organize
clothing at Gateway Center as part of the Shepherd
Baker, Ph.D., ABPP, director of the Department of Psychology at Shepherd Serves initiative.
Center. “In addition to our current staff, Jackie brings years of counseling expe-
rience with medical patient populations. She also has experience with training
The Shepherd Serves community service ini-
counselors and social workers, so we look forward to expanding our student
tiative visited Gateway Center, an organiza-
training opportunities at Shepherd Center and the MS Institute in the future.” tion that connects people experiencing
homelessness with the support necessary to
Shepherd’s Men completed its seventh annual become self-sufficient and find a permanent
Shepherd’s Men Run benefiting Shepherd Center’s
SHARE Military Initiative on Memorial Day. home. Volunteers from across the hospital
came together to help sort clothing, organize
a clothing closet and serve as “shoppers” for
clients who needed clothing.
According to Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA,
MHA, president and CEO of Shepherd
Center, “Shepherd is where it is today
because of community support, and we
instituted this program so Shepherd can give
back to the community.”
Shepherd Serves was launched in Janu-
ary 2020 to engage staff quarterly in support
of a variety of community agencies.
Shepherd Center Welcomes New Vice President of Human Resources
Shepherd Center announced increase employee engagement. organizations like Shepherd
that Katherine Creek, SPHR, Creek has held progressive posi- Center,” says Sarah Morrison, PT,
SHRM-SCP, GBA, CMS, joined tions in human resources leader- MBA, MHA, president and CEO of
the organization as vice presi- ship in the banking industry before Shepherd Center. “We look for-
dent of human resources on joining CBORD Group, Inc./ ward to Katherine’s leadership in
July 12, 2021. Horizon Software, LLC. She helping Shepherd Center continu-
Creek joins Shepherd Center graduated from Georgia State ally strengthen its culture of hope,
from CBORD Group, Inc./Horizon University, cum laude, with a humor and hard work by recruit-
Software, LLC, where she served bachelor’s degree in business ing, engaging and retaining the
as vice president of human administration with a focus in best and brightest employees.”
resources. There, she led the human resources management. Creek joins Shepherd Center as
Katherine Creek, SPHR,
SHRM-SCP, GBA, CMS, joined human resources division in “Katherine joins Shepherd Lorie Hutcheson, current vice
Shepherd Center on July 12. enhancing organizational culture, Center with more than 17 years of president of human resources,
recruiting and retaining top talent, experience in leading human retires from the role and transitions
and developing strategies to resources for dynamic into a part-time position.
Spinal Column® | Fall 2021 • 3
S P OT LI G H T
Shepherd’s School of Thought
Shepherd Center takes an individualized approach to help students who
have sustained traumatic injuries return to school successfully.
BY DAMJANA ALVERSON
As a young adult with a traumatic injury, return- “We look at it as help-
ing to school can be daunting to say the least. ing our patients train a
Just ask Clark Jacobs, 26, who sustained a system to meet their
brain injury in 2015 after falling from his loft bed needs,” Robinson says.
while at college. “A lot of our patients are
“I was worried about it,” Clark says. “All my hesitant about asking for
concerns were around being able to take care of accommodations at
myself day to day.” first, so we prepare
Clark is not alone. People who have sustained them and their loved
brain and spinal cord injuries can experience ones to advocate for
changes in physical ability, cognition, communica- themselves. It’s better to
tion, behavior and emotional functioning, affecting have those tools in their
their readiness to go back to school. pocket and not use
That’s why Shepherd Center has return-to-school them than to need them
services tailored for its patient populations ages 12 and have to fight for
to 24 in its Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program and them later.”
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program. The therapy team
“Our approach to return-to-school is finding may help students
whatever methods work best to support each indi- secure accommoda-
vidual instead of just providing a cookie cutter tions when they return to
solution,” says Dalise Robinson, CCC-SLP, speech school, like placing the
therapy manager in Shepherd Center’s acquired student nearest to the
brain injury post-acute services. instructor during lectures
The first step involves assess- or allowing additional
ing the needs of the patient. For time for testing and
example, if an inpatient with a assignments.
spinal cord injury is ready for 1 “My therapists
school services, they can work encouraged me to
with Shepherd Center’s aca- 3 reach out to the disabili-
demic coordinator, a certified ties office at my school,”
teacher who will keep the student Clark says. “Since I had
as up to date with classes as a slower processing
possible. Additionally, someone speed, I was able to
with a brain injury may not be have double the time to
ready for school services while finish exams, which was
they are an inpatient, but can 2 awesome.”
work on their return-to-school Shepherd Center also
1. Clark Jacobs stands in
goals as an outpatient at Shepherd Pathways, front of Georgia Tech’s
offers No Obstacles, a
Shepherd’s post-acute outpatient program for Ramblin’ Wreck on donor-funded program
people with brain injuries. graduation day. 2. Clark that can include
Regardless of type of injury, the therapy team celebrated his college in-school awareness
graduation with his
works to identify specific areas they should focus on family. 3. Clark holds
and sensitivity training for school staff and students,
to help a patient achieve their goals. his hard-won degree. as well as instruction in medical or cognitive issues
“For example, a patient who doesn’t have full use that may arise during the school day.
of their upper extremities can’t write notes in class Whether it’s helping with schoolwork while a patient
the same way they used to,” says Debra Eldred, MS, CCC-SLP, is in the hospital, teaching new ways to learn or anything in
speech therapist at Shepherd Center. “A lot of us learn from note between, the return-to-school program at Shepherd Center aims
taking, so our job is to help them find new strategies, like using to turn “I can’t” into “I can.” In Clark’s case, the latest “I can”
assistive technology to take notes, that set them up for success.” moment happened this summer when he was hired for his first
Clark adds, “My therapists brought things to my attention I job after graduating from Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s degree
wasn’t aware of. My slower typing speed didn’t occur to me until in mechanical engineering.
my occupational therapist brought it up to me and gave me “Return-to-school programs like Shepherd’s are so import-
exercises to improve it.” ant,” Clark says. “There are many factors that, without the
Another area the team assists with is self-advocacy. program, would’ve hit me like a ton of bricks when I went back.
The therapists helped me in advance, so I felt ready.”
4 • news.shepherd.org
Teacher Helps Students with Traumatic
Injuries Return to School
Pstaff
profile
Kelsey Shearman, MA, the academic coordinator in the Adolescent
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, explains how she works
with students to meet their academic goals.
BY DAMJANA ALVERSON
Kelsey Shearman,
MA, has worked
at Shepherd Center
as academic
coordinator for
three years.
While I usually work with students who have
sustained spinal cord injuries, I do meet with INTERESTING FACTS
families or caregivers of students with brain inju-
Q:How long have you worked at ries to help coordinate getting their school
records and passing that information along to
EDUCATION
Shepherd Center? their therapy team. I also provide guidance to ■ Kelsey is a certified teacher.
I have worked at Shepherd for three years as an families about medically withdrawing their loved ■ University of Georgia
academic coordinator in the Adolescent Spinal ones from school until they are ready for school Bachelor’s degree in history
Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program. Prior to services again. with a minor in English
Shepherd, I was a public school teacher for four ■ University of St Andrews
years, teaching middle school for two years and
high school for two years.
Q:What do you love most about your job? Master’s degree in history
I always seem to have great kids. They are so ■ Kelsey is working on her Ph.D.
much fun. Understandably, not everyone is very in English literature at the
Q:When we say “adolescent,” what do excited that they’re at a hospital and have to go University of Birmingham.
we mean? to school initially, but they all end up having a
My primary work is with kids aged 12 through good attitude and being wonderful to work with. FUN FACTS
around 19. I also do some work with college I’m so grateful I’m able to get to know them. ■ Working with students has
students up to age 23. made Kelsey a pro at trivia. For
Q:Talk about how your role impacts example, she worked on an
Q:C an you explain your role at Shepherd? patients and families.
astronomy class with a student
that included a video of a moon
As an academic coordinator, I set up school ser- When families get to Shepherd, they have so landing. Two days later, that
vices for students and teach them while they are same video showed up on
much on their plates. I want school to be the last “Jeopardy!” along with a
inpatients at Shepherd or outpatients in our thing they worry about or deal with. I tell parents question asking whose theory it
Spinal Cord Injury Day Program. I will see stu- they are welcome to be as involved as they proved. She immediately knew
dents four to six hours per week on a one-on-one want, but I will take care of everything school-re- the answer was Galileo.
basis. Close to discharge, we start doing a lated, so they don’t have to worry about it. I talk ■ Kelsey enjoys participating in
return-to-school planning process. We get stu- to the kids’ counselors and ask what classes are long-distance swimming races
dents and their parents or caregivers comfort- most important to graduate. I make sure I have and sprint triathlons.
able, and we make sure their school is prepared all their assignments. If I don’t have assign- ■ She loves to travel and has a
for any new needs the student may have. ments, I create them for the kids. We stay as goal to visit every continent. So
With college students I see, they come to me up-to-date as possible, so they are on track for far, she’s visited three.
after they’ve withdrawn from school. We talk graduation when the student returns to school.
PHOTOS BY JOANN VITELLI
about what they are looking forward to with The kids are also happier because when
going back and what their school can help they return to school, they are in the same
them with to overcome any challenges they may grade level as their friends. They may have to
face when they return. I also help them sign up make up some classes, but they can stay with More online at
for accommodations. their peers. news.shepherd.org
Spinal Column® | Fall 2021 • 5
BY DA M JA N A A LV E R S O N
O d d s and
B e a t t he e a m s.
P a t ien t s T h e ir D r
F o r m e r P u rs u e
Tw o c h oo l t o
t o S
Re t u r n
With much of our lives spent as students, school
inevitably becomes more than a place of learning.
It becomes a place where we reach milestones that guide
our paths in life. For Marvin Zetina-Jimenez and Abbey
Climer, returning to that pivotal place after sustaining
traumatic injuries was a primary goal during their
rehabilitation. Once they returned to school, their
experiences led each of them to realize a new purpose.
BY DAMJANA ALVERSON
1. Abbey Climer attends
nursing school at the
University of Mississippi
Medical Center. 2. Marvin
Zetina-Jimenez is major-
ing in computer science
and engineering at MIT
and hopes to use his
education to help people
with disabilities.
1
2
Spinal Column® | Fall 2021 • 7
An Opportunity
to Give Back
After sustaining a spinal cord injury, Marvin Zetina-Jimenez
enjoys playing soccer
Marvin Zetina-Jimenez, 20, wants to use his to test his progress
toward his rehabilita-
education to help people with disabilities. tion goals.Some people are naturally talented at sports;
others are gifted in the arts. For Marvin
Zetina-Jimenez, 20, school has always been
the place where he’s excelled.
“Learning is fun for me,” Marvin says. “Even
when it takes practice and discipline, when things
are easier, I guess they are always more fun!”
Marvin’s favorite subjects are Rehabilitation and Because he was still in the hospital
science and math, something his Return to School during the first two weeks of his
dad Mario, an industrial engineer, senior year of high school, he
In total, Marvin spent seven
certainly understands. Mario and worked with Kelsey Shearman, MA,
weeks at Shepherd Center, first
his wife, Maria, who are originally Shepherd’s Adolescent Spinal
as an inpatient and then as an
from Mexico, moved to Charlotte, Cord Rehabilitation Program aca-
outpatient in the Spinal Cord
North Carolina, in 1999 for Mario’s demic coordinator, to make sure
Injury Day Program.
job. Marvin and his younger he stayed on track.
“Once I got to Shepherd, the
brother, Max, were born and raised “Marvin is a dream student,”
goal was to see how far the team
there. The family has a tight bond Shearman says. “He’s smart, works
could get me and for them to give
— one that Marvin would rely on hard and is respectful of everyone.
me tools to be as independent as
when the unexpected happened When I worked with him, he was
possible,” Marvin says.
on July 13, 2018. taking AP calculus and AP world
While Marvin worked hard in
That summer, Marvin went to history, and it was pretty clear just
physical and occupational therapy,
camp after completing his junior how dedicated he was to his
his parents took turns driving to
year of high school. education.”
Atlanta and staying in the Irene
“I decided to try surfing lessons,” When Marvin discharged from
and George Woodruff Family
Marvin recalls. “As we were surfing, Shepherd Center, he was still on
Residence Center. Max was also
I felt a pinch in my lower back. Ini- track to finish school on time with
there to support him. The younger
tially, I thought it was maybe just the rest of his classmates. He had
brother had to get used to the role
pain from exercise, but over the also progressed physically, using a
reversal of being the one to sup-
course of an hour, I could barely wheelchair to travel long distances
port his older brother during this
stand or feel my legs anymore.” and canes everywhere else.
challenging time.
Marvin was rushed to New “In one word, I would describe
“It was a role reversal in the
Hanover Regional Medical Center in my recovery as ‘lucky,’” Marvin
sense that he would usually look
Wilmington, North Carolina. During says. “When you’ve been injured,
out for me or teach me things,”
his 10 days there, he learned he had you can really feel like you’ve hit
Max says. “He is like my protective
sustained an incomplete L-1 spinal rock bottom and like you’re so out
spirit guide. When he was injured,
cord injury from surfer’s myelopathy, of control. Shepherd gave me a
it switched around, and I was
a rare condition triggered by hyper- place to focus on myself and my
trying to give back for all he’d
extension of the back while surfing. improvement rather than worrying
done for me in years past.”
Blood flow to his spinal cord was about other things. They push
Marvin certainly felt the sup-
disrupted while he arched his back, their patients to do their best so
PHOTOS BY PHIL SKINNER
port. The two have always been
and it caused paralysis in his legs. you can get to a place where you’ll
very close, enjoying playing video
“With this condition, you never feel comfortable with yourself.
games, cooking and playing
know what your prognosis will be,” Miracles happen at Shepherd, and
soccer together.
Marvin says. “Some people recover they wouldn’t happen without help
“I remember it was Max’s birth-
fully, and some don’t recover at all.” from the amazing therapists.”
day a week after my injury, and we
By the end of the month, Marvin
had to celebrate it in the hospital,”
had regained the ability to twitch
Marvin says. “He’s amazing and
Graduating to
his quad muscle — a glimmer of
has been such a solid pillar for me Independence
hope as he moved on to the next On Marvin’s first day back to
to rely on.”
phase of his recovery in Shepherd high school, two of his therapists,
In addition to his physical goals,
Center’s Spinal Cord Injury Sarah Leonard, PT, DPT, ATP, and
Marvin focused on his education
Rehabilitation Program. Shanna Thorpe, CTRS, went with
during his stay at Shepherd.
Spinal Column® | Fall 2021 • 91
1. Marvin and his brother,
Max, enjoy doing activities like
cooking together. 2. Marvin
participated in the Google
STEP internship virtually this
past summer. Here, he
explains the computer science
program at his home office.
2
3. Marvin and his family are very close. him to provide an overview of his without a wheelchair. By the end of
(L to R: Mario (Marvin’s father), Maria
(Marvin’s mother), Marvin and Max injury and accessibility accommoda- the year, he was walking up and down
(Marvin’s brother)) 4. Marvin’s high tions to his teachers. the stairs without any aids.
school diploma is proudly displayed in his “Fun fact: I got to drive to school on Amidst all his rehabilitation mile-
family’s home. 5. Marvin has met many my first day back all by myself!” stones, Marvin had another event
rehabilitation goals, including being able
to play soccer with his family again.
Marvin says. “I remember parking, looming before him: college applica-
getting out of the car and putting tion decisions. Having a passion for
together my wheel- science and math, he applied to
3 chair. Then I met with several schools, including his dream
Sarah and Shanna to school, the Massachusetts Institute of
go talk to my teachers. Technology (MIT).
They were great.” “By December 2018, I had started to
Even though Marvin play soccer with my dad and brother
was excited to be back, in the park as part of my rehab on the
he admits that return- weekends,” Marvin says. “While we
ing to high school was were there, I got my decision. I got
a little tough at first. into MIT. I was in disbelief! It’s such an
“At the time, my high amazing school, and I was ecstatic I
school was the largest in could get in.”
North Carolina, so it was Today, Marvin is a junior majoring in
computer science and
engineering, with a
minor in math. Over the
summer, he participated
in the Google STEP
internship — a program
for first- and sec-
ond-year undergraduate
students with a passion
for computer science.
Inspired by his spinal
cord injury and his
experience at Shepherd
4 Center, Marvin wants to
use his developing skill-
tough to get around in my wheelchair set to help others with disabilities.
initially,” Marvin says. “The reason I “I got very lucky with how I recov-
could handle it mentally was because ered,” Marvin says. “Now that I’ve been
at Shepherd, they helped me develop given this amazing opportunity, I want
a strong mindset.” to help others. I want to use what I learn
All of Marvin’s efforts paid off. to develop technology that can help
Two months into his senior year, he people with spinal cord injuries.”
was able to move around school
5
Need more insight on returning to school?
Scan the QR code to view the Christopher and Dana
10 • news.shepherd.org
Reeve Foundation’s college selection guide.1. Abbey works hard
during an outpatient
therapy session in
October 2017. 2. Abbey
participated in Shepherd
Center’s 2018 Project
Rollway, a fashion show
that benefits Shepherd’s
adolescent rehabilitation
programs.
Change of Plans
Abbey Climer thought she knew what she wanted
her career to be until she sustained a traumatic brain
injury that changed her perspective.
Spinal Column® | Fall 2021 • 111
Abbey Climer, 23, always knew she wanted to enter where she stayed for three weeks.
In addition to sustaining a traumatic
the medical field. So when she started college at brain injury and being in a coma her
the University of Mississippi in the fall of 2016, it first week at the hospital, Abbey
also had broken bones in her hands
was easy to choose the pre-med route. and sustained severe scalp and
facial lacerations.
“My freshman year was not fun started the five-hour drive back “They had to shave my head to
studying all the time, but I remem- home to Senatobia, Mississippi. perform surgery and stitch the
ber telling everyone I’d be a doctor “We took turns driving,” Abbey wounds,” Abbey explains. “Besides
one day!” Abbey says. explains. “Alden drove first, and the brain injury, that was probably
After her freshman year, Abbey, then I switched with her halfway to the hardest factor. I was having an
who was 19 at the time, and her drive the rest of the way home. identity crisis because I didn’t look
twin sister Alden worked at a Right outside of Tupelo, Mississippi, like myself anymore.”
summer camp in Alabama. On we were in a bad car accident. A The crash may have left physical
August 3, 2017, camp car weaved in and out of the scars, but the emotional scars were
ended, and the median, and when it was my turn to there, too, as Abbey embarked on
sisters pass, they swerved into my lane. I her rehabilitation journey.
swerved to miss them, and that’s
when our car flipped.”
Abbey doesn’t remember what
A New Perspective
happened next, but she was told Abbey’s parents researched rehabili-
that because their car was top- tation hospitals, and after looking
heavy with luggage from working into options and getting recommen-
out-of-state all summer, it flipped dations from friends, they decided
nine times and caught on fire. on Shepherd Center. Luckily, a bed
“They were able to get Alden out in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Pro-
with just bruises and scratches,” gram had just become available, and
Abbey recalls. “I was driving, so they the family arrived at the hospital on
had more trouble getting me out of August 23, 2017.
the car. They said my legs were “I was conscious when I got to
stuck with how the car Shepherd, but I was still in a weird
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ABBEY CLIMER
was warped.” phase where I wasn’t motivated,”
First responders Abbey says. “A few days after I
2
eventually man- admitted, it’s like a light switch went
aged to open off in my head: ‘I’ve got to get
1. Abbey and her family after
the door, and better. I’ve got to go back to college.
graduation from the University of
Mississippi. (L to R: Stacy (Abbey’s Abbey was air- I’m supposed to be in school.’”
mom), Alden (Abbey’s twin sister), Bar- lifted to North With renewed determination, she
rett (Abbey’s sister), Abbey and Tim
Mississippi was ready to tackle the challenges
(Abbey’s father)) 2. Abbey Climer arrived
Medical Center ahead of her.
at Shepherd Center on August 23, 2017.
A few days after her arrival, she in Tupelo,
spent time in the Anna and Hays
Mershon Secret Garden.
12 • news.shepherd.org“Cognitively, I had to relearn how next semester and pursue her new the University of Mississippi Medical
to do everything,” Abbey says. “My goal of becoming a nurse. Center in Jackson, Mississippi, just
writing looked like a 5-year-old. I “I basically healed in five or six two weeks later.
could remember things, but I wasn’t months,” Abbey says. “I was in a “I’m in a traditional two-year
sure what was going on. My vision stretcher when I got to Shepherd, nursing program,” Abbey says.
wasn’t 100% like before either. I knew and I was able to walk out with a gait “During your second summer, you
it was just off.” belt. Since then, I’ve gotten back have the option to enroll in a class
Halfway through her stay at to what I was doing before my acci- that’s an externship. This past spring,
Shepherd, Abbey remembers feeling dent. I know all brain injuries are dif- I applied and was accepted to a
overwhelmed and reflecting on ferent, and I’m very blessed. I get student nurse externship at Children’s
everything that had happened since chills every time I think about it.” of Mississippi Hospital. I really enjoyed
her accident. One of the things that Abbey stayed connected with it. I knew I was interested in pediat-
stood out to her was the care she Shepherd Center throughout college. rics, but with my brain injury, I’ve
received from her nurses. During her junior year, she reached become interested in neurology. I may
“I thought about how my nurses out to Lauren Bott, BSN, RN, CRRN, do pediatric neurology in the future,
cared for me and helped me with rehabilitation nurse educator at but I’m still figuring it all out!”
everything,” she says. “I wasn’t able Shepherd Center, to see if she could Abbey may still be figuring out
to walk by myself or do other things shadow her during spring break. The exactly what she wants to do, but
like I used to, but they did those experience made a big impact on what is clear is her sense of gratitude
things for me with servant hearts the former patient. and purpose since the car crash.
and didn’t complain. I felt like they “I got to go back to Shepherd on “No one would be thankful for an
really cared for me and wanted to the same floor I was a patient on,” accident like mine, but this experi-
know me on a personal level. That’s Abbey says. “My perspective really ence has made me more grateful for
when my perspective shifted on changed. I got to see what nurses do, being alive and for the people that
what I wanted to do when I went and it was remarkable to be on the I’ve gotten to meet through this,”
back to school. I wanted to be there other side of healthcare with them.” Abbey says. “I’m so thankful to have
for someone in that same way Abbey graduated from college in had them because they got me to
because I knew how great that May 2020. Not one to waste any where I am today in nursing school
connection made me feel. I wanted time, she started nursing school at — the doctors,
to be a nurse.” nurses, therapists
and everybody else
Back to School involved in this jour-
On September 11, 2017, Abbey ney with me. It’s just
discharged from Shepherd Center really amazing to see
and continued outpatient therapy how far I’ve come.”
closer to home for the next several
months. By the end of the year, she
was cleared to return to school the
3. Abbey attached this note to baskets that she gave to the nurses
and her therapy team when she was discharged from Shepherd
Center. She later found her note in the nurse’s lounge when she
returned to Shepherd to shadow a nurse during spring break.
4. Abbey Climer takes a photo with her therapists the morning of
her discharge from Shepherd Center. 3
4
Scan the QR code to
check out Shepherd
Center’s Returning
to School Overview,
which includes what
you can expect after
sustaining an injury.
Spinal Column® | Fall 2021 • 13P
patient
profile
MAKING
GOALS
On and Off
the Field
Will Fraser-Gray returned to collegiate
soccer after sustaining a traumatic brain
injury in a car crash.
BY DAMJANA ALVERSON
1Will Fraser-Gray, 22, grew “The therapy team at Shepherd put me on a my spring classes online and was able to go
strict schedule like I was back at school. I didn’t back to school in the fall.”
up in Lancaster, a city in have the option of if I’d get better. It was like, no, Will began his fall semester on August 7,
northwest England. A talented you are going to get better.” 2019. While he could not play full contact
athlete, he played many sports, One of Will’s primary rehabilitation goals was soccer for a year, Emmanuel College
returning to playing soccer at school. maintained his scholarship. In return, the
including rugby, “Every opportunity, my therapists had me business major contributed to the team in
cricket and cross country, but soccer was his practicing dribbling the soccer ball and passing another way — running the team’s social
favorite. He even had the opportunity to play on it,” Will says. “Not even a month after the crash, media account.
two professional sports teams at a young age. I was playing soccer again in the garden.” By August 2020, Will was cleared to return
“All I wanted to do was play soccer — it was Well on his way to his goal, Will faced to full contact soccer at the NCAA Division II
my main passion. I heard about an amazing another hurdle on May 15 when he had level. Due to COVID-19, games were
opportunity to become a student athlete in surgery to replace the piece of his skull that postponed until January 2021, but that made
America,” Will says. “The idea of traveling and had been removed. his return all the better.
getting to live away from home was really cool, “A week after the surgery, I started having “I was so ready to be back,” Will says. “I’d
and I wanted to do it.” seizures,” Will recalls. “I’m a really chatty person, not played in 22 months. Two of my best
Will’s dream came true in August 2018 when and suddenly I’d be having a conversation and friends who had visited me in Shepherd
he began attending Emmanuel College in wouldn’t be able to speak or write anything played with me, and it was a bit emotional for
Franklin Springs, Georgia, on a soccer down. Fortunately, I got the right anti-seizure the three of us.”
scholarship while pursuing a degree in business meds about a week later.” Will graduates this year and is deciding
administration. Then in the early morning hours of Medically stable, and ready to graduate what he’d like to do from there. One thing he
March 31, 2019, during his second semester at from inpatient on June 3, 2019, Will had to knows he wants to do is use his experience to
school, the unthinkable happened. decide whether to return home or complete give back.
“My friends and I were in the car on the way outpatient rehabilitation at Shepherd Pathways. “When I went home to the UK, I went back
back to campus from a night out when we “I just wanted to go back home to the UK to to my old high school and gave a speech
were in a car crash,” Will explains. “The car see my friends, family and dog,” Will says. “My about the importance of wearing seatbelts
4
2 3
5 1. Will was happy to spend time with his dog,
rolled. I didn’t have a seatbelt on and was
Rupert, after returning home from the hospital.
thrown outside.”
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WILL FRASER-GRAY
2. Will celebrates his first goal after returning to
Will ruptured a ligament in his neck, lacerated playing soccer. 3. Will visited his high school after
his liver and spleen, and punctured a lung. The recovering from his traumatic brain injury to do a
greatest concern, though, was the traumatic motivational speech about the importance of
brain injury he had sustained. wearing seatbelts and his comeback story. 4. Will
celebrates the day he was discharged from
“I was rushed to Piedmont Athens Regional
inpatient at Shepherd Center into Shepherd
Medical Center in Athens, Georgia,” Will says. Pathways with his therapy team. 5. Will was
“The doctor performed an emergency welcomed home after returning from the hospital.
craniotomy where a portion of my skull was
removed to relieve pressure on my brain.”
Will spent three weeks at Piedmont Athens friends and family convinced me to stay at least and having a positive attitude,” Will says. “My
before transferring to Shepherd Center’s Brain three weeks, and it was honestly the best story can be a vehicle for positive things in
Injury Rehabilitation Program on April 23. When decision I ever made.” peoples’ lives.
he arrived at Shepherd, the young athlete had Will continued to improve physically and “I know this sounds like a happy story, but
lost 50 pounds since the car crash and needed cognitively, and with the help of his therapists, there were some very tough moments through it
assistance to walk. he was able to run again and prepare for his all. I genuinely put everything down to Shepherd
“Initially, it was a massive shock to the return to school. Center. All the nurses, therapists and surgeons. I
system,” Will says. “As much as I had physical “I learned strategies to cope with my just am so grateful I was given the opportunity to
injuries, I had quite a few mental injuries, as well. workload in a new and different way,” Will says. go there and be surrounded by these
I felt depressed. “By the time I finished at Shepherd, I finished all inspirational people.”
Spinal Column® | Fall 2021 • 15Aalumni
profiles
BY DAMJANA ALVERSON AND SARA BAXTER
Shepherd Alums:
From “I Can’t” to “I Can”
Sonja McCrary J.T. Brooks 2
ATLANTA, GEORGIA ROGERSVILLE, TENNESSEE
Sonja McCrary, 57, has always had a zest for life. On May 23, 2016,
“If I don’t know how to do something, I will give it a try. Not to 16-year-old J.T.
say I will do it twice, but I will certainly try it once!” Sonja says. Brooks, the quar-
With interests ranging from spending time with her husband, terback for his high
Dean, and family including her sisters Twallise, DeShawn and school football
Cassandra, to fishing to cooking to truck driving, there is no team, was playing
doubt that Sonja has enthusiasm to live fully. in an inter-squad
But in 2009, she began experiencing symptoms that made scrimmage football
her want to withdraw from the world. game when he fell
“I didn’t want to see anybody,” Sonja explains. “I just wanted as he tried to avoid a
to be left alone because I didn’t know my own body. It was like tackle. He landed on
something had taken over and left me with my mind, but no his head, sustaining a
control over my day-to-day activities.” C-6 – C-7 incomplete spi-
Among other symptoms, Sonja was experiencing trouble sleep- nal cord injury (SCI), which
ing, shooting pain through her legs and arms, no strength in her resulted in quadriplegia. After
right arm and leg, and decreased vision. She visited the hospital two weeks in Johnson City Medical J.T. served as an assistant coach for
and was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Center in Tennessee, J.T. was the Emory & Henry football team.
After doing her own research and speaking with friends, transferred to Shepherd Center.
Sonja decided to go to the Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis During his six months at Shepherd, J.T. participated in
Institute at Shepherd Center for rehabilitation and treatment in intensive inpatient and outpatient therapy to relearn how to
2012. Since that time, she has returned monthly for infusions move his arms, regain finger function, do wheelchair trans-
and receives an MRI scan yearly. fers, and feed and dress himself.
“Having a clinic that specializes in MS is terrific because it “I felt I had a choice to get better, and I was willing to work
means these people pride themselves on knowing the latest on hard to relearn how to do things in a different way,” he says.
disease-modifying therapies,” Sonja says. “The team is always “The therapists at Shepherd Center pushed me like a coach
so comforting and supportive.” would, but they were also very loving. I enjoyed my time
Last year, Sonja noticed a flyer advertising a research study there despite the circumstances.”
called STEP for MS in the Shepherd Center waiting room. The In January 2017, J.T. returned home to resume the
study aims to understand what exercise options are most effective second half of his junior year of high school – and he
for people with MS. It compares the outcomes of a 16-week exer- returned to sports.
cise program conducted at home to a program held in a gym with “I still wanted to be part of the team and be with my
COVID-19 safety protocols in place. friends, so I just started coaching,” J.T. says.
“I did the gym study, and I loved it,” Sonja says. “Exercise defi- On the football team, he helped call plays and was active
nitely helps with symptom management. I try to be in practices and on the sidelines during the games. During
more active, especially now as I get older.” baseball season, J.T. worked with the team calling pitches.
1 Sonja is pleased to say her MS He continued coaching when he went to college at Emory
symptoms are now manageable, & Henry College in Emory, Virginia, in 2018. As an assistant
and she has regained function in coach for the football team, J.T. worked closely with the offen-
her right arm, legs and feet. As sive coaching staff, reviewing practice and game films. During
importantly, she has regained his sophomore year, he was the quarterbacks’ coach.
her zest for life. After two years, J.T. decided to leave coaching to focus
“I put it to God and give him on his schoolwork. He is majoring in business management
the credit. Right now, that’s and minoring in mass communications and hopes to go into
what I’m focused on – grow- sales when he graduates in spring 2022.
ing my faith. As much as He Throughout all his challenges, J.T., now 21, has maintained
puts me through, He brings a positive attitude, never letting his injury get in the way of his
me through,” Sonja says. “I plans or his involvement with the sports he loves. He encour-
want other people to know they ages others in his situation to do the same.
should always have hope — we “Push your limits,” he advises. “You can do more than
can do this!” you think. Keep a positive attitude, keep active both physi-
Sonja McCrary’s MS symptoms are now cally and socially, and rely on your support system.”
manageable and she has regained her zest for life.
16 • news.shepherd.orgGabriel Rodriguez Rebecca Schlegelmilch
MIAMI, FLORIDA RAEFORD, NORTH CAROLINA
Before his injury in 2005, Gabriel Rodriguez, now 34, was Rebecca Schlegelmilch, 40, enlisted in the Army when
a straight-A student at Parkview High School in metro Atlan- she was 17 years old, working in logistics for more than
ta. Gabriel had been drawn to the medical profession since 21 years. She did five tours of duty — two in Iraq and
he was a child living in Puerto Rico, so after he graduated three in Afghanistan.
from high school, he planned to major in biology at Georgia When faced with another deployment in 2018, Rebecca,
State University. who was selected for the rank of sergeant major, chose
But the summer before his freshman year, Gabriel’s plans instead to retire. However, she quickly discovered she did
took a detour. He sustained a traumatic brain injury and not feel equipped for life as a civilian. She says her mental
multiple injuries to his legs in an automobile accident after a health had been deteriorating rapidly
vehicle T-boned the car in which he was a passenger. Gabriel for some time. In addition, Rebec-
spent more than three months in a coma at Grady Memorial ca had sustained a traumatic
4
Hospital in Atlanta and underwent more surgeries than he can brain injury (TBI) from multiple
remember. Then, he completed months of rehabilitation at blast exposures during her
Shepherd Center. years of service, along with
The road to recovery was long. The months following the ac- a head injury, leading to
cident were nothing short of terrifying for Gabriel’s mom, Lucila lingering symptoms.
Tellado, and the rest of his family. But Gabriel was a fighter and “Once I retired, I found
gradually improved. it even harder to deal with
“I don’t think he’d be where he is without having been at and control my symp-
Shepherd,” Lucila says. “All the nurses were so good; every- toms,” Rebecca remem-
body was. They were so caring and worried about him. He be- bers. “Fear and anxiety
gan to recover, little by little. I remember him singing, ‘The Lord fueled by aggravation and
is My Shepherd.’ It was one of the first times he showed signs of anger drove me to withdraw
waking up. He was beginning to recover.” and disengage. I had lost my
Fast forward to 2020, and Gabriel had graduated medical identity and purpose, making life
school and had decided to focus his residency on physical dark and painful.”
medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) at Larkin Community Unfamiliar with the healthcare and Rebecca learned to play guitar
during her time in SHARE.
Hospital in Miami, Florida. PM&R is a branch of medicine that insurance systems outside of the Army,
aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life finding help for her physical and emotional
to people with physical impairments or disabilities — something symptoms quickly became another source of frustration.
Gabriel experienced as a patient. Rebecca learned about Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military
In May 2021, he really came full circle when he returned to Initiative, a comprehensive rehabilitation program for post-9/11
Shepherd Center for a PM&R training rotation. From May 4 to veterans, from another veterans group. She was accepted into
May 28, he shadowed Wes Chay, M.D., in the Spinal Cord SHARE in January 2021. For 12 weeks, she spent one week a
Injury Rehabilitation Program and Comprehensive month at Shepherd Center and attended telehealth sessions
Rehabilitation Unit, and Andrew Dennison, M.D., in the every day during the other three weeks. She worked with a
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program. team of therapists to combat her TBI, post-traumatic stress
“Shepherd Center specializes in PM&R,” Gabriel explains. disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. She also learned to
“More than that, the positive attitude at Shepherd plays a crucial play the guitar.
role in peoples’ recovery. When you’re a patient, “One of the best parts of SHARE is that the team is heavily
you can feel awful about not knowing vested in your success,” Rebecca says. “It bolstered my
what will happen with your life. 3 self-confidence to know that they believed in me and were all
I’ve been in the situation as a working together to improve my health and wellness.”
patient where my prognosis Rebecca graduated from SHARE in April 2021 with a
wasn’t good, and now as brand new outlook. She’s reconnecting with friends and
a physician, I can see recently took a trip to Colombia, South America, and plans
people who are in those on visiting Panama next. Along with continuing to play the
same shoes. Now, I’m guitar, she’d also like to learn to surf.
in a position to give “SHARE changed my outlook by giving me hope and
them hope, and it feels belief in the future,” Rebecca says. “It was an amazing
really good.” experience. I would highly recommend this program. If
you can just get there, it can change your life. The hardest
Gabriel Rodriguez did a PM&R training
rotation at Shepherd Center in May 2021. part is taking that first step.”
Spinal Column® | Fall 2021 • 17FOUNDATION
features
Welcoming Back
BY SARA BAXTER
Volunteers
Volunteers play a vital role in patient care at Shepherd Center.
When Margaret Hopkins received the e-mail as breakfast feeders to return with specific “The best part of volunteering is the culture,”
that she could return to Shepherd Center as protocols in place. Any volunteer who has direct Margaret says. “Everyone has the same goal
a volunteer, she estimates that it took her just patient contact must be vaccinated and must — to help ensure that the patient improves to
about 40 seconds to respond. wear a mask and, in some cases, a face shield. the best of their ability. It’s like magic. It’s a very
“I was so excited,” says Margaret, who has Margaret and Zach are both breakfast feeders. positive place. It’s like a hug you didn’t know
been volunteering at Shepherd Center since In fact, Zach trained Margaret when she took you needed.”
she was 15. “I couldn’t wait to go back.” that position six years ago. They show up at 6:45 Zach began volunteering when he was
About 150 to 200 volunteers provide up to a.m. to begin feeding patients, usually those with looking for something to do with his time after
1,500 hours of service every month, doing quadriplegia. It’s a job that helps the nurses by he retired. A friend who was already a volunteer
everything from feeding patients breakfast to freeing up their time to focus on other tasks. encouraged him to come to Shepherd Center.
delivering mail to working as a gym runner “It felt so good to walk back up on the fifth “He was one of the original feeders,” Zach re-
during therapy sessions. floor,” Zach recalls. “The patients and nurses calls. “I followed him around and learned what
“Volunteers are a huge part of our daily op- welcomed us back and were so glad to see us. he did. After thinking about it for a few months,
erations from an assistance point of view,” says We knew we had been missed.” I decided to join him.”
Alex Seblatnigg, CAVS, CPXP, Shepherd “We were welcomed back with a lot of At first, he came every day and stayed
Center’s director of volunteer services and fanfare,” Margaret adds. “They made us feel after breakfast to help in the gym. He has
internal engagement. “They are part of our like celebrities. There was so much excitement, since reduced his hours and comes in three
culture and are deeply embedded in this and I realized that’s what I had been missing.” mornings a week.
organization.” Margaret has long been acquainted with “I feel like I’m doing something positive by
But on March 16, 2020, things got quiet. Shepherd Center. She grew up not far from the volunteering at Shepherd Center,” Zach says.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the volun- hospital. So when her mother suggested that “It’s a valuable service we are providing, and
teer program had to be paused. she and her brother find something productive the patients and nurses appreciate it. It gets my
“It felt like I got laid off from a job,” says Zach to do with their time, Margaret chose Shepherd day off to a good start.”
Wilson, who has volunteered as a breakfast Center. She’s been volunteering for 25 years, Shepherd Center staff members feel the
feeder for the past 12 years. “I felt a little lost.” helping out wherever needed. She was also a same way.
Because the volunteer community is so member of the Shepherd Center Junior Com- “Volunteers are so important to Shepherd
strong, Seblatnigg held socials in the mittee and the Shepherd Center Society. When Center,” Seblatnigg says. “Not only do they
Shepherd Center parking lot throughout the she decided she’d like more patient contact, help us, but they bring such joy and happiness
year. There, the volunteers could see each other, she began feeding patients. She comes to the to the hospital.”
hear updates and still maintain social distancing. hospital two mornings a week and stays for For more information on
“It was so important to stay connected,” about two hours before heading to her job at the volunteering at Shepherd Center,
Seblatnigg says. “They check in with each Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. visit shepherd.org/volunteer.
other and checked in with us. The volunteers
are like an extended family.”
This past March, Shepherd Center decided 1. Margaret Hopkins has volunteered at Shepherd Center for 25 years. As a breakfast
to allow volunteers who serve feeder, she works with patients like Dean Southworth. 2. Zach Wilson volunteers as
a breakfast feeder with patients like Randy Bynum. He has volunteered
at Shepherd Center for the past 12 years.
1
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