
My name is Craig J. Phillips. I am a rehabilitation counselor, a nationally known speaker, an author, advocate and creator of Second Chance to Live. I encourage brain injury recovery by involving the whole person in their ongoing recovery process.
Mind, Body, Spirit, Soul and Emotions
To read my Bio, click on this link:
Bio Information for Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA
During the past 16 1/2 years Second Chance to Live has touched lives in these countries:
United States, Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Russia, China, Hong Kong, India, France, Spain, Ukraine, Finland, Romania, Poland, Croatia, Indonesia, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Greece, Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, Serbia, Slovenia, Portugal, Morocco, Egypt, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Switzerland, Thailand, Israel, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Netherlands, Ghana and South Africa.
To View a list of National and International Organizations using Second Chance to Live as a Resource, click on this link:
National and International Organizations Using Second Chance to Live as a Resource
Among the places spoken publicly:
Among the places where I have spoken: Cleveland Clinic, Medstar National Rehabilitation
Hospital, Penn Presbyterian Hospital, Overland Park Rehabilitation Hospital, Adventist
Rehabilitation Hospital, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Encompass Rehabilitation
Hospital, Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, Carolinas Rehab, Colorado Department of
Education, University of North Dakota, University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill, Harvard
University Synapse, University of California at Berkley Synapse, Columbia University Synapse, Synapse National Conference, and various State Brain Injury Associations
Exciting News
September 29, 2022, Thursday
Second Chance to Live has been added to the Brain Injury of America’s National Speakers Bureau.
Second Chance to Live added to Brain Injury of America’s Speakers Bureau
Since June 2020, I have spoken publicly at 121 events with upcoming events, addressing a variety of ongoing brain injury recovery topics to inspire hope.
Craig is looking to schedule opportunities to be of service through these ongoing brain injury recovery topics throughout 2023.
Below is a list of presentations and discussions that Mr. Phillips is available to share through Zoom or In-Person.
To reach Craig to discuss booking a future presentations or discussions, please email him at
[email protected]
Second Chance to Live Discussion Topics
You Are Not Crazy. You have an Invisible Disability Discussion Topic
Yes, I am Disabled, but Don’t Count Me Out because…! Discussion Topic
Learning to Accept Ourselves when Other People Can’t or Won’t Discussion Topic
Getting Comfortable in Our “Own Skin” Living with a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability Discussion Topic
Don’t Let Anyone tell You, You Aren’t Enough Because…You are Smart, Intuitive and Courageous Discussion Topic
Living and Thriving Beyond Brain Injury Awareness to Create a Good Life for Ourselves Discussion Topic
Creating Practical Hope in Our Lives through the Power of Identification Discussion Topic
Nine Habits to Benefit from Using the Principle of Neuroplasticity Discussion Topic
Zoom Presentations Designed to Inspire Purpose and Hope
Finding Purpose and not Giving Up after Brain Injury
Facing Adversity and Having Options When Life Does Not Make Sense
Brain Injury and The Power of “I CAN” in an Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery Process
Hope and the Progression of Living our Best Life after Brain Injury
Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope After Brain Injury
Living and Thriving Beyond Brain Injury Awareness to Create a Good Life for Ourselves
12 Ways to Enhance Our Lives, Well-Beings and Relationships after a Brain Injury
Getting Comfortable in Our “Own Skin” Living with a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability
Some Things to Consider so We Don’t Stay Stuck Living with a Brain Injury Zoom Presentation
Believing in Ourselves through Self-Advocacy — A Guide to Owning Our Power after Brain Injury
Don’t Let Anyone tell You, You Aren’t Enough Because…You are Smart, Intuitive and Courageous
Finding Freedom from Feeling Alone, Isolated, Alienated, Intimidated and Diminished Living with a Brain injury and an Invisible Disability
Zoom Presentations Sharing my Personal Journey and Process
Second Chance to Live and Succeeding Beyond my Special Needs from 10 Years of Age
Comprehensive History of Second Chance to Live — Answering the Call that never Came
Zoom Presentations Empowering Groups and Organizations
Living with Long Covid-19 Invisible Disability — Hope, Encouragement and Support Zoom
Empowering Current and Future Professionals in Brain Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recent Testimonials
After speaking to Cleveland Clinic’s Long Covid-19 Support Group on April 22, 2023, Christine Bailey shared with me:
“Thank you Craig for presenting your message of HOPE to our COVID-19 Survivor Support Group! So appreciate the difference you are making in your presentations and sharing your story! Can’t thank you enough for taking your story and turning it into so many positives for other people. You do a GREAT job of interacting with the group and getting them to participate!”
Viki Kind Clinical bioethicist, award-winning author and family caregiver
Even though your brain and life may have been changed by illness or injury, Craig Phillips shares his universal message of hope that you can rebuild and create your second chance to live. Craig has had a profound impact on both my work as a hospital bioethicist and as a family caregiver for six members of my family. My family members have had strokes, dementia, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and other life-changing illnesses. Craig’s insights have helped them find their way through the mental and physical changes they are experiencing.
Craig can help you see a path forward. Life may not be the same as it was before but that doesn’t mean it can’t get better and still have meaning and purpose. Whether you are just now beginning to find your way through a new injury or illness or you have made some progress but are feeling stuck, Craig can help you see a path forward. Walking through the emotional and medical challenges are made easier when you feel understood and empowered. Craig has walked this path and he knows that although we are all coping with different challenges, we share the hope for a new life that is full of joy.
Thank you, Craig, for your inspirational talks.
Amy Jolepalem Synapse National Director of Operations
“Craig Phillips served as a panelist on our community member panel titled, “Navigating the Healthcare System as a Person with a Brain Injury” in April 2023 during the Synapse National Conference Future Leaders in Brain Injury. The conference panel had an audience of about 100 participants, a large majority of these being students interested in pursuing healthcare careers and learning about the impact they could make in the field of Brain Injury Care.
We had reached out to Craig Phillips because he was spoken highly of as a valued community member of our University of California Berkeley Synapse chapter’s peer support group. As not only a community member, but a distinguished speaker, author, and counselor, Craig seemed like an ideal panelist. Craig was indeed enthusiastic in our conference preparations, made excellent suggestions that enabled us to structure a more effective panel, was well-prepared, and expertly shared his perspective during the panel discussion on advocating for the brain injury community through the lens of his own recovery.
He not only conveyed a passion for empowering individuals who face similar struggles, but offered an impactful perspective as he did not have doctors to help him after his traumatic brain injury, and yet was able to forge ahead and fulfill his personal mission to share hope after his injury and help others. His devotion and insight to this cause shone through during the panel discussion and inspired many of our audience members.
After the conference, we received feedback that many felt he was able to galvanize students to contribute their efforts to the care and advocacy for people with brain injuries, especially within the healthcare field so others receive the care and resources Craig did not have and obstacles he continues to face as he lives with an invisible disability. Craig is a valued member of the Synapse community, and we hope to work with him in the future!”
Synapse National Conference Future Leaders in Brain Injury Testimonial from being a Panelist
Upcoming Events
- On November 7, 2023 I will be speaking on the topic of ” To Be Determined” to the Inova Loudon Outpatient Specialty Rehabilitation Hospital in Leesburg, Virginia through Zoom.
- On October 7, 2023 I will be speaking on the topic of “Empowering Current and Future Professionals in Brain Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation” to students from Harvard University and other Universities that are part of Synapse National.
- On September 26, 2023 I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury” to the Brain Injury Association of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia through Zoom.
Past Events Craig has spoke
- On September 12, 2023 I will be speaking on the topic of “Some Things to Consider so We Don’t Stay Stuck Living with the Impact of a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability Zoom Presentation” to the Fayetteville, North Carolina Brain Injury Support Group, in Fayetteville, North Carolina through Zoom.
- On August 19, 2023 I will be speaking on topic of “Somethings to Consider so We Don’t Stay Stuck Living with the Impact of a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability “to the Harvard University Synapse Brain Injury Support Group in Cambridge, Massachusetts through Zoom.
- On August 9, 2023 I will be speaking on the topic of “Somethings to Consider so We Don’t Stay Stuck Living with the Impact of a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability “to the Brain Injury Services Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, Virginia through Zoom.
- On August 2, 2023 I will be speaking on the topic of “Somethings to Consider so We Don’t Stay Stuck Living with the Impact of a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability” to the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana in Mandeville, Louisiana through Zoom.
- On June 20, 2023 I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Freedom from Feeling Alone, Isolated, Alienated, Intimidated and Diminished Living with a Brain injury and an Invisible Disability” to the Chattanooga Area Brain Injury Association in Chattanooga, Tennessee through Zoom.
- On Mary 16, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Charlotte Area Brain Injury Network (CABIN) in Charlotte, NC through Zoom.
- On May 11, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of “Hope and the Progression of Living our Best Life after Brain Injury” to the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina statewide Support Group in Raleigh, North Carolina through Zoom.
- On May 3, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of, “Hope and the Progression of Living Our Best Life after a Brain Injury” to the COVID-19 Survivor Support Group at the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital Edwin Shaw in Copley, Ohio though Zoom.
- On April 22, 2023, I will be a panelist at the, “Synapse National Future Leaders in Brain Injury Conference!” a nationwide conference through zoom. Future Leaders in Brain Injury Conference “Navigating the Healthcare System as a Person with a Brain Injury: Community Member Panel” hosted by Synapse National — the parent organization of all the University Synapse Chapters through out the United States.
- On April 14, 2023, I will be speaking to the Seminole Spirit Speech and Language Support Group in Woodstock, Georgia, on the topic of “How I Use Neuroplasticity to Empower my Life” through zoom.
- On April 4, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of, “Hope and the Progression of Living Our Best Life after a Brain Injury” to the Charlotte Area Brain Injury Network ( CABIN) in Charlotte, North Carolina through Zoom.
- On March 22, 2023, I will be giving an in service presentation “Believing in Ourselves through Self-Advocacy — A Guide to Owning Our Power after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation” to PT, OT, ST, Nurses and other staff at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in York, Pennsylvania through Zoom.
- On March 14, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of “Living with a Brain Injury and Finding Freedom from Feeling Stuck in Time Presentation” to the Fayetteville, North Carolina Brain Injury Support Group, in Fayetteville, North Carolina through Zoom.
- On March 8, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of “Hope and the Progression of Living Our Best Life after Brain Injury.” to the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital Edwin Shaw in Copley, Ohio though Zoom.
- On March 5, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of, “Brain Injury and The Power of “I CAN” in an Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery Process Presentation” in a conference at Columbia University in New York, New York through Zoom.
- On February 27, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of “Accepting and Creating our New Normal after Brain Injury and Stroke” to Penn Medicine — University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania through Zoom.
- On February 15, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of, “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC through Zoom.
- On January 18, 2023, I will be giving a webinar on the topic of “12 Ways to Enhance Our Lives, Well-Beings and Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Association of Vermont in Waterbury, Vermont through Go to Meeting. 2023-01-18 12.05 12 Ways to Enhance Our Lives, Well-Beings and Relationships after a Brain Injury with Craig Phillips, MRC BA Listen to the Webinar https://vimeo.com/biavt/12wayswithcraigphillips Password: 12ways
- On January 10, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of “Brain Injury and The Power of “I CAN” in an Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery Process Presentation” to the Fayetteville, North Carolina Brain Injury Support Group, in Fayetteville, North Carolina through Zoom.
- On January 5, 2023, I will be speaking on the topic of “Brain Injury and The Power of “I CAN” in an Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery Process Presentation” to the Brooks Rehabilitation Neuro Day Treatment Program in Jacksonville, Florida through Zoom.
- On December 21, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Brain Injury, Stress, Anxiety, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years” to the Brain Injury Service — Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, Virginia through Zoom.
- On December 14, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic “Living with a Brain Injury — I Can Not Do Everything, But Still I Can Do Something” to the Gateway Clubhouse in Raleigh, North Carolina through Zoom.
- On December 13, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Brain Injury, Stress, Anxiety, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years” to the Brain Injury Associations of Georgia’s Veteran Brain Injury Support Group in Cumming, Georgia through Zoom.
- On December 13, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Brain Injury, Stress, Anxiety, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years” to the Brain Injury Network of Dallas, in Plano, Texas through Zoom.
- On December 12, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Brain Injury — Why Do I Feel so Misunderstood and Shunned?” to the Brain Injury Association of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa through Zoom.
- On December 8, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Brain Injury, Stress, Anxiety, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years” to the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina state wide support group in Raleigh, NC through Zoom.
- On December 6, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Brain Injury, Stress, Anxiety, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years” to the Chattanooga Area Brain Injury Association in Chattanooga, Tennessee through Zoom.
- On November 22, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the University of California, at Berkeley in Berkeley, California through Zoom.
- On November 19, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts through Zoom.
- On October 28, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Seminole Spirit Brain Injury Support Group in Woodstock, Georgia, through Zoom.
- On October 26, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “12 Ways to enhance our Lives, Well-beings and Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Services Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, Virginia through Zoom.
- On October 11, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Chattanooga Area Brain Injury Association in Chattanooga, Tennessee through Zoom.
- On October 5, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Acceptance and Creating our New Normal after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota through Zoom.
- On September 29, 2022, I will be speaking on “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina in Raleigh, North Carolina through Zoom.
- On September 23, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Cultivating Healthy Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brooks Rehabilitation Brain Injury Clubhouse in Jacksonville, Florida through Zoom.
- On August 19, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Comprehensive History of Second Chance to Live — Answering the Call that never Came Presentation” to the Brooks Rehabilitation Brain Injury Clubhouse in Jacksonville, Florida through Zoom.
- On August 9, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Living with a Brain injury — I Can Not Do Everything, But Still I Can Do Something” to the Fayetteville Brain Injury Support Group in Fayetteville, North Carolina through Zoom.
- On August 9, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Chattanooga Area Brain Injury Association in Chattanooga, Tennessee through Zoom.
- On August 3, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana in Mandeville, Louisiana through Zoom.
- On July 27, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Cultivating Healthy Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke” to Brooks Rehabilitation Brain Injury Clubhouse in Jacksonville, Florida through Zoom.
- On July 15, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of, “Living with a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability — How are You Defining Success?” to the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts in Pittsfield, Massachusetts through Zoom.
- On June 30, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of, “Cultivating Healthy Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke” to Brooks Rehabilitation Brain Injury Clubhouse in Jacksonville, Florida through Zoom.
- On June 29, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of, “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the BIND: Brain Injury Network of Dallas in Plano, Texas through Zoom.
- On June 22, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of, “Acceptance and Creating Our New Normal after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Alamo Head Injury Association in San Antonio, Texas through Zoom.
- On June 15, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Living with a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability — How are You Defining Success?” to the Brain Injury Services Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, Virginia through Zoom.
- On June 14, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of ‘Living with a Brain Injury, an Invisible Disability and Change after a Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Fayetteville Brain Injury Support Group in Fayetteville, NC through Zoom.
- On May 16, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Association of Georgia in Cumming, Georgia through Zoom.
- On April 6, 2022, I spoke on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Association of New York State in Albany, New York through Zoom.
- On March 28, 2022, i will be speaking on the topic of “Cultivating Healthy Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation” to the Head Injury Association of Northern Nevada, in Reno, Nevada. through Zoom.
- On March 25, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to Carolina’s Rehabilitation — Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina in person.
- On March 21, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Believing in Ourselves through Self-Advocacy — A Guide to Owning Our Power after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Council on Brain Injury CoBI ReDiscoverU Sessions in Paoli, Pennsylvania through Zoom.
- On March 16, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Medstar National Rehab Hospital in Washington, DC through Zoom.
- On March 16, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the 2nd Annual Brain Injury Awareness Day Virtual Event through Zoom, hosted by Amy Zellmer Editor-in-chief of The Brain Health Magazine.
- On March 14, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Association of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa through Zoom.
- On March 9, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Believing in Ourselves through Self-Advocacy — A Guide to Owning Our Power after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital, Edwin Shaw Heads Up No Boundaries Group, in Copley, Ohio through Zoom.
- On March 4, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Seminole Spirit Brain injury /Aphasia Support Group in Woodstock, Georgia via Zoom.
- On February 21, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stoke” to the Council on Brain Injury CoBI ReDiscoverU Sessions in Paoli, Pennsylvania through Zoom.
- On February 17, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital at Takoma Park in Takoma Park, Maryland through Zoom.
- On February 16, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Making Our Lives Magical One Day at a Time after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Encompass Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital “Aim High Group” in York, Pennsylvania through Zoom.
- On February 14, 2022, I will be speaking on the topic of “Acceptance and Creating Our New Normal after Brain injury and Stroke” to the Council on Brain Injury CoBI ReDiscoverU Sessions in Paoli, Pennsylvania through Zoom.
- On February 9, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to Soar — Empowering Individuals with Differing Abilities in Appleton, Wisconsin through Zoom.
- On February 2, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital– Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania through Zoom.
- On January 26, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the North Dakota Brain Injury Network in Grand Forks, North Dakota through Zoom.
- On January 24, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain injury and Stroke” to the Council on Brain Injury CoBI ReDiscoverU Sessions in Paoli, Pennsylvania through Zoom.
- On January 19, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital Edwin Shaw Stroke Support Group in Copley, Ohio through Zoom.
- On January 12, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Acceptance and Creating Our New Normal after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Association of Vermont in Waterbury, Vermont though Zoom.
- On January 11, 2022 I will be speaking on the topic of “Making Your Life Magical One Day at a Time after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Fayetteville Brain Injury Support Group in Fayetteville, North Carolina through Zoom.
- On December 15, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of “12 Ways to Enhance Our Lives, Well-Beings and Relationships after a Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Services Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, Virginia through Zoom.
- On December 8, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to SOAR — Empowering Individuals with Differing Abilities in Appleton, Wisconsin through Zoom.
- On December 7, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke” to The Denbigh House in Newport News, Virginia though Zoom.
- On November 15, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of ““Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Shadyside Brain Injury Support Group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania through Zoom.
- On November 10, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of “Believing in Ourselves through Self-Advocacy — A Guide to Owning Our Power”to the Brooks Rehabilitation Brain Injury Clubhouse in Jacksonville, Florida through Zoom.
- On November 4, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of “Believing in Ourselves through Self-Advocacy — A Guide to Owning Our Power”to the Brooks Rehabilitation Brain Injury Clubhouse in Jacksonville, Florida through Zoom.
- On November 2, 2021 I will be speaking on “Acceptance and Creating Our New Normal after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Brain Injury Association of Tennessee in Nashville, TN through Zoom.
- On October 27, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Believing in Ourselves through Self-Advocacy — A Guide to Owning Our Power” through Zoom to the Brain Injury Services — Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, VA.
- On October 20, 2021, I will be speaking to the Encompass Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital in York, Pennsylvania via Zoom on the topic of “Neurplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke”
- On October 12, 2021, I will be speaking to the BIND: Brain Injury Network of Dallas Clubhouse in Plano, Texas through Zoom on the topic of “Neurplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke”.
- On October 11, 2021, I will be speaking to the Vermont’s 33rd Annual Brain Injury Conference in Waterbury, Vermont through Zoom on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke”
- On October 5, 2021, I will be speaking to the Brain Injury Association of Tennessee Brain Injury Support Group in Nashville, Tennessee through Zoom on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury”.
- On October 4, 2021, I will be speaking to the Overland Park Regional Hospital TBI – Concussion Support Group in the Kansas City Metro area through Zoom on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury”.
- On September 30, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” through Zoom to the Colorado Department of Education Kaleidoscope Conference in Denver, Colorado.
- On September 20, 2021, at 11 am I will be speaking on the topic, “The Journey, Healing Through Self Expression” through Zoom to the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts in Westborough, MA
- On September 20, 2021, at 7 pm I will be speaking on the topic of “Understanding Invisible Disabilities, Acceptance and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” through Zoom to the SHADYSIDE Brain Injury Support Group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- On September 14, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke” through Zoom to the 18th Annual IBICA — International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance Virtual Conference.
- On September 8, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Creating a New Normal — Acceptance and Creating Hope after Brain Injury” to the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital, Edwin Shaw, in Copley, Ohio.
- On September 1, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of “Understanding Invisible Disabilities, Acceptance and Creating a New Normal after Brain Injury and Stroke” to the Encompass Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital in York, Pennsylvania.
- On August 11, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities Acceptance and Creating Our New Normal Presentation North Dakota Brain Injury Network through Zoom to the North Dakota Brain Injury Network in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
- On August 9, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of, Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities “Acceptance and Creating a New Normal” through Zoom to Rehab Without Walls in High Point, North Carolina.
- On August 6, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of, “Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities — Acceptance and Creating a New Normal” through Zoom to Brooks Rehabilitation Clubhouse, in Jacksonville, Florida.
- On July 26, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities “Acceptance and Creating a New Normal” through Zoom to the TBI Research Initiative — Department of Neurology, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group – Penn Medicine.
- On July 21, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” through Zoom to University of North Carolina Family Support Program in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
- On June 25, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of, “I Am More than My Brain Injury” through Zoom to the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina Brain Injury Support Group Leaders Annual Workshop in Columbia, South Carolina.
- On June 16, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “I Am More than My Brain Injury — Defining and Creating My New Normal” through Zoom to the members of the Brain Injury Service Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, Virginia.
- On June 14, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” through Zoom to the members of Rehab without Walls in High Point, North Carolina.
- On May 27, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of, “I Am More than My Brain Injury” through Zoom to the members of the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina Brain Injury Support Group in Raleigh, North Carolina.
- On May 14, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of, “I Am More than My Brain Injury” to the members of the Seminole Spirit Brain injury Support Group in Woodstock, Georgia via Zoom.
- On April 13, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “I Am More Than My Brain Injury” to the members of the Fayetteville Brain Injury Support Group in Fayetteville, North Carolina via Zoom..
- On April 9, 2021, I will be speaking to the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope After Brain Injury and Stroke” Zoom Presentation” to the members of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts in Westborough, MA
- On April 2, 2021, I will be speaking to the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” to the members of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts in Westborough, MA.
- On March 23, 2021, I will be speaking to the topic of, “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope After Brain Injury and Stroke” Zoom Presentation” to the members, staff and providers of Beechwood NeuroRehab Community-Integrated Brain Injury Specialty Programs in Langhorne, PA.
- On March 19, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury” with the Seminole Spirit Brain Injury Group in Woodstock, Georgia via Zoom.
- On March 18, 2021, I will be speaking to the topic of, “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” to the members, staff and providers of Beechwood NeuroRehab Community-Integrated Brain Injury Specialty Programs in Langhorne, PA.
- On March 17, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury” with the Brain Injury Association of Indiana in Indianapolis, IN.
- On March 11, 2021, I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” with the Empower House in Davenport, Iowa via Zoom.
- On March 10, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” with the Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse in Mountain, GA via Zoom.
- On February 17, 2021, I will be continuing the conversation on Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities — The People We Interact with as Individuals with Invisible Disabilities Part 2″ via Zoom with the Brain Injury Services Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, VA.
- On February 10, 2021 I will be speaking on the topic of, Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities — The People We Interact with as Individuals with Invisible Disabilities Part 1″ with the Brain Injury Services Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, VA.
- On February 5, 2021, I gave the presentation, “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” to the The BridgeLine Clubhouse in Charlottesville, Virginia.
- On February 3, 2021 I am scheduled to give this presentation, “Stroke, Brain Injury and the Benefits of Neuroplasticity” to the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana. Support group in Mandeville, Louisiana.
- On January 19, 2021 I am scheduled to give this presentation “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” via Zoom to the BIND: Brain Injury Network of Dallas Clubhouse in Plano, Texas.
- On December 14, 2020, I presented the message of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” to the Head Injury Association of Northern Nevada, in Reno, Nevada. via Zoom.
- On December 7, 2020, Brain Injury Association of Colorado, Craig J. Phillips was featured in the December 2020 publication of their publication, HeadSTRONG, Volume 4 • Issue 4 • December 2020. To read the publication click on this link: HeadSTRONG. Mr. Phillips is spotlighted on page 5 of the publication. 12,000 subscribers to the publication.
- On November 18, 2020 I presented the message of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” to the Adapt Clubhouse in Alexandria, VA.
- On November 9, 2020 I presented the message of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury”, to the Beacon House in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- On November 4, 2020 and November 5, 2020 I presented the message of “Stroke, Brain Injury and the Benefits of Neuroplasticity” via Zoom at the Brooks Rehab Clubhouse in Jacksonville, Florida.
- On October 28, 2020 and October 29, 2020 I presented the message of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” via Zoom at the Brooks Rehab Clubhouse in Jacksonville, Florida.
- On October 26, 2020, I was interviewed by Mr. Don Crosby for the Sound Behavior Podcast. To listen to the podcast, click on this link. Given a Second Chance to Live – Episode 029 Craig Phillips
- On October 18, 2020 I was interviewed by Donna O’Donnell Figurski on her radio program “Another Fork in the Road” on the Brain Injury Radio Network. Show title: Another Fork in the Road: Craig J. Phillips – Survivor of Brain Injury. To listen to the radio program, click on this link: Another Fork in the Road: Craig J. Phillips – Survivor of Brain Injury
- On September 28, 2020, I was asked by Lee Moss, executive director, to present the message, “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” Zoom Presentation” with the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi support group via Zoom.
- On September 2, 2020, I was asked by Kimberly Hill, executive director, to present the message of “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury Zoom Presentation” to the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana support group via Zoom.
- On June 2, 2020, I was asked by Ellen Morales, facilitator of Fayetteville Brain Injury Support Group to present the message of, “Finding Purpose after Brain Injury” Zoom Presentation via Zoom.
Testimonies and Endorsements from the Presentations
Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts
Finding Purpose after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation
Hi Craig,
I just wanted to thank you so much for taking the time to present to our group on Monday. I got a lot of positive feedback about your presentation and as you probably could tell, folks really enjoyed having you there. It was a breath of fresh air for us. I can tell you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into your talks which is admirable, and you certainly did a better job of keeping people engaged for an extended period of time than I can! I have sent our folks your information and we hope to have you back again sometime soon.
Best regards,
Tasnia Iqbal M2 | Carver College of Medicine
Brain Injury Specialist | Community NeuroRehab
Celebrating Second Chance to Live 15th Anniversary with Available Resources
Congratulations, Craig!! You have so much to be proud of and to look forward to. It is so wonderful how you have devoted yourself so holistically to Second Chance to Live, and there are undoubtedly countless individuals and families who you have touched and influenced positively. I feel so fortunate to be one of those individuals!
Sarah Kurowski, MOT, OTR/L Occupational Therapist Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of York
Colorado Department of Education 2021 Kaleidoscope Conference
Craig Phillips, of Second Chance to Live, presented at our annual facility schools conference. His session, “Finding Purpose After Brain Injury” provided helpful information to our educators about the impact of a brain injury and how to still thrive in life. – The Office of Facility Schools, Colorado Department of Education
Testimonial Following my “I Am More Than My Brain Injury” Zoom Presentation to the Fayetteville Brain Injury Support Group
Craig Phillips has the ability to easily relate most topics to his own journey of living with a brain injury, and then makes others feel more comfortable reflecting on and sharing their own experiences with brain injury. He helps survivors feel that they too can be resilient and manage their struggles. For this reason, he was the best person to present on: “I am more than my brain injury.”
Craig masterfully utilizes quotes that he has embraced from world leaders, writers, artists, politicians, etc. to further get his message across. He is always very authentic, knowledgeable, and inspirational.
I would definitely recommend him as a presenter to a support group, professional college class, community non -profit program, etc.
Ellen Scherling-Morales MA,OTR/L, CRC, CBIS (Facilitator of the Fayetteville Brain Injury Support Group who asked me to present to her Group)
Jeff McDaniel — Board of Directors, HIANN — Head Injury Association of Northern Nevada
Presentation: Finding Purpose after Brain Injury
Thanks so much for taking the time to spend with the Head Injury Association of Northern Nevada and almost 30 of our members. Your journey has been amazing and I personally want to thank you for taking the opportunity to discuss that journey and each of our member’s specific questions and history with brain injury. You have an amazing story to tell and have persevered and continue to grow in-spite of the all the obstacles that have been presented to you. You never cease to amaze me. Keep-up the great work and continue to inspire others that have had traumatic brain injuries.
Jeff McDaniel Board of Directors, HIANN — Head Injury Association of Northern Nevada
Stephanie Lloyd — Adapt Clubhouse Brain Injury Services Brain Injury
Presentation: Finding Purpose after Brain Injury
Thank you for visiting our virtual units at Adapt Clubhouse! It has been a true delight hearing your story of perseverance that many of our members found comfort in. Several people from our group have mentioned the similar difficulties in finding employment and appreciated your experience to help with their own understanding. Your positivity has touched our clubhouse, especially during this virtual time. Most importantly, it has been helpful to be reminded that no one individual should be compared to another – we are all unique in our interests and abilities, all which empower us to move forward, especially when living with a brain injury. Thank you for taking the time to consider our members and be a positive role model for all.
We look forward to inviting you back soon!
Best,
Stephanie Lloyd, Adapt Clubhouse
Kathy Martin, M.Ed., CRC, CPCRT, CBIST– Brooks Clubhouse Manager
Second Chance to Live, Zoom and the Brooks Rehab Clubhouse
Presentation: Finding Purpose after Brain Injury
Presentation: Stroke, Brain Injury and Benefits of Neuroplasticity
Hi Craig,
I wanted to again thank you for your time and sharing your personal insights about living with a brain injury with our Brooks ABI Clubhouse members and staff. We were all touched and inspired by your story and the members expressed great gratitude for you presenting via Zoom. While everyone’s story and journey is different, it is always helpful for a fellow survivor who has had more than his share of challenges and setbacks to send the strong message to “never give up”. Additionally, your presentation on neuroplasticity was excellent!! People living with a brain injury can become discouraged if they don’t see significant improvements in a short amount of time and hearing that in order to form new neural pathways (retrain the brain) takes time and many, many repetitions helps motivate people to persist. I hope that other individuals, programs and brain injury clubhouses will take advantage of your willingness to share, at no cost, your valuable insights, experience, knowledge and wisdom.
Many Thanks,
Kathy Martin, M.Ed., CRC, CPCRT, CBIST
Brooks Clubhouse Manager
Lee Moss — Executive Director — Brain Injury Association of Mississippi
Brain Injury Association of Mississippi and Finding Purpose after Brain Injury
Dear Craig,
Thank you so much for sharing your TBI experience with the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi Support Group! Your message was filled with inspiration and hope that helped our survivors and family members remember to “never give up.” We’ve all been affected by COVID-19 in different ways, but for our survivors, isolation can easily lead to deep depression and extreme loneliness. The BIA of MS has worked to prevent these things by providing speakers and online sessions through Zoom during the pandemic. Your message was one of the best sessions we’ve had, and I’m so grateful that you were willing to share with our people, particularly right now.
Thank you again
Lee Moss
Executive Director
Brain Injury Association of Mississippi
Jackson, MS 39216
Kimberly Hill, MS, CTRS, CCT Executive Director — Brain Injury Assn. of Louisiana
Brain Injury Association of Louisiana and Finding Purpose after Brain Injury
Hi Craig,
You were fantastic today… thank you for giving of your time, your story, your inspiration, everything. That is the largest number of people we have had on a call and many were case managers from rehab hospitals. They were probably listening to learn from you how to help their patients. Your impact ran deep today, as I am sure it does always, so thank you! An email went out to all participants with the links, book, email, website, power point, etc. that you sent me. Please let’s keep in touch! I will also share your information with my other BIA affiliate leaders.
Testimonial
Craig
Thank you for sharing your time and inspirational message with our brain injury support group this week. In this new virtual world, so many people are lonely and depressed as they are not able to interact in person. The compassion, care, and interest you showed each person was heartwarming, and I know you made a difference in everyone’s lives. Hearing from you, sharing your story with us, and hearing your motivational messages to each person was such a blessing.
Best,
Kimberly Hill, MS,CTRS,CCT
Executive Director
Brain Injury Association of Louisiana/
New Orleans, La 70118
Recent Public Speaking Presentations by Craig Phillips, Second Chance to Live
Craig is available to offer one or both of these presentations to your participants. The members of your Brain Injury Association, Brain Injury Alliance, Brain Injury Clubhouse, Hospitals, and Rehabilitation Centers through Zoom at no cost or expense to you or your organization.
Click on the Below Links to Open the Presentations
Finding Purpose after Brain Injury Zoom Presentation
Acceptance and Creating a New Normal after Brain Injury and Stroke
Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope After Brain Injury and Stroke Zoom Presentation
Believing in Ourselves through Self-Advocacy — A Guide to Owning Our Power after Brain Injury and Stroke
I Am More Than My Brain Injury Zoom Presentation (Full Presentation)
I Am More than My Brain Injury Zoom Presentation in 3 Parts
“I Am More Than My Brain Injury – What Led me to this Awareness Part 1” Zoom Presentation
“I Am More than My Brain Injury — Understanding the People we Interact with as Individuals living with Brain Injuries” Part 2 Zoom Presentation
“I Am More than My Brain Injury – Defining and Creating My New Normal” Part 3 Zoom Presentation
Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities (Full Presentation)
Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities in 3 Parts
“Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities — The People We Interact with as Individuals with Invisible Disabilities Part 1” Zoom Presentation
“Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities — Acceptance and Discovering a New Normal Part 2” Zoom Presentation
“Understanding the Impact of Invisible Disabilities — Why do I Feel so Misunderstood and Shunned? Part 3” Zoom Presentation
How I Use the Principle of Neuroplasticity to Create new Neural Pathways and Brain Reorganization
I began my process of using repetitive mirrored movements through different martial art disciplines in October of 1997.
In August 2013 a friend of mine made a video presentation of the progress that I made using the principle of neuroplasticity. Other friends have helped me to make video presentations of my progress in each year since 2013. Below are links to YouTube presentations of the progress made using repetitive mirrored movements. To watch the progress made using the principle of neuroplasticity over the past 8 years, click on Start > for each of the demonstrations.
Below are links to short video presentations ( 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, (due to a shoulder injury and Covid no recordings in 2019 and 2020) and 2021 showing the progression of how the concept of neuroplasticity through repetitive mirrored movements has benefited my mind and body.
Developing both Gross and fine Motor Skills and Skill Sets
As I have continued in my ongoing use of repetitive mirrored movements — to create new neural pathways and brain re-organizations — I have worked to develop gross and fine motor skills.
Neuroplasticity through Martial Arts Disciplines August 2013
Neuroplasticity Demonstration August 2014
Brain Injury, Neuroplasticity and Personal Gains August 2015
Balance and Coordination through Repetitive Mirrored Movement 2016
Brain Injury Recovery and Repetitive Mirrored Movements 2017
Improving Our Brain and Body’s Ability to Excel after Brain Injury 2018
Stick Fighting, Knife, Western Boxing & Wing Chun Drills September 2, 2021
Transition Drills to Improve Agility, Focus, Speed & Coordination September 6, 2021
Hand Eye Coordination and Precision Drills using Fine Motor Skills Created September 12, 2021
Neuroplasticity, Martial Arts, Hand Eye/Foot Eye Coordination February 14, 2022
Strategies for Achieving the Goals we Set through Using the Principles of Neuroplasticity
Nine Habits to Benefit from Using the Principle of Neuroplasticity
Below is a link to a powerpoint presentation that I created and am available to present at coming conferences
Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope after Brain Injury and Stroke PowerPoint Presentation