Second Chance to Live Author's Autobiography in Bullet Points

I sustained an open skull fracture with right frontal lobe damage, a severe brain bruise with brain stem involvement, a left femur fracture and in a coma for 3 weeks in 1967 when I was 10 years old, 56 years ago. Although not expected to live the night of the car accident, I learned how to walk, talk, read, write and speak.

Although not expected to succeed beyond high school, I went on to obtain my undergraduate degree in 10 years and my master’s degree in 3 1/2 years. I then obtained my master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Kentucky. To read a short bio of my process and journey, please click on this link:

Bio Information for Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA

I created Second Chance to Live nearly 17 years ago to begin sharing what helped and continues to help me in my ongoing brain recovery process in my mind, body, spirit, soul and emotions. What I share is through lived experience and from the perspective of a rehabilitation counselor, not just from didactic information gathered: Second Chance to Live Resources to Create Hope Lost after Brain Injury

Contact Information

Over the course of 17 years, Second Chance to Live has been used as a resource by national and international groups and organizations. To see a list of these places, please click on this link:

List of National and International Groups and Organizations Using Second Chance to Live

Through these groups and organizations, Second Chance to Live has impacted the following 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, Figi, Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, Serbia, Slovenia, Portugal, Morocco, Egypt, Singapore, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Switzerland, Thailand, Israel, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Netherlands, Ghana and South Africa.

Public Speaking; Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA Second Chance to Live

For individuals who learn through watching and listening, I created a video presentation of this article Second Chance to Live Author’s Autobiography in Bullet Points. Click: Here

Autobiography in Bullet Points

Below is my autobiography. For easier reading, I divided the events, time periods and what I learned into sections. In those sections I used bullet points to make the process of reading streamlined. Below these sections I share resources to encourage the reader to not give up. To not give up as more will be revealed.

For more information beyond my autobiography: Comprehensive History of Second Chance to Live, Brain Injury of America’s National Speakers Bureau, Public Speaking; Second Chance to Live

Scroll Down to Read my Autobiography in Bullet Points

Yesterday, I was asked, “How did you get all the information regarding your brain injury?”. Earlier this week someone else asked if I had a resume?

Thinking about their inquiries, I decided to put together the below information to share my process and journey. I have done so in bullet points to make reading the material more manageable.

For those who do not know, my traumatic brain injury occurred due to an open skull fracture in an automobile accident in 1967 when I was 10 years old. At the time I sustained right frontal lobe damage, a severe brain bruise with brains stem involvement. I remained in a coma for 3 weeks.

My Process and Journey understood in a Puzzle and Pieces

I like visual metaphors. One such metaphor is the jigsaw puzzle.

A jigsaw puzzle with many pieces, that, when put together, creates a picture and a story.

Using the illustration of a jigsaw puzzle I see my experience as a process and a journey, not a destination.

A process and journey created by one puzzle piece at a time. Each puzzle piece containing a lesson.

A lesson that connects me to the next puzzle piece in my process and on my journey.

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The Pieces of my Process and Journey

My Growing Up Pieces

I grew up feeling as though I did not just make mistakes, but that I was a mistake.
At the age of 10 – August 1967 – I was in a motor vehicle accident with my family. Per my injuries, I fractured my left femur on my Dad’s bucket seat on the way to the windshield where I sustained an open skull fracture.
I sustained right frontal lobe damage, a severe brain bruise with brain stem involvement. I remained in a coma for 3 weeks and in traction to set my left femur for 6–7 weeks. I was then placed in a Spica (full body cast) for 5-6 months.
In,1967 there was not much in the way of neurological rehabilitation. I taught myself how to walk, talk, read, write and speak in complete sentences with hard work, determination, tenacity encouragement from family and most of all grace of God.
My parents had me undergo 2 EEGs and a battery of cognitive and psychosocial testing in 1968. The results were shared with my Mom and Dad, but not with me.
I was tutored at home through my 5th grade and was then mainstreamed back into an elementary school in the 6th grade in September1968.
Once my external wounds healed the impact of my traumatic brain injury was never again factored into experiences that I encountered in life. This lack of awareness and acceptance continued for the next 39 years.

Education Pieces

Undergraduate Degree

Graduated on time with my High School Class in 1975
Applied to the University of Arizona – Accepted – 1975 Geology, 2nd Year Physical Education.
Transferred to a community college 1977– took a class in Physical Education.
Applied to the Licensed Practical Nursing Program. Took prerequisites. Obtained my Nursing Assistant Certification. I earned my Emergency Medical Technology certification after taking the course over for the second time.
Accepted into the Licensed Practical Nursing Program. 8 weeks before I was scheduled to graduate from the LPN program, I was asked to withdraw from the program for what I was told was my inability to follow instructions. Little did I know that I had difficulty remembering sequences of information. I withdrew from the LPN program and then left the community college in 1980.
Transferred to Oral Roberts University in 1982. Parents were asked to meet with the Department Chair in 1984 due to some interpersonal difficulties. Graduated in 1985 with a BA degree in theology/physical education.

Took 10 years to obtain my undergraduate degree

Graduate Degree

Applied to Asbury theological seminary and was accepted on probation in August 1985. During the 1st year during the J-term, I worked at a hospital as a student chaplain. Things did not go well for me. I received a poor evaluation.
I was asked to meet with the Department Chair, who had me start to see a counselor in the second semester.
At the end of my 2nd semester, I was told that I would be contacted at the end of the summer after the seminary council met to(discuss among other things) whether to allow me to start my second year at the seminary.
I received a call at the end of the summer from the seminary telling me that I would have to go through a year of counseling before being considered to start back at the seminary. I did not return to seminary.
Worked for a year and a half and then applied to the graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Kentucky. I was accepted and began taking classes in the program in August 1987.
I did not complete the 1st practicum. I had difficulties writing IWRP’s. I was asked to meet with the graduate program chair because the practicum supervisor would not allow me to complete the practicum. The program chair debated whether to have me withdraw from the program, but decided to give me a second chance.
The chair told me that I would be given a second practicum, but if I did not pass that practicum would be asked to leave the graduate program. I passed the 2nd practicum.
I also had difficulties with my internship and as a result, I received a poor evaluation. As a result, the dept. chair told me that he may not allow me to graduate. Would let me know at the coffee an hour before graduation ceremonies. I was told at the coffee by the program chair that I would be allowed to graduate. I graduated in December 1990.
Sat for and passed the national credentialing exam: Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

Took 3 1/2 years to obtain my graduate degree.

Work-Life Pieces

Fired from many jobs during the course of 25 + years. The all to the familiar question, “Can I see you in my office?” became words of dread.
Fired from Intracorp (workers compensation), from an outpatient clinic (substance abuse counselor) fired 8 hours after being hired, from the Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (vocational rehabilitation counselor), from Gulf Coast Community Care (mental health aide 4,) and from Crawford and Company (workers compensation).
Worked in the cemetery and funeral business in cemetery sales. Fired shortly after being hired by a Funeral Home because of interpersonal difficulties with other sales staff.
Fired from Winn Dixie –a supermarket – where I worked in the seafood dept. and as a bagger.
Applied for SSDI with the Social Security Administration 2 times 1994 and 1995 in Florida – denied both times due to making too much money – more than $500 per month.
Applied for SSDI the 3rd time with the Social Security Administration in 1997-98 in North Carolina. Approved at the end of 1999.

My Brain Injury Awareness Pieces

After being told that I would be allowed to graduate at the coffee by the dept. chair ( University of Kentucky) I called my Mom. She told me the results from the testing – EEG’s and cognitive/psychosocial — done in 1968. The results showed that I was not expected to succeed beyond high school academically.
After being fired from Intracorp in Lexington, Kentucky I moved to Florida. I got a job with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Toward the end of my probationary period, I was having difficulties on the job. During a conversation with my supervisor, I shared that I had experienced a traumatic brain injury in 1967 when I was 10 years old.
She, in turn, shared the information with the DVR Manager and he, in turn, shared the information with the District Supervisor. The decision was made to make me a client of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, while I was still a counselor with the Department.
As a client, I underwent another EEG and a neuro-psych exam. The results from the EEG showed organicity. The results from the neuro psyche exam showed that I was succeeding far above all reasonable expectations. The neuropsychologist told me that working as a master’s level counselor was unrealistic. The neuropsychologist stated in his report that I had succeeded far beyond all reasonable expectations through sheer persistence and motivation.
I shared the news with my family. My Dad said that Dr. Did not know what he was talking about. I tended to agree with my Dad, with the thinking that how could someone who sustained a traumatic brain injury at 10 years of age obtain a master’s degree.
I realized that something was affecting my life, but did not want to be identified as a traumatic brain injury survivor. I remained angry and confused.
The outcome of my vocational rehab experience did not result in job placement.
After a series of unsuccessful jobs, I applied to and was recruited to North Carolina to begin a job as a CRC in Worker’s Compensation. Four months after being hired I was fired, being told that my services were no longer needed.
After an unsuccessful job search, I reapplied to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) in North Carolina. I also applied for SSDI with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for the 3rd time in late 1997.
Following my evaluation and testing process with the DVR in North Carolina, my Department of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor deemed me to be unemployable.
Shortly after being deemed to be unemployable by the DVR in North Carolina I was approved to begin receiving SSDI in late 1998, I continued to stay confused and angry, but was reaching a point in my life where I could no longer deny my reality. Denying my reality was becoming more painful, than my need to deny my reality.
I continued to stay angry and frustrated until I reached a point in time when I could no longer deny my reality. At this time, I began the process of grieving my reality through five stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance.

Martial Arts Pieces

In my experience, I discovered through my process that I had been wounded in various ways, for various reasons. In my experience, I discovered that I needed to be healed in my body, soul, spirit, soul, and emotions. Martial arts have been one of the ways that I have found healing in my mind, body, and spirit, soul and emotions.
Martial arts have helped me to improve my hand-eye coordination, foot-eye coordination, agility, coordination, balance, body awareness, reaction time and confidence.
I started training in martial arts when I was a freshman in high school.
I trained briefly in different disciplines over the years, however during the past 25 or so years I have been more consistent in my training. Training primarily in muay Thai kickboxing, western boxing, wing Chun, jeet Kune do, Grappling, Kali and in Modern Arnis.
My study, drilling, and training in these disciplines have given me a way to train on both my dominant (right) and my non-dominant (left) side of my body. By doing so I have developed skills that I never dreamed possible (neuroplasticity)
By drilling skills a bazillion times I have developed muscle memory in my arms, legs, hands, feet, knees, and elbows. Doing so has helped me to use my whole body more efficiently. Use the dominant and non-dominant sides of my body more efficiently. I use my body more effectively as a martial artist and as an individual beyond my training in martial arts.
Through my training in the martial arts, I have learned a life-changing principle. The journey and the process are more important than a ranking or color of a belt. As my Sho Sensei reminded me on many occasions (until I learned the lesson, that a belt is merely something that holds one’s pants up).
Tenacity, persistence, perseverance, resilience, desire, focus, commitment, and dedication have all played a role. A significant role in my development as a martial artist and as an individual.

Second Chance to Live Pieces

After being declared unemployable and disabled I entered a time of depression. I felt like someone all dressed up with nowhere to go, although I diligently attempted to apply what I had learned through my educational and vocational paths.
I spent 6 years advocating to have food stamp limits increased unsuccessfully, as I was only receiving $10 per month. I also advocated getting Medicaid eligibility increased, successfully.
I started to write poems and articles to share what I had learned through my experience. After receiving some back pay, a friend helped me to purchase my 1st computer. I share more about my experience with this computer in my 2 part article, Back Story of Second Chance to Live. Back Story of Second Chance to Live Part 1 and Back Story of Second Chance to Live Part 2
I imputed my poems and articles on my computer. I then wrote an autobiography and then a book. I registered my book with the library of Congress, however, was unable to get the book published.
A year or so later a friend encouraged me to start a blog. He told me, “ Your material would be ripe for a blog”. I took the risk to start something I knew nothing about and on February 6, 2007, I created my weblog. My martial arts instructor gave me several suggestions for the name of my blog. I decided on and created the Second Chance to Live blog.
I had many people help me learn things about the “bloggosphere” that I met through Second Chance to Live and through the WordPress.com community. I want to thank those people who were kind to me, Laura, Judith, Lori and many others who helped me along that way as I was learning. Thank you for the time and kindness that you have shown to me ladies.
I want to also thank the people who have left comments and words of encouragement. You have been a TREMENDOUS blessing to me. Thank you for your friendship and support. You are the best. Thank you WordPress.com for the happiness engineers who have been kind to me.
Approximately 4 years ago, my friend Brett, helped me move my blog and contents from wordpress.com to my own domain and real estate. My weblog changed from secondchancetolive.wordpress.com to secondchancetolive.org.
For a more in-depth view of my process and journey with secondchancetolive.org, please visit my about page by clicking on this link: About Page

Several Lessons that I Have Learned through my Experience Pieces

In my experience, I had to break free from the denial systems that sought to keep me stuck in believing that there was nothing wrong with me. That what was wrong with me – as my Dad said – was all up in my head. That if I just kept my mouth shut and worked harder, I could overcome my traumatic brain injury.
This was the message that I received from my Dad and other people – implied or otherwise. I internalized this message and believed that there was something wrong with me.
I grew up feeling like a mistake, not that I just made mistakes. I attempted to strive and overcompensate to prove that I was not a mistake. That I was not affected by a traumatic brain injury. Nevertheless, I continued to internalize the difficulties that I experienced throughout my life as there was something inherently wrong with me. I continued to experience these feelings of shame – that I was a mistake, not that I just made mistakes – until I could no longer deny my reality.
See these articles for more insight: Don’t Talk, Don’t Trust, and Don’t Feel, The Three Rules Revisited–Consequences, Whose Shame are You Carrying? Displaced Sadness
In my experience, I had to reach a point in my life that denying my reality was more painful. More painful than my need to deny my reality. Deny the reality that I was impacted by a traumatic brain injury. Deny my reality, in an attempt to prove that there was nothing wrong with me.
In my experience, I found that I had to grieve my reality, to be able to accept my reality. I needed to move through the 5 stages of grieving – Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
I needed to grieve my reality so that I could begin to accept my reality.
I needed to grieve my reality so that I could stop beating up on myself. Stop beating up on myself so that I could find ways that would work for me. Work for me to empower my life and well-being.
I needed to grieve my reality so that I could recognize when I was being bullied.
So that I could break free from the denial system that kept me feeling like a mistake. From feeling like a mistake because of my limitations and deficits because of my brain injury.
So that I could stop fighting against myself while defending the denial system. A denial system that kept me believing that I was bad and defective because of the residual deficits and limitations from the injury to my brain injury.
So that I could begin to love, accept and celebrate who I am as an individual who is living with residual deficits and limitations from the injury to my brain.
So that I could live and explore outside of the box that societal stigmatization sought to keep me in through minimization and marginalization.
So that I could accept my inability to do some things because of my deficits and limitations and stop berating myself for my inability to do those things.
So I could find ways to use what I could do through my gifts, talents, and abilities in ways that would work for me for people who would want what I had to give.
So that I could see that disappointments and disillusionment that I experienced for many years as an important part of my process.
So that I could move me from one piece of the puzzle to another (and not stay stuck by what I could not change) and in the direction of my destiny.
So that I could see that I am not my traumatic brain injury or my invisible disability.
So that I could see that my circumstances are a way to build me up, not to keep me down.
So that I could begin to trust the process, a loving God and myself.
So that I could do the footwork and let go of the outcomes of my footwork.
So that I could pursue excellence, instead of being driven by perfectionism.
So that I could accept the things I can not change, change the things I can, have the wisdom to know the difference and then be at peace with that difference.
So that I could make peace with a loving God and myself.
So that I could stop being blamed for what was out of my control. For more information, please read my 2 part article: Traumatic Brain Injury and the Identified Patient — Part 1, Traumatic Brain Injury and the Identified Patient — Part 2
Life is a process, a journey not a destination.
My job is to learn how to from various ingredients and then combine those ingredients together to bake various cakes.
There is no such thing as failure, only an opportunity to learn.
Harness your Adversity
With all learning, there is a learning curve.
I don’t have to have the big picture.
The pieces of the puzzle will come together at the right time in the right order.
Switches on the railroad of life – to help point us in the direction of our destinies.
Set-ups, not setbacks.
The process is more important than the destination.
Not When, but Now.
Our circumstances are not meant to keep us down, but they are meant to build us up.
Caterpillars and Butterflies
Elephants riddle
Home runs, strikeouts and light bulbs
Ingredients and baking cakes
tapestries
cracked pots
The Power of Identification
traumatic brain injury and suicide
What is important is that we are learning from what happens to us,
We are not victims
Living beyond the box that societal stigmatization seeks to place us in through minimization and marginalization.
Seeing disappointment, discouragement, and disillusionment as an opportunity
Progress, not perfection
Dreams and Destiny
Learning to trust my judgment
Making peace with my past, so that my past does not spoil my present.
My experiences taught me lessons that prepare me for opportunities. These opportunities provide more experiences that teach me lessons. In turn, these prepare me for more opportunities.
I believe that collectively, my lessons, experiences, and opportunities are all pieces of my puzzle that are leading me in the direction of my destiny.
I can do the footwork and trust a loving God with the outcomes.

Resources Created for Second Chance to Live

Resources for Ongoing Brain Injury Recovery Serving Individuals Globally

Serving Individuals in the United States, Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Russia, China, Hong Kong, India, France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands and South Africa.

Scroll all the way down to bottom of this page to access all of the available resources.

Serving Individuals living with the impact of a brain injury, holistically, in their mind, body, spirit, soul, and emotions.

In articles, e books, video, slideshow, zoom presentations, inspirational posters.

Past and Present Organizations Using Second Chance to Live as a Useful Resource

Publications and Radio Programs hosting Second Chance to Live to Empower Members

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Second Chance to Live Author’s Autobiography in Bullet Points

2070 Article/Video Presentation Links within 12 Peer Support Categories

Navigating Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury 449 Video Presentations Playlist

Navigating Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury 49 Video Presentation Series Playlist

20 Power Point Presentations Public Speaking Availability

Second Chance to Live — 20 Brain Injury Recovery Slideshow Presentations

41 Posters to Inspire, Encourage, Motivate, and Empower

Building Your Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury 30 Video Presentation Playlist

Stroke, Brain Injury and the Benefits of Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, Small Successes and Learning/Relearning Skills/Skill Sets

Nine Habits to Benefit from Using the Principle of Neuroplasticity

How I Use Neuroplasticity to Create Neural Pathways/Brain Reorganization

Childhood Stroke (Brain Injury) and Healing our Brain and Body

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See Testimonies and Endorsements for Second Chance to Live

During the past 16 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, 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

For Availability click on this Link

Public Speaking; Book Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA — Second Chance to Live

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Second Chance to Live Discussion Topics for Support Groups

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

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 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 spoken

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.
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

September 29, 2022, Thursday — I receive word that Second Chance to Live had been added to the Brain Injury of America’s National Speakers Bureau.

Click on this link to read more.

Second Chance to Live added to Brain Injury of America’s National Speakers Bureau

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

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

12 Ways to Enhance Our Lives, Well-Beings and Relationships after a Brain Injury and Stroke

Making Our Lives Magical One Day at a Time after Brain Injury and Stroke

Cultivating Healthy Relationships after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation

Living with a Brain Injury and an Invisible Disability — How are You Defining Success? Presentation

Living with a Brain Injury, an Invisible Disability and Change after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation

Instead, We can Create our Own Genius after Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation

Grieving the Guilt and Shame of a Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke Presentation

Brain Injury — Why Do I Feel so Misunderstood and Shunned? Presentation

Living with a Brain Injury — I Can Not Do Everything, But Still I Can Do Something Presentation

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

Below is a list of articles and video presentation titles placed in different categories. Categories designed to encourage and empower individuals in their ongoing brain injury recovery.

By clicking on the titles, the article will open for you. As you read the article (s) and watch the video presentations and questions come to mind, please share them with me. If the articles and video presentations help you, please leave a comment. Please also share your insights with me.

As you have questions, please ask. All questions are good questions and welcomed.

Category Building Self-Esteem after Brain Injury — List of Articles

Category Brain Injury Recovery An Ongoing Process — List of Articles

Category Self-Acceptance after a Brain Injury — List of Articles

Category Celebrating Success Following a Brain Injury — List of Articles

Category Creating Hope after Brain Injury — List of Articles

Category Finding and Knowing Peace after Brain Injury — List of Articles

Category Finding Purpose after a Brain Injury — List of Articles

Category Fulfilling Dreams after Brain Injury — List of Articles

Category My Journey Living with a Brain Injury — List of Articles

Category Overcoming Bullying after Brain Injury — List of Articles

Category Peer Support after Brain Injury — We are Not Alone — List of Articles

Category Relationships Following a Brain Injury — List of Articles

The Global Brain Injury Peer Support Network

Empowering my Brain/Body Connection

The Goal — Being a Work in Progress

The goal has been to improve my ability to mirror the same abilities on both the non-dominant side (left side) of my body with the dominant side (right side) of my body. As in the below demonstrations, I engage both sides of my body (my hands, arms, elbows, legs, knees, and feet).

I engage both sides of my body to improve my gross, fine motor skills and muscle memory. I engage both sides of my body to improve my dexterity, hand-eye coordination, agility, balance, stamina, precision, focus and awareness. I engage both sides of my body to improve my skills and abilities.

I engage both sides of my body to improve and enhance the quality of my life and well-being.

I engage both sides of my body to create.

Neuroplasticity, Small Successes and Learning/Relearning Skills/Skill Sets (Article)

Neuroplasticity, Small Successes and Learning/Relearning Skills and Skill Sets Video Presentation

Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope After Brain Injury and Stroke Zoom Presentation

Neuroplasticity, Setting Goals and Creating Hope After Brain Injury and Stroke Power Point Presentation

Create Your Own Program

In the event that you have not begun, I would encourage you to create a program. Create a program that will empower you to create neural pathways and brain reorganization. Brain reorganization through repetitive mirrored movements on your dominant and non-dominant sides of your body. Brain reorganization to improve and enhance your quality of life and well-being.

Neuroplasticity through Martial Arts 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

Due to a shoulder injury I was unable to create a video presentation in 2019. Due to Covid I was unable to create a video presentation in 2020.

Stick Fighting, Knife, Western Boxing &Wing Chun Drills

Created September 2, 2021

Transition Drills to Improve Agility, Focus, Speed & Coordination

Created September 6, 2021

Hand Eye Coordination and Precision Drills using Fine Motor Skills

Created September 12, 2021

Using upper and lower body coordination and movement to improve focus, agility and balance of upper body and lower body martial art skills. Created February 14, 2022

Below are my 12 eBooks (PDF files to Read) and Download Links for Each of the 12 eBooks

In my desire to be of service and make the information available, I decided to offer my 12 eBooks as a free download.

Our Facebook Community — You are Welcome to Join

Several years ago I created a Face Book Community, The Building Your Life after Traumatic Brain Injury Community. I would invite you to join our community by clicking on this link and asking to join.