Hospital leadership and brain injury program staff celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the program’s newest unit on Aug. 3. The unit, located on the sixth floor of the Marcus-Woodruff Building, began serving patients and families on Aug. 4, as part of a phased opening.

"There's a lot of hope in what we do at Shepherd Center, and hope is certainly here on the sixth floor. We are so proud of the expanded access to allow patients with brain injuries to be well cared for," said Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Shepherd Center.

In addition to having a new therapy gym and state-of-the-art equipment, the new unit enabled the conversion of all semi-private rooms throughout the hospital into private rooms, giving patients a space to call their own for the duration of their rehabilitation.

"It's amazing to be at Shepherd [and celebrate] all that we've been able to accomplish — to be able to have 35 new beds for ABI. Having the quality be consistent across all three units is really important to us, and I've had a great team of people who helped get this accomplished. It's super exciting,” said Katie Metzger, OTR, MBA, director of the Rollins Acquired Brain Injury Program.

The new unit brings the total capacity of the brain injury program to 85 beds, which means more patients with brain injuries will have access to the specialized care and expertise Shepherd Center’s clinicians offer. The new unit expands opportunities for patients with other diagnoses, too. The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (CRU) is equipped to care for patients with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic amputations, dual diagnoses of spinal cord and brain injuries, pulmonary complications, multiple orthopedic injuries, and pressure injuries, as well as other neurological conditions. With more beds available for patients with brain injuries on the sixth floor, CRU will be able to admit more patients with other conditions.

The opening of the new unit is the culmination of years of planning and fundraising. Much of the funding for the new unit comes from Pursuing Possible: The Campaign for Shepherd Center, which concluded this spring. The campaign raised an incredible $446 million, which made the renovations needed for the new unit possible. Additionally, staff played a huge role in preparing the new unit for patients. Team members spent months planning details like the unit design, equipment procurement, staffing models, workflow processes, and communication systems, and worked hard to ensure consistency across all ABI units.

The opening of the new unit represents a new chapter in Shepherd Center’s history. But this new chapter is not unlike the one that started it all: people seeing a need and working to make sure it is met with expertise and compassion.

Written by Erin Kenney

Shepherd Center is ranked No. 9 in rehabilitation nationwide among U.S. News’ latest edition of Best Hospitals. In Atlanta and all of Georgia, Shepherd Center is ranked No. 1 in rehabilitation, scoring 17.5 points higher than the next highest-ranked hospital.

Shepherd Center has been ranked among the top rehabilitation hospitals since 2008, demonstrating its commitment to providing expert, high-quality care, resulting in outcomes for patients and families that exceed the national average. Shepherd Center serves as a national destination for world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain.

“For more than 50 years, Shepherd Center and our extraordinary team has provided expert patient and family-centered care in a culture of hope, humor, and hard work,” said Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Shepherd Center. “It is an honor to be ranked among the top 10 best rehabilitation hospitals in the country and to be trusted by thousands of patients and families each year to help them rebuild their lives with hope and dignity.”

U.S. News evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions; only 16% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals designation.

“A hospital named among the U.S. News Best Hospitals has demonstrated its commitment to high-quality care, especially in achieving successful outcomes for patients,” said U.S. News’ Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder. “A Best Hospitals recognition reflects consistent top-tier medical care to its community.”

The U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings serve as a starting point for patients and families, who should consult with their personal physicians when making specific healthcare decisions.

To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications, and patient experience. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from over 800 million records of patient care.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals and use #BestHospitals on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok and X.

About Shepherd Center

With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

Shepherd Center today announced that it has been recognized as a World’s Top Disability Inclusive Business based on its performance on the Disability Index®, the leading global benchmark for disability inclusion in business.

This recognition reflects Shepherd Center’s success in building a workplace where all employees can contribute and drive long-term success. The Disability Index is the world’s leading third-party benchmarking tool for evaluating corporate disability inclusion and is used by hundreds of leading companies across the globe.

“Since our founding more than 50 years ago, our mission has been to help people with disabilities rebuild their lives with hope and dignity, and for many, that includes the need and desire for an inclusive workplace,” said Jamie Shepherd, president and CEO of Shepherd Center. “This recognition reflects that our mission extends to our most valuable asset – our team.”

The Disability Index is trusted by over 70% of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500. It provides companies with data-driven insights to assess performance, identify opportunities, and drive continuous improvement over time. Companies scoring at the highest proficiency levels earn recognition as World’s Top Disability Inclusive Businesses, signaling leadership and progress to employees, customers, and partners.

“This year’s Disability Index shows that leading organizations are embedding disability inclusion into the core of how they operate. It's shaping how businesses design products, build trust, and drive innovation,” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO, Disability:IN. “The companies leading today are the ones building more adaptable, resilient, and future-ready organizations.”

About Shepherd Center

With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.

About Disability:IN®

Disability:IN® partners with leading companies to build disability-inclusive and accessible workplaces, products, and practices. Through data, research, advisory services, and global networks, we help organizations move from intention to measurable impact.

On July 1, Shepherd Center introduced its new Adaptive Wellness Collective (AWC). A digital wellness platform, an AWC membership gives you ongoing access to expert-led classes and educational content that support recovery, health, and wellness.

AWC brings together adaptive fitness, education, and specialized wellness experiences designed for people living with brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other neurological conditions.

AWC is proud to offer:

• Guided wellness and fitness classes
• Content tailored to your abilities and goals, no matter where you are on your journey
• Flexible, on-demand classes accessible anytime, anywhere
• Livestream classes you can join in real time

Formerly hosted on an external platform, this wellness content is led by Shepherd Center staff members — giving you guided workouts to incorporate into your routine and the ability to try out new activities and exercises from the comfort of home.

The AWC, formerly known as the Best Health and Wellness Program, will also continue to offer coaching, virtual, and in-person classes at Shepherd Center, creating a wide range of opportunities for community members to stay active and reach new goals.

To explore the AWC’s catalog of on-demand classes, visit adaptwell.shepherd.org. And for listings of in-person classes offered at Shepherd Center’s campus, visit Shepherd Center’s events calendar.

Parenthood is never without challenges. But parents coming through Shepherd Center are often facing challenges they never imagined — caring for a child with a traumatic injury or navigating a lifelong diagnosis of their own. In the summer issue of Spinal Column magazine, we highlight how Shepherd Center supports patients and families, from providing family housing and support services to delivering tailor-made care to patients. The new issue is now available for download as a PDF file. Subscribers to the print version will receive copies via postal mail in the coming days.

In this issue's cover story, you'll meet five parents: caregivers to an adolescent traumatic brain injury patient, a patient from the Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Scleorsis Institute, a former spinal cord injury patient, and a client from the SHARE Military Initiative. All of them turned to Shepherd for the help they needed. This issue also features other patient and staff stories, updates from around the hospital, and information on recent fundraising and volunteer initiatives. 

Have questions or feedback about this issue? Have an idea for a future Spinal Column story? We want to hear from you! Our Spinal Column reader survey, available here, will take five minutes or less to complete and will help us make the magazine a place for Shepherd Center patients, families, employees, volunteers, and community members to shine.

Subscribe here for Shepherd Center's Spinal Column magazine print and/or e-newsletter versions.

Neurologist Meena R. Kannan, M.D., MPH, recently joined the Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute at Shepherd Center.

Dr. Kannan earned her medical degree and her Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by a residency in neurology at Emory University School of Medicine, and a fellowship in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology at Oregon Health & Science University. She is board-certified in neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

“My approach to patient-centered care is grounded in the belief that the best outcomes come from combining early diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient empowerment,” said Dr. Kannan. “During residency, I had the opportunity to rotate through the MS Institute, and it left a lasting impression on me. What I remember most was the truly interdisciplinary approach to patient care. I saw neurologists, rehabilitation physicians, therapists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers working seamlessly together toward common goals for each patient rather than functioning in separate silos. Shepherd Center offers a unique opportunity to practice medicine in a setting that aligns closely with my values.”

Jacqueline Rosenthal, M.D., medical director of the Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute at Shepherd Center, echoed Dr. Kannan’s sentiments on collaboration and patient-centered care.

“Dr. Kannan brings a remarkable breadth of experience in the care of individuals living with multiple sclerosis, along with a deeply collaborative, patient-centered approach,” she says. “Her commitment to partnering with patients and working across disciplines aligns seamlessly with the values of our program. We are excited to welcome Dr. Kannan to the team and are confident she will make a meaningful impact on our patients and our community.”

Dr. Kannan is originally from Mobile, Alabama. When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, including her dogs, Baron and Charlie, backpacking, volunteering with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to help maintain trails, and attending concerts.

Thousands of spectators watched the 45th Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race on July 4, 2026, cheering on the best wheelchair racers in the world in Atlanta's iconic race.

This year, Tatyana McFadden, 37, of Clarksville, Maryland, won the women’s open division with a finishing time of 23:02 and will take home a $12,500 prize for her first-place finish. This is her 9th win. In the men’s open, Daniel Romanchuk, 27, of Champaign, Illinois, took the crown to win with a finishing time of 19:00. It is his 9th consecutive win and comes with a $12,500 prize.

“We are thrilled to welcome racers to Atlanta for Shepherd Center's Wheelchair Division of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race,” said Rebecca Washburn, MS, manager of Shepherd Center’s Beyond Therapy^® and wellness programs. “This race draws some of the world’s most elite racers, and it’s exciting to show them and all of the racers what Atlanta and the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race have to offer. This race serves as a powerful display of the inclusion of athletes with disabilities, and it shows patients at Shepherd Center what’s possible as they cheer on the athletes on race day out in front of Shepherd Center.”

The 6.2-mile competition began at 6:12 a.m. on Lenox Road in the heart of Buckhead, Atlanta’s shopping district, and followed Peachtree Road for six miles, passing Shepherd Center, before slicing through the heart of Midtown to the finish line at 10^th Street and Piedmont Park. This year’s competition included 65 racers – 12 women and 53 men – ranging in age from 13 to 67. The race is one of the country's largest and fastest wheelchair 10Ks.

The first-place finishers in the open men’s, women’s, and quad divisions received peach-shaped crystalline trophies in a ceremony following the race. 

The Atlanta Track Club was the event's platinum sponsor, and MARTA was the silver sponsor. Other donors included InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta and the Kyle Pease Foundation. Sponsors defrayed travel and lodging expenses for racers and awarded cash prizes to winners.

Learn more about the results from the Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division of the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race. 

As part of their goal to honor local health workers, Delta Air Lines asked Shepherd Center to nominate five heroes who have made a difference in the lives of patients, families, and their colleagues. Their photos, names, and roles will be displayed on a wall at the Peachtree Road Race Expo in Booth 30 and along the race course on July 4.

Shepherd Center’s honorees are:

Greg Brown, PsyD
Clinical Neuropsychologist and Outpatient Psychology Supervisor
Share Military Initiative and Complex Concussion Clinic

Dr. Brown’s team said he is a strong community advocate and is often cited by his patients for the incredible difference he has made in their lives.

Takara Harley
Exercise Physiologist
Eula C. and Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation and Wellness Program

Colleagues commented that Takara is “brilliant, yet humble, physically strong, yet deeply compassionate, and a true asset to our team,” often ensuring patients get home safely, providing food, clothing, and bath and beauty care supplies for patients in need.

Timothy Palmer
PT/OT Aide
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program

Timothy’s colleagues said that he goes above and beyond for fellow staff members, patients, and families - such as giving his own coat to a family in need – showing extraordinary empathy and kindness.”

James Saint-Julien
Unit Secretary
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program

James’ colleagues said he embodies Shepherd culture – he is always positive. He proactively helps everyone, keeping everything working throughout the weekends and sharing his welcoming smile and support with staff, patients, and families.

Tiffany Schader, BSN, CRRN
Charge Nurse
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit

According to those who work with Tiffany, she serves amazingly in the role of “air traffic controller,” at juggling beds on top of her regular responsibilities and supports the team to be successful, even when things seem particularly challenging.

“Our employees are our most valuable asset,” said Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Shepherd Center. “They care for our patients, families, and each other each day with hope, humor, and hard work. Congratulations to Dr. Brown, Takara, Tim, James, and Tiffany for this honor, and thank you for representing Shepherd Center so well. We appreciate Delta Air Lines for recognizing these stellar Shepherd team members.”

Shepherd Center recently welcomed Alicia Seeds, M.D., as the medical director of the Spinal Cord Injury Day Program. A board-certified physiatrist specializing in spinal cord injury medicine, Dr. Seeds views her role as a spinal cord injury physician not only as a passion, but also as a calling. Her own family member’s experience with spinal cord injury influences her approach to patient care.

“My goal is to partner with my patients to ensure they find their version of hope, meaning, and joy after injury. I enjoy providing care for patients throughout the spinal cord injury continuum,” she says. “I value the collaborative, interdisciplinary rehab team approach to optimize patient care.”

Originally from Santa Ana, California, Dr. Seeds earned her medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, followed by an internship in internal medicine at the University of Washington and a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation, also at the University of Washington. She completed a fellowship in spinal cord injury medicine at Emory University and Shepherd Center.

During her fellowship, Dr. Seeds felt a strong connection to the hospital.

“I knew that I wanted to return to Shepherd Center to continue my career in a collaborative, comprehensive rehab environment that strives to improve quality of life and create new possibilities for people experiencing neurologic injury with a team and culture that always puts the patient and family first,” she said.

“Anyone who meets Dr. Seeds quickly realizes her commitment to her patients and the rehab community,” said Angela Beninga, D.O, Chief Medical Informatics Officer and Associate Medical Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation at Shepherd Center. “Her compassion, dedication, and clinical excellence will be a welcome asset to our medical staff. Dr. Seeds made a real connection to our staff during her year here as the spinal cord injury fellow, which made inviting her back to Shepherd Center an easy decision.”

Dr. Seeds volunteers at the Georgia Rehabilitation Services Volunteer Partnership (RSVP) Clinic, providing free, comprehensive rehab care to patients in the Atlanta community. She also volunteers with adaptive sports programs. Her research interests are focused on health disparities, specifically firearm-related spinal cord injury outcomes.

When she is not caring for patients, Dr. Seeds enjoys running on the Atlanta Beltline, playing recreational flag football and soccer, and snowboarding. Her greatest joy comes from spending time with her six nieces and nephews in California.

Neurologist Cole Crowson, M.D., recently joined the staff of the Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute at Shepherd Center.

A graduate of Wake Forest University, Dr. Crowson earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, followed by a residency in neurology at the University of Virginia Medical Center, and a fellowship in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology at Oregon Health Science University. He is board-certified in neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

“Shepherd Center has a long-standing commitment to excellence in providing comprehensive, compassionate care with state-of-the-art technology for our patients' benefit,” said Dr. Crowson. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the incredible teams here who use compassion, humor, and plenty of elbow grease to improve lives.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Crowson to our team,” said Jacqueline Rosenthal, M.D., medical director of the Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute at Shepherd Center. “His compassionate approach and collaborative personality make him a valuable addition. He is dedicated to truly hearing patients’ experiences and staying at the forefront of advances in treatment, which reflects the high standard of care we strive to provide.”

When he’s not at work, Dr. Crowson enjoys dragging friends to concerts, attempting Gordon Ramsay recipes, being a proud uncle to his niece and nephews, entertaining his Greyhound, and getting as much mountain air as possible.

Doctor. Leader. Listener. Mentor. Innovator. Friend.

These are just a few ways David Apple, M.D., Shepherd Center's founding medical director, is remembered by the hospital's patients and staff. Dr. Apple died on March 23, 2026, in Atlanta, surrounded by loved ones. In this issue of Spinal Column, we celebrate his life and legacy at Shepherd Center. 

From the hospital's first days of operation to its 50th anniversary celebrations last year, Dr. Apple was a cherished leader, helping to create Shepherd Center's one-of-a-kind culture. He started the hospital's recreation therapy program and research programs. And he was a dedicated physician, father, and husband, leaving an indelible mark on his community.

In addition to stories and memories of Dr. Apple, this issue includes stories of Shepherd Center patients who continue to benefit from Dr. Apple's leadership, returning home to rich and rewarding lives after injury or illness. The issue is now available for download as a PDF file, and subscribers will receive print copies via postal mail in the coming days.

Subscribe here for Shepherd Center's Spinal Column magazine print and/or e-newsletter versions.

Have questions or feedback about this issue? Have an idea for a future Spinal Column story? We want to hear from you! Write to erin.kenney@shepherd.org or call 404-350-7708 to share your thoughts.

VALENCIA, Calif., April 30, 2026 – SetPoint Medical, a medical technology company dedicated to improving care for people living with chronic autoimmune diseases, today announced that it has initiated enrollment in the pilot clinical study evaluating Setpoint System® as a potential pro-remyelination therapy for adults living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The study received Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to evaluate SetPoint Medical’s proprietary neuroimmune modulation device. Additionally, the neuroimmune modulation device has received Breakthrough Device Designation and was accepted into the Total Product Life Cycle (TPCL) Advisory Program (TAP) by the FDA.

The primary purpose of this multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind pilot study is to assess the safety and remyelinating effects of the SetPoint System as an adjunct to standard-of-care disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in adults with RRMS. The SetPoint System contains a miniaturized neurostimulator that is surgically implanted on the left vagus nerve and delivers electric stimulation to the nerve for one minute, once per day. The study will enroll up to 60 participants across the United States, with primary outcomes assessed at one year.

The study has enrolled patients at Shepherd Center’s Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute in Atlanta and UW Medicine Multiple Sclerosis Center in Seattle. Other centers participating in the study include Minnesota Center for Multiple Sclerosis in Plymouth, Minnesota; West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia; Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore; UT Medicine Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center in Austin, Texas; and University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.

“Remyelination is one of the most critical yet unmet clinical needs in the treatment of multiple sclerosis,” said Jacqueline Rosenthal, M.D., medical director of the MS Institute and principal investigator of the study at Shepherd Center, where the first patient was enrolled. “While current therapies focus largely on suppressing inflammation, restoring the damaged myelin sheath is essential for preserving neuronal function and preventing long-term disability. Neuroimmune modulation is hypothesized to recalibrate immune activity while supporting the conditions necessary for myelin repair, and offers an innovative avenue to evaluate whether meaningful remyelination can be achieved in patients living with MS.”

Multiple sclerosis affects nearly one million people in the United States and is an autoimmune disorder that damages the myelin sheath — the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers — disrupting signals between the brain and other parts of the body.

“Reaching this milestone of implanting the first patients in this RRMS pilot study is a meaningful step forward for us,” said David Chernoff, M.D., chief medical officer of SetPoint Medical. “Our approach to activating the body’s innate neuroimmune pathways offers a compelling and novel mechanism that could complement current standards of care of multiple sclerosis. We are deeply grateful to the investigators and patients participating in this study.”

For more information about the RRMS pilot study, visit clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06796504).

About SetPoint System
The SetPoint System is indicated for use in the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to one or more biological or targeted synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. The use of SetPoint System for the treatment of multiple sclerosis is not approved, is considered investigational, and its safety and effectiveness for this indication have not been established. For full safety information, please see Instructions for Use and our Important Safety Information at spm.care/ISI.  Individual results may vary.

About SetPoint Medical
SetPoint Medical is a commercial-stage medical technology company dedicated to improving care for people living with chronic autoimmune diseases. The company’s FDA-approved SetPoint System is the first neuroimmune modulation therapy available for people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), offering a novel, device-based alternative for those who do not respond to or cannot tolerate biologic or targeted drug therapies. SetPoint’s proprietary integrated neurostimulation platform is designed to activate innate anti-inflammatory pathways in the vagus nerve to reduce inflammation and restore immunologic setpoint. With a vision to redefine the care of autoimmune conditions, SetPoint is also planning to evaluate its platform technology for other conditions including multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. Learn more at setpointmedical.com.

Dr. Jacqueline Rosenthal is a study investigator for SetPoint Medical and has not been compensated in connection with this press release.

Liv Nyankori, BSW, BSN, RN, CRRN, CCM, is the new director of admissions and case management at Shepherd Center. Nyankori has worked at the hospital since 2007, much of that time in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program, including as an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) nurse educator, post-acute nurse manager, and post-acute program manager.  

In her new role, Nyankori oversees the full case management cycle across the continuum of care — from patient access and admission through care coordination, discharge planning, and long-term transition needs. She leads the case management teams and guides the development of an integrated, patient-centered strategy that supports individuals and families throughout their rehabilitation journey. 

“Liv brings a strong record of fostering teamwork, solving complex problems, and helping create the best possible experience for the patients and families we serve,” said Shari McDowell, PT, DPT, FASIA, FACHE, Shepherd Center’s chief operating officer. “Her highly collaborative approach to support Shepherd’s mission and ensure each patient receives the right care at the right time makes her an excellent fit for this role.”  

“My favorite thing about working at Shepherd is the deep sense of purpose that comes with being part of this mission,” Nyankori said. “After nearly 20 years here, I’m still inspired by the resilience of our patients and families and the way every discipline works together to help them rebuild their lives. The culture of compassion, teamwork, and innovation is something truly special, and I feel grateful every day to contribute to an organization that makes such a meaningful impact.” 

In addition to her role at Shepherd, Nyankori currently serves on the Brain Injury Association of Georgia Board, where she advocates for awareness, education, and support for individuals and families affected by brain injury.  

Nyankori and her husband, Edward, have two daughters. She enjoys staying involved in the community, including her daughters’ school and sports activities, as well as traveling. The family shares their home with their two adopted dogs, Marty and Coco, who, she says, keep life fun and lively.  

Bruce Ziran, M.D., recently joined Shepherd Center’s medical staff as the medical director of orthopedics, providing comprehensive orthopedic services, including surgical procedures.

A board-certified orthopedic surgeon, he earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering and his M.D. at Case Western Reserve University. He also completed training in orthopedic surgery at Case Western, followed by a fellowship in trauma surgery at the University of California, Davis Medical Center with one of the founders of the Orthopedic Trauma Association, Michael W. Chapman, M.D. He subsequently finished an AO fellowship at the University of Bern, Switzerland, under Reinhold Ganz, M.D. Thereafter, he traveled to Russia and Italy to study the Ilizarov technique of bone lengthening and regeneration. Before coming to Shepherd Center, he was involved in orthopedic trauma program salvage and development and helped take Atlanta Medical Center to Level I status. He then went to Gwinnett Medical Center to develop their Orthopedic Trauma Program while working with The Hughston Clinic. Most recently, he started a medical device company that makes orthopedic products, most notably, for the military.

Dr. Ziran is the second medical director of orthopedics in the hospital’s history, following Herndon Murray, M.D., who has been with the hospital since its founding and retired at the end of 2025.

“Dr. Ziran is an excellent addition to Shepherd’s medical staff,” said Michael Yochelson, M.D., MBA, chief medical officer at Shepherd Center. “His more than 30 years of experience working with patients with traumatic injuries will allow us to expand the services we offer our patients.”

“After working in every type of practice, and having seen the changes in U.S. healthcare, becoming more corporate, less personal, and frustrating, I saw at Shepherd what caring for patients ought to be,” said Dr. Ziran. “From the individual talents of all, to the involvement of the administration, Shepherd Center represents what healthcare should be. Dr. Murray has developed and delivered remarkable orthopedic care to Shepherd patients, and he will certainly be missed. I hope to continue his legacy and am honored to be part of the team.” 

Dr. Ziran moved from the Pittsburgh/Cleveland corridor to Atlanta in 2008 and has since called Atlanta home. In his free time, he spends time with family, tends to a farm, and plays in his workshop. As a cancer survivor, he says he relishes every day, and most of all, the journey with his family.

“We are pleased to honor Shepherd Center for their innovative approach to improving patient safety,” said Georgia Hospital Association President and CEO Caylee Noggle. “Their efforts have improved patient outcomes and enhanced the care journey for their patients. We are grateful for their efforts.”

In addition to the Circle of Excellence award, Shepherd Center won both second and third place awards in the Specialty category of the GHA Patient Safety and Quality Awards. The project “Workflow-Driven Improvements in Modified Diet Monitoring and Documentation,” which enhanced patients’ dietary protocols as part of overall care, won second place. The project “Turning the Tide on Pressure Injuries: A Multidisciplinary Approach Through PDSA Cycles,” which helped reduce the incidence of pressure injuries in patients, took home third place.

These annual awards recognize Georgia health care organizations for achievement in reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient safety and medical outcomes.

“This recognition from GHA is a tremendous honor and a reflection of Shepherd Center’s deep commitment to building systems that prioritize patient safety at every level,” said Mariana Volpini Gattegno, MPH, CPHQ, CLSSBB, director of quality and outcomes management at Shepherd Center. “These projects demonstrate that when we align frontline expertise with structured improvement methods, we can achieve measurable outcomes that directly impact the lives of the patients and families we serve.”

Consistent Care for Patients with Modified Diets

The goal of the project “Workflow-Driven Improvements in Modified Diet Monitoring and Documentation” was to enhance the reliability and consistency of care for inpatients on modified diets due to swallowing precautions.

“Our patient population is at high risk for swallowing impairments due to the nature of the injury or progression of disease, respiratory compromise, deconditioning, or cognitive impairment, among other reasons,” said speech-language pathologist Melissa Kast, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS. “Aspiration is the most problematic swallowing impairment. It increases the risk of pneumonia, complicates recovery, and can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. Our goal is for our patients to achieve the best outcomes possible, and adhering to swallowing precautions or modified diets reduces the risk of aspiration and improves overall outcomes.”

The project was a continuation of a 2023 GHA award-winning project on modified diets, specifically thickened liquids.

“This project started from our Quality Improvement Champions Program (QICP), which is our frontline education for different staff members on the science of improvement and the use of different improvement tools,” said Anna Murdock, BS, LSSBB, senior internal improvement consultant and Quality Improvement Champions Program co-lead. “In our first year, [registered dietitian] Jill Newsome was one of our champions. She identified potential process issues regarding our swallowing precautions, specifically related to thickened liquids.”

Two subsequent QICP participants continued the project — for phase two, Kast focused on improving communication processes, and for phase three, food service supervisor Shannon Garland concentrated on identifying and implementing a better flag for frontline clinicians to know when a patient needs assistance during mealtimes.

A multidisciplinary team, including Garland, Kast, Murdock, and Newsome, collaborated with clinicians, Information Systems staff, and Food and Nutrition Services staff to address gaps caused by documentation inconsistencies and communication breakdowns.

They streamlined documentation by using an electronic medical record (EMR)-generated report that consolidated swallowing precautions into a single printable document. The document was then placed on the back of the patient’s wheelchair.

Then, the Food and Nutrition Services team began serving meals for patients requiring swallowing precautions on bright yellow trays. The trays served as a visual cue for staff.

“When you see yellow, you think caution, slow,” Garland explains. “The tray can get crowded with food, and sometimes you can’t see that stamp that lets [staff] know there’s a swallowing issue. So, if you see a different color tray, that lets the nursing staff know they need to take care and pay special attention to this patient during mealtimes.”

The initiative demonstrated that system-level changes, such as automation and visual identification, can significantly improve patient safety and workflow efficiency. Challenges with data collection and staff awareness were addressed through structured reporting, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing education. The project met its objectives and is now embedded in hospital-wide training and orientation.

“This project has standardized the way we communicate modified diets and swallowing precautions and has increased cross-disciplinary communication as a result,” said Kast. “This cross-disciplinary communication has reduced the number of errors and serves as a model for how data-driven conversations improve the overall safety and outcomes for our patients.”

Preventing Pressure Injuries

The project, “Turning the Tide on Pressure Injuries: A Multidisciplinary Approach Through PDSA Cycles,” aimed to reduce Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury (HAPI) incidence through iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles.

For people with limited mobility or sensation, chronic conditions, or post-operative recovery needs, hospital-acquired pressure injuries are a persistent challenge.

“Our population is one of the most at-risk patient populations for developing pressure injuries post-injury,” said Kimberly Levenson, RN, BSN, CRRN, CWOCN, CFCN.

The project workgroup included nursing, therapy, wound care specialists (WOCNs), managers, and frontline staff, who collaborated to design and implement evidence-based interventions. Murdock and Tiffany LeCroy, MSN, RN, CRRN, FNP-C, ACNS-BC, FARN, chief nursing officer, served as coaches, providing strategic guidance and securing financial support through grants and donations.

“The cross-department collaboration by our workgroup members has been pivotal in the success of these initiatives and improvements. Full engagement of the various disciplines ensures consistency of practice and communication to address skin integrity and prevent pressure injuries,” said Murdock.

Key interventions included various wound-focused equipment to mitigate risks related to patient turn schedules, patient positioning, and patient repositioning. These technologies were selected for their proven effectiveness in reducing pressure injuries and improving staff safety.

Additional process improvements included wound caddies, labeled supply cabinets, and translated patient education materials.

And, according to Levenson, staff worked to educate patients and care partners about many of the interventions so they could continue best practices after discharge.

“We've been trying to hardwire a lot of these pressure injury prevention tools and habits, so that when they go home, they will carry over and reduce the risk at home, too,” said Levenson.

The initiative led to measurable improvements in structure, process, and outcomes. Equipment upgrades enhanced patient safety and staff efficiency, while streamlined workflows and targeted education improved compliance and care quality. HAPI rates declined significantly, from a goal of 1.83 to a final rate of 0.66 per 1,000 patient days in FY2025, below national averages for Shepherd Center’s high-risk population.

“The success of this program is really attributable to all of the hard-working staff,” says Levenson. “Not only working within the work group but taking that [information] back to their respective units and really engaging and getting the buy-in of the staff, the patients, and the families.”

About GHA

Founded in 1929, GHA serves more than 150 Georgia hospitals and works to shape a healthier Georgia by serving as the leading advocate and supporter for all Georgia hospitals and health systems. For more information, call 770-249-4500 or visit gha.org.

Led by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), GVRA Day included Shepherd Center, AgrAbility, BlazeSports, Bobby Dodd Institute, CTI, fodac, the Georgia Association of Training, Government and Supports (GATES), Goodwill of Southern Rivers, and New Ventures. The organizations connected with state legislators and the public to raise awareness of vocational rehabilitation services and resources.

“One of the questions we get asked most often from our patients, many of whom have sustained injuries or survived illnesses that led to temporary or lifelong disabilities, is ‘will I be able to work again?’ or ‘when can I get back to doing the job I love?’” said Abigail Garcia, MBA, MHA, director of government relations and advocacy at Shepherd Center. “We gathered at the Capitol to make sure that people know how to access all of the resources available to them that can support them in leading a full and meaningful life.”

The event showcased resources available to individuals with disabilities, including job training, benefits navigation, counseling services, family support, assistive technology, and mobility devices, among others.

Vocational rehabilitation is a key component of rehabilitation at Shepherd Center. Shepherd Center’s unique hospital-based vocational rehabilitation program has prepared clients to return to their careers or explore new ones after an injury. The effort received a major boost in 2023, when GPC, a longtime Shepherd Center corporate donor, made a significant gift to the program, which was renamed the Genuine Parts Company Vocational Rehabilitation Program.  

In addition to Portraits of Hope, the winter issue marks the conclusion of Shepherd's 50th anniversary year, a staff profile about Matilda Lamar-Reed, the brain injury unit secretary behind many special visits for patients in her unit and beyond, as well as a story about Veronica Watts, a young woman turning tragedy into advocacy after being struck by a vehicle in 2024. 

Subscribe here for Shepherd Center's Spinal Column magazine print and/or e-newsletter versions.

Have questions or feedback about this issue? Have an idea for a future Spinal Column story? We want to hear from you! Write to erin.kenney@shepherd.org or call 404-350-7708 to share your thoughts.

Priyanca Shah, D.O., MBA, recently joined Shepherd Center’s medical staff as a member of the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic team. The Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic specializes in restoring function, improving mobility, and promoting overall well-being for patients who have experienced a traumatic injury or illness. Dr. Shah has a strong interest in brain injury and neurorehabilitation and is working primarily with patients who have sustained brain injuries.

Before joining Shepherd Center, Dr. Shah was an inpatient physician at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. She holds an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Delaware and earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Thomas Jefferson University and a traumatic brain injury fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Shah as Shepherd Center’s newest medical staff member. Her experience in and passion for working with patients who have sustained brain injuries make her an outstanding addition to our team,” said Michael Yochelson, M.D., MBA, chief medical officer at Shepherd Center.

“I chose to join Shepherd Center because of its exceptional commitment to restoring function and quality of life for individuals with neurologic injury,” said Dr. Shah. “Shepherd’s culture of teamwork, innovation, and compassion resonated deeply with my own values and my desire to provide comprehensive and individualized care.”

Outside of work, Dr. Shah enjoys learning about wellness, listening to podcasts, and going on walks with her dog.

Neurologist Jacqueline Rosenthal, M.D., has been promoted to the role of medical director of the Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute at Shepherd Center.

“I am very pleased that Dr. Jackie Rosenthal will serve as the medical director for the MS program,” said Michael Yochelson, M.D., MBA, chief medical officer at Shepherd Center. “She has great strengths, both clinically and administratively, and is well-suited to take on her new role.”

Dr. Rosenthal joined Shepherd Center in 2019, working in the MS Institute and serving as the founding program director of Shepherd’s Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Fellowship. She actively participates in clinical research and has collaborated with various MS committees and workgroups to advance MS education and increase awareness of the disease.

“I am excited to step into this new role and am incredibly grateful for the support and mentorship that has led me here,” said Dr. Rosenthal. “I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in providing innovative, collaborative, and comprehensive MS care to our patients.”

Dr. Rosenthal earned her undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana. She is a graduate of Morehouse School of Medicine and completed her neurology residency at Madigan Army Medical Center. She practiced general neurology at Martin Army Community Hospital, where she developed a special interest in patients with multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunology conditions. After separating from the U.S. Army, she completed a neuroimmunology fellowship at the Atlanta VA Medical Center and Emory Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, during which her primary research focused on examining neurodegenerative biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Rosenthal assumes the role of medical director as Ben Thrower, M.D., who joined Shepherd in 2001, plans to retire later this year.

Outside of patient care and clinical research activities, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons.

Shepherd Center announced that Barry Fitts has joined the organization’s leadership team as vice president and chief information officer (CIO). In this role, Fitts will provide tactical leadership of all Shepherd Center information services and strategic technology planning. He will also serve as a member of the senior management team (SMT). 

“Barry possesses strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. His strategic vision and dedication to excellence will greatly contribute to our continued success,” said Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Shepherd Center.

Fitts comes to Shepherd from Christus Santa Rosa Health System, part of a national not-for-profit healthcare corporation based in Irving, Texas, where he served as associate CIO. In that role, Fitts managed relationships with regional executive leadership teams, aligning information systems strategy with organizational goals, overseeing clinical and financial systems, and driving process improvements to reduce complexity and costs.

He brings 25 years of IT experience and over 27 years of management experience to the role.

“I’m thrilled to join a hospital that not only delivers world-class care to its patients but also extends compassionate and empathetic support to everyone within the organization,” Fitts said. “In my search for a healthcare group where my IT leadership skills, personality, beliefs, ethics, and values could thrive, I discovered Shepherd Center. Working at Shepherd Center also offers me the chance to be closer to my family, which is extremely important to me.”

Fitts and his wife, Lori, have three children and two lively boxers. He enjoys sports, hiking, reading spy novels, listening to classic rock, and, above all, spending time with his family.

Over the last five decades, Shepherd Center has evolved from a six-bed hospital specializing in spinal cord injury care into the premier neurorehabilitation facility of the Southeast, offering state-of-the-art care for patients experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. 

The FY25 Annual Report: On a Mission showcases how Shepherd staff members, patients and families, and supporters are on a mission — to provide top-notch care, return to their communities and what they love most, and to support the recovery of current and future patients. The report also details the past year’s achievements and progress, including new buildings and renovations to Shepherd’s existing facilities, as well as other milestones achieved in Pursuing Possible: The Campaign for Shepherd Center.

The full report is available for download here.  

Shepherd Center is pleased to announce it has received a $233,971.59 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). For the third consecutive year, Shepherd Center will continue utilizing the Safe System Approach, with its Rural Roads Seatbelt Safety Project. The grant year began on Oct.1, 2025, and will end on Sept. 30, 2026. 

The grant will help finance increasing seat belt compliance using a social norming campaign targeting rural Georgians. 
 

“Although seat belts are the best way to protect yourself in the event of a crash and have been well-documented to save lives and reduce injuries, seatbelt compliance continues to be a challenge,” said Emma Harrington, director of injury prevention at Shepherd Center. 
 

In the project’s second year, Harrington continued working on a renewed media push as well as several community events geared toward seat belt safety. 
 

“The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and our partners continue to implement programs designed to save lives and promote safe driving behaviors,” said Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. 
 

Shepherd Center and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety ask that drivers do their part to make the roads safer. 
 

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety's mission is to educate the public on safe driving behaviors and implement highway safety campaigns and programs designed to reduce crashes and eliminate fatalities and injuries on Georgia roads. For more information on this grant program, contact GOHS at 404-656-6996, and for more information on GOHS and its other highway safety programs, visit www.gahighwaysafety.org. 


 

The magazine highlights the care team that supported hockey player Jackson Drum throughout his inpatient spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation at Shepherd Center. Jackson, who is originally from Minnesota, sustained an SCI in a hockey game early this year.

The magazine also features stories about William Davidson, Shepherd’s director of engineering, Jonathan Horna, a Shepherd Smash wheelchair rugby athlete, recaps of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution Peachtree Road Race and Project Rollway, and an explainer on Shepherd Center’s spooky season traditions, just in time for Halloween.

Subscribe here for Shepherd Center's Spinal Column magazine print and/or e-newsletter versions.

On Aug. 18, Alana Shepherd, co-founder of Shepherd Center, announced the end of her tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The board voted to install James “Jim” D. Thompson, former chair-elect and longtime supporter of Shepherd Center, as the new board chairman.

Alana Shepherd served as board chairman for five years, taking over the position after her son and hospital cofounder James Shepherd passed away in 2019. James led the board as chairman for nearly 45 years.

Alana Shepherd’s tenure as chairman marked an eventful period for Shepherd Center. She led the board as the hospital navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, launched its largest-ever capital campaign, Pursuing Possible: The Campaign for Shepherd Center, constructed two new buildings, and celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Thompson takes over the chairman position as Shepherd Center closes out its Pursuing Possible campaign and undergoes renovations to the main campus. He brings extensive business and legal knowledge to the chairman position — he started his career as a captain in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps) and went on to work as a trial attorney before serving as CEO of several finance and insurance subsidiaries.

His executive experience includes seven years of various national and international leadership roles at International Netherland Group (ING) one of the world’s largest integrated financial services organizations, as well as a 20-year career at International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) one of the world’s largest telecom, manufacturing, financial and multiple service entities.

Also active in community and industry affairs, Thompson has served on the Board of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Advisory Board of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Board of the Life Insurers Council, a leading industry trade association. He has served on Shepherd’s Board of Directors for 25 years.

Thompson is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi. He and his wife, Carol, have three children and nine grandchildren. They reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

Shepherd Center recently welcomed Hayley Shade, M.D., to its medical staff. A sports neurotrauma–trained physician specializing in the diagnosis, management, and long-term care of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, Dr. Shade will provide care for clients at Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative, allowing the program to expand by providing care and rehabilitation for additional military veterans, service members, and first responders who struggle with traumatic brain injuries and mental health concerns.

“Dr. Shade’s collaborative, patient-centered approach to care makes her an excellent fit for our culture, and her extensive training will allow us to expand access to Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative,” said Michael Yochelson, M.D., MBA, chief medical officer at Shepherd Center. “She is an excellent addition to Shepherd Center’s medical staff.”

Dr. Shade will also see patients at Shepherd Center’s Complex Concussion Clinic, which provides comprehensive, research-based evaluation and treatment to help patients get back to work, school, and play faster and with fewer long-term complications after a complex concussion. 

Originally from DeSoto, Texas, Dr. Shade has an undergraduate degree in biology from Texas Christian University and a master’s in biomedical sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She earned her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and completed a neurology residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville. She then completed a neurotrauma fellowship at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

“I was drawn to Shepherd Center for its national reputation in neurorehabilitation and its commitment to helping patients reclaim independence and quality of life,” said Dr. Shade. “I’m excited about the opportunity to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, which not only supports provider growth but also ensures the best outcomes for patients.”

Jim Kelly, MBA, CRCR, recently joined Shepherd Center as the Vice President of Revenue Cycle.

Kelly brings more than 24 years of healthcare revenue cycle leadership in hospitals, physician practices, and ambulatory settings. He has a strong track record in modernizing financial operations, driving system integrations, and leading technology transformations with a focus on collaboration and results.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jim to our team,” said Beth Boatwright, CPA, Shepherd Center’s chief financial officer. “His career experience has allowed him to see the revenue cycle from all angles. With his diverse background, he brings a holistic view to our team that will help us modernize and streamline our systems and processes.”

Before joining Shepherd Center, Kelly served as executive director and healthcare industry specialist at J.P. Morgan, where he advised health systems nationwide on working capital optimization and best practices. He previously held leadership roles at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory Healthcare.

“Having been in Atlanta most of my life, I was drawn to Shepherd for its incredible reputation and the chance to join the team making a meaningful difference every day in the lives of our patients and their families,” Kelly says. “I’m excited to modernize our revenue cycle so we can make the financial experience of a patient’s journey as smooth as possible — so their attention can remain on the world-class care they receive from our clinical teams.”

Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Iowa and an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. He is a Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) and an active member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). He’s also a passionate educator and has delivered presentations on emerging technology in healthcare, including AI, distributed ledger technology, cybersecurity, and the future of the revenue cycle.

Kelly lives in Peachtree Corners with his wife, son, daughter, and golden retriever. He enjoys distance swimming, golf, tennis, and spending time at the lake with his family.

The Georgia Tech-Shepherd Center Seed Grant Program is part of an ongoing partnership between the two institutions that started in 2023 with the goal of advancing rehabilitative patient care and research.

“The seed grant program is intended to stimulate new interdisciplinary research collaborations by providing seed funding to obtain preliminary data or prototypes necessary for the submission of an external grant or industry opportunities,” says Deborah Backus, PT, Ph.D., FACRM, vice president of research and innovation at Shepherd Center. “As two leading research institutions, we know the potential for advancing rehabilitation therapies is even greater when we work together. We look forward to the solutions, treatments, and therapies that emerge from these initial seed grants.”

Experts from both institutions evaluated and scored seed grant applications based on the research’s innovation, approach, and potential for training opportunities, as well as its anticipated impact, prospects for commercial translation, and strategy for securing continued funding. This year, each awardee team received close to $50,000.

“We are very excited to launch this new seed grant program, which will spur ideas and propel research forward,” said Michelle LaPlaca, Ph.D., professor in the Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Georgia Tech lead of the Collaborative. “The complementary expertise of Georgia Tech and Shepherd Center researchers, combined with the motivation to find solutions for individuals with neurological injury and disability, is a winning formula for innovation.”

"Offering new hope for neurorehabilitation patients requires bringing together interdisciplinary researchers to explore new and creative ideas,” adds Chris Rozell, Ph.D.,  Julian T. Hightower Chaired professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the inaugural executive director of the Institute of Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society (INNS) at Georgia Tech. “I'm excited to see the talent at these world class institutions coming together to develop new solutions for these complex problems."

This year’s seed grants were awarded to the following projects:

·      Proof of Concept Development of the Recovery Cushion – Stephen Sprigle, professor, School of Industrial Design and School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech; Jennifer Cowhig, research physical therapist, Shepherd Center.

·      Paving a Smooth Path from Hospital to Home: A Feasibility Study of an Integrated Smart Transitional Home Lab to Support Stroke Rehabilitation Patients’ Transition to Home – John Morris, Ph.D., FACRM, senior clinical research scientist, Shepherd Center; Hui Cai, Ph.D., professor in the School of Architecture, executive director of the SimTigrate Design Center, Georgia Tech.

·      A Comparative Analysis of Lower-Limb Exoskeleton Technology for Non-Ambulatory Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury – Maegan Tucker, Ph.D., assistant professor, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech; Nicholas Evans, MHS, Ph.D., (AP 2023), clinical research scientist, Shepherd Center.

·      Improving Accessibility and Precision in Neurorehabilitation at the Point of Care with AI-Driven Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Solutions – Brad Willingham, Ph.D., clinical research scientist, director of Multiple Sclerosis Research, Shepherd Center; May Dongmei Wang, Ph.D., professor, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech.

The magazine highlights the Hulse Spinal Cord Injury Research Lab, as well as the new James M. Cox Innovation Institute.

This issue also features these stories, among other patient profiles, anniversary stories, honorariums, and memorials:

• Shepherd & The Peachtree: 40+ Years of Hope & Inclusion
• Going Beyond: Q&A With Exercise Physiologist Corey Gainey
• A Hero's Journey: Jacob Kennedy's Story of Strength, Support, and Starting Again

 Subscribe here for Shepherd Center's Spinal Column magazine print and/or e-newsletter versions.

Shepherd Center has again been named by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Hospital. In the rankings released today, Shepherd Center ranked No. 13 in rehabilitation in U.S. News’ 2025-2026 edition of Best Hospitals.

Shepherd Center has been ranked among the top rehabilitation hospitals since 2008, demonstrating its commitment to providing expert, high-quality care, resulting in outcomes for patients and families that exceed the national average. Shepherd Center serves as a national destination for providing world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain.

“Since our founding 50 years ago, Shepherd Center has set the standard for providing the highest quality care in a culture of hope, humor, and hard work,” said Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Shepherd Center. “We’re grateful that thousands of patients and families trust us with their care every year and that U.S. News has again recognized us as a top rehabilitation hospital in their annual rankings.”

In addition to being recognized by U.S. News, Shepherd Center is one of just a few centers recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd Center is also recognized as a leader in disability inclusion, having earned a 90 out of a possible 100 on the Disability Equality Index®.

U.S. News evaluated more than 4,400 hospitals across 15 adult specialties and 22 procedures and conditions; only 13% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals designation.

“For more than three decades, U.S. News has been an invaluable guide for patients,” said Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder at U.S. News. “With a ‘Best Hospital’ recognition, Americans, in consultation with their medical providers, can confidently choose a regional hospital known for providing superior care for their specific illness or condition.”

To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications, and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from over 800 million records of patient care.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals and use #BestHospitals on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

“Since our founding 50 years ago, we have been on a mission to help people with disabilities rebuild their lives with hope, independence, and dignity, advocating for their full inclusion in all aspects of community life, including the workplace,” says Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Shepherd Center. “That mission extends to our team, and we are proud to foster a workplace that encourages every employee to contribute their best for a common goal.”

The Disability Index measures performance across six key areas: culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, community engagement, supplier inclusion, and responsible procurement. Companies earning a top score are recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.” Disability inclusion is a business priority that leads to improved financial performance, employee productivity and engagement, and customer acquisition.

"As we release this year’s Disability Index report, we celebrate the continued progress made by businesses around the world. Today, hundreds of the world’s leading companies are using this tool to benchmark and drive their disability inclusion efforts. Together, we are creating a global economy accelerated by disability inclusion," said Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN.

About the Disability Index®

The Disability Index® is the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual, confidential benchmarking of disability inclusion policies and programs in business. Now trusted by over 70% of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500, the tool helps companies determine data-driven actions that can achieve tangible business impact.

For 2025, participation and scored benchmarks are open to companies operating in Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

About Disability:IN

Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. With the world’s leading companies as partners, Disability:IN drives progress through initiatives, tools, and expertise that deliver long-term business impact. Are You IN?

This year, Susannah Scaroni, 34, Champaign, Illinois, won the women’s open division with a finishing time of 21:26 and will take home a $12,500 prize for her first place finish. This is her fifth win. In the men’s open, Daniel Romanchuk, 27, of Champaign, Illinois, took the crown to win with a finishing time of 18:36. It is his seventh win and comes with a $12,500 prize.

“We are thrilled to welcome the world’s most elite racers back to Atlanta for Shepherd Center's Wheelchair Division of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race,” said Rebecca Washburn, MS, manager of Shepherd Center’s Beyond Therapy^® and wellness programs. “It is an especially meaningful year as Shepherd Center celebrates its 50^th year and reflects on how our partnership with the Atlanta Track Club and the AJC Peachtree Road Race has been an integral part of our history – both in serving as a catalyst for the inclusion of athletes with disabilities and showing patients at Shepherd Center what’s possible as they cheer on the athletes on race day out in front of Shepherd Center.”

The 6.2-mile competition began on Lenox Road in the heart of Buckhead, Atlanta’s shopping district, and followed Peachtree Road for six miles, passing Shepherd Center, before slicing through the heart of Midtown to the finish line at 10^th Street and Piedmont Park. The race is one of the country's largest and fastest wheelchair 10Ks.

New this year, in honor of Shepherd Center’s 50^th anniversary, the name of the famously known Cardiac Hill, which starts near Peachtree Battle just before Mile 3 and continues to the top at Piedmont Hospital, will be changed to Hope Hill to reflect Shepherd’s mission of helping people with a temporary or permanent disability caused by injury or disease rebuild their lives with hope, independence, and dignity. Spectators will line the incline to encourage participants through one of the race's most challenging stretches, and to honor the temporary renaming, a commemorative street sign will be placed along the hill. 

The first-place finishers in the open men’s, women’s, and quad divisions received peach-shaped crystalline trophies in a ceremony following the race. 

The Atlanta Track Club was the event's platinum sponsor, and MARTA was the silver sponsor. Other donors included InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta and the Kyle Pease Foundation. Sponsors defrayed travel and lodging expenses for racers and awarded cash prizes to winners.

Learn more about the results from the Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division of The Atlanta-Journal Constitution Peachtree Road Race. 

Katy Conway joined Shepherd Center as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) on June 23, 2025.

Before coming to Shepherd, Conway served as chief people officer at Resources Global Professionals (RGP), a leading provider of management consulting, professional staffing, and outsourced services. She brings a tremendous depth of experience and a strong track record of success in HR leadership, with more than two decades of expertise in aligning people strategies with business goals.

“I’m particularly excited about Katy’s fit with our culture,” said Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, President and CEO of Shepherd Center. “Throughout the hiring process, she demonstrated an authentic alignment with our values and a clear enthusiasm for our mission. I believe she will bring fresh perspective, strengthen our leadership team, and help guide us through our next phase of growth with a thoughtful, people-first mindset.”

Conway has first-hand knowledge of Shepherd’s work. Her brother-in-law, Greg, was a patient at Shepherd almost 40 years ago, and Shepherd was instrumental in helping him rediscover a passion for life through fishing in recreation therapy. Although Greg sustained his injury before she knew him, Conway has seen the impact rehabilitation at Shepherd has had on his life.

“Greg speaks so highly of Shepherd Center, the people here, and the outcomes achieved.  I feel privileged to join this team and help support this incredible mission,” Conway said. “In the CHRO role, I hope to continue the good work that the team is driving. I find fulfillment in helping to develop and implement people strategies that connect talented people to meaningful work and in a work environment where they feel engaged and valued.”

Conway graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology. She and her husband Sean live in Marietta, Georgia. They have three children in their twenties and an active dog named Hank, who, Conway said, is a fan favorite in their neighborhood. She and her husband love watching their kids “learn to adult” and thrive. When she’s not at work, Conway likes to be outside and enjoys walking and hiking.

 In this celebratory issue, we look back at special moments over the last 50 years, while looking ahead to a promising future. Stories in this issue celebrate hardworking staff, resilient patients, and generous donors who help make Shepherd’s work possible.

 The magazine also features these stories, among other patient profiles, anniversary stories, honorariums, and memorials:

Secrets of the Secret Garden
Treasure Trove of Memories
So Many Ways to Give

 Subscribe here for Shepherd Center's Spinal Column magazine print and/or e-newsletter versions.

There are many ways to measure Shepherd Center’s success at the 50-year mark. For instance, you could look at Shepherd Center’s 90%+ “return to home” rate that’s far beyond the national average of 75%. Or, perhaps, consider that 95% of inpatients would recommend Shepherd Center to others. But numbers don’t fully capture Shepherd Center’s story. There are real people behind these statistics — people who are returning to lives of meaning and greater independence. And more than the numbers, Shepherd patients tell the hospital’s story. They tell stories about doctors, therapists, and nurses who went above and beyond in their care. About an outing that opened their eyes to new possibilities. About a chaplain who lifted their spirits, a new sport that renewed their passions, or a piece of assistive tech that made returning to school, work, or just life in general, that much easier. This is a story 50 years in the making. A story that started with one family who saw a need and made it their mission to fill it. 

The idea for Shepherd Center began as soon as James Shepherd finished his rehabilitation from a spinal cord injury (SCI) he sustained in 1973. James and his parents, Alana and Harold Shepherd, had to travel from Atlanta to Craig Hospital in Denver so that James could receive the specialized care he needed.

After months of hospitalizations and rehabilitation, incredibly, James walked out of Craig using only a leg brace and a crutch. His extraordinary recovery got the Shepherds wondering why their son and others with SCIs had to travel across the country for high-quality rehabilitation. Why didn’t Atlanta have a catastrophic care hospital that could serve people across the Southeast?

“We all said, ‘Somebody ought to start a hospital here,’” Alana has often recalled. “Well, it turns out that somebody was us.” 

On Aug. 18, 1975, nearly two years after James’ accident, Shepherd Spinal Center opened its doors, leasing unused space from a northwest Atlanta hospital. David Apple Jr., M.D., served as the medical director. Orthopedist Herndon Murray, M.D., plus a trio of therapists and nursing help from the leasing hospital, rounded out Shepherd’s first staff. Within a week, all six beds were occupied, and a waitlist formed. 

Over the years, Shepherd Center has expanded and evolved to serve more patients. In 1982, the current campus began taking shape on Peachtree Road, making space for more specialized programs, including Shepherd Center hallmarks such as peer support and advocacy. 

The 1990s brought a wave of new services, including what’s now known as the Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute; Shepherd Center’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program, including Shepherd Pathways, a brain injury rehabilitation center in Decatur; and the Dean Stroud Spine and Pain Institute. The 2000s featured more major expansions: opening Shepherd’s first family residences and the SHARE Military Initiative for veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with traumatic brain injuries and mental health concerns. 

“It certainly started with a focus on spinal cord injury rehabilitation — after my dad’s injury, my family saw a need for a rehabilitation hospital in the Southeast,” says Jamie Shepherd, son of co-founder James and current chief executive officer. “We’ve grown and added different departments, but it’s always kept that neuro focus. Almost everything we treat is a neurological condition, and that’s where our expertise lies.”

One program has remained at the core of Shepherd Center’s mission from the very beginning: Recreation Therapy.

“We thought that getting patients out of the hospital and into the community for outings was an integral part of their recovery,” says Dr. Apple. 

In fact, Dr. Apple thought rec therapy was such an important part of a patient’s rehabilitation that he initially paid the salary of Shepherd Center’s first recreation therapist, Barb (Leidheiser) Trader, out of his own pocket. For 18 months, Trader worked part-time — eight hours a week — taking patients to concerts, the mall, restaurants, Atlanta Braves baseball games, and, eventually, on bigger outings.

“Everything we did was empowering for the patients,” Trader shared in a 2016 Spinal Column story. “I had one man tell me: ‘The rest of the therapists taught me how to live. You showed me why I want to live.’”

By the time Trader left Shepherd Center in 1993 to work for the Atlanta Paralympic Organizing Committee, there were 10 recreation therapists helping patients learn to lead healthy and active lifestyles as independently as possible. Today, Shepherd boasts the largest recreation therapy program in the country, including sports teams, fitness facilities, and more.

Paris Carter is one of Shepherd’s recent patients who has learned firsthand the benefits of rec therapy. She came for outpatient services in 2023 with a T-10 SCI. Then 21 years old, Paris had a revelation at a Shepherd Center tennis clinic. 

“I hadn’t played many sports pre-injury, other than swimming,” Paris says. “But as soon as we started playing, I was hooked. It was the most fun I’d had in a long time, and that’s really what lit my spark again.”

From there, Paris has learned as many adaptive sports as she can: basketball, sled hockey, track, rugby, wheelchair football, swimming, you name it. Next up: fencing, curling, and boxing. She’s also gone on Shepherd Center’s Adventure Skills Workshops and traveled to Utah and Colorado on Shepherd-organized trips to ski, tube, and rock climb. 

“When I was newly injured, I had guilt, shame, anger, all of it, over my injury,” Paris recalls. “And that has to go somewhere. Therapy and talking helps, but sometimes you need the physical outlets. With the adaptive sports I’ve learned, I can pack my basketball up and go shoot hoops. I can go play tennis. I can go for a swim. Be mad, get it out. And get some exercise while I do!”

A graduate student now, Paris is pursuing a Master of Science in Healthcare Management and Informatics at Kennesaw State University. She’s also a member of a wheelchair basketball team in Atlanta’s BlazeSports league. 

“Everything I’m doing now started with that tennis clinic at Shepherd,” Paris says. “They’re just a hub for anything you can imagine that you’d want to try, and that’s such an important part of your recovery to get back to what you love. There are so many people with disabilities I’ve met who talk about what they can’t do. I love being able to talk about what I can do. And that’s all because of Shepherd Center.” 

This story first appeared in the special 50th anniversary issue of Spinal Column magazine.

Written by Phillip Jordan

Abana Azariah, M.D., recently joined Shepherd Center’s medical staff. Dr. Azariah will serve as the medical director of Shepherd Center’s Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) Program, which provides care for people in low-level states of consciousness caused by brain injury. She will also care for patients with brain injuries who are in Shepherd Center’s inpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program. 

Before joining Shepherd Center, Dr. Azariah was an inpatient attending physician at TIRR Memorial Herman in Houston, Texas, where she also served as the clinical chief of their Disorders of Consciousness Program. She has an undergraduate degree in physiology and neuroscience. She completed her Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) training at Baylor College and a brain injury fellowship at MossRehab in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Azariah as Shepherd Center’s newest medical staff member. Her experience working with patients with disorders of consciousness combined with her passion for the field of brain injury makes her a wonderful addition to our team,” says Michael Yochelson, M.D., MBA, chief medical officer at Shepherd Center.

Dr. Azariah is involved with several organizations supporting the brain injury and DoC community nationally and internationally. In addition to many publications and presentations in the field of brain injury with a strong emphasis on DoC, she authored a chapter in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics, Disorders of Consciousness, published in February 2024.

She explains that Shepherd’s culture was part of what drew her to her new role.

“The power of work culture is one of the most underrated elements of our society. Shepherd’s dedication to providing an engaging, enriching, and welcoming environment and culture is a large part of why I decided to work here,” Azariah says. “The dedication and love that staff have for each other and their patients is beautiful to witness, and I am beyond excited to be a part of the team.”

Originally from California, Dr. Azariah lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tony, two daughters, Mia and Gianna, and their dog, Layla. When she’s not seeing patients at Shepherd, she enjoys trying new foods, traveling, and watching sports.

Shepherd Center announced that Mariana Volpini Gattegno, MPH, CPHQ, CLSSBB, has joined the organization as director of quality and outcomes management. In her new role, Gattegno will oversee process improvement initiatives throughout the hospital and serve as Shepherd’s patient safety officer. She will also lead efforts to ensure conformance with The Joint Commission and CARF accreditation standards.

“We’re thrilled to have Mariana join the Shepherd team,” said Shari McDowell, PT, DPT, FASIA, FACHE, chief operating officer of Shepherd Center. “Her expertise and experience will further enhance the Quality department, supporting our mission to create extraordinary outcomes for our patients.”

Gattegno comes to Shepherd Center from Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, where she served as the assistant vice president of quality and safety, providing oversight for all quality and safety operations for the 418-bed acute care hospital. Before serving at Wellstar Cobb, Gattegno held various quality, safety, and performance improvement leadership roles at Wellstar Health System and Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta. Gattegno earned her master’s in public health with a concentration in epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. She is a certified black belt in quality process improvement and a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).

“For as long as I have lived and worked in Atlanta, I have admired Shepherd Center’s reputation for compassionate, patient-centered care,” Gattegno said. “When the opportunity arose to join this organization, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. The hospital’s dedication to improving patients’ quality of life, supporting families, and fostering an exceptional work environment strongly aligns with my values. I am truly excited to contribute to Shepherd Center’s mission and make a meaningful impact in our community.”

The Safe System Approach to Rural Roads grant, awarded to Shepherd Center for the second consecutive year by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), will focus on increasing seat belt compliance using a social norming campaign targeting rural Georgians. The highway safety grant, totaling $208,440.99, will begin on October 1, 2024, and end on September 30, 2025.

The pilot year ended in September 2024 and resulted in a media campaign starring local coalition members in Laurens County, Georgia. Georgia Rural Roads, It’s About Us can be found at georgiaruralroads.org.

“Although seat belts are the best way to protect yourself in the event of a crash and have been well-documented to save lives and reduce injuries, seatbelt compliance continues to be a challenge,” said Emma Harrington, director of injury prevention at Shepherd Center. “Unfortunately, Georgia’s trends mirror injury and fatality data nationally and at a level endured over 30 years ago. Increasing proper restraint use is key to saving lives on Georgia roadways.”

From 2019 to 2020, there was a 14.4% increase nationally in unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants, resulting in 10,983 lives lost.  In 2020, 51% of occupants in fatal crashes were known to be unrestrained, resulting in 10,893 lives lost on roadways nationwide (FARS, 2020).

In Georgia, despite relatively high rates of seat belt compliance, almost 50% of Georgia roadway fatalities were unrestrained. On average, 644 lives could have been saved per year (2016-2020) if all vehicle occupants had been properly restrained in our state (OPTT Fact Sheet).

Of particular concern are drivers on rural roads, which have been identified as a highly vulnerable population. Even though only 19% of the nation’s population lives in rural areas, almost 50% of all fatal crashes happen on rural roads. The risk of dying is 62% higher on a rural road than on urban roads for the same length of trip.

This project aims to combine Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) priorities on rural roads and the Safe System Approach to Rural Roads with a cutting-edge social norming seat belt campaign.

“We have strategically combined countermeasures that work and evidence-based social norming to create an intervention to reduce unrestrained injuries and fatalities in our pilot rural counties,” Harrington said. “By including non-traditional stakeholders and building a community coalition, we hope to empower rural road users to transform their own traffic safety culture in Georgia.”

Social norming campaigns have a long history and strong evidence base for changing risky behavior. Best thought of as culture change interventions, social norming focuses on the vast majority of people doing the right thing and their ability to influence the small percentage of people engaging in risky behavior. While Georgia does have a significant problem with unrestrained crashes, the truth is that most drivers buckle up. Social norming theorem aims to dispel the myths, provide accurate information, and focus on growing the positive actions and characteristics of the majority.

“The grant aims to transform our safety culture and create a shared sense of responsibility for all road users,” Harrington said. “While this pilot grant will be one year in scope, it is just the beginning in making Georgia’s roads and most vulnerable users safer.”

Shepherd Center and the Governor’s Office of Highway ask that drivers do their part to make the roads safer.

“The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and our partners continue to implement programs designed to save lives and promote safe driving behaviors,” said Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “We ask everyone to help our state and nation reach the attainable goal of zero traffic deaths by driving safe speeds, always wearing a seat belt, keeping the focus on the road and not the phone, and never operating a vehicle under the influence of any substance that impairs your ability to drive.”

Shepherd Center has a new partnership aimed at getting people outdoors after illness or injury.

Shepherd Center formalized an adaptive hunting partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in August. As part of the partnership, Shepherd Center recreation therapists will train DNR staff on leading adaptive hunting and fishing trips and other best practices for working with people with permanent or temporary disabilities. Additionally, the DNR will hold two adaptive hunting slots for Shepherd to fill with current and former patients as part of its Outdoors Beyond Barriers program.

“Our Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative puts an emphasis on removing obstacles for people with mobility impairments and helping them connect with nature and take part in activities, like hunting, that may have previously been unavailable,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of Georgia DNR. “We are excited about this partnership with Shepherd Center because it will better prepare and equip our agency staff with the needed skills to effectively assist all Outdoors Beyond Barriers participants. In addition to that, the partnership will allow current Shepherd Center patients direct access to DNR staff to assist them in getting outside.”

Gavin McClintock, CTRS, an outdoor specialist in Shepherd Center’s Recreation Therapy Program, has been leading adaptive hunting trips for patients for seven years. As part of the new partnership, he led a training for DNR staff at Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.

“After being able to train a lot of the DNR members, I’m excited by their passion for the outdoors and the fact that they are so committed to assisting people with varying abilities to get back out and hunt,” McClintock said.

McClintock will join DNR staff to lead two designated hunts as part of the agency’s Outdoors Beyond Barriers program. He said the partnership will increase Shepherd Center’s access to public lands, allowing him to lead trips all over the state of Georgia. He has seven deer hunts planned, which will allow 80 participants to get outdoors and hunt this deer season.

Jennifer Douglas, MS, CCC/SLP, is the new leader of Shepherd Center’s nationally recognized Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation Program. As the new program director, Douglas combines her 26 years of clinical experience as a speech therapist with leadership expertise to lead the program as it continues to provide care for patients with the most medically complex injuries and illnesses. 

“The care and expertise our teams provide to our patients and their caregivers is compassionate, innovative, and thoughtful. I am already inspired by them daily and am beyond honored to have the privilege to help support and lead the future of the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program at Shepherd Center,” Douglas said. 

Douglas started her career at Shepherd as a speech therapist and then became the speech therapy manager. Most recently, she was the SCI Inpatient Therapy Program manager for six years. She has also participated in several leadership trainings at Shepherd Center and with the Georgia Hospital Association. Additionally, when Shepherd Center changed its electronic health records system to a new platform, she served as the clinical operational owner for the project, overseeing the planning, implementation, and optimization of the new platform, which affected thousands of patients and staff. 

“Jennifer has proven experience in helping ensure that patients at Shepherd Center achieve outcomes that often exceed national averages, including returning to their communities after rehabilitation,” said the previous SCI Program Director, Shari McDowell, PT, DPT, FASIA, FACHE, who is now the hospital’s chief operating officer. “With her expertise in program development and implementation, as well as clinical experience, she is well-positioned to lead us into the future as we continue to care for hundreds of patients and families who are navigating life with spinal cord injuries.” 

Douglas received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, and her master’s degree from the University of Montevallo. She started her career with Baptist Health System before joining the Shepherd team in 2001. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her family and friends going camping, hiking, or making trips back home to the panhandle of Florida for some relaxing beach time. 

 

In this issue of Spinal Column, we explore the many ways our therapists, academic coordinators, and vocational rehabilitation counselors smooth the transition back to school, work, or “adulting” — teaching patients to advocate for themselves and let their schools and employers know what accommodations they may or may not need.

The magazine also features these stories, among other patient profiles, staff highlights, honorariums, and memorials:

Instilling Confidence through Education and Expertise

In her role as transition support case manager, Kathleen Levenson, RN, CRRN, guides, educates, and advocates for patients.

Ten Tips to Ease the Transition Home

Practical ways to help ease the transition to home so you can optimize recovery and help prevent rehospitalization.

Man on a Mission

Robby Barbieri’s spinal cord injury set him on a path to advocacy.

Subscribe here for Shepherd Center's Spinal Column magazine print and/or e-newsletter versions.

“I remember as a child watching my father and grandparents, surrounded by an enormous amount of community support and leadership, grow Shepherd Center from a six-bed unit in a rented space to what will be a 200-bed hub for the country’s best neurorehabilitation care and research,” Shepherd said. “My vision is to further build on the strong foundation my father and grandparents established while also maintaining our unique culture.”

As president and COO, Shepherd provided the leadership and strategic vision to ensure Shepherd Center had the proper processes and resources to optimize the hospital's clinical operations. He also oversaw the hospital’s community services and risk management functions. 

Prior to serving as COO, Shepherd served as director of community services and risk management and as a strategic project analyst. Before joining Shepherd Center, he was the executive vice president at Rogers Bridge Company. Shepherd is also a founding member of the Shepherd Center Society and a board member of Shepherd Center. Shepherd received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Georgia. He earned master’s degrees in business administration and health administration from Georgia State University. 

"Jamie is a proven leader who intimately understands our operations, and most importantly, he has helped shape and continues to understand our culture,” Morrison said. “He is committed to helping patients and families begin again after complex injuries and illnesses. I look forward to the opportunities ahead for Shepherd Center with his leadership and vision.” 

Shepherd begins his tenure as CEO as Morrison retires, winding down a celebrated 40-year career at Shepherd Center. Morrison began her career at the hospital as a physical therapist in 1984. Since then, she has served in various leadership roles at Shepherd Center, including vice president of clinical services, director of the Spinal Cord Injury Program, and director of the medical/surgical and ICU programs, among others. 

Shepherd Center has flourished since Morrison became CEO in 2017. With her leadership, Shepherd Center’s outcomes have regularly exceeded national averages, and the neurorehabilitation hospital became one in an elite group of hospitals recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. She also has led efforts to increase patient access and improve patient and family experience through Pursuing Possible: The Campaign for Shepherd Center. Well-respected in the healthcare community, Morrison has written many peer-reviewed publications, presented nationally and internationally, and has actively participated in research studies.

Even beyond outcomes and recognition, Morrison’s legacy is a force felt by patients, their families, and staff. 

“Sarah committed to our mission as a staff therapist when she began her career at Shepherd, and she has kept that same commitment all the way through as CEO, not only for our patients and families, but also to our staff,” said Cheryl Linden, LPC, OT, counselor for the Adolescent Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, who has worked with Sarah for 36 years. “She understands what it’s like to work with patients and families as a therapist, and she also has that all-important connection with patients and families, which is at the core of what we do. Part of her legacy will be that she instilled humor and fun into what was often a difficult time. Her leadership has always allowed patients and staff to have moments of levity.” 

And Shepherd patients, families, and staff have also left their mark on Morrison.

“It has been one of the highlights of my life to serve our patients and their families alongside our staff — the best team in the world,” Morrison said. “I am so proud and grateful for what we have accomplished together to help thousands of patients and families begin again after injury or illness."

Shari McDowell, PT, DPT, FASIA, FACHE, a 31-year veteran of Shepherd Center, will become chief operating officer (COO) in September. As COO, McDowell will provide leadership and clinical insight, serving on the senior management team to drive the hospital’s strategic vision forward.

 “I am honored to have the privilege to help advance care at Shepherd Center,” McDowell said. “The needs of our patients and families will be front and center as we continue to drive toward excellence.” 

In 1992, McDowell joined Shepherd Center as a physical therapist in the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation Program. Since then, McDowell has worked as a physical therapist in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), as a physical therapy and SCI education coordinator, and most recently as the program director for the SCI Rehabilitation Program. Her expertise extends beyond traditional leadership roles, and she excels at designing and implementing administrative, clinical, technological, and operational workflows that enhance patient care. 

McDowell is admired within Shepherd’s community, and her influence in the SCI rehabilitation field extends beyond the hospital’s walls. In 2024, she was selected as a Fellow of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), an honor bestowed to individuals who exemplify distinguished accomplishments in spinal cord injury research, clinical practice, education, and advocacy, and for longstanding service to the society. Over the years, she has led collaborations with organizations like the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). She has also written about SCI prevention and rehabilitation for 13 healthcare publications and contributed to over 30 professional presentations, conferences, and research studies. 

“We are excited about the future and the expertise and excellence Shari will continue to bring to Shepherd Center,” said Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, president and soon-to-be chief executive officer of Shepherd Center. “Her leadership will undoubtedly drive us towards new heights, ensuring that we continue to provide exceptional care and support to our patients and their families.” 

McDowell received her bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University, and she then received her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Montana-Missoula. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends, and hiking with her English lab, Mr. Pimm.

McDowell assumes the COO position as Jamie Shepherd transitions into the role of chief executive officer.

Shepherd Center recently celebrated the opening of the Arthur M. Blank Family Residences, located at 1860 Peachtree Road, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located just south of Shepherd Center, the 16-floor building will more than double Shepherd Center’s housing capacity, adding 165 new accessible units. The tower will welcome its first guests in October.

With the support of a $50 million capital grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the new housing tower will allow families and day program patients who live more than 60 miles from Shepherd Center to stay in donor-funded housing for the full duration of their loved one’s rehabilitation, helping ease the financial and emotional burden of being away from home.

More than half of Shepherd Center’s patients come from outside of Georgia. Because families and loved ones are an essential part of the rehabilitation journey, their presence allows them to provide comfort and encouragement to their loved ones while also undergoing family training in preparation for returning to their communities. Previously, due to space constraints and availability, Shepherd Center could only provide housing for families for 30 days, while the average length of stay for patients is nearly twice that. In addition to the new housing, Shepherd Center also has 84 units on campus with an additional 36 units nearby.

“Family involvement in rehabilitation has been a pillar of our care since the Shepherd family and Dr. Apple founded Shepherd Center nearly 50 years ago,” said Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA, CEO of Shepherd Center. “With the expansion of our housing program, we will reduce the financial and emotional burden on our patients' families so they can focus on learning how to support their loved ones and each other through rehabilitation and as they return to their communities."

The new building includes 165 apartments – 65 two-bedroom and 100 one-bedroom – and has multiple amenities available to families, including a communal kitchen, meeting rooms, a library, a recreation room with a pool table, arcade games, and a children’s corner. Just outside the recreation room is an outdoor garden with a grill space and fountain wall. Additionally, the garden is the new home to the iconic bison statue that once stood on the space once occupied by Ted’s Montana Grill. 

The housing expansion is part of Pursuing Possible: The Campaign for Shepherd Center, which funds capital and programmatic projects to benefit patients and families experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. The campaign also includes a significant investment in innovation with the launch of the Marcus Center for Advanced Rehabilitation, which will open in Spring 2025 with the support of an $80 million grant from The Marcus Foundation .

Shepherd Center has once again been named a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN. Shepherd Center is a top scorer, having earned a score of 100 out of a possible 100 on the Disability Equality Index® (DEI), the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 scope companies to measure disability workplace inclusion inside their organization and to assess performance across industry sectors.

By completing the Disability Equality Index, companies demonstrate stakeholder commitment to disability inclusion and equality, as well as broader social issues, and enhance their reputation.

“At Shepherd Center, we strive to ensure our hospital is an accessible, inclusive environment for people with disabilities, including our patients, visitors, and staff members,” said Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA, CEO of Shepherd Center. “This recognition shows we’re on the right path, and we will continue to make Shepherd a place where people with disabilities can freely share their perspectives, needs, and talents while advancing in their careers.”

For nearly 50 years, Shepherd Center has been on a mission to advocate for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

Among other initiatives, Shepherd Center shows our commitment to disability inclusion by:

• Monitoring local and federal legislation and upcoming issues that are expected to impact the disability community.
• Implementing recruitment and hiring practices that are inclusive of people with disabilities.
• Sponsoring an active organization-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Council.
• Growing efforts to increase accessibility in print and digital content and remediate any issues that could inhibit accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Creating and sharing content that celebrates inclusion and accessibility.

"On the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today's global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive,” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN.

In 2024, Shepherd Center is one of only a few hospitals to receive a score of 100. 542 total corporations utilized the Disability Equality Index to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts. 

The 2024 Disability Equality Index measured:

·      Culture & Leadership
·      Enterprise-Wide Access
·      Employment Practices (Benefits; Recruitment; Employment, Education, Retention and Advancement; Accommodations)
·      Community Engagement
·      Supplier Diversity
·      Responsible Procurement (Non-Weighted).

Globally, people with disabilities represent 1.3 billion individuals. Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and it crosses lines of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other demographics.

You can view the entire Disability Equality Index here.

About the Disability Equality Index®

The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”

The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation’s largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complementary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The tool was developed by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates. Learn more at: www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com

Shepherd Center has again been named by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Hospital. In the 2024-25 rankings released today, Shepherd Center ranked No. 18 in rehabilitation among U.S. News’ 2024-2025 edition of Best Hospitals.

Shepherd Center has been ranked among the top rehabilitation hospitals since 2008, demonstrating its commitment to providing expert, high-quality care, resulting in outcomes for patients and families that exceed the national average. Shepherd Center serves as a national destination for providing world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain.

“Before patients come through our doors, their families weigh a number of considerations in choosing the right rehabilitation hospital,” said Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA, CEO of Shepherd Center. “We’re humbled that thousands of patients and families trust us with their care every year, and we’re grateful that U.S. News has again recognized us as a top rehabilitation hospital in their annual rankings.”

Shepherd Center is one of just a few centers recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, and it treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion. Shepherd Center is also recognized as a leader in disability inclusion, having earned a score of 100 out of a possible 100 on the Disability Equality Index®.

The annual Best Hospitals rankings and ratings are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive quality care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, advanced technologies, patient services, and endorsements by respected organizations.  

“For 35 years, U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A 'Best Hospital' recognition empowers patients to seek out medical care from the best of the best to treat their illness or condition.”

For more information, visit Best Hospitals and use #BestHospitals on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

About U.S. News & World Report 

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events

This year, Susannah Scaroni, 33, Champaign, Illinois, won the women’s open division with a finishing time of 21:39 and will take home a $12,500 prize for her first place finish. This is her fourth win. In the men’s open, Daniel Romanchuk, 25, of Champaign, Illinois, took the crown to win with a finishing time of 19:37. It is his seventh win and comes with a $12,500 prize.

“We are thrilled to welcome the world’s most elite racers back to Atlanta for Shepherd Center's Wheelchair Division of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race,” said Rebecca Washburn, MS, manager of Shepherd Center’s Beyond Therapy^® and wellness programs. “The athletes in the wheelchair division embody hard work and hope as they speed up Cardiac Hill and past Shepherd Center.”

The 6.2-mile competition began on Lenox Road in the heart of Buckhead, Atlanta’s shopping district, and followed Peachtree Road for six miles, passing Shepherd Center, before slicing through the heart of Midtown to the finish line at 10^th Street and Piedmont Park. The race is one of the country's largest and fastest wheelchair 10Ks.

The first place finishers in the open men’s, women’s, and quad divisions received peach-shaped crystalline trophies in a ceremony following the race. 

The Atlanta Track Club was the event's platinum sponsor, and MARTA was the silver sponsor. Other donors included InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta and the Kyle Pease Foundation. Sponsors defrayed travel and lodging expenses for racers and awarded cash prizes to winners.

Learn more about the results from the Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division of The Atlanta-Journal Constitution Peachtree Road Race. 

Shepherd Center, a world-renowned hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, ranked among the top rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, has selected Kemtai as its partner to bring computer vision AI assessments and exercises to its patients. The two organizations will launch the partnership with a co-development project for people with brain injuries and plan to expand to additional injuries and conditions in the future, including spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.

Kemtai is a computer vision AI exercise and assessment platform that provides real-time feedback and corrective guidance for physical therapy and rehabilitation. This includes AI-guided exercising, range of motion assessments, and functional assessments that patients can perform with clinicians or at home without clinicians. Shepherd Center, known for bringing innovative techniques and technology to clinical care, is partnering with Kemtai to co-develop postural assessments aimed at increasing efficiency in the clinic while providing objective measures of posture for patients at varying levels of function. Because Kemtai has the market’s leading computer vision technology that precisely tracks 111 points on the body, it can support exercises and assessments for myriad conditions. While Kemtai focuses primarily on adult musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, it has expanded its use cases to include a variety of other conditions. International projects with other healthcare providers include rehabilitation for persons with traumatic injuries, sports injuries, strokes, and pediatric MSK conditions. Shepherd Center and Kemtai are excited to explore how their partnership can improve clinical care, patient outcomes, and quality of life.

“We are constantly looking for ways to integrate innovative technology into our research and clinical care that can improve the experience, rehabilitation, and independence for people living with complex injuries and conditions,” said Deborah Backus, PT, PhD, FACRM, vice president of research and innovation at Shepherd Center. “With our diverse patient population, we anticipate that our partnership with Kemtai will grow to improve many lives.”

When patients are admitted for brain injury rehabilitation at Shepherd Center, their occupational therapists complete comprehensive vision screens and make referrals to neuro-optometry as needed. For patients experiencing loss of balance related to visual and perceptual deficits, they may be prescribed prism eyeglasses to shift the visual field and improve their balance. Using Kemtai CARE, Kemtai’s standalone web application, Shepherd and Kemtai will begin their work together by co-developing assessments tailored for individuals experiencing pusher syndrome after a brain injury. This is a condition in which a person experiences an impaired perception of their body in space, resulting in their body pushing them towards their weaker side and causing a loss of balance.

The co-developed assessments will improve the accuracy and efficiency of postural assessments inside the clinic and enhance the re-evaluation of posture with prism use. Kemtai and Shepherd also aim to co-develop rehabilitation exercise content for these patients.

“We hope that this initial project marks the start of a longstanding partnership with Shepherd Center,” said Mor Amitai, Kemtai’s chief executive officer. “Shepherd is one of the most renowned rehabilitation hospitals in the country, and we’re proud to have developed computer vision technology that is advanced and accurate enough to support care for their diverse patients. Being personally involved in this collaboration, I am impressed and grateful to see how diligent, professional, and efficient the Shepherd team is. This combination is not ubiquitous, and, thus, Shepherd is exactly the type of organization that we strive to partner with as we continue to expand in the US market.

About Kemtai

Kemtai is a computer vision exercise and assessment platform that provides real-time feedback and corrective guidance for PT, rehabilitation, and medical fitness. It runs on any device with a camera (phone, laptop, tablet) and does not require any sensors, wearables, or hardware. Kemtai partners with healthcare systems, digital providers of physical therapy, and wellness platforms to drive financial, operational, and outcomes-based benefits. https://kemtai.com/

Shepherd Center recently announced that Beth Boatwright, CPA, has joined the organization as chief financial officer. As CFO, Boatwright will serve on the senior management team (SMT) and oversee the hospital’s budgets, financial strategy, and day-to-day business operations.

Boatwright is passionate about organizations with compelling missions in healthcare. She comes to Shepherd with 27 years of experience in finance management across the medical field, including senior roles at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Resurgens Orthopaedics.

In her most recent role as CFO of Emory University’s School of Medicine, she led annual budget development and managed other accounting and financial processes. At Emory, she oversaw a $1.3 billion budget while also providing day-to-day management for the fiscal affairs team. 

“Beth is passionate about people and champions an innovation-friendly culture, helping to support breakthrough ideas,” said Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, president and chief operating officer of Shepherd Center. “We are confident that her strategic vision and dedication to financial excellence will greatly contribute to our continued success.”

Boatwright is also involved in several community organizations for leaders in finance, as well as The Women’s Collective in Atlanta and Leadership Perimeter, whose mission is to inform and guide community leaders to align their individual skills and passions to address community needs. She received her Bachelor of Science in accounting from Georgia State University and is a certified public accountant.

Boatwright assumes the CFO role as Steve Holleman, MBA, CPA, retires after a nearly 30-year career at Shepherd Center.

Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EKSO) (the “Company” or “Ekso”), an industry leader in exoskeleton technology for medical and industrial use, today announced a research partnership with Shepherd Center, a renowned rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta, to incorporate EksoNR and Ekso Indego devices across its rehabilitation and community network. Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain.

As part of the partnership, Ekso and Shepherd Center will work collaboratively to design a research and training program for the Ekso devices. The experience is expected to contribute to the evolving understanding of best practices for implementing Ekso training into a clinical program, as well as for individual use of the Ekso Indego Personal device.

Shepherd Center will also work with Ekso to design a training program for the Ekso Indego Personal device, which Ekso expects will offer individuals the opportunity to experience and explore exoskeleton technology, empowering those interested in purchasing a home device with the knowledge and skills needed for successful integration into their daily lives. Shepherd Center’s spinal cord injury (SCI) expertise and programming is uniquely positioned to investigate the clinical and quality of life benefits associated with incorporating exoskeleton technology throughout the continuum of care from hospital to home.

“We are thrilled to partner with Shepherd Center to advance the integration of our unique exoskeleton technology in the rehabilitation and community settings,” said Scott Davis, chief executive officer of Ekso Bionics. “This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment, following the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide a reimbursement rate for Ekso Indego Personal, opening new avenues for accessibility and patient care to individuals living with SCI. Our research partnership with Shepherd aligns with our mission to empower individuals with mobility challenges and enhance their overall quality of life.”

“Shepherd Center is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in rehabilitation,” said Deborah Backus, PT, Ph.D., FACRM, vice president of research and innovation at Shepherd Center. “We expect that incorporating Ekso’s exoskeleton devices into our rehab center will not only benefit our patients across the continuum of care, but also contribute valuable insights to the broader medical community.”

About Ekso Bionics^®

Ekso Bionics® is a leading developer of exoskeleton solutions that amplify human potential by supporting or enhancing strength, endurance and mobility across medical and industrial applications. Founded in 2005, the Company continues to build upon its industry-leading expertise to design some of the most cutting-edge, innovative wearable robots available on the market. Ekso Bionics is the only known exoskeleton company to offer technologies that range from helping those with paralysis to stand up and walk, to enhancing human capabilities on job sites across the globe. The Company is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “EKSO.” For more information, visit: www.eksobionics.com or follow @EksoBionics on X.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the potential benefits of EksoNR or Ekso Indego, (ii) the performance or effectiveness of the Company’s products, including the EksoNR or Ekso Indego, (iii) the details of and expected results from the Company’s research collaboration with Shepherd Center, including the expected benefits to patients and potential promotion of the Company’s devices, and (iv) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above. Such forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events or circumstances and may not be realized because they are based upon the Company’s current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control over. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the inaccuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, patient or therapist dissatisfaction with EksoNR, any delay or discontinuation of the research collaboration, or Ekso Indego and risks related to product liability, recall and warranty claims. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. To learn more about Ekso Bionics please visit the Company’s website at www.eksobionics.com or follow @EksoBionics on X. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.

In this issue of Spinal Column, we delve into the stories of patients and families who have come full circle, reflecting on how their time at Shepherd Center instilled in them an unwavering determination to pay it forward, either by supporting Shepherd directly or by making a difference in the broader disability community. While her mom was a patient at Shepherd Center, Raeda Anderson, Ph.D., made it a personal goal to return to Shepherd to work in research. More than two decades ago, David Martin, then Delta Air Lines’ disability access manager, helped establish Shepherd’s airport outing program. This year, he attended the outing as a patient. And Brandon Winfield turned his experience after sustaining a spinal cord injury into an app that helps people with accessibility needs find new places to explore.

The magazine also features these stories, among other patient profiles, staff highlights, honorariums, and memorials:

More than a Job … Following her Heart

Soon after her son sustained a brain injury, Kim Ross felt so much love and support that she knew that she wanted to give back.

Buoyed by Community

After sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI), Eden Schroeder rediscovered her love for swimming and built a supportive community around herself.

Training and Teamwork

Wound care services at Shepherd Center include specialized care teams and education for patients, caregivers, and staff.

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