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

Just three years in, a partnership between Shepherd Center and the Sociology Department at Georgia State University (GSU) has yielded seven published studies, over 100 scientific outputs, and received the university’s prestigious Ignite Award for Faculty Research Partnership. 

The partnership began as another chapter was ending for Raeda Anderson, Ph.D. Dr. Anderson was preparing to come to Shepherd Center as a research scientist, leaving her role as a professor in the Department of Research and Engagement at Georgia State University. 

“Dr. Wright said something to the effect of, ‘So you think you’re leaving, but we’re actually going to make you an affiliate faculty member — so you can stay in the department as an Applied Sociologist as long as you’re willing,’” she remembers. “I wanted to be at Shepherd Center for a year before trying to build any bridges between the two institutions, because being a scientist is a hard profession. Being a scientist at a top-ranked non-profit hospital is even harder. So, I gave myself a year, and it was a year and one day when George Usmanov, my former graduate assistant at GSU, came over to Shepherd Center as a graduate assistant.” 

What started as one graduate student working at Shepherd Center grew into a formal partnership between the two institutions. The GSU department provided funding for two more of Dr. Anderson’s graduate research assistants from the university to come work with her at Shepherd. Dr. Anderson, along with Dr. Daniel Pasciuti, associate professor of Sociology at GSU, and Dr. Patricia Lawrence, research assistant professor of Public Health and Interim Associate Director for the Center for Leadership and Disability, co-founded and lead GSU’s Interdisciplinary Community Research on Disability Lab (iCORD Lab). The iCORD Lab focuses on actionable research grounded in the belief that people with disabilities should thrive, not just survive, in their communities. 

“Shepherd Center and GSU Sociology’s partnership has taken off.” Dr. Anderson says. “Social scientists are now making a real effect in clinical research. Our highly trained students work at Shepherd, contribute to publications, and excel at turning research into action. It’s a wonderful partnership that benefits everyone, most importantly our patients.” 

Ford Vox, M.D., a doctor in Shepherd’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program, was so impressed by the partnership that he approached Deborah Backus, PT, Ph.D., FACRM, the hospital’s vice president of research and innovation, about funding the partnership to work on a project with local brain injury day program, Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse. 

Side by Side is a member-led community providing growth opportunities for brain injury survivors. Dr. Anderson and her team have helped the program answer a myriad of questions about membership, participation, transportation, housing, and potential barriers to services. The multi-mode and multi-phase study is also helping prepare the program for Side by Side’s upcoming expansion.

In addition to the project for Side by Side, the partnership has helped drive quality improvements at Shepherd Center. In one recently published study, Madelief Tilder, a former GSU graduate research assistant, examined factors influencing telehealth appointment completion. The study, driven by questions from clinical leaders here at Shepherd Center, analyzed over one million Shepherd Center appointments to examine patterns of appointment completion, focusing on the role of insurance, appointment structure, and access barriers. 

“This experience helped me envision a future as an applied sociologist and showed me that interdisciplinary, collaborative research is not just possible — it’s powerful,” Tilder says. “The supportive environment fostered through the partnership helped me see that my voice matters, that I bring valuable insight and belong in research spaces. It gave me the confidence to ask questions, share my ideas, and meaningfully engage in scholarly conversations.” 

In another study, Melissa Treanor, the current GSU graduate research assistant, examined all Georgia State Parks for accessibility information and is in early stages with Rec Therapy to identify how to use the data here at Shepherd Center. 

“The GSU and Shepherd Center partnership has taught me that rigorous methods are most valuable when they are put in service of the community rather than kept inside the academy,” Treanor says. “Through this work, I have learned to ask not only whether a finding is significant, but what it means to the people the research is meant to help.” 

Another recent study, “Disabled and left behind: U.S. poor housing through a social determinant of health lens,” uses national data from the U.S. Census Bureau to examine social determinants of health for people with disabilities. Social determinants of health are conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks for people with disabilities. 

“We never say in science that we were the first ever, but to our knowledge, it is the first publication that has examined this many areas of social determinants of health for people with disabilities,” Dr. Anderson says. “So, we intentionally published it as open access, so more people could have access to it, and Drs. Lawrence and Pasciuti covered those fees for us.”

The partnership, while relatively new, has already made a tremendous effect on research at Shepherd Center and more widely in the field of rehabilitative medicine and disability advocacy. Fittingly, Georgia State recognized the partnership with its Ignite Award for The Faculty Research Partnership Award. The partnership was one of three chosen out of all partnerships across GSU’s seven campuses and hundreds of research areas. On top of the recognition, the award comes with a cash prize — enough to fund another graduate research assistant for the next academic year. 

“The GSU Sociology department has funded three years of students, however, with budget cuts they are not able to fund a graduate assistant this upcoming year,” Anderson says. “This will fund a student for the entire next academic year, so Shepherd Center will get another great research assistant, and a sociologist will get a full ride work-study position. All the money that we won from the award is going back into the partnership to help strengthen it even more.” 

Written by Erin Kenney & Ruth Underwood

When families arrive at Shepherd Center, their number one priority is their loved one's rehabilitation. But day-to-day tasks and needs don't stop, even in the face of a life changing injury. Shepherd Center's Family Support Services Coordinator Rebecca Shearin helps families balance these needs, get to know their new environment, and even find time to carve out for themselves. Here, she answers a few questions about her role. 

How do you explain your role to families who are new to Shepherd Center? 

The first time I introduce myself to a patient’s family member, I tell them to think of me as their admin and concierge. For many of them, it’s like they’ve moved to a new city, but they didn’t pick it out or choose to come here. Anybody who has moved to a new city knows those struggles — you don’t know where things are, you don’t feel comfortable going places. I let them know they can ask me about things in the area, from family-friendly places to visit, to good hair or nail salons, to grocery stores and restaurants. 

With the admin part, I stress to them that I’m not the person to help them fill out their disability paperwork, but once it is complete, I can scan it, fax it, copy it, notarize it, whatever is needed. I also take care of inpatient mail. 

I also help connect families with extended stay hotels and apartments in the area. We provide family housing at the Arthur M. Blank Family Residences for those who live over 50 miles from the hospital, but often extended family or friends will visit during a patient’s rehabilitation, and I’m able to help those visitors find lodging nearby. 

Day-to-day, my role can be a hodgepodge. I also manage the patient and family event calendar, and the family lounge is my home base. I take care of the lounge area and restock anything in there that’s needed. I also assist with our Tuesday night family dinners. 

What initially drew you to Shepherd Center? 

So, I ended up at Shepherd because I was job searching and I had recently graduated from Georgia State [University] as a film major with a minor in art. I was striking out finding work, and I had student loan payments coming, so I thought, “OK, let me pivot. What else do I like to do?” My husband and I really enjoy volunteering, and so I started looking at jobs at nonprofits, and then I applied for some roles at Shepherd. 

I heard back from Alex [Seblatnigg, Shepherd’s Director of Volunteer Services] right away, which I initially was nervous about. We set up an interview, and my first question was “How long did the person previously in the role work here?” and she said 15 years. That got me really interested — and when I came in for an in-person interview, people were saying hello to me in the hallways already. I just thought, “These are my people!” 

I joked with friends who asked me about my job at Shepherd Center, “Who knew my ability to talk to strangers in grocery stores would be valued anywhere?” That’s pretty much what I do — talk to strangers all day. And I love it. I love the purpose that we have here, and being able to help people. 

What are some of the biggest challenges of your role? 

The hardest thing is whenever I have to tell somebody no. I don’t like telling people no, but occasionally that’s the answer. For example, we can’t give people rides to and from the airport. We’re not too far, but it would be too much for our volunteers to ask them to pick up and drop off people at the airport. 

Another challenge is helping people get used to our area. A significant number of our patients and families are from rural areas, and they haven’t spent an extended amount of time in the city before. That can be intimidating and nerve-wracking, which I understand. 

This isn’t necessarily a challenge, but another difficult thing I face is seeing how patient family members and caregivers are usually the hardest on themselves. They don’t give themselves enough grace, or even think about themselves at all. One time, I was helping a woman who was almost in tears because she couldn’t remember how to attach something in an email. She kept saying she felt stupid, and I had to say, “You’re not stupid, you’re tired.” I try to help them be kind to themselves because they’re sleep deprived, they’re stressed out, and they’re receiving tons of information. It’s not the best example, but it’s almost like when you have a baby for the first time. You’re learning all this stuff, and you’re waking up every few hours. When I say this to parents I’m working with, they go “Oh yeah,” because every parent remembers how exhausting that was, and I hope it helps them be a little kinder to themselves in their current circumstances. 

What else is unique about your role at Shepherd Center? 

I absolutely love what I do. Every now and then, I have a family member or patient who will come say goodbye to me before they leave. I am so honored that they think of me to do that. I just love this place. I really do. The fact that we even have a role like mine — I think Shepherd is pretty unique in having that. I think it’s because we were started by a family who had to travel hundreds of miles for their son’s care. They knew what it was like to be far from home. All those little things we provide, I can’t help but think they stem from their own personal experience. 

Responses have been edited for length and clarity. 

Interview by Erin Kenney

The event was born out of what used to be Research Day, an all-day affair that united researchers and clinicians for poster presentations, research updates, and a keynote address. The annual event was put on pause in 2020, and as leadership discussed how to revive it, the idea for Research Week was born.

“We wanted to create opportunities for more staff to engage with research without having to step away from their daily responsibilities,” says Shepherd Center’s Vice President of Research and Innovation Deborah Backus, PT, Ph.D., FACRM. “By offering sessions during lunchtime throughout the week, we were able to bring research directly into the flow of clinical care and make it more accessible to everyone.”

Dr. Backus kicked off the week by detailing the sessions attendees could look forward to: presentations from colleagues on their ongoing research, “lighting round” presentations from clinicians on their work, and a keynote address. Shepherd’s Chief Medical Officer, Michael Yochelson, M.D., MBA, also spoke at the kickoff, highlighting how research at Shepherd is a team effort and how research directly informs and influences clinical practice, as well as how gaps in clinical care can inform research questions and innovative strategies.

“At Shepherd Center, research is not something we do in addition to clinical care. It is part of how we care,” Dr. Yochelson says. “It is how we advance the field of rehabilitation, create better outcomes for our patients, and honor the trust our patients place in us.” 

Throughout the week, research scientists and clinicians alike presented their work and recent studies. On Wednesday, James S. Krause, Ph.D., a distinguished university professor in the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Health Professions, the director of the Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurologic Conditions, and a frequent Shepherd Center collaborator, gave the keynote address. In his presentation, "Surviving and Prospering After Physical Disability: 50 Years of Research, 20,040 Days of Survival," Dr. Krause discussed his own experience living with a spinal cord injury, as well as his research, a 50-year study regarding spinal cord injury (SCI), quality employment, and longevity.

To round out the week, on Friday, research leadership presented awards for research posters and presentations, recognizing work for its excellence, innovation, and applicability to the clinic space. And Dr. Backus and her team are already preparing for next year’s Research Week, with hopes to include more Shepherd staff members and community researchers alike.

“Research Week highlights what makes Shepherd Center unique — the close partnership between those asking important questions and those delivering exceptional care,” Dr. Backus says. “When research and clinical practice inform one another, we accelerate innovation and create better outcomes for the people we serve.”

Congratulations to this year’s award winners!

Posters

Best Overall: Affective Clinical Measures Correlate with Connectivity between Brain Regions Associated with Vestibular Function in Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Piper Lashley; Joe Behnke; Jeremy Smith; Vishwadeep Ahluwalia; Ashwini Tulpule; Rachael Frank; Jason W. Allen; Russell K. Gore

Most Innovative: Standardizing Seating Clinic Patient Education Using AI-Supported Multimodal Tools: A Quality Improvement Initiative. Tori Fallgren, PT, D.P.T., NCS, ATP; Kashun Davis, BSIE, MBA, MSIT, LSSBB

Most Translational: Turning the Tide on Pressure Injuries: A Multidisciplinary Approach Through PDSA Cycles. Kimberly Levenson BSN, RN, CRRN, CWOCN, CFCN; Ethan Goff, RN; Anna Murdock, BS, LSSBB

Papers

Best Overall: Toward precision stroke rehabilitation: an integrated causal machine learning and clinician feedback approach. ​Aaron Baird, PhD; Houping Xiao, PhD; Yusen Xia, PhD; Chloe Sellers, MA; Katheryn Metzger, OTR/L, MBA; Karen Patterson, MS, CCC-SLP; Liv Nyankori, BSW, BSN, RN CRRN, CCM; Raeda Anderson, PhD

Most Innovative: Development of a Structured Interview for the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Diagnostic Criteria for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. ​Rael T. Lange; Kelly C. Gillow on behalf of ACRM Brain Injury Special Interest Group Mild TBI Task Force members: Noah D. Silverberg; Tracey Wallace; William J. Panenka; Amanda Rabinowitz; Jaclyn A.Stephens; Kristen Dams-O’Connor; Richard Delmonico; Min Jeong P. Graf; Alice Sau Han Kam; Quratulain Khan; Anthony H. Lequerica; Zainab AlLawati; Gary McKinney; Jacob I. McPherson; Drew Nagele; Deborah Snell; Josh Kamins; Jennifer Wethe

Most Translational: Exploring Integration of Support for Co-Occurring Substance Use-Related Needs in InterdisciplinaryTraumatic Brain Injury Treatment for Military Service Members and Veterans. ​Katherine L. McCauley, PhD; Tracey Wallace, MS,CCC-SLP; Timothy P. Moran, PhD; Javier Palacios, BS; Dina Forehand, MS, CCM; Jacquelyn Breitenstein,MS, CTRS, CCM; Shannon C. Miller, MD; Russell K.Gore, MD

Written by Erin Kenney

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.

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.

 “You can do rehab in a barn if you have the right people.” — David Apple, M.D.  

This “Apple-ism” often echoes off the walls at Shepherd Center, the hospital David Apple Jr., M.D. helped start five decades ago. It uniquely captures a key part of the hospital’s philosophy — with the best therapists, you can help patients achieve more, regardless of your facilities, financial resources, or access to high-tech equipment.  

In the years since Dr. Apple helped start Shepherd Center, it has transformed into a world-renowned rehabilitation center, with a multi-building main campus, large, well-equipped therapy gyms, state-of-the-art technology, and room to grow. Thanks to Dr. Apple and his leadership, Shepherd Center also boasts a one-of-a-kind staff of over 1,800 people, all dedicated to serving patients through hope, humor, and hard work.  

Dr. Apple took a chance on Shepherd Center as an early-career doctor, eager to help those experiencing a catastrophic injury or illness. For half a century, he served Shepherd Center’s patients, staff members, and visitors with his compassion, dedication, and medical expertise.  

On March 23, 2026, Dr. Apple died at home in Atlanta, surrounded by his loved ones. Shepherd Center is saddened to say goodbye and grateful for his service, which has helped define the hospital he helped start.  

“Walk or roll through our halls, and you’ll feel Dr. Apple’s presence everywhere: in our culture of compassion, in the courage of our patients, and in the dedication of every team member,” says Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Shepherd Center. “Over more than 50 years of service, Dr. Apple changed the world of rehabilitative medicine — and he did it with heart, humor, and an unshakable belief in what is possible.”  

Taking a Chance on Shepherd Center  

When Harold and Alana Shepherd and their son, James, were working to start a new rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta, they approached Dr. Apple about being the founding medical director. While Dr. Apple was still early in his career as a doctor, he had quickly amassed clinical expertise and leadership abilities.  

After his graduation from medical school at the University of Pennsylvania in 1962, he came to Atlanta, working first as a medical intern at Emory University and then in a residency in surgery at the Morehouse School of Medicine. He also completed an internship at Grady Memorial Hospital. Working in the region’s foremost trauma center, he learned firsthand how to care for patients hurt by devastating falls, car crashes, gunshot wounds, pedestrian accidents, and other serious incidents. In 1964, he joined the Air Force for two years — the last of which he served as chief of surgery. Then he worked as an orthopedic resident at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in late 1969. He completed two fellowships, one in orthopedic rehabilitation at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital in California and another in hand surgery in Louisville, Kentucky. Then, he was the medical director for Easter Seals, an experience he said gave him the foundation to be the medical director for a brand-new facility.  

By the time the Shepherds asked Dr. Apple to sign on as the medical director of their new rehab center, he already had ambitions to lead a hospital. Plus, he was familiar with James’ story — he had been peripherally involved with his care at Piedmont Hospital after James sustained a spinal cord injury in 1973. Helping start what was then Shepherd Spinal Center was a great opportunity, as well as a huge risk. One of his colleagues warned that starting the hospital would ruin his career. But luckily, Dr. Apple was willing to take the chance.  

“I’d been trying to start a rehab center in Atlanta, and this gave me the opportunity I’d been looking for,” Dr. Apple reflected in a video filmed for the hospital’s 50th anniversary. “It all came together as if by magic.”  

Looking back, Alana says that in hiring Dr. Apple, she, Harold, and James found the best medical director they could have had.  

“When we asked him if he would consider being medical director, he said yes right away because he said he knew [a rehabilitation hospital] was needed and he knew it would succeed,” says Alana Shepherd. “We were lucky that we got the right one. That's the best part of all, [he was] the best choice that we could have had. Because he certainly believed in research, and he believed in doing the best you could and giving it your all, and also being very relaxed, and eager to be a real person — not a doctor in a white coat that looked at the baseboards and could hardly speak to anyone. He wasn't that kind of a doctor. So, we were really lucky that we had picked him.”  

Dr. Apple was Shepherd’s first medical director, but he was also much more. As a co-founder of a brand-new hospital, he had to be a cheerleader, a fundraiser, a hiring manager, and a mentor.   

Stories from those early years are now cemented in Shepherd Center lore. For example, in 1975, he asked friends to donate to the hospital if he completed the Peachtree Road Race. He made it to the finish line, and a friend named George Johnson gave him a $100 check, the first donation to Shepherd Center from anyone not involved in the hospital’s founding.  

He also helped put together the hospital’s first staff, bringing in staff members like Tammy King, MSN, ET, CRRN, CCM, who worked at the hospital for 47 years, and Herndon Murray, M.D., who worked here for 50 years. Dr. Apple was able to recruit Dr. Murray even without guaranteed funding for his position, showcasing both physicians’ belief in Shepherd’s mission. 

Staff members and volunteers remember Dr. Apple as down-to-earth, a great listener, and a gentle leader and teacher whose influence helped shape Shepherd’s culture. He was a beloved mentor for staff, always eager to share his knowledge with them. 

“Dr. Apple never asserted that he was the doctor. He was always just someone who would roll up his sleeves with everybody else,” says Jill Koval, Ph.D., ABPP-Rp, rehabilitation psychologist and psychology supervisor who has worked at Shepherd for 36 years. “And one of the most important things that he taught me as a leader was the importance of really listening, and respecting different opinions, but also thinking about the patients that we serve as whole people.”  

Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA, former chief executive officer of Shepherd Center, remembers her first impressions of Dr. Apple when she started as a physical therapist in 1984. She says he had total faith in his team. 

“When I started working with him, what I saw was he totally trusted the staff,” she recalls. “Some physicians would say, ‘Okay, physical therapy, you're going to do X, Y, and Z three times a day.’ Now, Dr. Apple never did that. He would just say, ‘Hey, evaluate and treat this patient as appropriate.’ He understood the nuances of every position of the team. He just trusted the staff and said, ‘Do what you do best.’” 

Shari McDowell, PT, DPT, FASIA, FACHE, the hospital’s current chief operating officer, joined Shepherd as a physical therapist in 1992. She remembers Dr. Apple really listening to staff — an experience she hadn’t had with working as a doctor before. 

“He was somebody who listened to every single person's opinion, and valued everything equally," she says. “It was very unusual — especially then, there was a lot of hierarchy in medicine. I remember thinking, 'This is an amazing physician. This is going to be an amazing place to work.'”

Dr. Apple took his responsibilities as medical director seriously. But one responsibility — fostering a supportive culture for his patients and staff — often required him to be not-so-serious. Sara Chapman, longtime Shepherd supporter and Board of Directors’ corporate secretary, began volunteering with the hospital when it was still at its original location. She remembers Dr. Apple as doing whatever it took to bring a smile to his patients and staff, even if he was occasionally the butt of the joke. 

“He [created] a spirit of fun in our culture,” she says. “He was the one you could always dress up, you could always throw pies at. He was always up for something that added to the spirit of enjoyment and happiness at Shepherd Center.” 

Dr. Apple also helped lead the push to move Shepherd to its location on Peachtree Road. While the unit inside West Paces Ferry allowed Shepherd Spinal Center to get its start, Dr. Apple knew they needed more space — the rehabilitation facility had a waitlist almost immediately upon opening. Plus, he felt at odds with the owners of the leasing hospital, a for-profit operation.  

“They were interested in profit. We were interested in service,” he once reflected. “That got to be a problem.”   

Thanks to the vision of the Shepherd family and Dr. Apple, on May 13, 1982, Shepherd Center moved into its own building — growing to 40 beds and with a therapy gym nearly as big as the entire previous space.   

Pioneering Research & Recreation Therapy  

Dr. Apple leaves behind a tremendous mark on Shepherd’s history. But perhaps his most enduring legacies lay in Shepherd Center’s renowned clinical programs and research initiatives.  

Dr. Apple’s clinical expertise allowed Shepherd’s Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program to quickly become renowned nationally, and even globally. With his leadership, Shepherd Center was designated as one of only a handful of Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, then a program through the U.S. Department of Education. The recognition came with a $246,000 grant, a boon to a hospital only seven years old, and it cemented Shepherd Center’s status as a leader in SCI research and rehabilitation. The hospital has continued its tenure as an SCIMS ever since, operating as the Southeastern Regional SCIMS Center. The hospital is also now recognized as a Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS).  

Shepherd Center officially added research to its mission in 1985, and the program has been expanding ever since, with Dr. Apple serving at the helm for years.  

“Dr. Apple is such a legend in the SCI research community, and meeting him for the first time as I considered relocating my lab to Shepherd was a tremendous honor,” reflects Edelle Field-Fote, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA, FASIA, director of spinal cord injury research and the Hulse SCI Research Laboratory. “When I arrived, I learned that he had generously given me his own office and moved himself to another space. Because he had a key, I would often arrive back at the office to find a note, a flower, or an apple. These are the kinds of sweet gestures of support that made him so loved by everyone.” 

Dr. Apple also saw the value in inpatient services extending beyond the usual clinical setting. He started Shepherd’s Recreation Therapy Program, now the largest program of its kind in the country, by paying the first recreation therapist out of his own pocket. The recreation therapist, Barb (Leidheiser) Trader, took patients on outings to concerts, Atlanta Braves games, and even Dr. Apple’s property in North Georgia to fish and enjoy the outdoors. 

The program has since grown into a 30-plus-person department, coordinating everything from pottery clinics to adaptive hunting trips for inpatients, outpatients, and community members living with disabilities. Last fall, recreation therapists from across the decades at Shepherd made a visit to the hospital as part of 50th anniversary celebrations. Dr. Apple attended the reunion, where current and alumni recreation therapy staffers shared their favorite stories and thanked him for his vision.  

“That's one of Dr. Apple’s great legacies for Shepherd, is his understanding and vision for rec therapy, and how it was such a critical component of our patient care,” says Chapman, who volunteered on recreation therapy outings in the hospital’s early days. 

Dr. Apple believed in getting patients beyond the walls of their hospital room, and he practiced what he preached. Rarely found holed up in his office, Dr. Apple was a familiar face in the hallways during his tenure as medical director and beyond. Patients often reflect on seeing him across the center, from him meeting them upon their arrival at the ambulance entrance to taking a front-row seat at events like Project Rollway.  

“We talk a lot here … about culture and what that means,” says Cheryl Linden, MA, LPC;MS, OT/L, who has worked at Shepherd for 30 years. “And Dr. Apple portrayed that in such a way because he lived the culture. And it wasn't just about patient care and family care. The culture was about care of all. Care of community. Care of each other.”  

A Leader at Shepherd and Beyond  

Dr. Apple often encouraged his children and grandchildren to get involved in their community, beyond the responsibilities of their day jobs. And he modeled this for them constantly.  

In addition to his work at Shepherd, Dr. Apple brought his medical expertise to the global stage. In 1983, he became president of the American Spinal Injury Association, a professional organization he helped found. At that time the youngest member ever elected to serve as president, Dr. Apple led the organization's then 275 physician members. In 1997, he was awarded the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award.  

“He really took his knowledge and tried to implant it in others, whether it was through the American Spinal Injury Association, whether it was through research, or one-on-one mentoring,” Morrison says. 

He also served as president of the Atlanta Clinical Society, the Atlanta Orthopedic Society, and the Georgia Orthopedic Society, receiving the F. J. Funk Award for outstanding service to the Society in 2017. For the 1996 Paralympics, he was the chief medical officer. For the ’96 Olympics, he co-chaired the doping committee. And for 30 years, he was a team physician for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.   

His history of community involvement has deep roots, reaching even before his time in medical school. Dr. Apple graduated from Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in 1954 as valedictorian, class president, and an outstanding athlete with varsity letters in basketball, football, and track. While he was an undergraduate at the University of Virginia, studying as a Dupont Honor Scholar, he ran as a protest candidate and became student body president.   

He also found ways to give back to the community outside of the medical field. He donated his time to the Lovett School Board of Directors, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, and the Cathedral of Saint Philip, where he was a devoted member for more than 55 years.  

“He was very beloved at the cathedral by our clergy,” says Chapman, who also attends St. Philip’s. “Whenever the church called on him, he answered. He was generous, he was present, and he was involved.” 

At Shepherd Center, he continued to serve on the board of directors even after his retirement, where he helped with strategic planning for the hospital’s future.  

“He was a very highly valued and respected board member whose insight and opinion were always persuasive,” says Jim Thompson, chairman of the board of directors. “When he chose to comment, it became quiet in [the boardroom] as each member listened intently to what Dr. Apple had to say. He was a giant influence to all of us.”  

At the core of Dr. Apple’s heart was his love for his family. He met his wife Jane in 1961 when she had a date with his roommate, and they were married one year later. They had four children together and 12 grandchildren.  

“Jane was the love of his life, and they had an incredible partnership,” says Jamie Shepherd, who grew up alongside Dr. Apple’s children. “He loved his kids, his grandkids. Everybody is partial to their grandkids — but he was exceptionally proud of his grandkids and all the great things that they are doing, and he really loved being a grandfather.”

Dr. Apple enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family, always celebrating each birthday with dinner at a favorite restaurant and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He also always made time for yearly trips with his family. 

“[Those trips] are totally my best memories, and definitely our kids' best memories. And you could just tell that that was what gave him the most joy,” says John Stephenson, Jr., one of Dr. Apple’s sons-in-law and a member of the Shepherd Center Foundation Board of Directors. “They would just sit there and look around, smile at everybody, and be happy that everybody was there.” 

A Vision for the Future  

In a presentation Dr. Apple gave before his retirement in 2005, he outlined what he’d like to see in Shepherd’s future: an enlarged exercise facility, enhanced continuing education opportunities for staff, continued research emphasis, and continued focus on patients and their families.   

Over 20 years later, his vision continues to come to life. Renovations at the main hospital have allowed for expanded patient floors and bigger therapy gyms. The NeuroRehabilitation Learning Institute provides educational opportunities for clinicians at Shepherd and around the world. The new Marcus Center for Advanced Rehabilitation is bringing research at Shepherd Center to new heights. The Arthur M. Blank Family Residences allow families to fully participate in their loved ones’ rehab. And during the hospital’s 50th anniversary, celebrations showcased how hospital staff are more dedicated to their patients than ever.   

Even after stepping down from formal leadership, Dr. Apple continued to pour his time, talent, and passion into research, advocacy, and supporting Shepherd Center patients and staff. He frequently was at the hospital for Founders Meetings with fellow co-founder Alana Shepherd and hospital leadership. He also regularly attended events hosted by the Shepherd Center Foundation, including Derby Day, The Legendary Party, as well as groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings that coincided with Pursuing Possible: The Campaign for Shepherd Center, the hospital’s largest campaign and expansion effort to date.  

Dr. Apple accepting the position as Shepherd Center’s first medical director not only defined his medical career but impacted thousands of patients and their families, helping them rebuild their lives. His legacy, and the hospital he helped build, will continue to do so.  

“He was not a prideful person — he was quite humble, so he'd probably shudder at the concept of the legacy,” says Stephenson. “But I think he would want his legacy to be that of a man of strong faith, a dedicated husband and loving father and grandfather, and a gracious friend to anybody that he met. We all know that his legacy stretches far beyond that in scope and reach ... he was brave and pioneering in his field. His innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial approach to that work has been a big factor in really changing the entire field around treatment of traumatic spinal injuries and complex neurological conditions worldwide."

Tell us about your role.

I work with patients who have had a brain injury — that can be from stroke, traumatic brain injury, anoxic brain injury, brain tumors — any type of injury that has impacted the patient's brain and day-to-day functioning. I work with patients to rehabilitate their swallow function, their cognitive communication, and I’m part of a physical therapy, occupational therapy, and recreation therapy team that works to improve the patients’ day-to-day functioning and eventually help them leave the hospital.

How did you know that you wanted to do this as a career?


There were a lot of interesting elements to the field. Number one, you were working with people, and I knew that I wanted to work in a field that exposed me to a lot of different people. And I liked that there was an application of science to this field. So, I gave it a shot, and I went through the program. And you have to decide whether you want to work with younger ages or with an adult population, and I quickly fell in love with the adult population.

What’s the most fulfilling part of your role?  

I like learning from my patients, and I also like that you'll never know everything in this job. There's always something to learn. My patients really teach me so many different things, but I think the most important thing is the human experience, and also … that not every single patient is exactly the same. There's an opportunity to try new things with patients and then to receive feedback from patients and their family members. I think the other really rewarding thing about this job is that we do get to work not just with the patients, but also with the families. And unfortunately, a brain injury can affect not just the patient, but also the family. So, we really do have such a big role to play [in helping] families return to their home or their community. 

How does the length of stay affect your relationship with patients and their families?

In acute care settings, you don't really get to spend as much time getting to know the patients and their families. But in inpatient rehab, they are here for
night and day for several weeks, and you really do get to learn so much about that person, and they become part of the Shepherd family. You build a relationship with them. And that's absolutely one of the most special things.


What makes for a good day at work?


I can give you a couple of examples, because there are some really perfect days here, and it's hard to pick just one scenario. I can tell you that hearing a patient talk for the first time when you put on a speaking valve or having a patient hit one of their personal goals for the first time, whether that's eating something at Chick-fil-A again for the first time or getting to walk across the hall with the physical therapist for the first time and sharing in that moment with the patient and their families — that cannot be overstated. Those are the moments that stick with you.

Also, in inpatient rehab, we get a lot of variety in our day. For example, today we took several patients to the aquarium, and they got an opportunity to be out of the hospital in a new environment. And it's something different that they can experience. Several of the patients had family members with them. And so both the family members and the patients are learning what it's like to be back in that environment. And that's neat to see — and sometimes challenging — but great for us to work on. Because we're right there with them, so they have that support. They're not by themselves. We can problem-solve together as a team and figure it out.

I absolutely love the therapy team that I work with, and they make absolutely the most difference in my day-to-day. I can't imagine not having my team. They're amazing. We support each other. We have each other's backs. And that makes the biggest difference in the care that we provide.

What are some of the speech therapy goals you might work on during an outing?

Projecting your voice in an environment like that is something we work on. It can be very noisy. So, if they are working on their articulation or their volume, that's a really great opportunity. We work on managing their overstimulation. So, if they're having any trouble with the loud noises, the increased activity, we are working to find ways to help them manage that and to help their families manage that. 

We also work on navigation. So, if there's a map or if we're having to move around obstacles in our path, we're working on that navigation alongside physical therapy. And then we will also use our location to work on reasoning and memory skills. So, at the aquarium today, we might have learned some facts about the animals in the exhibit, and then later, can our patient recall some of the things we learned? 

And we're working on conversation. Normally, we have more than one patient on the outing, so it gives our patients an opportunity to socialize if they're at that point. As the therapy team, we encourage that socialization, even if it looks different. We're just starting to take those baby steps into socializing again and giving them questions to reason. So those are some of the skills that we're working on in those outing activities.

How do you think your role impacts patients and their families?

To me, communication is such a large part of who we are as people. So, I hold communication very, very dear to me, and I have experienced the frustration from patients and family members when patients are unable to express their needs. Sometimes, we have a great communication system by the time they're ready to leave inpatient rehab, sometimes it is still very much a work in progress. But no matter what it looks like, by the time they leave inpatient rehab, my goal is to arm families with education and information that is appropriate at that time, and I also want to give them hope when they're leaving here.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Education:

University of Georgia, Bachelor of Education, Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Georgia, Master of Education, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Fun Facts:

Miranda has a dog, Moonpie — an Australian cattle mix — who was born with a neurological disease that caused motor coordination difficulties. The disease is not progressive, and Miranda has helped Moonpie improve her balance and coordination through many hours of training.

Miranda has recently dusted off her roller blades and is relearning how to rollerblade. Equipped with a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, of course!

Interview by Ruth Underwood
 

Eliza Reese, CRRN, first came to Shepherd Center in 2019 as a student nurse extern. After her externship, she worked at Shepherd as a PRN (as-needed) patient care technician while she was in nursing school. Then she completed her senior practicum at Shepherd and, upon graduating, joined the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (CRU) as a certified rehabilitation registered nurse.

You started at Shepherd Center while you were still a nursing student. What does it mean to do an externship and senior practicum?

An externship in nursing is a paid internship … and it is eight weeks of work, four weeks, in my case, were with a PCT, and then four weeks were with a registered nurse. And then, at the end of those eight weeks, you can speak to the manager of whatever unit you're working on and ask about staying on as a PCT (patient care technician), and that's what I did. So, I started out on the ABI [Acquired Brain Injury] floor, and I stayed as a PRN PCT for the rest of that school year. 

[The senior practicum] is in the very last semester of nursing school. You are basically side-by-side with a nurse. You don't have a preceptor there. You are being as close to a real nurse as a student can be. So, you're helping the nurse with med administration, you're helping manage care plans, and doing education … everything that you would be doing on a normal everyday basis … and it allowed me to practice a lot of skills up in the ICU.

Can you explain your role at Shepherd?

I am an inpatient RN. I work weekdays, so I am considered a primary RN to my team. What that means is that for everybody that I take care of, I am typically the one responsible for family training and education. I'm also the one responsible for being the nursing representative when we have team conferences, where the therapists, the physician, and the case managers [and nurses] all get together and go over the patient care and any planning. I am responsible for speaking on behalf of my patients [regarding] nursing.

How did you know you wanted to be a nurse?

I'm not sure I quite believed that I could be a nurse until I started going through nursing school, and then I was like, “Oh my gosh … this is exactly what I want to do.” It combined a lot of people skills and just general care of people. And it's something that I suddenly realized I was very passionate about. I'd always loved science. I majored in biology in college … but I'm also a dance teacher, so I follow students year-round and get to watch their progress. It combined the beauty of science and understanding why things happen the way they do, with the progression of following people and watching them gain new skills, very similar to teaching.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I typically am at work by about 6:15 a.m. We start our shift and hand off at 6:30 a.m. Because I work day shift, we're getting updates from the night shift nurse. How did the patient sleep? Are there any new concerns? … And after report, I'm rounding on my patients, making sure they're okay, making a plan. What does their therapy look like? What do their medications look like? Do they have any procedures for the day? And I'm looking at all of that before I start, and then we start fairly quickly into breakfast and med passes. Our patients go to therapy, so we get nice gaps to chart. We help our patients with lunch and lunchtime meds, help them with afternoon meds and dinner, and all the while, there could be a call from a therapist: “This patient's not feeling well, can you come look at this?” Taking patients to a procedure, picking them up from a procedure … doing education, somebody has a question. It just depends on the day. 

What do you like most about your job?

I really enjoy following my patients through the progression of their skills, no matter what they are. I take pride in being able to encourage my patients and reminding them of things they hadn't been able to do and what they can do now, and [encouraging] a lot of reflection. I think it helps ground our patients. And it's really fun to watch [patients] being able to use a cup or being able to feed themselves [for the first time post-injury]. It’s really satisfying to help my patients go through these tiny little gains that don't feel good to them, but they really are huge in the grand scheme of things.

What were your first impressions when you started work at Shepherd Center?

Before I came to Shepherd Center, I had some clinical experience. We have clinicals every semester as part of the nursing school program. So, I had already been to three different hospitals. And so I knew how that patient interaction went, and I did not expect the … beautiful connection that every employee had to the patients. It was so natural. It was very family-like. It wasn't people in there just doing their job. It was somebody noticing something. How was your day? How is your daughter doing? I noticed that from day one, and it was very different than any other experience I had had.

How does your role impact patients and families?

I would say that my role personally helps patients experience a sense of normalcy. It helps them focus on doing their therapy and getting stronger. I'm there, kind of in the background, to make sure that they are [medically] stable, so they don't have to think about anything else … And I like that, that we just sit in the back and make sure that things are nice and stable for our patients. And then when things are not, being able to step in and correct it so the patient can move on.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Education:

Agnes Scott College, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Mercer University, Bachelor of Science, Nursing

Fun Facts:

Eliza has been teaching dance, including ballet, tap, swing, and modern dance, for the past 12 years.

She also loves knitting and crocheting, an interest she got from watching her grandmother knit, and has made everything from stuffed animals to articles of clothing.

Eliza met her fiancé at work — he is also an RN — and they plan to marry later this year.

Interview by Ruth Underwood

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.

How long have you worked at Shepherd Center?

I’ve been at Shepherd for a total of six years, including two years PRN (as needed). There are four full-time phlebotomists here at Shepherd: Tracy Simmons Johnson, Raven Greer, Chyna Weatherly, and me, and three PRN phlebotomists. We have a spectacular team.

What does a phlebotomist do?

We collect lab [specimens.] We collect blood. We’re the vampires! Each phlebotomist is assigned two floors each day.  Some mornings, we draw blood from anywhere from 60 to 70 patients. Then, we return to the lab where we began receiving the specimens, readying them for processing by our lab techs. By the time most staff are making their way to work, we have done the bulk of our workday! We then continue to receive labs, answer phone calls from other departments such as outpatient clinics, and assist them with hard sticks. We have two reference labs where we send specimens we don’t process here — Mayo [Clinic] Laboratories and Piedmont Hospital. We prepare the specimens for Mayo pickup, and we walk any labs that go to Piedmont over multiple times a day.

How did you know you wanted to be a phlebotomist?

I started out as a wound care tech in 1993 at DeKalb Medical Center. From there, I worked as an EKG/X-ray technician in a medical practice, where I also gained my knowledge of phlebotomy. In 2005, I joined Piedmont Hospital, where I worked as the lead lab assistant for a 12-physician medical practice. My duties included training phlebotomists and medical assistants who were new hires in my district, which totaled nine practices. I worked there for 16 years before I joined Shepherd Center.

I like the role because you work independently and you go at your own pace. Sometimes you have to take that extra time to talk to the patient and make them feel comfortable. And that's what we do here. We have a great phlebotomy team.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?

The most fulfilling to me is when you've gone to a room and a patient's terrified, and when you draw them, and they look at you and say, ‘Well, I didn't even know you did it.’ They're no longer afraid. It's just winning them over and making them feel as comfortable as you can because they already don't feel well or are petrified of [having blood drawn]. So, once you kind of calm them down and you let them know ‘I'm done’ — ‘What, you finished? I didn’t even know you did it!’

I think you just have to be really confident, be patient with the patients, let them know what you're doing, and let them ask questions. I think that makes for a better experience for both of us.

How do you think your role impacts patients and families?

When we enter a patient’s room, we’re very confident and positive about our ability to perform and succeed in our task. There are many times we enter a room where the patients are very afraid of having labs drawn. Some patients will greet us with “They say I’m a hard stick.” My response is always, “Lucky for you, they don’t work here.” Or I’ll ask, “Do you have a preference, where do you want me to stick to you?’ and let them make the decision. ‘You know, you’ve had this limb longer than I’ve been sticking you.”  

As I stated before, we have a spectacular team. If one of us is unsuccessful, there is always another one of us who will succeed. I love it here!

Education

DeKalb Technical Institute

Fun Facts

Tressa has close friendships with her co-workers and often talks to them on the way to and from work!

She got her formal education at DeKalb Technical Institute, but says she's developed her expertise in other fields through on-the-job learning.

Tressa enjoys spending time with her family.

She has three children and five grandchildren.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Interview by Ruth Underwood

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.

Years at Shepherd: 9
Training: Secretary Duties, The Atlanta College of Medical and Dental Careers
Fun Facts:
- Matilda is a motorcycle enthusiast.
- She is an avid Disney fan, with Mickey Mouse being her favorite.
- She is a Barbie doll collector and has over 100 Barbies!

What is your role at Shepherd, and how long have you been here?
I've been at Shepherd Center for nine years as a unit secretary. What drew me to Shepherd was my mother, who had a brain injury. She passed away in 2021. I got to see all those different aspects of living with someone with a brain injury and working with someone with a brain injury. It’s had a big impact on my family. [Now] I listen to the patients, who can be having it tough, and you try to be here and be positive for them. That's really why I came here to work.

What does a typical day in your role look like?
Sometimes, it starts out very smooth and easy. But when you log in to the computer and get orders where you have to call different places, like [Piedmont Atlanta Hospital], to schedule consultations and procedures for other patients, it can get busy. It can be very hard to schedule appointments — sometimes outside clinicians have room for 20 appointments, and I’m the 21st person to call. Sometimes you don’t know how long it will take to get an appointment for a procedure, but one thing I do is call every day. Even if they say it will be a week, I’ll call every day to see if there’s been a cancellation or another way to fit in one of our patients. We also work closely with case managers, for example, if we have a discharge at 6 a.m., case managers won’t be here at 6 a.m., so they leave packages for me to give to the ambulance driver, to the patient’s family, to be sent to the patient’s home, etc. 

You’re known for coordinating Atlanta Police Department visits for patients who are police officers. How did that start?
My dad was an Atlanta police officer. So, people will come to me and say, “Matilda, we have an officer here. Maybe you can talk to the family and let them know how Shepherd works, what we're doing, and what's going to happen.” Some of the officers are patients far from home, nowhere near home, and they want an officer to visit them and say, “Hey, that’s my brother. They know what I’ve been through.” So, I have a contact at APD, and we let him know what we need and when. Sometimes patients may want to see a chaplain — we have our own chaplains [at Shepherd], but they may feel more comfortable with the police chaplain. Or some officers may come by on their bikes for the patient to see. The visiting officers want to support our patients — they’ll do anything for them.

In addition to coordinating the officer visits, you do some volunteer work at the hospital — what does that look like?
In order to be in my motorcycle club, you have to do volunteer service. So, for mine, I come to Shepherd Center, pick a patient that’s in need, and do something for them. We do a big thing for Christmas — we’ve done that for the last six years. And the patient isn’t necessarily in my unit — they can be anywhere. If someone says to me, “Hey, we have this guy on my floor who needs a little help,” we’ll do something for them and their family. We’ve done gifts, given custom helmets, and thrown pizza parties. 

What is your favorite part of working at Shepherd Center?
I have some wonderful, wonderful coworkers. When I see myself all backed up and the phones are ringing, and the doorbell is ringing — because we're a locked unit, and not everyone can enter and exit — my coworkers are a big, big help. They’re always willing to step in.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Interview by Erin Kenney

The piece — a blue-green heart forming out of a rocky foundation, with doves flying in and around it — stands proudly in The Home Depot Foundation Courtyard at Shepherd Center. Mike created it with the hope that it could inspire the hospital’s staff, patients, and their families, the way he was inspired when Shepherd Center co-founder, Alana Shepherd, led him on a tour of the hospital. 

Alana first met Mike at a funeral for a mutual friend, Carl Allen, a longtime supporter of Shepherd Center. Mike had crafted a bust of Carl that was on display at the service, and, impressed by his skill, Alana asked him to design a sculpture for Shepherd Center. She invited him for a tour of the hospital, which he says was hugely impactful.

“My wife and I were very emotional through the whole experience, because of the great work they do for some of these folks that are struggling,” he says. “[The patients] were so inspiring, because they were trying so hard. They had the fight within them.” 

Mike got to work on planning for the sculpture when a suggestion from Carl’s wife, fellow Shepherd Center advocate and board of trustees member, Elizabeth Allen, helped him determine the defining element of the piece. 

“Elizabeth said, ‘Mike, if there’s anything you can do with a heart, it would be awesome, because when Alana signs her name, she always draws a little heart,’” he remembers. “So, once she said that to me, it hit me immediately what I wanted to do.” 

Elizabeth’s heart idea wasn’t her only contribution to the sculpture project. She, along with her children and grandchildren, generously gifted the sculpture to Shepherd Center in honor of Carl. His legacy will live on through the sculpture, which will instill hope in countless future patients and visitors. 

On March 25, 2025, the sculpture was installed in the courtyard, with the help of a crane to lift it into place. Mike was able to join for the installation. 

“The foundry I use is in Loveland, Colorado, and they’re called Art Castings of Colorado ... they had it shipped to Shepherd Center,” he recalls. “We were there for the whole [installation] day, and it was an amazing install because of a lot of local folks that were helping. It went like clockwork... there are so many hands that touched that sculpture to give it its life.” 

He hopes the sculpture will honor staff and encourage patients during their recovery journey. 

“It’s one of my favorite pieces,” he says. “It represents the patients, the doctors, and the therapists going in and out of the hospital. Especially with families going through such a hard time, [this piece is] to give them some hope.”

Written by Erin Kenney

The idea for the get-together grew from a conversation between Shepherd’s first recreation therapist, Barb Trader, who joined Shepherd in 1978, and Paula Maiberger, who worked in rec therapy with Barb for several years in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“I realized how much I missed everybody,” Barb explains. “We had such a great team. They were really inventive and excited about what they were doing…. I think we all knew we were part of something really special. We enjoyed spending a lot of time together. We were excited about the fact that we were inventing things. You know, people would get ideas, and we’d try them out…. Every day we came to work knowing we were doing something important — that we were spending our time in a way that had real meaning for other people. That's kind of hard to get in the workplace.”

“Shepherd's just amazing. And we did really amazing things with our patients. And I think that was a draw [to return for the reunion,]” Paula says.

They note that several alums earned their doctorates and are now teaching therapeutic recreation at universities. “And so, they wanted to come back and see what else we're doing,” Paula explains. “And oh my gosh, everybody was blown away by Shepherd. Blown away. Shepherd is just so unique.”

As the gregarious group mingled, they swapped stories about the trials and triumphs of taking patients rafting on the Chattahoochee, to Atlanta Braves games at the old Fulton County Stadium, and sailing on Lake Lanier. They were joined by Shepherd Center co-founder Alana Shepherd, David Apple, M.D., Shepherd Center’s first medical director, and several current members of Shepherd’s recreation therapy department. Kelly Edens, CTRS, recreation therapy manager, spoke to the alums about the lasting impact their work has had on Shepherd Center and how the program they helped build has continued to evolve and grow as an essential part of therapy at Shepherd Center.

“I want to thank you all,” Edens said, “Without your dedication and support, we wouldn't be where we are today. Starting with Dr. Apple, what you all started is huge for us. We sit with all disciplines across the entire center — we're right in there with speech, OT, and PT. They know who we are. They know what we do. They tap us now, ‘Hey, can we do this?’ Which is really cool, but it's because of what you all started.”

Barb Trader recalled her first impressions of Shepherd, then Shepherd Spinal Center, when she visited in 1978.

“I liked what I saw. I was actually really energized by it, pretty moved by it because we had to walk right through the therapy gym to find a PT at West Paces Ferry Hospital way back in the day.”

After that first visit, Barb wrote a letter to Shepherd, suggesting they hire her as a therapeutic recreation specialist and sharing some ideas for activities she could lead for patients.

At first, the answer was no, that the hospital wasn’t in a position to hire her, Barb explained. Then came the part of the story that has become a chapter in Shepherd lore.

Two weeks later, Barb got a phone call — Dr. Apple had read her letter and wanted to start a recreation therapy program. He felt so strongly about the program's importance that he decided to pay Barb’s salary himself for her first year. From there, recreation therapy at Shepherd was born. It has grown from a staff of one in that first year to a staff of 42 today, making it the largest program of its type in the country.

Recreation therapy at Shepherd begins with identifying a patient’s goals and opportunities for growth. With their recreation therapy specialist, they create a plan tailored to their needs and aspirations. And while Shepherd’s Recreation Therapy Program helps patients lead healthy and active lifestyles as independently as possible, it goes further, helping patients redefine what’s possible, discover new passions, and explore existing interests in new ways. The reunion attendees played a crucial role in making the program what it is today.

“Rec therapy is critically important for all of our patients’ success,” said Shari McDowell, PT, DPT, FASIA, Shepherd Center's chief operating officer, as she thanked the alumni. “We could not have the outcomes we have for our patients without these team members and without what you laid as a foundation. So, I just wanted to say thank you. We're so happy you're here today and excited that you're going to see the growth — and know that you started it.”

After the remarks from McDowell and Edens, the group toured the hospital to see some of the many changes that had taken place since they worked at Shepherd.    

“Some of them hadn't even seen what we would just call the ‘new building’ back then, the Marcus-Woodruff building (built in 1992 and expanded in 2004), so there was a lot for people to take in,” Paula explained.

That evening, the alums gathered at Paula’s house to share a meal and more stories.

“We all had so many stories to tell about funny things that happened on outings or really moving things that happened on outings,” Barb says. “We all felt like Shepherd was a place where there was a sense of hopefulness and resilience, and the glass was always half full, not half empty. And that was kind of a shared, almost exuberance…. I think there's a lot of resilience in human beings that you get reminded of every single day [at Shepherd].”

Collectively, the group’s careers at the hospital spanned from 1978 to 2000, and many hadn’t seen each other in years, but Paula says that didn’t matter.

“It was just magical. It was so much fun. It's just that we were just a good, connected group, and it felt exactly the same when we all got back together.”

Written by Ruth Underwood

 

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.

Shepherd Center’s anniversary has been celebrated since the early days — in fact, what’s now Spinal Column magazine evolved from a newsletter first sent out in August 1976, commemorating Shepherd’s first year of serving patients. Over time, the anniversary, and eventually, “Anniversary Week,” have expanded to celebrate patients, staff, and the community overall. And for this year’s major milestone, celebrations were extra special. 

At the center-wide employee luncheon on Aug. 18, staff members enjoyed a barbecue lunch and received some 50th anniversary swag. Lunches at Peachtree Park, home of the SHARE Military Initiative and the Complex Concussion Clinic, as well as at Shepherd Pathways, ensured all employees got to celebrate the anniversary. 

Additionally, anniversary week is a time to celebrate employee tenure — the average length of service at Shepherd is 8.4 years, and each August, those celebrating anniversaries in increments of five are invited to the milestone luncheon. This year, 237 employees celebrated a major anniversary, with 14 celebrating 35 years of service or more. 

“I didn’t plan to be at Shepherd for 25 years. It’s like a good friendship or marriage — you just stay in it,” says attendee, Dawn Pennington, a data quality analyst on the patient financial services team. “I was very happy to have that opportunity to see colleagues [celebrating] their 5-year anniversary and those [celebrating] their 25-year anniversary like me.” 

This year’s anniversary week also brought some extra festivities, including burying Shepherd Center’s 50th anniversary time capsule. At a short ceremony, hospital co-founder Alana Shepherd spoke about the hospital’s history and invited attendees to imagine what the next 50 years will bring. Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, Shepherd Center’s president and chief executive officer, also spoke about objects included in the capsule and how future Shepherd patients and employees may react to them. 

Another standout event from anniversary week was the 50th anniversary party at the Atlanta History Center. With special guests like Georgia Governor and First Lady Brian and Marty Kemp, as well as other state leaders, former patients, Shepherd staff who’ve worked at the hospital for over 35 years, and board members, the party showcased Shepherd’s widespread impact and influence on the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta. 

The city and state, along with Fulton County, also acknowledged Shepherd Center on formal recognition days throughout the year. Other influential Georgia healthcare facilities, businesses, and organizations joined in on the celebration, sharing anniversary well-wishes on social media. Dignitaries, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, also sent messages of congratulations. 

Even as Shepherd Center closes the chapter on its 50th year, celebrating milestones will continue — cheering on patients at events like Project Rollway, gathering in therapy gyms for patient graduations, sharing a slice of cake for employee “workiversaries,” and busting out dance moves at The Legendary Party. With resilient patients, unwavering staff, and a steadfast community, there’s never a shortage of milestones to celebrate.

Written by Erin Kenney

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.  

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.

A vital, but sometimes hidden, component of Shepherd Center’s rehab team is the clinical pharmacy. The clinical pharmacy team plays a crucial role in patients’ recovery journeys, helping them achieve their optimal level of health. Clinical pharmacists review patients' charts to ensure they are on the appropriate medications and explore ways to optimize their medication regimens.

Kristina Carbone, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist, is an essential member of the team. For National Pharmacy Week, we sat down with her for a Q&A to learn more about her background and why she loves her work.

When did you first become interested in becoming a pharmacist?

It started in high school. I participated in Mercer University's Pharmacy Scholars Summer Program (PSSP), and from there, I more or less fell in love, learning about all the different parts of pharmacy. Then, as an undergrad, I started working at Kroger pharmacy and pursuing a pre-pharmacy track while attending Mercer University in Macon.

I spent my undergraduate years in Macon and then attended pharmacy school in Atlanta, both at Mercer. That's what we like to call a “double bear.” 

Can you describe the difference between working at a retail pharmacy and working in clinical pharmacy at Shepherd?

So, a retail pharmacy has a focus on filling prescriptions and ensuring that there are no interactions between other medications the patients are already prescribed. It is more of an outpatient setting. Here at Shepherd, I'm more on the inpatient side. I am reviewing patients' charts to ensure they are on the appropriate medication and exploring ways to optimize their treatment plan. I'm in conversation with physicians frequently as we try to determine which medicines will best aid patients in their recovery.

Why the switch between retail pharmacy and clinical pharmacy?

Seeing the impact. You have a direct relationship with the patient. Witnessing how the recommendations you made have helped said patient. That's the unique thing about Shepherd Center that I love. Since patients are here longer than in a typical hospital setting, you can see the results of your work. You can make an intervention one week, then observe the results over the next week or throughout the entire next month to see how it has actually impacted the patient.

That's one of the things that makes working at Shepherd so unique, being a part of your patients’ recovery journey.

For anyone considering applying to Shepherd's pharmacy residency program, what can you tell us about it?

I was in the first pharmacy residency class at Shepherd. And, based on my experience, witnessing the culture here, even during my interview, seeing how close the department was and how motivated they were to get the residency started, I was impressed. Then, as you interact with everyone, seeing how personal they are and how much they care about getting to know me stood out.

Then, once I was actually at Shepherd, working in the culture I had seen in the interview, I realized it was real. It was one of the reasons that made me come back after my residency.

What are some general tips for people looking to apply to pharmacy residency programs?

The most important thing is to find a place that aligns with your interests. For example, at Shepherd, there are specific patient populations that we don't have which may be found in an acute care hospital. So, if there's something like oncology you're interested in, that is not something we specialize in. We have rotations like infectious disease, internal medicine, and cardiology.

It is very important to find areas of rotation that align with your interests. When evaluating programs, it's best to understand what rotations are offered.

What was one of your most memorable accomplishments while you were a part of Shepherd's pharmacy residency program?

I completed a medication-use evaluation (MUE), which examined our usage of a specific broad-spectrum antibiotic class to determine whether there was overuse or inappropriate use, which is a high-risk factor for developing resistance and c diff infections. I looked into whether we needed to be more restrictive. With my preceptor, we analyzed data showing that overuse was occurring with this class. We presented these findings to the antimicrobial stewardship committee (ASP) and pharmacy and therapeutic (P&T) committee.

I worked closely with ASP to establish the basis of an antimicrobial restriction policy for that class. Currently, we have an entire policy in place that was created after the completion of my residency, allowing only infectious disease doctors to order the antimicrobial class assessed in the MUE, along with other broad-spectrum antibiotics.

When I came back and saw the policy being put into place, it was really memorable for me seeing how the project I completed was being put into place and even expanding.

Interview by Dominique McPhearson

On Rebecca Williamson’s last day at Shepherd Center, she was looking forward to returning home to southern Missouri. She was particularly excited to see her two dogs — Charlie, a Shih Tzu, and Krypto, a Rottweiler. 

Rebecca had been at Shepherd for several months and was recovering from a spinal cord injury with the help of a team of nurses, therapists, and doctors. But in addition to her care team, a piece of technology was also helping in her recovery — a Hercules bed. 

Hercules beds are equipped with a system that allows nurses and therapists to adjust a patient’s position in bed at the touch of a button. Kimberly Levenson, RN, BSN, CRRN, CWOCN, CFCN, says that it’s normal for patients to slide down in their hospital bed throughout the day, and this can happen even more frequently for patients with high spasticity after a spinal cord injury. The conveyor belt-like technology makes transferring them back to the head of the bed easier, reducing the risk of pressure sores and aspiration, she says. The tech also helps staff and caregivers. 

“It reduces the risk of staff injuries,” Levenson says. “You aren’t manually lifting and twisting and pulling somebody in the bed. It’s a very gentle, non-traumatic way to reposition a patient.” 

Rebecca shares the sentiment — she says that compared to the standard bed she used at her acute care hospital, the Hercules beds allow for more gentle repositioning. 

“It prevents being tossed around in the bed,” she says. “That’s the biggest thing.” 

Shepherd Center currently only has 90 Hercules beds — not enough to meet the demand, Levenson says. She frequently performs what she calls “musical beds,” moving the Hercules beds to where they’re needed most. But thanks to the generosity of the Buckhead Rotary Club and its sister club, the Suceava-Bucovina Rotary Club in Romania, as well as the Rotary Foundation, Shepherd Center added nine new Hercules beds to its inventory. These beds will help patients like Rebecca and hospital staff like Kimberly, creating a safer environment where patients and caregivers can focus on recovery. 

Written by Erin Kenney

“To me, teamwork is working to build a good environment,” he says. “If you have that really good environment, where everyone is there to have fun and work hard, it’s a lot better than being just one person. You’re all trying to uplift each other.” 

He’s made use of his experience as a team player — as well as his impressive work ethic, infectious positive energy, and sense of humor (not to mention sarcasm) — throughout his spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation at Shepherd. 

Jackson sustained a C1-C2 SCI during a hockey game in February. Originally from Minnesota, Jackson had been attending boarding school in Idaho — Coeur d'Alene Hockey Academy, known for its prestigious hockey program. 

“What I really like about hockey is the physicality, and my teammates and coaches,” he says. “The atmosphere playing at the prep school is a lot of fun — everyone is there to [take the game seriously].” 

The team was playing a match in Vancouver, British Columbia, when Jackson had an awkward collision into the boards. Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital, where he had emergency surgery. Then, through the help of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, he made his way to Shepherd. 

After months of navigating complex medical challenges, from feeding issues to getting weaned off the ventilator, Jackson started reaching milestones. He celebrated his 18th birthday. He came off the ventilator. He started going on outings with other adolescents on his floor. He had his first therapy session in Shepherd’s pool. He got a moment in the spotlight in Project Rollway, presenting the hospital’s chief executive officer, Jamie Shepherd, and hospital co-founder Alana Shepherd, with special edition Nike Air Force 1s. He cheered on participants in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, and even got in on the excitement by taking his powerchair down to the Arthur M. Blank family residences to see his mom and sisters. 

In the therapy gym, Jackson’s been pouring the same level of passion he has for hockey into his recovery — walking with the Zero G, building up his arm strength, and cuddling with the facility dogs any chance he can get. He says none of it would be possible without his care team — a small army of nurses, doctors, therapists, and other specialists with over 115 years of combined experience at Shepherd alone. 

“Working with the team here — it’s almost like hockey,” Jackson says. “They’re all uplifting, they’ve all created a good atmosphere, and they all want the best for you.” 

Meet Jackson’s Team*

*including the nicknames they've earned from Jackson and the Shepherd community

Erica Drum 
“97's #1 Fan”

Role: Caregiver 
Jackson’s mom, Erica, has been by his side throughout his recovery. During his time at Shepherd, she’s stayed in the Blank Family Residences — while sometimes spending the night in Jackson’s hospital room when he’s had a particularly hard day. She hasn’t been intimidated by the medical side of Jackson’s care. Instead, she’s learned as much as she can from his team and in Shepherd’s extensive family training, while also keeping Jackson’s hockey community up to date on his progress through the Facebook page: 97’s Journey. 

Jason Drum 
“The Jack of All Trades”

Role: Caregiver 
Jackson’s dad, Jason, has been at Shepherd for several of Jackson’s recovery milestones, like his 18th birthday and his first time getting in the pool. But when he’s not at Shepherd, Jason has been holding down the fort at the Drum household in Minnesota, taking care of Jackson’s three younger sisters and managing their busy schedules. He’s also started working on accessibility improvements to their house — including widened doorways, wheelchair ramps, and improved temperature control — so it’s ready for Jackson’s return this fall. 

Katie Beck, RN 
“The Protector”

Years at Shepherd: 3 
Role: Nurse 
Katie works closely with patients, nurse practitioners, and doctors, ensuring patients have their needs are met. She looks out for Jackson, making sure during shift change that incoming nurses know what makes him comfortable, any issues he’s had that day, and his personality quirks (for example, Jackson is a very, very hard sleeper). As Jackson’s medical challenges eased, she prepared him for more days in the therapy gym, and fewer days in his room. “I told him, ‘You’ll see less of me, and that’s a good thing,’” she says. 

Avery Blankenburg, MS, CTRS 
“The Adventurer”

Years at Shepherd: 4 
Role: Recreation Therapist 
As a recreation therapist, Avery helps patients get back to the things they love and return to their communities with confidence, and she has big plans for Jackson. Since he arrived at Shepherd, he’s been on many outings, like going to Target for new pajamas or going to Onward Reserve to pick out his Project Rollway outfit. Avery has also organized bigger outings with Jackson, like a trip to the Georgia Aquarium. Soon, Avery plans to do travel education with him, so he’s prepared for his trip back home to Minnesota. 

Wes Chay, M.D. 
“The Game Planner”

Years at Shepherd: 8 
Role: Physiatrist 
Dr. Chay’s interest in medicine began early, inspired by visits to his grandfather’s OB-GYN practice in Taiwan. Now, as the physiatrist on Jackson’s team, he leads the interdisciplinary group in navigating complex medical challenges. Working closely with Artica Jackson, NP, he evaluates patients, guides diagnostic workup and treatment, and coordinates with consultants for care at Shepherd Center or surgeries next door at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. Beyond problem-solving, Dr. Chay helps make sure Jackson has what he needs to succeed in therapy, collaborating with the rehabilitation team on any medical issues that might impact daily sessions.

Martha DeReimer, RRT 
“The Advocate”

Years at Shepherd: 3 (non-consecutive) 
Role: Respiratory Therapist 
Martha became a respiratory therapist because of an experience at Shepherd — her mom and sister both worked at the hospital, and she got an opportunity to shadow RTs on patient floors. Right away, she was hooked. Now, Martha helps patients like Jackson with breathing, and if appropriate, ventilator weaning. She knows coming off a ventilator can be anxiety-inducing, which is why she takes into account individual patient needs and preferences to tailor treatment to them, even if that means adjusting the pace of vent weaning. 

Deb Eldred, SLP 
“Derb”

Years at Shepherd: 17 
Role: Speech-Language Pathologist 
Deb met Jackson on his second day at Shepherd, when he was still in the Intensive Care Unit. As a speech-language pathologist, she helps with more than speaking — she also supports patients with eating, drinking, and cognitive challenges they may face when communicating or writing. She’s worked with Jackson to navigate speaking both on and off his ventilator, and she organized one of his first Shepherd outings to Shake Shack, so Jackson could have his first milkshake since his injury. 

Shannon Grizzle, LCSW, CCM 
“The Coordinator”

Years at Shepherd: 3 
Role: Case Manager 
Shannon has used her master’s in social work across the medical field — working as a therapist in adult psychiatry units, an emergency room crisis worker, and as a medical case manager. Out of everywhere she’s been, she says Shepherd Center is the most person-centered, something she loves. She has worked closely with Jackson and his family, from helping them get settled in upon admission through planning for discharge. She’s especially enjoyed working with Jackson’s mom, Erica. “Through it all, his mom has been the most positive person. She’s such a joy to work with,” she says. 

Artica Jackson, NP 
“Antartica”

Years at Shepherd: 13 
Role: Advanced Practice Provider 
After working as a night shift nurse for 15 years, Artica started her role as a nurse practitioner on the same floor. Working closely with Dr. Chay, she manages patients’ medical needs. Sometimes patients will call her “Dr. Jackson,” but she cautions that she’s a nurse practitioner, not an M.D. The main difference? “Many years of schooling!” she says with a laugh. When she’s not setting up appointments with specialists and reviewing medication lists, she’s probably joking around with patients or dreaming up the perfect prank... watch out, Jackson! 

Kelsey Lee, OT 
“Special K”

Years at Shepherd: 7 
Role: Occupational Therapist 
Kelsey helps patients perform daily activities like taking a shower or brushing their teeth, while also getting them back to the things they enjoy, in Jackson’s case, hockey. Like Jackson, she hails from the Midwest, resulting in a lot of sarcasm and “tough love” in therapy sessions, she says. One of her favorite parts of her job is collaborating with the other professionals on her floor. “One of the coolest parts of Shepherd is that you work on a team ... it's not always like that in other settings,” she says. “Being able to talk through some medical stuff with speech, with PT, with Dr. Chay, just to learn more about what was going on with Jackson, was really helpful.” 

Cheryl Linden, MA, LPC;MS, OT/L 
“The Supporter”

Years at Shepherd: 37 
Role: Counselor 
Cheryl started at Shepherd as an occupational therapist, but now, she offers a different kind of support for patients. As a counselor, Cheryl helps patients and families navigate emotional and mental health challenges after injury or illness. Counselors at Shepherd are a key part of the team — every patient meets with a psychologist, which Cheryl says can reduce stigma and aid in navigating mental health concerns during recovery. Cheryl also serves as the emcee for Project Rollway, where she told the audience Jackson’s story as he enjoyed the spotlight. 

Chris Ready, PT 
“The Workout Partner”

Years at Shepherd: 10 
Role: Physical Therapist 
Because of medical complications, Jackson has had some hard days at Shepherd. But once those complications were out of his way, Jackson was ready to hit the gym with his PT, Chris, as his sidekick. As a physical therapist, Chris helps patients independently get from point A to point B, whether that’s transferring from a wheelchair to a car or safely using a walker to get around. But as a PT in the adolescent program, he also knows sometimes that kids need to be kids — whether that’s just doing a workout in the gym or hanging out with other teens on the floor. 

Kelsey Shearman, Ph.D. 
“The Teacher”

Years at Shepherd: 7 
Role: Academic Coordinator 
As Jackson started his rehabilitation at Shepherd, he also had non-medical challenges to face, like Algebra 2. Kelsey worked with Jackson, like she does with other adolescent patients, to ensure he stayed on top of his schoolwork while recovering from his injury. She also serves as a liaison between Jackson, his parents, and his school, keeping an open line of communication. She helps students avoid potential snags by arranging accommodations with their schools, like obtaining an extension for Jackson to wrap up his algebra class despite missing several weeks of instruction. 

Julie Shepherd, CCM, CLCP, LMSW 
“Jules”

Years at Shepherd: 16 
Role: Director of Founding Family Relations & Canine Therapy Program Lead 
Julie leads the hospital’s facility dog program, which boasts seven highly trained pups. Through activities like brushing, petting, practicing commands, and leash management, the dogs give patients opportunities to increase strength and dexterity, practice cognitive skills, and gain experience using mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers. Jackson is a big fan of the dogs, and while his 18th birthday wish of a facility dog slumber party in his room couldn’t exactly come true, Julie made sure to surprise him with Jaxx and Francisco in the gym, bringing some birthday cheer to his therapy session. 

Philip Wexler, M.D. 
“Big W”

Years at Shepherd: 5 
Role: Medical Director, Pulmonology and Respiratory Therapy 
Dr. Wexler heard about Jackson before his arrival at Shepherd — his family used to live in Boston, and his wife has stayed in touch with the close-knit hockey community they formed there. When Jackson arrived, Dr. Wexler wanted to help create a supportive, tight-knit, hockey-like atmosphere where Jackson could be himself. The two have a special bond — Dr. Wexler helped Jackson with his ventilator weaning, and now, he’s working to make sure Jackson has a strong cough, which he’ll need to tackle any future illnesses he may face. 

Shepherd Team

“The Family”

Jackson shares a special bond with these members of his team, but they’re only a fraction of his full Shepherd support system — it would take this whole magazine, and then some, to cover the impact each staff member, volunteer, and donor has on patients like Jackson. From nutrition services to assistive technology, family housing to environmental services, peer support to research, financial services to the Shepherd Foundation, everyone plays a role in patient recovery, helping patients like Jackson find hope after injury or illness. 

Editor’s Note: When this story was written in July 2025, Jackson was nearing the end of his time as an inpatient after over six months of rehabilitation. Jackson completed additional rehab in the Spinal Cord Injury Day Program before heading home to Minnesota in late September.

Written by Erin Kenney
 

Mitch Parker

PT Goals — Golf, pickleball, work

It’s Thursday afternoon, and Shepherd’s Spinal Cord Injury Day Program gym buzzes with activity. 54-year-old Mitch Parker, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, maneuvers his wheelchair to one of the therapy mats, grabs his crutches, and stands up beside the mat, ready for the activities that his physical therapist, Daniel Schaeffer, PT, DPT, has planned for their session. This is Mitch’s first week in the Day Program after a month as an inpatient. He came to Shepherd Center after sustaining an incomplete spinal cord injury when he hit a curb while riding an e-bike and went over the handlebars.

Mitch says that when he arrived at Shepherd, “I kind of looked like a fish out of water. I could hardly move, my hands either. Even turning myself in bed was impossible.”

Since then, Mitch has made considerable progress. Today, he’s working on stance stability and building up his overall strength and endurance. He wears a brace on his right foot that helps him keep his toes from dropping. Schaeffer explains that therapists aim to use bracing that provides the necessary stability and support, but allows for as much flexibility as possible so that patients can safely increase their strength and range of motion.

From a duffle bag, Schaeffer pulls a set of light-up buttons that nestle into rubber gaskets. This reaction light training system is often used to train athletes to increase speed and agility. Schaeffer spreads them out on the gym floor and demonstrates how Mitch should step on each button as it lights up.

“We figured out we could use these for various purposes, working on balance, working on reach, I mean, you name it, whatever you can come up with, you can do,” explains Schaeffer, adding that he enjoys taking a creative approach to physical therapy.

Mitch tries the exercise, seeing how many lights he can stomp out in a 30-second window. He tries a second round and improves his “score.” Mitch likes the competitive aspect of the therapy, joking, “He [Schaeffer] has found out what motivates me.”

His workout continues with other variations that incorporate side-shuffles, squats, and stepping backwards — all focusing on balance and strengthening Mitch’s right side.

Mitch is excited to get back to his active lifestyle, which includes golf and pickleball. He also wants to return to work full-time at his drywall business.

“It’s demanding, and I don’t do so much of the hands-on, but the repairs and the field management work, I usually do it, so I’ve got to be able to get in and out of kind of rough terrain, in new construction. But I’m going to get there,” he says. “The people here are so professional, but they push you, but it’s kind of like with love, they’ve got a good spirit, which makes you want to do better and push yourself harder.”

Schaeffer, meanwhile, is busy setting up another exercise.

“This one looks harder,” Mitch observes good-naturedly. But he’s ready for the challenge.

Teana “Tee” Jackson

PT Goals — Walking independently, hand grip

Later the same afternoon, Teana Jackson uses her power chair to cruise over to a mat in another corner of the gym. She has a big smile and her mom, Wanda, by her side. Teana greets the team of therapists and aides who await her by name or by nicknames she created for them. They help her into the harnesses she needs for locomotor training, cracking jokes and laughing with her as they prepare. The harness will support some of Teana’s body weight and aid her in improving her muscular strength, endurance, and neurological coordination while practicing her gait pattern on the treadmill.

Teana’s physical therapist, Sandy Alexander, PT, DPT, NCS, has her start by using Bioness functional electrical stimulation on her lower leg to help her improve her leg swing with gait training. After a few minutes of working with the team to guide her as she walks on the treadmill and evaluating her gait, Alexander switches gears and outfits Teana with alternative leg braces, explaining that the electrical stimulation was good for part of her stride, but not all of it. The braces will help her maintain improved knee stability in stance and provide her greater independence when walking.

“Neurological rehab is about appropriately balancing the encouragement of natural movement patterns from prior to injury, for recovery, with compensations as needed to maintain safety and promote independence,” Alexander explains.

Teana has come a long way since she arrived at Shepherd about three months ago. She sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury and mild traumatic brain injury when she was involved in a car crash with an 18-wheeler.

“I really should not be alive,” Teana says, “But by the grace of God, I’m here.”

“[When I got here] I wasn’t able to move anything besides my hands. I could just clap my hands, but not move anything else,” she says. “Within the first three months of being here alone, I can now move fingers; I just can’t grip anything still. I can walk a little bit with help, and I can do a mean squat pivot.”

Teana says she keeps a positive attitude for herself and for the other patients around her. Her mom says Teana gives 100% to her therapy and, “she’ll have you laughing,” which seems true from the sounds of her physical therapy session.

And she is ready to put in the work.

“I’m still looking to accomplish a lot, so I give myself another three months to start moving some legs really well, as far as walking without assistance and hopefully a walker.”

Jeff Millican

PT Goals — return to work and outdoor activities like hiking, running, paddleboarding, and fishing

On a Tuesday morning, Jeff Millican and his wife, Heather Millican, are in Shepherd’s Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (CRU) gym. Jeff, a fire battalion chief in Bonita Springs, Florida, arrived at Shepherd Center a week earlier. He sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) along with broken bones and multiple internal injuries when he was hit by a car while helping with a crash on the interstate.

Jeff’s physical therapist, Sarah Dubois, PT, DPT, guides him through a series of exercises. In the first set, Jeff practices standing on one foot, with the added challenge of a cushioned mat underfoot, engaging his ankle muscles. Heather is thrilled to see that Jeff’s stability has improved significantly since last week.

Next, they move to a mat on the floor. Using an exercise ball, Dubois demonstrates exercises designed to help Jeff keep mobility in his injured shoulder. As it heals, extra bone has grown, affecting his range of motion.

Heather sits on a nearby therapy mat table, taking notes about exercises Jeff can do in his room later in the day and on the weekends for “homework.”

Dubois says she frequently gives patients assignments to work on independently.

“I give them one or two things to do that will help them progress towards our goals for that week. One, if they have to do it with a caregiver, it helps involve their caregiver more in their rehab process, and two, it gives the patient something to do in their downtime. … It will be something they can do in five or 10 minutes, whether they do it once a day, twice a day. It gives them something to do over the weekend, too, and it gives the patient a little more of a sense of responsibility, ‘I gotta do my homework!’”

Jeff is no stranger to exercise. He and Heather have always been very active, and he wants to get back to work at the fire department and to the outdoor activities he loves, including running, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

He’s ready for the next challenge in the day’s PT session, a recumbent cross trainer, kind of a cross between an elliptical trainer and a recumbent bike — to increase strength and endurance in his legs.

He’s pleased with his progress in his first week at Shepherd.

“The first thing I remember at Gulf Coast Medical Center was, ‘We’ve got to get you stabilized and get you to Shepherd.’ That’s what they said over and over again,” Jeff recalls. “I see why now.”

Written by Ruth Underwood

Years at Shepherd: 5
Training: Black Belt Certificate Program, Mercer University
Fun Facts:
■ William is a self-taught drummer — he showed off his skills at last year’s Shepherd’s Got Talent.
■ He enjoys playing golf, fishing, and collecting Star Wars Legos.
■ His dad taught him how to fix up cars and work with his hands.

How did you get started at Shepherd Center?
I worked [next door] at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital for 23 years. I started at the bottom as a maintenance tech because I love working with my hands. I worked my way up through Piedmont, all the way up through management. When the opportunity came my way for a director position here, I knew the history and culture, and I wanted a taste of that.

It was right in the middle of COVID. A lot of people were saying, 'You've been here 23 years, you want to take that risk?' But Shepherd's just a special place. I prayed about it. The next morning, the only thing on my mind was Shepherd. I looked up and said, 'Thank you, Lord. You helped me make that decision.' And it was the best decision of my life.
 
What does your role look like on a day-to-day basis?
We take care of the buildings — mechanical systems, plumbing, heating and air, electrical, painting, flooring — you name it. We also handle moves and furniture, and help with patient outings when needed. We cover not just this campus but also off-site locations: Pathways, Spring Creek, the Arthur M. Blank Family Residences, and more. We're mechanical, not clinical, but everything we do still contributes to the patients’
care. Even something small, like changing a lightbulb in a patient's room, makes a difference. If it brings them comfort, then we've done our job.

You're known for getting involved in more than facilities work. What drives that?
I just love helping people. I love engaging with people. During Halloween and Christmas, I put decorations out in front of the engineering shop. I see families stop and take pictures. That brings some kind of joy into their life while they're dealing with so much here. That's what makes me happy.

Do you have a favorite memory since joining Shepherd?
Oh yeah — this is what I call my Shepherd Promise story. A few years back, I got a call about an elderly woman who was trying to change a flat tire in the parking deck. She didn't want to miss her husband's rehab session. So, I found her, introduced myself, and said, 'Ma'am, I'd be more than happy to change that tire for you.' While I was doing it, we talked about life, family, and the world. Two weeks later, I got a thank-you letter from her. She had taken the time to get my name and address and send me a card. I still get teary-eyed talking about it. Even just changing a tire, you can touch somebody in a way that sticks with them. That's the heart of Shepherd.
 
What do you want people to know about the engineering department at Shepherd?
People don't always realize how much property we cover. We're up to about 1.4 million square feet with the new buildings. I've got a team of 14, and we love what we do. We come in every day, work hard, and do it as a team. I tell folks: we're all spokes in a bicycle wheel. And when one of those spokes gets loose, the wheel doesn't turn right. So, we all stay tight together.
 

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Interview by Dominique McPhearson

At Shepherd Center, patients engage in a variety of rehabilitative activities — including occupational, physical, recreation, and speech therapies. But for many patients, respiratory therapy is the foundation that allows them to fully engage in their recovery journey. 

Respiratory therapists work with pulmonologists and other clinical colleagues to help patients manage their breathing, including ventilator management, ventilator weaning, and other treatments to increase lung capacity and cough strength, which is crucial to help fight off illnesses and remove secretions from lungs and airways. 

Rhonda Oxford, RRT, has worked on and off at Shepherd for nearly 30 years — starting out as a respiratory therapist in 1995, taking some time away after having children, and returning in 2009. She’s now a respiratory therapy supervisor. 

What drew you to work as a respiratory therapist and to your job at Shepherd Center? 
I was at Georgia Southern as a systems analyst major. I got there, got all the stuff, and then decided I was homesick and went back to [Thomasville, Georgia]. I still didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I was thinking, “I want to do something now.” So, I looked at the technical school’s programs, and they had respiratory, radiology, and nursing programs. I didn’t even know what a respiratory therapist was, but it was the program with the earliest start date. I thought, “Okay, let’s do this.” I graduated in 1991. 

I moved to Atlanta without a job or anything lined up in 1994. The first job I saw in the classifieds was a position at Shepherd Center, which I had heard of because the hospital I worked at in Thomasville would send patients there. I thought it would be good to apply, and in June of 1995 I was hired. 

You mentioned that starting out, you weren’t really sure what respiratory therapists do. How would you explain respiratory therapy to someone who isn’t familiar with it? 
The funny thing about it is when I started classes, I didn’t know we [had to remove secretions from airways]. We lost a lot of people in the program because they weren’t ready for that — they were almost fainting at the sight of trachs [tracheostomy tubes] and removing secretions. I’m a really girly girl, but snot is one thing that doesn’t bother me. 

As far as respiratory therapy goes, there is a difference working at Shepherd Center compared to an acute care hospital. We have so many trachs here, because most of our patients are long-term, and they may rely on ventilators or need suctioning [to remove secretions from airways]. We use cough assist machines, breathing treatments, and deliver medications. Our main goal is to get people off the ventilator if we can, so we can remove their trach and increase their independence for when they go home. Sometimes we succeed, and sometimes we provide family education on how to safely go home with trachs and vents. 

Another part of our work is managing anxiety. For a lot of our patients, their anxiety is to the max, especially if they’re on a ventilator. So that’s a big thing, trying to keep them calm. Some can manage it well, and some may need more support from us. We may be getting ready to take them off the ventilator for the first time, and they might be thinking, “I can’t do it.” There are times when therapists will sit in the room with patients during their time off the ventilator, just making conversation or watching a movie. That’s what I tell patients — distract yourself with something, watch a good movie. The next thing you know, two hours have flown by, and you weren’t even thinking about breathing off the ventilator. 

How does your supervising role compare to your previous role as a therapist? 
I don’t have as much patient contact as I used to, but I do round with the pulmonologists, so I see the ICU patients all the time. There’s also more responsibility in my supervisor role — I’m responsible for my whole team and making sure things are going well. Even though I’m not spending as much time with the patients personally, I feel like I know more about them now. I see the ins and outs of their treatment plans and their progress. 

In my current role, I also help with our outpatient clinic on Tuesdays. I’ve enjoyed that, because we have several patients who return every few months to have their trach changed. So, it’s nice to keep in touch with them, and we look forward to seeing them when they come in. 

What else should people know about your work or respiratory care in general? 
We joke that nobody knew who we were until COVID hit, and then everyone was like, “Oh, this is what respiratory therapists do!” We are needed, but we aren’t always the first clinicians people think about, even though we’re on the front lines. In medical shows, you almost always hear respiratory being called in the background. 

At Shepherd Center, we’re on the quieter side of the hospital. Sometimes I meet people in the elevators, and they ask which program I work with, and I tell them respiratory. If they say they haven’t met anyone from respiratory yet, I tell them to be thankful! I only work with the most critical patients, or at least those in critical condition when they first arrive. 

Another unique part about respiratory care at Shepherd is that we float between all the units. Other clinical departments, like nursing or physical therapy, are assigned to one floor or unit, but we see everyone. Most people have a preference, like “Oh, yay, today I’m back on the fifth floor!” I always liked the brain injury side, so I was always eager to come in on the days I had the second floor. But it’s nice that the therapists get to work with both brain injury and spinal cord injury patients. We have a challenging role, but it’s worth it for our patients. We love them and we’re here to support them. 

This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. 
Interview by Erin Kenney 

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) can occur when microbes like bacteria or fungi enter a patient’s bloodstream through their central line. They can be extremely dangerous, as well as difficult and costly to treat. Thankfully, this summer, Shepherd Center celebrated four years of being CLABSI-free — a streak that continues today. 

This streak isn’t luck, but instead the result of dedicated efforts from departments across Shepherd. One key player is Infection Preventionist Ginnie Campbell. Before coming to Shepherd, Campbell worked in acute care hospital settings across Atlanta, where she led infection prevention efforts. She says that while acute care hospitals often have more central lines to manage than Shepherd Center, Shepherd’s patients are still at a high risk of infection.

“We have some higher risk because our patients are here so long,” she says. “For example, with TPN [total parenteral nutrition, a mixture of nutrients delivered via a central line], there’s a huge risk of fungemia [fungi in the blood]. All lines can be very tough to manage, but we’ve got some good processes helping to keep [infections] under control.”

CLABSI prevention efforts have included changing central line dressings on admission, using disinfecting caps on central lines, and maintaining sterile techniques during line insertion and dressing changes. Additionally, Shepherd Center has partnered with PICC Access, a team of vascular access specialists who place peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), midline catheters, and perform other vascular access services.

Another key part of infection prevention is removing central lines that are no longer in use. The hospital’s nursing staff, led by Chief Nursing Officer Tiffany LeCroy, MSN, RN, CRRN, FNP-C, ACNS-BC, FARN, has been crucial in implementing these efforts.

“Nursing has really just done a great job,” LeCroy says. “When they notice a line is unused, they will approach a physician or a provider and remind them of the dormant line that potentially could be an avenue for infection. They really are the driver to ensure that lines are being used, and if they’re not, they remind the providers.”

Shepherd’s pharmacy team has also helped with CLABSI prevention by identifying when central lines can be removed, or by finding alternate methods to deliver medications, like using peripheral IVs or administering medication orally. Lauren Wilcox, PharmD, clinical pharmacist and Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee lead, says the pharmacy team rounds with physicians each week, documents medication needs, and helps identify when central lines and other IVs can be removed. She says patients also can play a key role in that process.

“There are patients who will advocate for themselves as well,” she says. “[They’ll ask] ‘When can I get [my central line] out? I don’t like this.’ I’ve been in the room when that’s happened, and I think, ‘Good idea! That’s on my list.’”
 
Ali Anderson, senior improvement consultant in Quality and Outcomes Management, also monitors CLABSI prevention efforts, helping with cause analysis and documenting successes along the way. She worked with Sarah Culberson, BSN, RN, CIC, Shepherd Center’s former infection prevention specialist, to celebrate three years of being CLABSI-free in 2024. Using the theme “We’re On a Roll,” they worked with Food and Nutrition Services to bake and deliver over 800 cinnamon rolls for staff as a token of appreciation for their hard work.

“We gave out the cinnamon rolls for a week straight — including night shifts and on the weekends — because the staff here at those times are helping with this effort,” Anderson says. “They change central line dressings on Sunday, so we wanted to be there to celebrate them, not only the daytime weekday staff who are here when we’re working.”

Written by Erin Kenney

Before his injury, Pete was an intrepid world traveler, a mountain climber, and a daredevil who barreled into every day with the hubris of youth. Using a wheelchair for mobility meant reimagining all of this. At Shepherd, he began learning all the new life skills he needed to take care of himself, but he was not yet able to picture himself in this new reality. 

Minna Hong, Shepherd’s peer support manager at the time, who had sustained a spinal cord injury in a car crash, was the first to break through to Pete. “When Minna came in and was able to actually execute all these skills I was learning, that’s when it turned from a fairy tale into a real-life story,” Pete says. “If she could do all these things in a wheelchair, I could be successful at this, too.” 

When Minna retired in 2018, her mentee Pete assumed the role of peer support manager, leading a team of eight “representatives of success” — four people with spinal cord injuries, three family members of people who sustained brain injuries, and one military veteran who came home with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. 

Research—some done at Shepherd — has proven what the Shepherd team already knew anecdotally — that people learn better from others who have “been there, done that.” And the low-cost intervention of peer support has a direct impact on patient outcomes. With data in hand, Shepherd began engaging peer mentors throughout the continuum of care, offering more opportunities to bridge the theoretical and the practical.

Peer mentors work with nurse educators to teach patients about skin issues, bowel and bladder management, prevention of urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, blood clots, spasms, infection control, and more. They also assist with patients’ psychosocial adjustment. In addition, Shepherd sponsors various peer support groups for anyone in the community with specific conditions, and their families and caregivers. There are monthly dinners as well, along with Zoom groups designed to build inclusive, supportive communities.

“For some patients who come through here, there are days where the light at the end of the tunnel can be just a pinhole,” Pete says. “You don’t even know what you’re working toward, and it’s easier to measure what you’ve lost—what you can’t do anymore. But the most rewarding thing is to see a person regain their sense of self. ‘No, I am me. I can go back to work or protect my family or whatever.’ Once they realize they can do that, it starts the flood of transformative thinking.” 

Two decades ago, horticulture lessons at Shepherd helped Pete begin to reclaim his life. “We went out and found this gigantic, beautiful hydrangea—full bloom, full grandeur,” he recalls. “We reduced it to a tiny fraction of itself, then nurtured and loved it so it grew into a whole new bush — back to full grandeur. That became a metaphor for my experience that I share often with patients. Nature wants us to thrive. All we have to do is tend to our soil.”

Written by Teresa Weaver

This story is an excerpt from “Mission Moments: 50 Years of Rebuilding Lives One Moment at a Time,” a book celebrating Shepherd’s 50th anniversary in 2025. You can explore the full eBook or purchase a hardcover copy here. 

Wendy looked forward to Sabrina’s arrival each day as she sat with Tyler in Shepherd’s Disorders of Consciousness Program. Tyler’s transfer to Shepherd from acute care had been delayed by a series of medical complications, and Wendy’s time in hospital rooms dragged on. By January 2024, when Tyler was discharged to return to East Tennessee, Wendy had been away from home for more than eight months. It was all made more bearable with Sabrina’s presence. “Miss Sabrina got us through some very emotional hard times,” Wendy says. 

Sabrina is a good example of the difference an employee can make, says Debra Johnson, manager of environmental services at Shepherd. “Everybody loves Sabrina.” 

The primary role of every Shepherd worker, whatever their job title, is to make a stressful time easier for people whose lives have been upended. With patients and their families often staying at Shepherd for months, that makes for a lot of interaction with staff, and a lot of meals prepared and consumed in Shepherd’s cafeteria. “We hope the café will be an oasis for families and patients,” says Joycelyn Saxon, director of food services. 

Joycelyn and her team provide almost 2,000 fresh, healthy meals each day, but they also believe in giving people what they want. And what people want is bacon, she says, laughing. “There’s bacon everywhere.” Sometimes the bacon and other food is served up by a cafeteria line that sounds like a party. “We like to have fun,” Joycelyn says. Holidays—even some ordinary days— bring out festive hats or T-shirts, all in the interest of cheering up patients and their families. 

Yonnett Jackson, who has served meals to folks at Shepherd for more than 25 years, enjoys the exchanges with customers. “We try to make them smile a little bit and get them out of their own heads,” she says. The primary role of every Shepherd worker, whatever their job title, is to make a stressful time easier for people whose lives have been upended. As patients and their families draw strength from staff, employees are inspired by the determination of patients. 

Ronald Lowe has less direct interaction with patients and families than staff members who clean patient rooms or who serve food in the cafeteria, but that doesn’t stop him from forming connections as he cleans public areas, takes trash to the loading dock, looks after bed linens, and replenishes supplies. “I get to know the patients in the hallways more than anything, like when they’re going to therapy or going to lunch,” Ronald says. “I speak to them. I communicate with them, give them a high-five.”

As patients and their families draw strength from staff, employees are inspired by the determination of the patients. The best part of his job, Ronald says, is seeing patients improve. “Shepherd has a way of turning their lives around, making them feel a whole lot better,” he says.

At 66 years old and after nearly 30 years at Shepherd, he is approaching his planned retirement age, but he’s not counting down the days. “This is such a great environment,” he says, “and it’s such a pleasure to work here, I may go past 67.”

Written by Gayle White

This story is an excerpt from “Mission Moments: 50 Years of Rebuilding Lives One Moment at a Time,” a book celebrating Shepherd’s 50th anniversary in 2025. You can explore the full eBook or purchase a hardcover copy here. 

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.”

In 2024, ShepherdCares was especially meaningful, as it honored now-retired CEO Sarah Morrison in the most fitting way possible—creating a fund that supports employees in times of crisis. “The Sarah Morrison Staff Support Fund was the overwhelming winner in a staff vote of potential beneficiaries,” says Alex Seblatnigg, CAVS, director of volunteer services and internal engagement. “We know anecdotally that when something catastrophic happens in a staff member’s life — like a house fire or some other emergency — people at Shepherd reach into their pockets to help. But we want to make sure as an organization we can support our team members if something like that happens.” All the proceeds from the 2024 campaign went to the staff support fund, and moving forward, 50% of the money raised will go to sustain it. 

“In the 14 years I’ve been here, we have always exceeded our goal by at least 10%,” Alex says of ShepherdCares. “During COVID, we 142 had three of our most successful years. Shepherd staff members always step up and find a way. Our participation usually hovers around 85%.” The money raised covers specific needs, such as buying a fully adaptive van for Shepherd’s driving program or exercise equipment that can be used in both spinal cord and brain injury gyms. “We also have funded a new van for our adolescent program so that when the kids go on community outings, they don’t feel like they’re going out in a granny van,” Alex says. “They feel kind of cool.” 

In 2024, the theme song from the “Toy Story” movie, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” was the perfect rallying cry. Staff physiatrist James “Woody” Morgan, M.D., seemed the obvious choice to become cowboy Woody, while Burnise Charpentier, LMSW, CCM, a case manager in the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation unit, was feisty cowgirl Jessie. William Davidson, director of engineering, filled Buzz Lightyear’s boots, vowing to raise funds to infinity and beyond. ShepherdCares may last only five weeks, but behind the scenes, it is almost a year-round undertaking, beginning in February. An eight-person advisory committee starts by picking a theme, recruiting dozens of honorary ambassadors representing every department, and ordering that year’s participation gift, such as stadium cups, fanny packs, collapsible lunchboxes, and other coveted merch bearing the campaign logo. 

Ever-competitive employees anxiously check out raffle results for fabulous prizes, such as Visa gift cards, a reserved parking space for a month, or two days of paid time off. “Everyone gets most excited about the parking space and the PTO,” Alex says. “But mostly, ShepherdCares is competitive because we want to exceed our goals. I think it says so much to our patients and families about how much we care about what we’re able to do for them. We always want to be able to do more if we can.”

Written by Teresa Weaver

This story is an excerpt from “Mission Moments: 50 Years of Rebuilding Lives One Moment at a Time,” a book celebrating Shepherd’s 50th anniversary in 2025. 

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.

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.

What’s one patient story that has stuck with you? A moment that reminded you why you do this work?  

I have two that come to mind. The first was a man who had an amputation after a motorcycle accident. He was a DJ as a side gig in addition to his normal 9-5. Around that time, I was getting married and asked him to DJ my wedding. It was his first step back into real life, but in a safe, supportive setting. We made sure everything was accessible. It was really special. The second one was a young guy who had just finished playing college baseball and then had a spinal cord injury. There’s such a tremendous identity shift going from college athletics to the real world that was amplified with his SCI. Since I was a college athlete, I really understood that. I knew he wanted to exercise, work hard, and feel like himself again. And that connection made a big difference in his recovery.  

Do you think being able to relate to patients is an important skill for OTs?  

Absolutely. Being a people person and being empathetic are huge. If a patient is short-tempered or frustrated, you have to remember they’re going through one of the hardest times in their life. Building trust is everything. It’s such a gift we get to give at Shepherd.  

What does occupational therapy at Shepherd entail?  

Occupational therapy at Shepherd Center is really about helping patients become as independent as possible with their life skills — things like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. But it goes beyond that. We also focus on what makes them, them. We look at their interests, what their life looked like before their injury, and we make therapy as patient-specific as possible. That’s my favorite part — working on truly meaningful activities and trying to simulate those experiences, even in a hospital setting.  

CRU (Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit) is the smallest inpatient unit in the hospital. I love how tight-knit we are and how diverse the patient diagnoses are. It started out as a med-surg floor but has evolved. Now we serve those with brain injuries, strokes, amputations, spinal cord injuries, post skin-flap surgery, and all kinds of neurological disorders.   

What does occupational therapy look like for a patient after they’ve discharged? What do you provide to help them continue their recovery?  

We will always try to send patients home with a home exercise program. Sometimes it's custom-made, or we use resources from MyShepherdConnection.org. That site has videos and handouts for strengthening exercises. We also teach family members how to assist with stretching, transfers, and activities of daily living, if needed. I often help patients plan out a daily timeline. When you’re inpatient, your schedule is packed. So, going home and having nothing planned can be tough. We talk through structuring their day, conserving energy, and managing expectations. They shouldn’t expect to be back at 100% right away. Most of them will continue therapy through outpatient or a day program.  

How did you get involved in occupational therapy? Was it something you always wanted to do?  

I didn’t come from a family in healthcare, and I did not know OT existed until college. I originally thought I wanted to do nursing, but it didn’t feel like the right fit. I took a career quiz through my undergrad counseling office, and OT came up. I started researching, and it felt like a perfect fit. I played college tennis, and I loved personal training. OT felt almost like personal training for unique populations. I have always been drawn to volunteering; whether that is Best Buddies, Next Stop, or Hope Heals Camp, so this profession all tied together naturally for me. 

What advice would you give to someone considering occupational therapy as a career?   

Shadow as much as you can. OT looks different depending on the setting — schools, the military, outpatient, neuro-rehab, orthopedics, you name it. See the range of possibilities. Also, look inward and ask yourself what kind of extracurriculars or volunteer work you are naturally drawn to. That helped me figure it out. OT kind of found me, in a way. I am forever thankful for the profession of OT, which has allowed me to meet some of the most incredible coworkers, families, and patients.  

Interview by Dominique McPhearson 

In the heart of healing, hope’s embrace,

Shepherd’s mission finds its place.

To mend the broken, both strong and weak,

With courage and dignity, that they seek.

Through trials of injury, and disease’s test,

They guide their way to a future blessed.

They foster dreams that will take them far.

With independence as their guiding star,

In every struggle, and every fight,

They champion inclusion, day and night.

They advocate for a world that’s safe and sound,

Where every soul finds solid ground.

Rebuilding lives with strength anew,

A tapestry of resilience woven through.

With hope as the compass, that leads the way,

For a brighter tomorrow, come what may.

To give quality care with precision

Will always be My Shepherd Mission.

Written by Rickie Bauer

This poem is an excerpt from “Mission Moments: 50 Years of Rebuilding Lives One Moment at a Time,” a book celebrating Shepherd’s 50th anniversary in 2025. 

Rickie Bauer works in Shepherd Center’s Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program. He has written poetry since childhood, though this is his first published work.

Lanza, a sweet-faced Golden Retriever-Labrador mix, jumps gently onto the therapy mat and nuzzles Gunnar Burns, a 16-year-old with a spinal cord injury from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Using a specially adapted brush with a Velcro handle, Gunnar begins stroking the dog’s back.

In Shepherd’s donor-funded Facility Dog Program, even snuggles have a rehabilitative purpose. Facility dogs take part in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and recreational therapy, in addition to providing emotional support and simply bringing joy.

“When you show up with a dog, you get the biggest smile,” says Julie Shepherd, CCM, LMSW, CLCP. “Sometimes you get tears. Even if patients can’t move or feel anything, they get so excited.”

Many patients at Shepherd are motivated to work on skills so they can have a dog when they return home, which means that therapy activities often include leash management—from a power chair, manual chair, walker, or standing—verbalizing commands, grooming, bathing, and picking up poop.

Julie is the daughter and granddaughter of Shepherd Center’s co-founders. She has worked at the center for 15 years, beginning as a case manager. Now she is director of Shepherd’s Founding Family Relations initiative and leads the Facility Dog Program, a labor of love in a proud family legacy.

Therapy dogs are a common sight in the hallways of Shepherd.

“In ICU, we do a lot of comfort visits — for patients and staff,” Julie says. “I think ICU is one of the hardest jobs here. If I know the staff has been having an especially difficult day, Lanza and I will just go hang out there and check on them. And then in the therapy room, the dogs can help with any goals. A patient who needs to work on balance can sit on the edge of the mat and throw toys for the dog to retrieve. Or grooming the dog can help strengthen arms.”

Shepherd’s facility dogs arrive fully trained from Canine Companions®, a nationally accredited nonprofit organization that matches service dogs with individuals with disabilities and professionals in healthcare settings. In the latter case, each dog is assigned to a Shepherd employee, who also goes through extensive training and commits to keeping the dog at their home. 

The emotional benefits of the Facility Dog Program are obvious, as a dozen adolescents gravitate toward the therapy mat where Gunnar is grooming Lanza. One by one, they speak to the dog, pat him on the head, and tell him what a good boy he is.

Gunnar sustained a spinal cord injury in a high school lacrosse game in May 2024. Julie and Lanza visited him during his first week at Shepherd Center, when he was still in the intensive care unit. Gunnar had just lost his dog, Sunny, a few months earlier. “He looked exactly like Lanza,” Gunnar recalls. Gunnar isn’t sure yet whether he wants a new dog when he returns home. But today, he is finding comfort and motivation in the uncomplicated act of brushing a dog. When Julie asks if he needs a break, he shakes his head and says quietly, “My arms won’t ever get tired from doing this.”

Written by Teresa Weaver

“It’s an opportunity to get together and have fun,” says Kyla Mitchell, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, director of human resources and member of Shepherd’s 18-member People Committee, which plans employee events and serves as a voice for the staff. “Employees love bragging rights,” she says, “and humor is one of Shepherd’s values.”

Written by Teresa Weaver

This story is an excerpt from “Mission Moments: 50 Years of Rebuilding Lives One Moment at a Time,” a book celebrating Shepherd’s 50th anniversary in 2025. 

Seeing the level of care Sally Nunnally received at Shepherd Center made a big impact on Virginia’s parents, Gene and Libby Pearce. They became lifelong donors and volunteers at the hospital, with Gene serving two terms on the Foundation Board and Libby being an active member of Women Shaping Shepherd, a group of women who give annually and vote on patient programs to support through their donations. Libby also has a passion for helping people with disabilities get the assistive technology they need to thrive, and together, the couple has a fund supporting the hospital’s facility dog program. 

In addition to their own involvement, Gene and Libby have also shared their love of Shepherd with their three daughters: Elizabeth, Virginia, and Anne. 

After her college graduation, Elizabeth Pearce joined Shepherd Center’s Junior Committee, volunteering with Derby Day. As her career progressed, she shared her business and nonprofit expertise by serving on Shepherd’s Advisory Board, Foundation Board, and, most recently, the Long-Term Planning Committee. She was also a founding member of Women Shaping Shepherd. 

In addition to her board service, Elizabeth hopes to become a volunteer breakfast feeder after retirement. She’s also part of the J. Harold Shepherd Bridge Builders Society, a legacy giving society, ensuring her impact will continue even after she’s gone. “I love the idea that when I die — because we’re all going to — part of what I had in my life will be given to Shepherd Center,” Elizabeth says. “The possibilities are so great — if it’s a troubled time, maybe it fills a hole in the budget, or if it’s not, maybe [the hospital] could invest in something new that it couldn’t afford before.” 

Elizabeth’s sister, Virginia, also got involved with Shepherd through events like Derby Day, Summer in the City, and The Legendary Party. But after becoming an empty nester, she began volunteering at the hospital. Virginia currently volunteers as a gym runner in the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (CRU), where she helps therapists with equipment and spends time with patients during their therapy sessions. 

“Working directly with the patients, working directly with the therapists, it is just unbelievably rewarding,” Virginia says. “It puts everything in perspective. I’ve gotten to know so many of the patients so well, and watching them graduate and get to move on is really special.” 

Anne Pearce Worrell’s involvement began yet another way, by becoming a staff member when she was 23 years old. Starting as a data entry assistant in the Foundation, she saw right away how Shepherd’s family-centered approach permeated throughout the hospital. 

“It always felt like we were one big family, all working toward the same goals. And I think that had a major impact on the patients and their families. They became a part of the Shepherd family, too,” she says. “That founding spirit of family hasn’t just survived, it’s thrived and multiplied, touching countless lives along the way.” 

One of her favorite parts of her role was seeing her team’s work pay off, literally — fundraising efforts from the Shepherd Foundation give patients access to programs like animal-assisted therapy, recreation therapy, family housing, and peer support — services not covered by insurance. In what she describes as a “full circle moment,” Anne and her husband, Andrew, chaired the 2023 Legendary Party. That year’s gala raised $4.4 million for Shepherd, with a record attendance of 645 guests. 

Each of Gene and Libby’s daughters has left their mark on Shepherd, and the next generation of the Pearce family is already getting involved — Virginia’s daughter, Mary Pearce Seawell, interned with the Foundation last fall and is currently a member of the Junior Committee. 

“Shepherd Center has been something that our family has shared, and that’s meant a lot,” Gene shared in a Spinal Column story from 2020. “It will continue to mean something because the gifts we give will live on and help patients and families in the future.” 

By Erin Kenney

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

By Erin Kenney

How long have you worked at Shepherd, and what is your role?

I just hit eight years at Shepherd in January. I am a dietitian, and I primarily work with patients with brain injury, but I also work with some patients with spinal cord injury. I tend to care for patients with brain injuries with lower-level function, so it's a lot heavier on the tube feeding, more mathematical side of stuff — looking at labs, looking at medications — and then also education with patients who have had a stroke, need weight management, or have diabetes.

How did you choose this career?

I have always loved to cook. I love to eat. I'm a big foodie, so when I was exposed to how nutrition can be a big part of the healing process, too, and how it can impact your overall health, it was really interesting. So that initially drew me in — that food can taste good and still be good for you — but also balancing the stuff that tastes good but may not be as good for you because I'm a big believer that nothing's off-limits. Everything can be included in a healthy diet. Sometimes, food is more for the soul than heart health or nourishment, so just educating people on how to balance it all has been a passion of mine.

What made you want to work at Shepherd?

I was working PRN (as needed) at Shepherd and another hospital. Then, I switched over to full-time when a position opened here. I did see — especially working at two hospitals at the same time — a big difference in the quality of care and the interest in nutrition a lot of times, too. In the acute care setting, it would feel like nutrition would be an afterthought. But since we work with patients with traumatic injuries and illnesses at Shepherd, I feel like there’s a lot more interest in nutrition. The families and patients see how nutrition can have such a big impact on the healing process and progression of therapies. The continuation of care is really nice, too — just getting to know the family more deeply here with the extended stay times.

What were your impressions when you first started working at Shepherd?

Since I was PRN, I was in and out, but people remembered me. Even if I'd go long stretches without working, they remembered, at least that I was a nutritionist. Nurses I talked to would care and ask, ‘Oh, where's Jill?’ or ‘Where's Erin?’ when I would be covering for another dietitian. That family camaraderie feeling was one of the big things that stood out to me here.

What was one of your best days at work?

One that comes to mind recently was we had a patient with a sacral wound who had two flap surgeries that failed. He had done everything — he was a healthy weight, he was doing the supplements that we do post-op for skin, his appetite was good. We couldn't figure out why he had two failed flaps. So, we ended up running a test using research called indirect calorimetry. It's a really specialized testing system that not every hospital's lucky enough to have access to. And the patient’s protein needs ended up coming back a good bit higher than we thought. So, we adjusted the nutrition intervention we were doing. We significantly increased his protein supplementation and saw almost overnight improvement in his skin. The team was just so in awe. The wound care nurse came up to me and said, ‘I've never seen skin close five centimeters in a week,’ and the nurse said, ‘You guys did awesome with this!’ So, that was really rewarding to see the difference that you made for the patient. The team was really appreciative of how a small change in a nutrition intervention made a huge impact on this guy's health and healing.

What do you love most about your job?

I really like that I feel like a valued member of my team. I know the nurses and the doctors will come to me, asking questions and looking for advice. They recognize the importance of nutrition, and they want to hear my opinions and thoughts. And the staff I work with — the other dietitians — are great, too. They're super supportive. We’re always asking each other how we can help each other. We're always looking to improve. We've made some changes to the formulas we've carried over the years to make sure we're offering our patients the best. I like that we've been able to make changes and improve the quality of care we're giving patients — and that we're staying up to date with the most updated recommendations for people.

Education

University of Georgia, Bachelor of Science, Dietetics 
Graduate internship for nutrition at Emory University Hospital
Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) certification, 2023

Fun Facts

Allison minored in French.

She has two cats, Kobe and Nessa (short for Vanessa, after Kobe Bryant’s wife).

She and her husband love to travel and have visited close to 20 different countries.

They also love trying new restaurants and have an ongoing list they update with new spots they’d like to try. So far, they’ve visited more than 100 places on their list!

Allison loves to read and reads over 30 books every year.

Interview by Ruth Underwood

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.

I've been at Shepherd for just over three years, and I’m a recreational therapist in the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program. My job is to help people get back into what they like to do for fun and other aspects of their lives, along with their PT (physical therapist), OT (occupational therapist), and speech-language pathologist.

A lot of the goals that I'm trying to help people reach feel really unrealistic to patients because they are still dealing with medical issues and think, ‘There's no way I'm going to be able to do some of these things.’ But it's my job to show them that they can do the things they used to do in their leisure life, or if they can't do it exactly the same way, they can get back to it in an adaptive way.

Another battle is stigma issues. A lot of people don't really want to be seen in a wheelchair just yet or even have that experience where they're not able to get into a chair at a restaurant. It's just something hard to think through. So, we have to push it a little bit and explain why getting out into the community is beneficial. I always encourage patients to try things while they’re here with staff because it's definitely a lot harder when you're by yourself.

What made you want to work at Shepherd?

I went to a conference for recreational therapy that was hosted at Shepherd Center. After that conference, I was like, ‘I need to get a job at Shepherd,’ because the things that the program does are amazing and honestly above a lot of what other facilities are doing.

What do you like most about your job?

One of my favorite parts of my job is the outings that we do here at Shepherd. One of my jobs is community reintegration, showing people that they can get out and about and still go out and do things even if they’re using a wheelchair, a walker, a cane — whatever the adaptive equipment might be. We work with people right after their traumatic injury, and a lot of people haven't even been outside since they've been injured, so I get to take people outside for the first time, which is also one of my favorite parts. People are really thankful when I take them outside, and I tell them, ‘Don't be thankful for this; this is what I'm here for, and we can do this whenever you want.’ It's just great to help people get outside and into fresh air.

How do you introduce recreational therapy to patients?

The first time I meet somebody, I take them on a tour of the hospital and just chitchat with them and get to know them, get to know their interests. And the garden is one of the stops of my tour. I tell them, ‘There's a Chick-fil-A up the street, there's a coffee shop, there's a grocery store, a CVS, the next time we’re together, if you want to get out, let's get out and do something.’ Then I explain that we do evening and weekend outings here as recreational therapists, too. I explain to them how those work, and I really encourage people to get out and about and to take advantage of what we have to offer here.

Describe a great day at work.

We do an outing to the Georgia Aquarium, and the patients get in the tank with the whale sharks. I got to do that with one of my patients, and I was paired with a PT from my team as well. It was nice to do that because you grow a special bond with the people you work with every day, especially in this field. We talk a lot about just life, and we're with the same patients every day. So, it was nice to have that experience with not only somebody I was close with as a coworker but also a patient who I knew pretty well. He was super sick when I first met him, and at this point, he was in the Day Program, and he had come a really long way. Seeing him swimming in a massive fish tank was just a cool experience.

How do you think your role impacts patients and families?

I feel like, as a recreational therapist, my role impacts patients and families a lot because I show them that they can get back to doing things that they used to do
for fun, whether it be sports, gardening, showing them different ways they can paint,
our aquatics program — a lot of people don't realize all the programs we have to offer. Watching family members see their loved ones do those things again, how thankful they are, and how excited their faces are when they see them participating in things is a great part of my job.

Education

• Slippery Rock University, Bachelor of Science, Recreational Therapy

Fun Facts

• At 6’5”, Jacob is the tallest person in his family.
• He has one sister, and they are eleven months apart, so they grew up doing everything together.
• Jacob loves sports and participates in adult volleyball and bowling leagues.
• He grew up on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania and loves to get out on the water, boating, tubing, and jet skiing. 

Interview by Ruth Underwood

What is your role at Shepherd Center, and how did you get started in this role? 

I’m the housing director, and I’ve been here nine years. When I was first introduced to Shepherd, the housing manager at the time took me on a tour. I remember walking down the hallways and her saying “Hi” to everyone and telling me, “We say ‘Hi’ a lot here.” It was very welcoming, and I thought, “This place is awesome. I would like to work here.” 

What does a typical day in your role look like? 

Normally, we evaluate who’s being admit-ted that day, and we plan on greeting those families. In the Irene and George Woodruff Family Residence Center, we house patients in the Day Program and Pathways in addition to families, so we work with the therapists to make sure we have the appropriate equipment in their rooms. We also take care of maintenance with help from engineering. We encourage families to reach out if they see any issues with the apartment. We want to make their stays as positive as possible. 

How does housing impact patients and their families? 

With most hospital stays, you’re relatively close to your hospital, and you’re not there very long. Our patients’ stays are much longer. Having your family member right there with you makes such a huge difference. They’re really grateful. When they come in, they’re so overwhelmed and tired — they’ve been sleeping in an ICU room or traveling back and forth from a hotel or home. They are so happy to have a place close by to stay. 

How has the new Arthur M. Blank Family Residences changed your role? 

It’s been busy and exciting. I’ve been hiring new people and helping train them. The building itself is amazing. And the whole housing team — Willie Brooks, Raeshonna Corder, Patrice Alexander, Carroll Griffin, Aungrae Elliot, Regina Sanders, Rondone Shaw, and Larry Robinson — they're awesome. They just take people under their wings, and they keep this place clean and moving. 

What is one of the biggest challenges you face in your role? 

The most significant challenge was telling someone we couldn’t accommodate them the entire time the patient was here. Before the Blank Family Residences opened [in October], we could only house families for 30 days. So, we had people coming in and out a lot. We worked with them as they would check out and check back in to spread out their days. That’s why it’s so great that we have the new facility, and we’ll be able to house families for the entire time they’re here.

Interview by Erin Kenney

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.”

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.

What is your role at Shepherd Center?

I'm a transition support case manager. We provide education, guidance, support to the families and patients who need extra help after discharge.

The goal is to support positive outcomes, decrease the chances of ER visits and readmissions to the hospital, and help patients regain their independence and feel more confident about their overall care and everything they learned while they were at Shepherd.

What made you want to work at Shepherd?

When I was a nursing student, we did rotations at Shepherd, and I remember this place really stood out to me. The culture was like no other. It had such a family feel. You would see staff going out of their way to do things for the families, the patients, and for me, a student at the time.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

I love my role because you really get to dig in and meet the families, caregivers, and patients where they are. Each patient’s situation is unique depending on the injury, how much support they have, and where they reside. The discharge process can be overwhelming, and it's nice to be that lifeline for them while they're trying to get into the swing of things and reacclimate into the community setting. It's rewarding to help guide patients and family members and be a point of contact where they can truly open up and trust our expertise.

How do you think your role impacts patients and family members?

When patients are in the hospital, if something goes sideways, the families, the caregivers, and the patients themselves feel like, ‘OK, there are plenty of folks here if we need something. We have all the support that we need. We have all the equipment we need. If anything goes wrong, it's just hitting the call light and staff will come.’ But after discharge, it can be really anxiety-provoking for the families or the patients themselves. And seeing the transformation from the very first call to when we discharge services from transition support is really fun. You can hear the confidence. It's empowering for them to know, ‘OK, I think we can do this, and I love being home. I have my true life, my friends, my family, the extension of who I am, what I've been doing beforehand.’ Hearing the joy and the experiences that they're starting to have again is a big deal. It's really rewarding.

What was one of your best days at work?

One of the best days was when a previous patient came back to see me and to share some amazing news — that he was getting married, and he wanted me to attend his wedding. I thought that was really neat because he went through a really tough time when he felt like things weren't going to get better for him. So, seeing him get to experience that joy and know that he was going to continue to live his life to the fullest — that was a really cool day.
 

Education

BS Nursing, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

Fun Facts

Kathleen is from Miami, Florida, but has lived in Georgia most of her life.

She met her wife at Shepherd!

She’s always been involved in sports, and soccer is her passion.

Lionel Messi is her favorite soccer player.