Message from the Executive Director | |
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During this change of seasons, I am reminded that Jodi House members and their families often find themselves living with unexpected and dramatic change. This kind of change can bring extreme hardship and uncertainty.
While Jodi House can't always provide the answers, it is with your support that we continue to be a constant source of comfort and assurance for our members in their continued recovery.
In this month's newsletter, I hope you enjoy learning more about the members, staff, and Board who make our special community what it is. Thank you for being a part of it.
Warmly,
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Lindsey Black
Executive Director
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Jodi House Member Highlight: Gabe | |
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Q: How long have you been a member at Jodi House?
A: I've been a member since 2008.
Q: How did you sustain your brain injury?
A: In 2007, I was working a construction job, and we were filling concrete on a site. I fell about 20 feet into one of the holes onsite, and hit my head. I was in a coma for a month and had to relearn how to walk and talk.
Q: What's your favorite Jodi House Class?
A: It's hard to pick one, but I love Ceramics and Percussion.
Q: What's one tip you have for recovering from a brain injury?
A: Meditation really helps and has helped with my anxiety and anger. I also color mandalas, and that feels like a meditation too because it calms me down.
Q: What's one of your favorite Jodi House memories from all your years as a member?
A: My favorite memories are celebrating birthdays around the long table together!
Q: What's one goal you're working toward right now?
A: I want to get my license back, so I'm studying for my driver's test every day.
Q: What is something that everyone should know about you?
A: I love dogs. We have a bunch of dogs that we've rescued, and some of them are seniors, so I spend a lot of time taking care of them and making sure they feel comfortable and safe.
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Q&A with Jodi House Case Manager Michaela Bostwick | |
Michaela Bostwick, Jodi House Case Manager | |
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Prior to starting as a Jodi House Case Manager, Michaela served as a volunteer and research intern. Since joining the Jodi House team as a staff member, she has helped many of our members achieve their personal recovery goals. When she's not at Jodi House, you can find Michaela surfing, paddling with the Santa Barbara Outrigger Canoe Club, or volunteering with Doctors Without Walls. Learn more about Michaela:
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Jodi House?
A: What I love most about working at Jodi House is that I can’t choose just one answer to this question! I love the people here – our community truly feels like a family – and I love that every day at work is unique, due to the diversity of both our membership and our program.
Q: Can you share a recent case management success?
A: Many of our members are seeking mental health services in town, but face difficulty finding providers who are versed in brain injury as well. Recently, I connected a case management member with a local therapy group that takes her insurance. During her phone intake, I sat with her, helping her articulate her thoughts if and when she wanted my assistance.
Q: What is something people might not know about brain injury that you would want them to know?
A: Every brain injury is unique. Symptoms manifest differently for every survivor, and they are all valid. Just as symptoms are unique, so too are recoveries. I’ve learned from Jodi House members that recovery from brain injury is not a “return to normal,” but rather, learning how to adapt to a new way of navigating life, often with newfound perspective and resilience.
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Instructor Highlight: Jessie Hernandez | |
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Our newest in-person class, Posture & Stability, has quickly become one of our most attended classes! Led by Jessie Hernandez, Posture & Stability focuses on balance, core strength, stability, and proper posture. Jessie is a Fitness and Holistic Health Coach, and is passionate about helping people enjoy health so they can do the things they love. As a soccer player, Jessie has also had her own experience with brain injury, which allows her to connect with our members on a deeper level:
"I have had several concussions and know how challenging it can be to reestablish healthy habits after major injuries, especially injuries that affect your brain. I am so happy to bring together different aspects of my own training in psychology, strength training, health coaching and injury recovery to help others get moving again after their own challenging injuries. It feels very special to me to be a part of Jodi House and the services they provide."
We are so happy to have Jessie as part of our community!
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Jessie Hernandez, Fitness & Health Coach | |
Join us October 26th at MOXI Sky Garden! | |
Jodi House's annual event at MOXI Museum is just a few weeks away! We welcome you to join us on the rooftop at sunset to sip, savor, and learn how we are supporting brain injury survivors in our community and beyond. Individual tickets are $65 and are available for purchase using the link below. We anticipate that this event will sell out again this year so buy your tickets now! | |
Presentation Recap: Nutrition & Exercise for Brain Health | | |
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Brain health is complex and multifaceted, but the lifestyle choices we make about how we eat and how we move our bodies can have a significant impact. In September, ElizaBeth Alexander, Jodi House Board Member and Certified Personal Trainer, spoke to our members about how to promote cognitive and mental health through nutrition and exercise. Below are some key takeaways from this informative presentation:
- Important components in a brain-healthy diet include sufficient protein, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins & minerals, and adequate hydration.
- Being mindful of your consumption of processed foods, alcohol & sugary drinks, fried foods, and red meat can support long-term brain health.
- The recommended level of exercise after a brain injury is 3-5x per week at a moderate intensity for a duration of 20-60 minutes.
- Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and increases the level of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is a key molecule involved in neuroplasticity.
- The mode of exercise will look different for everyone, and intensity is relative to the individual.
- Some activity is better than no activity, and choose exercise that feels good for you and your body.
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Save the Date: Halloween Hullabaloo on October 31st! | | |
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Happy (almost) Halloween! Join us in celebrating one of the most memorable holidays of the year with fun costumes, good food, and great company. Whether your costume is spooky, funny, or creative, we are excited to see it! This year, we will have both virtual and in-person celebrations. The virtual party will take place at 11 AM via Zoom, and the in-person party and potluck will take place at 1:30 PM at Jodi House. For those attending the in-person party, please bring your favorite entrée, side dish, or dessert to share with the group. Friends and family are welcome! We hope to see you there and can't wait to see your costume! | |
Transcendental Meditation Presentation | | |
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Wednesday, October 11th at 12 PM
Via Zoom
| Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a highly studied form of meditation that involves the use of mantras to calm your mind. Benefits of regular TM practice include decreased stress and anxiety, enhanced brain function, improved cardiovascular health, pain reduction, and so much more. Mark Hersey, a Certified TM Teacher, will introduce us to TM, the research behind it, and some techniques you can begin implementing. We hope you can join us via Zoom! | | | | |
