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The Wheelchair Roundtable -Crushing Stigmas One Episode At A Time

Rico Segovia ATP, S.J. Cimijotti, DPT , & Jody Bennett WABC CEO.

Welcome to The Wheelchair Roundtable, where real talk meets real stories. Hosted by Rico Segovia ATP, SJ Cimijotti DPT, and Jody Bennet World Adaptive Boxing Council CEO. This is the podcast where lived experience and clinical expertise collide in the best way possible.

Each episode takes you into the world of people who have not only faced life-changing injuries but who now roll forward with purpose, power, and perspective. We shine a spotlight on wheelchair users, families, clinicians, case managers, and manufacturers — all the voices that make up this diverse and dynamic community.

From navigating independence and accessibility, to exploring the latest in assistive tech, to sharing raw, unfiltered conversations about the highs and lows of life on wheels — this isn’t just another podcast. It’s a movement, a mindset, and a roundtable where everyone has a seat.

Join us as we break barriers, challenge assumptions, and celebrate resilience — all with heart, humor, and a whole lot of humanity.

The Wheelchair Roundtable Podcast.-Crushing Stigmas One Episode At A Time

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S4 · E10
Today · 1 hr 27 min
From Adversity to Purpose: Brian Swift's Mission to Help Others SOAR
What happens when life takes an unexpected turn at just 17 years old? For Brian Swift, a football accident the day after Christmas changed everything—but it didn't get the final say. In this powerful, no-holds-barred episode of The Wheelchair Round Table, Rico and Jody sit down with Brian “The Quadfather” Swift for a conversation about resilience, identity, faith, and what it really means to overcome adversity. We tackle a tough question: When did the words “disabled” and “handicapped” become negative, and who gets to decide what defines us? From Brian's life-changing spinal cord injury to the challenges he faced pursuing a law degree, transitioning into the corporate world, and finding success in sales, his story reminds us that sometimes the road we didn't plan becomes the road that leads us to our purpose. Brian also opens up about his journey as an author, the inspiration behind his writing, and the coping skills and mindset that have helped him navigate life's toughest challenges. We dive into a powerful question that makes you stop and think: Does hope restore faith, or does faith restore hope? And the conversation doesn't stop with inspiration. Brian shares the mission behind SOAR (Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation), the nonprofit he founded to help people with disabilities access adaptive equipment and experience the freedom, connection, and joy of outdoor recreation. He also offers support and encouragement to listeners who may be facing obstacles of their own. This is more than a conversation about disability. It's about challenging labels, finding purpose, building resilience, and learning to move forward when life doesn't go according to plan. 🎙️ The Wheelchair Round Table — Crushing stigmas one episode at a time. Contact Us: host@wcroundtable.com Brian P. Swift, JD https://www.brianpswift.com Amazon Author Page https://smile.amazon.com/Brian-P-Swift/e/B00G008SS0/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 Website: https://www.soarnonprofit.com SOAR Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/6691078564260622/ SOAR Breaking Barriers Podcast https://youtu.be/KA_tZ-89UkA?si=-7LVDEAm5eCQ7KlA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-p-s-7b2a8010/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-p-swift-jd-t-7b2a8010/ IG: The Quadfather https://www.instagram.com/thee__quadfather/ FB: Brian P. Swift, JD https://www.facebook.com/brian.p.swift.jd
S4 · E9
Monday · 1 hr 33 min
Life Changed Twice. Faith Never Left.-With Victoria Burmeister
What happens when life changes in a split second—and then challenges you all over again decades later? On this episode of The Wheelchair Round Table, we sit down with Victoria to discuss a remarkable journey of resilience, faith, and discovering new lessons through life’s toughest challenges. At just 19 years old, Victoria suffered a C3-C4 spinal cord injury in a car accident on October 17, 1987. Despite a devastating prognosis, she spent the next 38 years proving that other people’s expectations don’t have to determine your future. Years later, she faced another life-changing challenge: a hemorrhagic stroke at the base of her brainstem. Her stroke recovery taught her lessons that her spinal cord injury recovery never could. But this conversation goes far beyond injury and rehabilitation. We tackle a thought-provoking question: When did the words “handicap” and “disability” become negative? Who gets to decide how we describe ourselves, and how much do the words we use shape the way society sees people? Victoria also shares how faith has helped her navigate difficult seasons, discusses the positive impacts she has experienced with LifeWave X39, and opens up about her work as an author and speaker. Jody brings his own perspective on the pressure to stay positive, especially on social media. He shares why maintaining a constant image of positivity became overwhelming—and why he ultimately stepped away from a large social media following to protect his own well-being. This is an honest conversation about faith, identity, recovery, mental health, and the reality that nobody can be positive every single day. Victoria’s story reminds us that our circumstances may change our lives, but they don’t get to define who we become. 🎙️ The Wheelchair Round Table — Crushing stigmas, one episode at a time. Email: Host@wcroundtable.com Facebook: facebook.com/VAllen5 TikTok: @Lady_vick5 IG: we_all_have_a_different_walk http://lifewave.com/victoriaallen Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
S4 · E8
October 13 · 43 min
No Limits, Just Getting Started — with Carlos Murillo
What happens when a childhood filled with challenges, rejection, and feeling different becomes the fuel to change the way the world sees disability? Meet Carlos Murillo. On this episode of The Wheelchair Round Table, we sit down with Carlos to talk about growing up with spina bifida, navigating life as a wheelchair user, and the emotional toll of feeling left out, struggling to make friends, and being treated differently as a kid. Those experiences left a lasting mark on Carlos, shaping how he sees the world and fueling his determination to educate others about disability. Instead of letting those experiences define his future, Carlos decided to become part of the change. He's stepping up as an advocate, sharing his story, and building his platform through Rolling with Carlos Productions. With this being his fifth podcast appearance in a short period, Carlos is making it clear that he's got something to say—and he's not slowing down anytime soon. And when we say Carlos has no limits, we mean it! From adaptive basketball, archery, tennis, and skateboarding to zip lining and scuba diving, Carlos is out there proving that adventure doesn't stop at the wheelchair. He shares his experiences in adaptive sports, his drive to try new things, and his mission to challenge the assumptions people make about individuals with disabilities. But just when you think he's done it all, Jody Bennett throws down a new challenge: wheelchair boxing! That invitation sparks something in Carlos, opening the door to another opportunity to push boundaries and prove himself. This is a conversation about overcoming rejection, turning pain into purpose, finding your voice, and refusing to let other people's perceptions dictate your life. Carlos isn't waiting for the world to change—he's getting out there and helping change it himself. The Wheelchair Round Table — Crushing stigmas one episode at a time. contact WcRT: host@wcroundtable.com Facebook: Carlos Murillo IG: carlos_murillo1994 beacon.ai/carlos_murillo1994
S4 · E7
October 8 · 1 hr 16 min
Access for All: The Heart of Texas with Kyzia Wunderlich
In this episode of The Wheelchair Round Table, we sit down with Kyzia Wunderlich, Executive Director of The Heart of Texas, for a conversation about disability, accessibility, advocacy, and the journey that brought her to where she is today. Kyzia shares the story behind her path to becoming Executive Director of The Heart of Texas and the mission that drives her work: helping wheelchair users discover fun, accessible events and adventures they can enjoy with family and friends—while also helping businesses understand what real accessibility looks like. We talk about her work with Heart of Texas TV, Monkey Business with the Wunderlichs, and the Houston Accessibility Guide, along with her experiences exploring accessibility throughout Houston. Kyzia also takes us behind the scenes of what it means to become Mrs. Heart of Texas—including the requirement that contestants have a disability platform and use their voice to create awareness and positive change. But the conversation goes deeper. WcRT and Kyzia tackle a question that affects all of us: Why are people uncomfortable around people with disabilities? Is it fear? Lack of exposure? Not knowing what to say? Or simply the way society has traditionally portrayed disability? This episode challenges listeners to look beyond the wheelchair, move past the awkwardness, and start seeing the person first. Because accessibility isn't just about ramps, doors, or parking spaces. It's about creating a world where everyone feels welcome, included, and free to participate. 🎙️ The Wheelchair Round Table — Crushing Stigmas, One Episode at a Time. Contact us at: host@wcroundtable.com Kyzia Social Media IG: wunderlichmonkies Facebook: Kyzia Wunderlich www.theheartoftexas.com www.msheartoftexaspageant.com msheartoftexaspageant@gmail.com
S4 · E6
September 29 · 59 min
Pain in the Butt Syndrome — with Thomas Moon
What happens when you stop trying to make disability look inspirational—and start calling out the BS? The Wheelchair Round Table, sits down with professional keynote speaker, author of The Squeaky Wheelchair, and disability advocate Thomas Moon for a conversation about self-advocacy, independence, and refusing to quietly accept barriers that shouldn’t exist in the first place. Living with cerebral palsy, Thomas brings a refreshingly unapologetic perspective to disability. He talks about his philosophy of “Pain in the Butt Syndrome,” why sometimes you have to make some noise to get heard, and the importance of challenging systems built around compliance rather than people. We dig into institutional barriers, accessibility, self-advocacy, and the problem with what Thomas calls “inspiration porn.” This isn't a conversation about feeling sorry for yourself—or pretending every challenge is a beautiful journey. It’s about speaking up, pushing back, demanding better, and knowing when being a pain in the butt is exactly what the situation requires. Because sometimes the squeaky wheel isn't broken. It just wants to be heard. 🎙️ The Wheelchair Round Table — Real People. Real Stories. Crushing Stigmas. One Episode at a Time. Facebook: TJ Moon IG: tj.wheelchair Youtube: @tjwheelchair www.disabilityspeaker.org
S4 · E5
September 27 · 1 hr 55 min
Don’t Mess With My Independence — A Conversation with Spencer Blomquist
Spencer Blomquist has spent nearly 18 years navigating life as a quadriplegic and he has learned that independence isn't something you simply receive. Sometimes, you have to fight for it. On this episode of The Wheelchair Round Table, Rico, SJ, Jody, and Spencer dive into the real-world battles that come with disability, from healthcare and caregiving to accessible travel and financial independence. Spencer opens up about his fight with Humana to protect the 24-hour care and caregivers he depends on, and why losing those services isn't simply an inconvenience—it can directly impact a person's ability to live independently. We also talk about ABLE United savings programs and how people with disabilities can use financial tools to plan for their futures without giving up the independence they've worked so hard to build. Then things take a turn toward adventure. Spencer is an accessible travel specialist and travel agent who helps people with disabilities navigate the complicated world of accessible cruising. With that expertise, Rico and Spencer start planning a Wheelchair Round Table cruise for Jody—because apparently putting a wheelchair user and a travel agent on a cruise ship sounded like a good idea. And of course, the conversation doesn't stop there. We get into disability advocacy, peer mentoring, accessible travel, independence, and the importance of making sure people with disabilities have a seat at the table when decisions affecting their lives are being made. Jody also opens up about the possibility of running for Congress, leading to a bigger conversation about disability representation, advocacy, and what it means when people with lived experience decide to step into the political arena. This is a conversation about fighting for your independence, knowing your rights, planning your next adventure—and having a damn good time along the way. Real people. Real stories. Real advocacy. Welcome to another conversation on The Wheelchair Round Table. Facebook: Spencer Blomquist Youtube: @WheelieAwesomeAdventures expediacrusises.com/en-US/SpencerBlomquist *******🎥 Technical Note: We lost Spencer and SJ’s video feeds halfway through the episode—but the conversation kept rolling! Technology happens. 😂*******
S4 · E4
September 8 · 1 hr 49 min
The Hardest Chapter Doesn’t Decide How Your Story Ends: The Karla Ruelas Story
The Hardest Chapter Doesn’t Decide How Your Story Ends: The Karla Ruelas Story In this powerful episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we sit down with Karla Ruelas to talk about the woman she was before the wheelchair, the battles nobody could see, and the journey that changed her life forever. Before her injury, Karla was a college graduate, interior designer, athlete, and independent young woman building her life in Houston TX. But behind that independence, she was also dealing with clinical depression. Then, on August 21, 2021, at just 28 years old, Karla was involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. She survived with a C5-C6 complete spinal cord injury. Karla takes us through the accident, the uncertainty of those first days, rehabilitation at Memorial Hermann, Kindred, and TIRR, and the difficult reality of coming home and becoming dependent on her parents again. But this isn't just a story about paralysis. It's about depression, identity, family, independence, and learning how to find yourself again. Karla opens up about rebuilding her relationship with her parents, redefining what independence means, confronting the emotional challenges of life after injury, and discovering the strength to keep moving forward. And we lighten things up with a rapid-fire showdown between the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Houston! This is a conversation about resilience, family, mental health, and the realization that the hardest chapter of your life doesn't get to decide how your story ends. 🎧 Listen, share, and join the conversation. The Wheelchair Roundtable — Crushing Stigmas, One Episode At A Time! Tik Tok: karlaarue IG: karlaarue Facebook: Karla Rue email the show at: host@wcroundtable.com
S4 · E3
August 28 · 2 hr 20 min
What’s Changing for Wheelchair Users? Medicare, Airlines, WABC & a Whole Lot of Laughs
In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, it’s just the three of us — Rico, Jody, and S.J. — and we’re covering some big issues that could directly impact wheelchair users. We break down the new Medicare prior authorization changes being discussed for ultralightweight manual wheelchairs, what they could mean for people who rely on complex mobility equipment, and why these changes matter. Then we turn our attention to the Department of Transportation and the proposed changes affecting airlines and wheelchair users, including the growing discussion around airline liability and responsibility when a wheelchair is damaged, lost, or needs to be replaced. We also talk WABC, adaptive sports, and what’s happening in the world of wheelchair athletics. But this episode isn’t all policy and serious conversation. With no guest this week, you get the three of us doing what we do best — talking, debating, joking around, and having a few laughs. Rico and Jody get into a conversation that takes some unexpected turns, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the best podcast moments happen when we’re just being ourselves. Rico also takes a moment to reflect on the Quadfather’s injury, the impact it had on him personally, and how that experience helped inspire the creation of The Wheelchair Roundtable in the first place. Important information. Real conversations. A little controversy. A lot of personality. Just Rico, Jody, and S.J. — and an episode you’re going to want to hear. Email us: host@wcroundtable.com IG: wcroundtable2025
S4 · E2
August 23 · 1 hr 31 min
The Boy Who Had to Grow Up Overnight: The Donny Wright Story
Donny Wright’s story is a powerful reminder that life can change in a moment—but that moment doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. In 1978, Donny was just 15 years old. A motorcycle ride that happened because of a simple change of plans would forever change his life. Donny suffered a devastating spinal cord injury, underwent two open-heart surgeries, and faced the unimaginable loss of his friend Ricky Grammar that same day. But this episode isn’t just about the accident. It’s about what happened after. We take Donny from those early days of recovery and rehabilitation at Rancho Los Amigos, to the people who helped shape his mindset, to the spiritual experiences that stayed with him for decades. We hear the incredible story of his journey to Mazatlán and the experience that would give him a completely different perspective on the events of his life. And then… Donny becomes a sports badass. 💪 We all talk with Donny about adaptive sports, competition, becoming an athlete, becoming a mechanic, figuring out how to do things differently, and refusing to accept the words “you can’t.” Together, Jody, Rico, and SJ take Donny on a journey back to that 15-year-old kid who had no idea what his future would hold—and explore the incredible man he would become. This is a story about loss, survival, faith, resilience, reinvention, and ownership. Most importantly, it’s a story about understanding that your circumstances may change your path—but they don't get to decide where the road ends. Email: host@wcroundtable.com
S4 · E1
August 16 · 1 hr 27 min
The Las Vegas Era Begins: New City. New Host. Same Mission.
Season 4 Premiere — The Wheelchair Roundtable Podcast Season 4 is here, and we’re kicking things off with some big changes and even bigger conversations. In this episode, we talk about the Quad-Father taking a well-deserved break from the show and introduce our new in-person co-host, Jody Bennett — WABC Heavyweight Wheelchair Boxing Champion, CEO, and adaptive athlete. Jody takes us inside the world of adaptive football, sharing what it’s like playing for the NFL-approved Las Vegas Raiders Wheelchair Football team and what adaptive sports mean for athletes looking to compete, challenge themselves, and redefine what’s possible. SJ also brings the conversation back to the Rio Grande Valley, talking about the growth of adaptive sports and the opportunities being created for athletes in South Texas. And then we turn the microphone over to you. We close the episode by answering questions from our listeners — and these aren’t easy questions. They’re real, personal, and heavy, leading to some of the most honest conversations we’ve had on the show. New season. New co-host. New perspectives. Same mission: real people, real stories, and real conversations that drive change. Welcome to Season 4 of The Wheelchair Roundtable. Email us at: host@wcroundtable.com
S3 · E8
July 17 · 2 hr 30 min
Antonio "The Roller" – Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future
What happens when life gives you a second chance? In this powerful episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we sit down with Antonio "The Roller" for an honest conversation about redemption, resilience, and refusing to let your past define your future. Antonio shares his journey from going to prison at just 17 years old to sustaining a life-changing spinal cord injury and learning to navigate life with hand controls and a wheelchair. Along the way, he opens up about the people who helped shape his new perspective—including his beloved grandmother, "Grand Dog." Joining the conversation, Dr. San Juanita Cimijotti and The Quad Father break down what muscle spasms really are, why they happen after a spinal cord injury, and how they impact everyday life. Their clinical insight, combined with Antonio's lived experience, creates an educational discussion that's both informative and relatable. This episode is filled with laughter, hard truths, inspiration, and real conversations about accountability, forgiveness, perseverance, and finding purpose after life's biggest setbacks. No matter where you've been or what obstacles you're facing, this conversation is a reminder that your greatest chapters can still be ahead of you. Because your story isn't defined by your worst decision—it's defined by what you choose to do next. IG: holditdowntx IG: rollercycles ridewiththeroller@gmail.com management@holditdowntx.com IG: wcroundtable2025
S3 · E7
June 17 · 2 hr 14 min
From USS Saratoga to Spinal Cord Injury: Izzy’s Story of Survival
In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we sit down with Izzy for a powerful and deeply human conversation about survival, service, and rebuilding life after unimaginable turning points. Izzy shares his time in the United States Navy aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60) during the era of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, reflecting on the intensity of military life and the experiences that shaped his early adulthood. He also recounts a life-altering moment at just 19 years old a split second decision to step out of a ferry line that ultimately saved his life when the ferry sank, claiming the lives of 21 sailors, some of them his friends. Years later, after building a full life and career, Izzy faced another defining moment: a spinal cord tumor at the T1 level that led to paralysis. A second MRI confirmed the diagnosis, forcing him to rebuild his understanding of identity, independence, and purpose from the ground up. This conversation explores survival, loss, faith, military service, and what it truly means to adapt when life changes without warning. Izzy’s story is one of resilience not just in surviving life’s hardest moments, but in continuing to move forward after them. Tune in for an episode that reminds us how quickly life can change, and how powerful it is when we choose to keep going. Facebook: Isidro Sanchez IG: izysanchez69 Custom Embroidery i.j.embroidery423@gmail,com Support Veteran Owned Business
S3 · E6
June 5 · 1 hr 20 min
Catching Up with Eric: Remembering Mom, Mental Health, and Moving Forward
Episode Description In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we reconnect with Eric as he shares life updates since his last appearance on the show, including the heartbreaking loss of his mother and the impact it has had on his mental health journey. Together, we have an honest conversation about grief, depression, resilience, and the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced within the disability community. Eric opens up about navigating life after spinal cord injury while coping with loss, the importance of seeking support, and why mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. This episode is a reminder that strength isn't just about overcoming physical obstacles—it's also about facing emotional struggles and continuing to move forward one day at a time. Whether you're living with a disability, supporting a loved one, or dealing with your own mental health challenges, Eric's story offers insight, encouragement, and hope. We wrap up the episode with a fun and engaging rapid-fire Q&A session featuring Eric and the Quad Father, covering everything from life lessons and personal reflections to a few laughs along the way. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about loss, healing, mental health, and the power of community. Facebook: Eric Rodriguez IG: wcroundtable2025
S3 · E5
May 26 · 1 hr 5 min
From Bedbound to Champion: Michael Divel’s Comeback Story
At 22 years old, Michael Divel experienced a life-changing spinal cord injury after a tragic accident at a Fourth of July party left him with a T-12 complete SCI. What followed was not only the challenge of paralysis, but a brutal years-long fight against a stage 4 pressure wound complicated by MRSA and bone infection — resulting in 10 skin flap surgeries, months confined to bed, and some of the darkest moments of his life. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the realities of pressure relief, pressure wounds, wheelchair seating, and survival after spinal cord injury. Rico Segovia ATP/QRP also breaks down the insurance criteria surrounding pressure relief equipment and custom wheelchair cushions, explaining why proper seating technology can literally become lifesaving for wheelchair users. Despite years of setbacks, Michael refused to quit. Today, he’s back competing at the highest level of adaptive sports and helped lead the Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks to a 2025 NWBA Championship. We first met Michael at the Ocean Drive 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Corpus Christi, and after hearing his story, we knew this conversation needed to be shared. This episode is about resilience, pressure wound awareness, adaptive sports, mental toughness, and the relentless mindset required to keep moving forward when life changes forever. Please welcome Michael Divel. Facebook: Michael Divel IG: wcroundtable2025
S3 · E4
May 18 · 1 hr 33 min
“Get Up, Mom” – Alma Lee’s Fight for Survival
In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Corpus Christi TX native Alma Lee Garcia, a disability advocate whose life changed forever at just 24 years old after surviving a violent home invasion. Alma was shot in the neck with a 9mm round that entered the left front side of her neck and exited through her right scapula, leaving her with a T6 incomplete spinal cord injury. Doctors at Memorial Hospital gave her only 18–24 hours to live as she remained in a coma for a week. But everything changed when she heard the voice of her son saying, “Get up, mom.” That moment sparked her fight for survival. Alma opens up about the physical and emotional challenges that followed, including living with autonomic dysreflexia, navigating mental health struggles, and learning to accept a completely new way of life. She shares the daily realities of living with a spinal cord injury while finding strength, purpose, and resilience through advocacy and community involvement. We also discuss her work with WAVE in Corpus Christi, where she continues to empower and advocate for individuals with disabilities throughout South Texas. As someone from our own backyard here in Corpus Christi, Alma brings an honest, raw, and uplifting conversation that will leave listeners inspired by her perseverance and determination. Facebook: Alma Lee IG: almalee_361
S3 · E3
May 10 · 1 hr 30 min
Real Talk About Physical Therapy Careers | PTA vs DPT with Henry Falcon PTA, CCI, MBA, CSCS
We are joined by Henry C. Falcon, JR., PTA, CCI, MBA, CSCS, and take a deep dive into the world of Physical Therapy — from the evolution of the profession in the 1990s to where it’s headed in today’s healthcare landscape. Henry shares his journey into PT, the lessons learned over decades in the field, and what it takes to build a long-lasting career in rehabilitation. The conversation breaks down the real differences between the PTA and DPT paths, including schooling, scope of practice, pay scales, burnout, and the realities clinicians face in today’s healthcare system. SJ brings valuable insight into the DPT perspective while Henry offers the experienced voice of someone who has worked across multiple settings and built his own practice. The crew also discusses the future growth of the Rio Grande Valley medical community, opportunities for young professionals entering healthcare, and what employers are really looking for in new graduates. The episode closes with a fun Q&A session where Rico opens up about what inspired him to start The Wheelchair Roundtable Podcast and the mission behind giving healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates a platform to share real stories and real experiences. Whether you’re a student considering Physical Therapy, a clinician navigating the profession, or someone passionate about the future of healthcare in the RGV, this episode delivers honest insight, education, and laughs along the way. Henrycfalcon@msn.com IG: wcroundtable2025
S3 · E2
May 1 · 1 hr 38 min
When It’s Personal: Education, Epilepsy, and a Mother’s Voice with Yvette Barrera-Molina
In this episode, we sit down with Yvette Barrera-Molina, an educational diagnostician with over 20 years of experience supporting students with disabilities and their families. Yvette began her career as a special education teacher and has since dedicated her work to evaluation, eligibility, and developing meaningful instructional plans that truly support student success. We take a deep dive into the critical role diagnosticians play within the education system—helping identify student needs, guiding families, and collaborating with educators to create pathways for growth. Yvette also breaks down key insights on dyslexia and ADHD, offering clarity on how these challenges present in the classroom and why early identification matters. A big part of our conversation focuses on the role teachers play in recognizing early signs of developmental and learning differences, and how those observations can change the trajectory of a child’s education. What makes this conversation especially powerful is Yvette’s personal journey. As a mother, she shares the story of her son Ethan, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as an infant and has undergone multiple brain surgeries due to severe seizures. Through that experience, Yvette brings a deeply personal perspective to her work—one that goes beyond professional expertise and into true advocacy. She also discusses her involvement with the Epilepsy Foundation of Central South Texas and how she continues to be a voice for families here in the Rio Grande Valley. This is a conversation about education, advocacy, resilience, and the power of understanding every child’s unique journey. Yvette, thank you for being here and for sharing your story with us. IG: @youniquediag Facebook: Yvette Barrerra-Molina TikTok: Yvette B. Molina YvetteBMolina@gmail.com
S3 · E1
April 29 · 1 hr 27 min
From Life-Changing Accident to Life-Changing Mindset: With Mason Branstrator
On this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we’re joined by Mason Branstrator —an athlete, creator, and powerful voice for resilience whose life changed in an instant, but whose purpose only grew stronger. At just 17 years old, Mason sustained a spinal cord injury in a skiing accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. But what followed wasn’t the end of his story — it was the beginning of a new one. From intensive rehab to rediscovering independence through his wheelchair, Mason leaned into challenge, adaptation, and ultimately, transformation. Today, Mason is not only thriving — he’s pushing limits. From adaptive sports like hand cycling and surfing to completing a marathon in a racing chair, he’s redefining what’s possible and showing the world that a wheelchair is not a limitation, but a gateway to freedom. Through his growing social media presence, Mason shares the real, unfiltered moments of life with a disability — from daily routines to outdoor adventures — inspiring hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. His mission is simple but powerful: help others see possibility, no matter their circumstances. Mason’s story isn’t just about overcoming — it’s about evolving, adapting, and leading from the front. link.me/mason_branstrator mason@kannco.com IG: Mason_branstrator FB: Mason Branstrator
S2 · E15
April 19 · 1 hr 23 min
Unbreakable: The Peter Berry story
Today’s episode is a powerful reminder of what resilience truly looks like—and we’re joined by guest host S.J. Cimijotti, DPT, bringing clinical insight and perspective to the conversation. At just 10 years old, Peter Berry’s life was forever changed by a tragic car accident that left him and his brother paralyzed, injured his sister, and took the lives of both of his parents. It’s the kind of moment that could define a life—but for Peter, it became the beginning of a new one. Now 24, Peter is a professional wheelchair basketball player competing in Germany, driven by a relentless mindset and a clear goal: representing Team USA at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. In this episode, we dive into Peter’s journey through recovery, the role of family and support systems, and how discovering wheelchair basketball gave him not just purpose—but direction. Alongside S.J.’s expertise in rehabilitation, we explore the physical and mental resilience required to rebuild after trauma, the discipline behind competing at an elite level, and what it truly means to keep moving forward. This isn’t just a story about sports—it’s about perspective, growth, and the decision to rise, no matter the circumstances. Let’s get into it. IG: p_dawg31
S2 · E14
April 14 · 1 hr 14 min
Behind the Scenes of Recovery: A Case Manager’s Perspective with Esmer Perez LBSW, MSW, CART
In this episode, we sit down with Esmer Perez LBSW, MSW, CART, a dedicated case manager at a Health Rehabilitation Hospital, to break down what really happens after a life-changing injury or illness. Esmer gives us an inside look at the critical role of a case manager—often acting as the “in-house attorney”—guiding patients and families through one of the most complex and emotional healthcare journeys. From the moment a patient is admitted, she helps coordinate care, navigate funding sources, and ensure every piece of the recovery plan is aligned. We dive into the importance of therapy in regaining independence and how physicians, therapists, and caregivers work together behind the scenes to support each patient’s progress. Esmer also sheds light on the difficult realities of healthcare—what happens when a patient doesn’t have insurance, and how funding directly impacts the equipment and services that can be provided. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone wanting a clear, honest look at the rehab process and the road to recovery after a life-altering event.

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