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- Claudia GonzalezTBI AmbassadorRoleAthletic Trainer and PhD Student in Rehabilitation CounselingLocationTexasFun Facts
Claudia has a deep appreciation for sports and the impact it can have across communities. When she is not involved in sports you may catch Claudia at a Lionel Richie concert, reading, traveling, spending time by a pool or beach, or watching Star Trek.
Claudia's Journey with TBI
Born in Mexico, Claudia is a first-generation college student in her family. She was an athletic trainer for 10 years before pursuing her PhD in rehabilitation counseling. In her time as an athletic trainer, Claudia observed misconceptions about concussion by athletes, their families and professionals. She understands the need for athletic trainers to have evidence-based research and resources to inform concussion protocols, as well as athletes to have the resources they need when struggling with physical and mental health or other issues stemming from concussion.
Why does Claudia want to be an ambassador?
Claudia wants to advocate for athletic trainers who don't get to see high quality resources like the MSKTC resources as much as they should. As a MSKTC ambassador, Claudia wishes to increase her capacity to support and advocate for athletes suffering concussion, spinal cord injury, and other injuries. By being an ambassador to share MSKTC evidence-based resources, she can help athletes, athletic trainers, and their family members to better understand and manage concussion.
What has Claudia done as an ambassador?
Claudia has shared MSKTC resources via social media channels. She also worked with a friend to include a story about the MSKTC resources in the bimonthly newsletter of the Valley Athletic Trainers Association. Claudia is currently working with a colleague on a concussion protocol which will be informed by some of the resources from MSKTC. They plan to give presentations to coaches and athletic trainers and share the MSKTC resources to help them better support athletes with concussion and other injuries.
- George A. Serrano MartinezTBI AmbassadorRoleVocational Rehabilitation SpecialistLocationTampa, FLFun Facts
George is a happily married family man with an amazing wife and two children. Though George’s main focus is his family and creating great memories, George enjoys music, video games, and anything Star Wars. George endeavors to give back to his community by volunteering, often with fellow veterans and patients to continue advocating the importance of community integration and social interactions.
George’s Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Journey
George A. Serrano Martinez is a United States Navy Veteran and has been a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with the Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program at James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital in Tampa since 2020. Due to his own brain injury-related needs that led to his retirement from military service, George has found a passion in working with brain injury patients and helping them cope with a world that so often misunderstands invisible injuries. George works within an interdisciplinary team of experts that assist veterans in transitioning back into their communities post-brain injury, including active-duty service members, retirees, and veterans. George serves our nation's heroes with assistance in returning to work, volunteering in the community, and/or ensuring veterans have all the resources available for an acceptable quality of life. As a result of his prior service, George’s dedication to helping his fellow veterans meet their goals and enjoy their lives is not just a professional pursuit, but personally fulfilling.
What does George think of the quality/usefulness of MSKTC resources?
George was enamored by the wealth of resources available on the MSKTC website. MSKTC provides a myriad of resources for brain injury patients, covering many different needs, allowing George to emphasize and expand education to patients, family members, caregivers, fellow staff, and Vocational Rehabilitation interns. With this material being research-based and peer-reviewed, it allows veterans and their families to be better prepared for their future, and it allows them to be able to receive education regarding their specific needs. The website is easy to maneuver and user-friendly, raising the probability that patients will review the provided resources.
Why does George want to be an MSKTC ambassador?
As George grows in his field, he has learned the importance of brain injury education, advocacy, and knowledge of resources that can help veterans, their families, and their caregivers. MSKTC has a myriad of educational resources available, allowing George to share evidenced-based research and education with the individuals he provides care for, as well as the fellow staff who work with brain injury patients.
What has George done as an MSKTC ambassador?
George has implemented MSKTC education within all his initial evaluations, making it common practice to review MSKTC with each patient to determine what best fits their needs. MSKTC resources are also used in various groups as appropriate to better educate his veterans. George has also introduced his fellow interdisciplinary team of brain injury staff to MSKTC, expanding the team’s educational resources with evidence-based research. George plans to continue educating his fellow VA staff, external stakeholders, and other brain injury associations about the amazing MSKTC resources.