MEET OUR PEER MENTORS
Looking to Connect with a Peer Mentor?
Are you or a family member looking to connect with one of SCIboston’s trained peer mentors? Many people find it helpful, reassuring, and hopeful to talk to a mentor about adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury. Topics of conversation could include getting back to work or school after a sci, adaptive sports, relationships and intimacy, bladder and bowel management, and more. We match individuals with peer mentors based primarily on gender, injury level, age, interests, and family life, amongst other considerations. SCIboston’s mentors also lead many of our virtual support groups, as well as attend them to provide support to others.
To hear more about the program and connect with someone, please contact SCIboston's Peer Mentor Coordinator, Jessika, at: jcoromel@partners.org
Hover over each picture for a bio of the mentor. If on a mobile phone, click on photo to view bio.
Mentors with Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia
Name: Michaela
Injury Level: C4-5 Incomplete
Year of Injury: 2010
Michaela was injured at the age of 19 as a result of a diving accident. She lives in an apartment with her husband and service dog, Chicory. Michaela received her master’s degree in professional counseling in 2019 and has worked with both children and adults as an outpatient counselor. She has firsthand experience in going back to school and work after an injury, as well as supra-pubic tubes, PCAs, service dogs, and mental health and wellness. Michaela is so kind and friendly, making it easy for others to open up and talk with her.
Name: Brian
Injury Level: C6-7
Year of Injury: 2008
Brian has been an electrician for over 25 years. After sustaining a SCI in an ATV accident, he obtained his Master Electrician License and continues to run his own business. Brian lives with his wife and children and enjoys the independence of driving. He exercises on a regular basis and participates in SCI studies offered by Spaulding Rehab. Brian is an experienced mentor and one of the Chapter’s support group leaders.
Name: Stefan
Injury Level: C7 Incomplete
Year of Injury: 2018
Stefan was 19 at the time of his injury that was sustained from a fall. Post-injury, he went back to school where he currently studies psychology. He enjoys adaptive recreational sports, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends and family. Stefan enjoys being with his dog, who coincidentally also has an SCI. Stefan is incredibly kind and compassionate and you can see that through his social media which highlights his journey. Check out his blog on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/stefans_milestones/
Name: Tony
Injury Level: C5 Complete
Year of Injury: 1977
Tony enjoys reading, being outdoors, Scrabble, and Jazz music. He was injured in a surfing accident at 16 years old and went on to obtain a BA in Earth Sciences. Tony is an experienced website builder, computer operator, and has spoken in schools on understanding disabilities for over 42 years. As one of our support group leaders, Tony is knowledgeable, positive, and encouraging.
Name: Heather
Incomplete Quad/Tetraplegic from GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome)
Year of Diagnosis: 2014
Heather acquired a severe variant of Guillain-Barre Syndrome one week after giving birth to her son, leaving her paralyzed and on a ventilator. Heather made great strides in her recovery process to be able to care for her son, live independently, get back to driving, and return to her field of work. Heather worked as the Chapter Coordinator for the GBC and has recently returned to teaching high school students. She is very knowledgeable about disability resources that are available in the community. Heather is an active parent and has an energetic and engaging personality.
Name: Rob
Injury Level: C6 Incomplete
Year of Injury: 2020
Rob’s injury occurred at the age of 66 after a fall from a 20-foot ladder. Rob’s tetraplegic injury level presents as paraplegic and allows him to use a manual wheelchair. Rob is an interesting guy with a zestful curiosity for life. He has a BS in computer science and is very tech-savvy. He has held jobs in the past as a pastry chef, and rough framer, has been a beekeeper, Scout Master, pilot, and more. He’s volunteered his time with Boy Scouts, kids league baseball, National Park’s Pierce Mill in DC, and now most recently as a mentor for SCIboston. Through his own journey after SCI, he has experience with independent living, getting back to work, and mindfulness. Rob is optimistic and a great conversationalist, as well as a genuine listener.
Name: Ethan
Injury Level: C3-5 Incomplete
Year of Injury: 2019
Ethan sustained his injury from a swimming accident when he was 20. Ethan is able to ambulate using a walker and also uses a manual wheelchair. He has limited hand function but is able to use devices and grab and carry items. Ethan’s interests include a love for sports and reading. He is a big Boston sports fan and enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi books. He is a graduate of BU and also completed a paralegal certification course there. He has experience in getting back to school after an injury as well as with adaptive sports equipment and managing muscle tightness and spasms. Ethan has a kind and compassionate demeanor about him that is sure to make anyone feel heard and understood. He has been in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, loves hanging out with his dog, and is a big fan of coffee.
Name: Jon
Injury Level: C2-3 Complete, Vent Dependent
Year of Injury: 1998
Jon was injured at the age of 25 as a result of a diving accident. He is a vent dependent quadriplegic and operated his wheelchair by using a sip-and-puff device. Jon is very experienced in directing his own care. He graduated from Fitchburg State University with a bachelor degree in history and is currently working as an Assistant Director of an afterschool program for students in grades 1-12. Jon enjoys trips to the beach, trying new foods, listening to live music, history, and reading.
Name: Justin
Injury Level: C4-6 Complete
Year of Injury: 2007
Name: Maria
Injury Level: C4-5 Complete
Year of Injury:
Name: Josh
Injury Level: C4 Complete
Year of Injury: 2017
Josh was injured at age 23 from a negligent gunshot wound while on active duty in the Army. Josh lives with his amazing wife Kassidy and their two pups. In addition to being a peer mentor, Josh is a support group leader, leading the SCI/D Support Group on Thursday evenings. His humor, lightheartedness, and kindness keep members coming back to the group for more. Josh has experience with AppleiOS, smart home technology, adaptive cycling and gaming, and nonprofit help. In his free time, you can find him making hilarious memes for his Instagram page, creating art, gaming, and taking classes. Check out his Instagram & blog for great SCI content & more:
Name: Midge
Injury Level: C5-6 Complete
Year of Injury: 2005
Midge was injured in 2005 after a fall from a porch. She went back to work at the Massachusetts Trial Court as an Executive Assistant to a Chief Justice, and went on to volunteer for Lahey Clinic at Spaulding Cambridge and Charlestown. Midge is on the GBC Board of Directors as well as on the board of the Affordable Housing Trust in Saugus. She enjoys reading, taking walks, socializing, shopping, and spending time with her four children and 11 grandchildren. Midge is knowledgeable in pressure sores, going back to work, and uses a voice activated computer.
Name: Jack
Injury Level: C4-7 Complete
Year of Injury: 2016
Jack sustained his injury from a swimming accident at the age of 18. Since his injury, he has focused on going back to college, working out, and gaining back his independence. Jack graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in Business Administration. He enjoys recreational hobbies such as hand cycling, RC drones, sightseeing, and strolls in nature.
Name: Doug
Injury Level: C4 Incomplete (Ambulatory)
Year of Injury: 2012
Doug sustained his injury from an aggressive epidural abscess. After a year of rehab, he was able to walk without assistance. Now retired after a career in financial services, he volunteers with the GBC and serves on his town Disability and Transportation Committees. Doug enjoys sailing, biking, golf, and reading. He continues to stretch and work out daily to improve strength and balance. Doug is knowledgeable about the challenges of becoming ambulatory post injury and is well-versed in Disability Advocacy and knowledge of 3rd party resources for people with SCI.
Mentors with Paraplegia
Name: Chris
Injury Level: T12 Complete
Year of Injury:
Name: Dave
Injury Level: T4 Complete
Year of Injury: 1995
Dave was injured at 23 in a motorcycle accident while he was a senior in college. After his rehab stay, Dave headed back to finish his senior year and earned a BS in Criminal Justice. Dave also went on to earn a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law. He has competed in eleven wheelchair division marathons and currently enjoys adaptive rowing to stay fit. Dave has a long history of involvement with the GBC, including acting as past Executive Director and is currently the Vice President of the GBC’s Board of Directors. Manages the SCI Model Systems grant and Exercise for Persons with Disabilities Program at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Dave enjoys classic cars, home projects, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Name: Joe
Injury Level: T9 Complete
Year of Injury: 2020
Joe lives in Wisconsin and yes, he does own a cheese hat! His injury occurred at the age of 63 due to a genetic disease called cavernous hemangioma. Joe is a retired Respiratory Therapy Manager with a 37-year career behind him. He has been married to his wife Cathy for 40 years and has a daughter, Patricia. For over 50 years he has been an active member of the National Ski Patrol and was still taking injured skiers down the hill at the time of his injury. Joe is active in his community and is a member of his County’s Park and Recreation Foundation in which he serves as Secretary. He enjoys working in the yard, traveling, exercising, watching Packer and Badger football, and using his adaptive mobility devices to get around the neighborhood and roll with his wife when she goes for walks.
Name: Pam
Injury Level: T6 Complete
Year of Injury: 1972
Pam holds a BA in History and worked in textbook publishing. She enjoys reading, history, travel, swimming, sailing, interior design, and cooking. Pam is involved in Disability Advocacy and is knowledgeable in adaptive equipment, returning to school and work, driving, and travel. As a long-time mentor, Pam is empathetic and a good listener.
Name: Mary C
Injury Level: T10 Complete
Year of Injury: 2000
Name: Faith
Injury Level: T7 Complete
Year of Injury:
Name: Linda
Injury Level: T5 Complete
Year of Injury: 2004
Name: Matthew
Injury Level: T10 Complete
Year of Injury: 2016
Matthew was injured at the age of 26 from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his spinal cord. The AVM led to a stroke leaving him with a T10 complete injury level. Matthew lives with his partner Jessika and their two cats. When Matthew was at Spaulding Rehab Charlestown in 2016, he connected with a mentor, Dave, through SCIboston and found it an invaluable resource. Matthew has personal experience with pain management, advocating for himself effectively, a colostomy bag, baclofen pump, UTI’s, and adapting spaces for hobbies to make them accessible. Matthew works at Spaulding in the SCI Model Systems Research Department as well as a local frame shop in Newburyport, MA. In his free time, he enjoys restoring cars, making things with different mediums, watching YouTube, staying up to date with Magic the Gathering, and painting Warhammer 40K.
Name: Donna
Injury Level: T11-12
Year of Injury: 1977
Donna was injured as a teenager in an auto accident. She attended college later in life and graduated with a BS in Finance. She is retired after a career in finance and is currently very active in her community, including the Woburn Middlesex Lions Club and volunteering at the local senior center. Donna is happily married, enjoys being outdoors, exercising, adaptive sports, swimming, cooking, healthy eating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Donna has been a long-time mentor for the GBC and is known for her upbeat, positive outlook on life and is very knowledgeable about SCI life.
Name: Sindy
Injury Level: T11 Incomplete
Year of Injury: 2009
Name: Alan
Injury Level: T5 Complete
Year of Injury: 2016
Name: Caitlin
Injury Level: T5 Complete
Year of Injury: 1991
Name: Jerry
Injury Level: T4 Complete
Year of Injury: 1999
Name: Mark
Injury Level: T10 Complete
Year of Injury:
Family Mentors
Name: Diane & Ron
Parents of a C4 Incomplete Quadriplegic
Year of Son’s Injury: 2011
Diane and Ron’s son was injured at age 29 while on a work assignment in Spain for a bicycle company, from a cycling accident. From the beginning of his injury, Diane and Ron worked their way through a maze of information. They remember being able to connect with other families to share mutual concerns and feelings, and also brainstorm solutions. Finding others who had or were going down this path too was important to their journey in conquering the obstacle of not knowing and helped lead them to the other side of “what to do next”. They both want to be support systems for families who are navigating their own journeys with their loved one, help them find their own answers, and most importantly be a listening ear for people. Diane leads the Thursday evening Family Support Group in addition to being a mentor. She and Ron are incredibly kind, thoughtful, and sensitive individuals.
Name: Abby
Parent of a T4 Complete Paraplegic
Year of Son’s Injury: 2019
Abby’s first career was as a case worker on the spinal/head injury floor of a rehab hospital in Louisiana. In 2019, Abby re-entered the world of SCI when her 24-year-old son had a T4 complete injury in a skiing accident. Inspired, educated, and supported by the SCIboston volunteers she met at Spaulding, she decided to give back to SCIboston. Abby joined the Board in 2021 in addition to becoming family Peer Mentor. Abby also participates on the disability and pedestrian committees in Brookline where she and her family have lived for 30 years. She loves nature, board/word games, and logic puzzles. Though her son is very independent, Abby enjoys researching solutions, lending a hand when needed, and cheering him on in his love for adaptive sports.
Name: Mary P
Spouse of a C4 Incomplete Quadriplegic
Year of Husband’s Injury: 2019
Name: Alyce
Sibling of a T2 Complete Paraplegic
Year of Brother’s Injury: 2016