BEFORE THE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)

Since 1984, Vera had enjoyed teaching thousands of children tap, ballet, jazz, acrobatics, and after-school science, and thousands of adults salsa dancing, yoga, chakra meditation, and healthy lifestyle strategies via Ayurvedic remedies and Isagenix nutrition throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. She had no clue that her life work teaching humans to Be Happy, Get Healthy, and Feel Connected would come to an abrupt end.

AFTER THE TBI

On August 21, 2015, Vera was hit by a drunk driver while on her way to a friend’s son’s funeral, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver. The car accident negatively impacted her overall health–emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially. Her busy teaching schedule was replaced by various appointments with doctors, lawyers, dental surgeons, neurologists, chiropractors, psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, acupuncturists, physical therapists, vestibular therapists, cognitive therapists, and marriage counselors. Multiple diagnostic tests became a regular thing due to severe headaches, neck and back pain, night terrors, hallucinations, light and sound sensitivity, fatigue, PTSD, and confusion that haunted her 24/7. Every aspect of her life crumbled around her. She became overwhelmed with a strange combination of sadness, anxiety, anger, addiction, and depression (SAAAD symptoms).

SURVIVING THE HEALING JOURNEY

Chakra meditation, yoga, and optimal nutrition swiftly became critical healing modalities for her body-mind-soul rehabilitation and recovery. Several times per day, she listened to her own guided chakra meditation audio, which allowed her to systematically scan her body for the presence of emotional and physical pain, and utilize breathing techniques to soothe the nervous system, and relax into the reality and truth of the present moment. It helped her feel more safe. Unfortunately, she was chronically overwhelmed by SAAAD symptoms. She eventually added prayer, visualization, positive self-talk, and simple yoga routines to help restore life balance, strength, and flexibility to her body-mind- soul condition. Affordable, accessible, and easy meal preparation and nutrition became urgently important since the TBI rendered cooking basic meals dangerous and frankly impossible. Monthly home delivery of Isagenix protein shake meal replacements, pre-packaged vitamins, and extra omega-3 fatty acids solved much of that problem. Ayurvedic remedies worked in conjunction with her Isagenix program to restore homeostasis. She reluctantly, but eventually, learned to adjust to her new normal. Since the accident, Vera now emphasizes the importance of accessing health and healing by, first, laying a foundation in stillness. Awareness. Accountability. Acceptance. These things take years and years of practice and perseverance.

Although many TBI issues still linger including memory, cognition, vestibular variances, and back and neck pain, the traumatic experience exposed an abundance of hidden gifts! COVID-19 inspired her to migrate all of her courses to a fully online platform, inadvertently, providing affordable, self-paced, 24/7 student access to Self-Healing and Self-Empowerment! Now, as an online educator, she aspires to share these healing strategies with the world, and encourages humans to take a personalized, holistic approach to healthy lifestyle restoration.

CHOOSING JOY IN THE NOW

Vera has since become a strong and dedicated advocate for individuals with invisible disabilities, namely females, who have acquired TBI or “post-concussionist” status from accidents, sports, military, and domestic violence. Her TBI journey enabled her to serve in a very small way to the Veteran Poly-trauma Integrative Medicine Program, and take part in the Wellness Education volunteer program. Her commitment extends to serve all of those who are suffering from TBI, PTSD, vestibular issues, and other invisible disabilities (SAAAD symptoms); furthermore, she hopes to help their caregivers better understand the TBI victim’s body-mind-soul disconnected existence. She believes that the unique combination of her personal experiences and formal education will allow her to create practical courses for lifelong learners, that allow them to Be Happy, Get Healthy, and Feel Connected in their current condition.

Her formal education and experience includes:

• Bachelor of Science, Cell and Molecular Biology; minor, Chemistry
• Master of Public Administration; focus, HR Management
• Dance Masters of America, Inc., Certified Instructor
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer
• Global College of Natural Medicine Certified Nutritional Consultant
• Chopra Center Certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Instructor
• Chopra Center Certified Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Instructor (Yoga Alliance 200hr)
• Master of Science in Human Anatomy and Physiology Instruction

Vera’s favorite thing to do is to build community with family and friends who enjoy a purpose-driven life filled with great food, music, dancing, yoga, tarot, and a spirit of service and FUN!