I believe that every person is capable of change. We all possess the skills within ourselves to maximize our lives...even when your life takes an unexpected re-direction. There is no 'plateau' in brain injury healing. 

My name is Taryn Barlow and my passion is combining my knowledge as a Speech-language Pathologist with my ongoing education in all things neuro-wellness to serve as the Cognitive Health Coach ™ virtually for individuals living life after brain injury. 

I am a wife, mother to two boys, daughter, sister, friend, self-professed nerd, and helper. I am a strong advocate of individualized health care, with patient and provider communication being the foundation.

Personally, life has thrown in a few unexpected re-directions of my own.

My first child was born with a birth defect that impacted his esophagus and then some surgical complications added to the challenge. I used my professional knowledge as a guide and then had a crash course in medical advocacy. Then 6 years later I suffered a hemiplegic migraine that mimicked a stroke. In the emergency room that day, I resolved with complete peace of mind to change my lifestyle and truly heal from physical, mental, and emotional events. I am my own first cognitive health coaching client.

Professionally as a speech-language pathologist I have had the opportunity to work across the healthcare system, including inpatient, outpatient, acute rehab and long-term care.  I noticed a gap in care that supported the individuals who sustained brain injury who were navigating life outside of the system in the community, managing a household, volunteering and returning to work. Many times the structured testing that insurance requires to grant access to therapy did not pick up on the nuances of living outside the four walls of rehabilitation. 

The combination of all my training and experience has aligned with my belief that health care is changing. I do not believe anyone who has sustained brain injury should be invalidated in any of the symptoms they experience, the impact on their daily life, or made to feel that progress has an end date.  It is time to focus on wellness not illness, on personalized healthcare, and on helping people live long lives with sound minds and bodies. Cognitive Health Coaching ™ is my piece of the puzzle.

You have access to so much information, but how do you know what to do with it? I recognize change is hard and we all need accountable, knowledgeable, supportive people to be with as we commit to change. I truly enjoy being that person for those I work with. Let's work together!

Taryn Barlow, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS