The Perfect Step Podcast: Pathways to Healing

In this episode of Pathways to Healing, we sit down with the visionary founder of Zebrafish Neuro, Stephanie Comella, to explore how movement, mindset, and innovation are transforming the spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery journey. With a rich background in Pilates, ABT, and a passion for holistic recovery, Stephanie shares her unique approach to reducing tone and spasms, improving posture, and harnessing the power of fascia to create deeper body connections.

In this powerful episode of the Pathways to Healing podcast, we sit down with George Hanshaw — a human performance expert, sports psychologist, and Director of E-Learning Operations — to explore how mastering the mind can unlock new levels of recovery, growth, and reinvention. With a career path that spans from aircraft technician in the U.S. Air Force to thought leader in human performance and education, George shares the life lessons and mental frameworks that have fueled his success.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Samantha Bosco, a two-time Paralympic bronze medalist and Team USA para-cyclist. Born a congenital double below-knee amputee, Samantha’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. From finding her passion for cycling to conquering international stages like the Paralympic Games and UCI Para-cycling World Championships, Samantha has redefined what’s possible.

We are joined by Rowena Gates, a remarkable entrepreneur and health technology pioneer. Rowena is the Principal and Vice President of Business Development at Eng3 Corporation, where she launched the innovative NanoVi technology—a groundbreaking approach designed to aid cellular recovery and resilience. Rowena’s journey took an inspiring turn from economics to wellness after a personal neurological injury led her to explore alternative therapies, ultimately aligning with NanoVi.

In this inspiring episode of Pathways to Healing, hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye sit down with Nicole Leasher, the Director of Education and Community Relations Liaison at The Perfect Step. Nicole’s journey into the paralysis community began with a personal connection — a close family friend sustained a spinal cord injury, opening her eyes to the strength and resilience of those living with paralysis. From that moment on, Nicole knew she wanted to be part of this incredible community’s story.

This week we sit down with Clayton Roberts, we had the privilege of hearing about his incredible journey as a professional dirt bike rider who, in March 2024, experienced a spinal cord injury (SCI) at the T11/T12 level. Clayton took us through the moments leading up to his injury while competing in the AMA National Hare and Hound Championship in Murphy, Idaho, and the whirlwind transition from Idaho to Casa Colina for rehabilitation.

In this episode of Pathways to Healing, hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye sit down with Hal Hargrave Sr. (Big Hal), father of Hal Hargrave Jr., the founder of The Perfect Step and the Be Perfect Foundation. Big Hal reflects on the life-changing moment when his son’s catastrophic injury occurred and shares his emotional journey as a father navigating through this challenge.

In this heartfelt episode of Pathways to Healing, Ashley Hutton takes us through her profound journey from a traumatic childhood car accident to becoming a passionate educator and a loving mother, all while managing a spinal cord injury. Ashley discusses the importance of proper medical care post-injury, the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy and motherhood with SCI, and how she's leveraged the power of social media to connect with and learn from the paralysis community.

We sit down with José Perales, a remarkable individual who has turned his life around after a severe spinal cord injury (SCI) at the young age of 15. José shares his experiences of coping with chronic pain, traveling the world, and finding new meaning through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. He discusses his involvement with The Perfect Step (TPS) and the Triumph Foundation, where he plays a pivotal role as a community partner and support group leader.

In this special two-part episode of the Pathways to Healing podcast, our hosts, Logan Frye and Cody Norman, step out from behind the mic to share their personal journeys. In part two, they delve deeper into their career paths and experiences that led them to The Perfect Step (TPS). Logan and Cody discuss how their backgrounds in kinesiology and baseball at the University of La Verne, along with their connections to Jenna and Hal, shaped their professional lives and brought them to TPS.

In our next episode of the "Pathways to Healing" podcast, we're excited to welcome a truly inspiring father-son duo, Matt and Lance Durant. This episode promises to be a deep dive into resilience, adaptive training, and the unique bond between a father and his son navigating the challenges of a neurological disorder.

In this insightful episode of "Pathways to Healing," hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye sit down with Shawn Gutierrez, a seasoned professional with a rich history in the world of health and fitness. Shawn's journey is both inspiring and enlightening, spanning over a decade of experience as a specialist at The Perfect Step (TPS) and now thriving as a personal trainer for the able-bodied population through his own company, "Fitness by Design."

In this compelling episode of "Pathways to Healing," we are honored to host Aaron Baker, a former professional motocross racer whose life took an unexpected turn in 1999 when he sustained a severe spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. Aaron's incredible journey of recovery and resilience is nothing short of inspirational.

In this insightful episode of "Pathways to Healing," hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye sit down with Christie Tomashek, a dedicated caregiver with over 11 years of experience working with people with disabilities. Christie brings a wealth of knowledge from her diverse roles at Casa Colina Hospital and The Perfect Step (TPS), sharing her unique perspective on caregiving for individuals with paralysis.

Join hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye on "Pathways to Healing" as they share their unique journeys into kinesiology and their impactful work at The Perfect Step. Discover how their experiences at the University of La Verne, connections with key figures like Jenna Hardy Surina and Hal Hargrave, and their passion for innovative training techniques have shaped their careers.

In this powerful episode of "Pathways to Healing," we sit down with Stefanie Schaffer, a true beacon of resilience and inspiration. Stefanie's life took a dramatic turn on June 30, 2018, when a boating accident left her a T12 paraplegic and bilateral amputee. But rather than letting this tragedy define her, Stefanie has forged a path of incredible strength and determination.

Guest, Andrew "AJ" Velichko, has turned a life-changing injury into a journey of empowerment and adventure. Andrew sustained a C4/C5 incomplete spinal cord injury from a car accident, but has since navigated his path with remarkable resilience and determination. A pilot who flies planes for Christian missionary organizations, Andrew’s story takes us around the world, highlighting his commitment to helping others and spreading hope.

Jenna is a mental health and family therapist, who also used to work as a Specialist at TPS. This gave Jenna the passion to work with the SCI community and those with neurological injuries/diagnoses. She is a wealth of knowledge on mental health and gives great insights into the mental recovery process. During this episode, we talk about how and when mental health should be implemented for someone with a neurological injury or diagnosis.

Adrain is a paraplegic who was injured as a horse jockey over six years ago. During this episode, Adrain talks about his accident experience and the recovery process both in the hospital setting and in recovery centers in the chronic setting. Adrain also talks about his ability to get out of his comfort zone post-injury and be reintroduced into the world, going to restaurants, concerts, and other activities. Finally, Adrain shares his experience with fashion before and after his accident.

On Episode 3 of "Pathways to Healing," the spotlight is on Ashton Wray, a seasoned expert with a decade of dedication at The Perfect Step, where she holds the esteemed role of Director of Development and Education. Ashton, a graduate of Integrated Physiology from the University of Colorado, is integral to The Perfect Step, being one of its most experienced members. She plays a pivotal role in the onboarding and training of new staff, ensuring the quality and efficacy of the team.

For this podcast the hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye interview Adam Fritz a client at The Perfect Step. Adam is a paraplegic who endured a T-6 spinal cord injury in August of 2008. Adam covers many different topics during his interview including his background, dating with paralysis, getting back into the workforce post-injury, and his experiences with working out at different gyms and facilities.

Please join us for our pilot episode for The Perfect Step Podcast, “Pathways to Healing.” The podcast aims to provide valuable information, resources, and inspiration to those affected by paralysis, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Our host Cody Norman and Logan Frye will interview medical professionals, fitness professionals, and even individuals living with paralysis to gather knowledge, information, and feedback in respect to their lines of work, industries, or stories.

Chris has discovered something powerful about himself — he’s no longer afraid to put himself out there. Once quiet about his goals, he’s now using his voice to advocate for others and spread awareness about cerebral palsy. His message to parents of children with CP is simple but strong: never stop asking questions, seeking resources, and learning what works best for your child — because every journey is unique.

When tragedy struck and Hal’s life changed in an instant, Lorie found herself facing a journey she never could have imagined. In this episode, we hear her perspective on what it means to walk through the darkest moments while holding onto faith, strength, and an unwavering sense of purpose.

In 2011, Cory Hahn's life changed forever after sustaining a spinal cord injury while playing baseball at Arizona State University. But that moment didn’t end his journey — it reshaped it. In this powerful interview, Cory reflects on his baseball career, the day everything changed, and how he found new purpose beyond the field.

In this moving video, Alexis Evans and her father, Gerald, share the hardest and most transformative journey of their lives — navigating the aftermath of Alexis’s spinal cord injury. When Alexis first began physical therapy, the progress was slow, and the process often felt pointless.

In this video, Zack shares the most surprising thing he’s learned about himself since his injury: that what broke his body ultimately built his spirit. He opens up about the power of resilience, the mental strength he never knew he had, and how struggle can shape purpose.

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Pathways To Healing, we sit down with James Meza, a former kinesiology student, baseball player, and now a rising star in the world of adaptive bodybuilding and entrepreneurship. After a life-changing spinal cord injury (SCI) in March 2022, James refused to let his diagnosis define his future. Instead, he’s rewriting the playbook — transforming adversity into purpose, power, and possibility.

In this very special episode of Pathways To Healing, the microphones flip — and hosts Cody Norman and Logan Frye take the guest seats! Joining them is Zachary Grech, a broadcast journalism major from the University of La Verne, who leads anengaging and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Doug Vincent — a lifelong advocate, broadcaster, and community leader whose story is one of perseverance, purpose, and impact. After contracting polio as an infant, Doug was told he’d never walk or live an independent life. Instead, he proved everyone wrong.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Kathleen Landelius, PT, DPT—an experienced physical therapist, educator, and lifelong advocate for those navigating life after neurological injury. With over 20 years in the field and a deeply personal connection to her work through her brother’s traumatic brain injury, Kathleen brings a rare and authentic perspective on what it means to support patients and families through every stage of the rehab journey.

In this episode of Pathways to Healing, we sit down with Lisa Hilborn, Director of Outdoor Adventures and Recreational Therapy at Casa Colina Hospital, to explore the transformative power of adaptive sports. Lisa shares insights from her decades of experience, tackling common misconceptions, breaking down barriers, and highlighting the real-world impact of inclusive recreation.

In this deeply moving episode of Pathways to Healing, we sit down with Marley Basurto and her mother, Melissa, to talk about their powerful journey of strength, love, and perseverance. After a car accident in 2020 left Marley with a C4-C6 spinal cord injury, her world changed overnight.

In this episode of Pathways to Healing, we are honored to welcome Dr. Maya N. Hatch, a leading researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Hatch shares her groundbreaking work in neurorehabilitation, focusing on functional recovery and neuroplasticity in individuals with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions.

In this powerful episode, Pathways to Healing kicks off Season 2 with the remarkable Chelsie Hill—a professional dancer, founder of the Rollettes, social media influencer, wife, and devoted mother. Chelsie shares her journey of living with paralysis while building a thriving career, raising her daughter Jaelyn with her husband Jay, and creating a community that has transformed lives across the world.