118. The Truth About Boundaries in Brain Injury Recovery - Community Panel
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In this episode…
Brain injury can affect every part of your life - so it’s important to understand what your personal boundaries are, both with yourself and others. But it’s a lot easier said than done… let’s talk about navigating boundaries in the recovery process!
Join our host, Cristabelle Braden, as she introduces 3 panelists: Chaandani Khan, Alfinie Mayes, and Farook Outhmani. This panel of brain injury survivors opens up about their personal journeys and the importance of setting boundaries in recovery, including their experiences with empathy, resilience, and the challenges of communicating needs to others. We talk about the significance of self-care, the necessity of saying no, and the hope that exists in the recovery process. Through real-life stories, they provide insights into navigating the complexities of brain injury and the emotional changes that accompany it.
Meet Our Panelists
Chaandani Khan: Six years ago a brain injury derailed Chaandani’s entire life, which left her navigating PPCS (persistent post-concussive symptoms) and an overwhelming amount of loss. Preparing a cup of tea, washing clothes and sending a single email became monumental challenges and her familiar, fast-paced lifestyle appeared impossibly far out of reach. Going through years of recovery appointments and eventually ingraining herself in the concussion space allowed her to identify key gaps in service and systems that patients face, and the demand for a new path forward. Chaandani is now an educator for medical and allied healthcare practitioners who serve the concussion and PPCS population. She brings a wealth of knowledge gained through experience plus research, and is focused on leading systemic change in the delivery of concussion care.
Check out Chaandani’s website with her offerings for PPCS: https://www.returntolife.ca/
Chaandani is a volunteer with Hope Survives on the Hope Ambassador Team.
Alfinie Mayes, a New York City native, is the proud mother of one daughter, a bonus daughter, and a cherished grandson. She is a woman of God who loves to worship and pray. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in her early twenties and was baptized. Since then, she has grown and developed a closer, more intimate relationship with God through her passion for worship and prayer.
Alfinie is also the owner of Fenee’s Soul LLC, a faith-inspired business offering prayer candles and anointing oil, born out of her personal prayer life and spiritual journey with God. She is an active member of Siloam Baptist Church, where she faithfully serves in multiple leadership roles. She is a licensed Minister, teaches the Adult New Members Class, chairs the Single Women’s Ministry and the Junior Usher Ministry, and serves as co-chair of the Adult Usher Ministry. Additionally, she is a member of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, leads the Vacation Bible School, and occasionally facilitates the Women’s Bible Study Ministry.
Alfinie holds an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting, a certificate in Substance Abuse and Drug Counseling, and is a graduate of The New Life Bible Institute. Her life scripture is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Alfinie is a volunteer with Hope Survives on the Prayer Team.
Farook Outhmani: Forged, not broken. Gifted with grit.
I speak, write, and reflect on becoming whole—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
I bridge personal truth and professional insight to help people rise from the hardest moments.
A former dual major in creative writing and photography, I went on to study philosophy and sociology in college, focusing on the psychology of the self. While pursuing my MBA, I survived an attack causing a traumatic brain injury that completely shifted my trajectory - in many ways, to something more fulfilling.
Farook is a volunteer with Hope Survives on the Brain Injury Community Advisory Council.
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: thefnc.com
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
