Beautiful Day for the Official Groundbreaking Ceremony

It was a beautiful, sunny fall afternoon for the official groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction project.

Ready to get started



Rev Paul and Gloria Richert



Jack Richert gives a nice welcome, talks about our history, and gives an overview of the project

Joe Richert welcomes everyone and gives a special thanks
to our staff and clients without whom this would not be possible.

Jett gets in on the action



Rev Richert gives an invocation



Jim Richert talks about our many collaborators

Jim Richert introduces the project team

Charlie Schurman/Architect, Jack Richert/VP & Dir Admissions,
Dr. Joseph Richert/Medical Director Emeritus,
Marty Billmeyer/33 Year Employee, Joe Richert/President & CEO,
Jim Richert/Property Manager,
and Ron Siebenaler/The Douglas Company

The Ceremonial First Dig

Unofficial Construction Boss, Joseph Jett Richert

TBI in the Media

By Jessica Bahny
Activities Team
NeuroCare Center

Lately I am noticing TBI is showing up a lot more often in the mainstream media. This is great for brain injury awareness.

The Free Press recently interviewed Rick Schroeder, the actor, and it was brought up that his teenage son experienced a TBI following a dirt bike incident. They talked some about the situation, and he acknowledged that TBI recovery can be a lengthy process, requiring patience and work on the parts of all family members. I thought this was cool. Maybe it can help family members understand that they’re not alone.

Also, the Lifetime show “Army Wives” has been dealing with TBI quite a bit in this last season. So much so in fact, that one of the main characters is being portrayed as suffering a “silent” TBI when her vehicle was near a blast. She experienced headaches, personality change, forgetfulness, and other issues after coming home. The TBI was not caught at the overseas hospital. It was due to a reverberation in the vehicle, which jiggled her brain.

The show is handling the issue wonderfully. The character has integrity, dignity and pride. It has followed her through the various steps that she has to take to “relearn” some simple tasks, in order to become ready for deployment again. It’s also dealing with the dynamics of family, exploring her husband’s experience with the changes, as well as the challenges of raising a toddler when one parent has TBI.

As someone working with individuals recovering from TBI, I’m usually wary of the way they’re portrayed in the media. Older movies such as “Regarding Henry” made me frustrated; some of the rehab scenes were so unrealistic. I'm glad that TBI is becoming such a hot topic and is finally coming close to receiving the attention it deserves, in a respectful manner.

NeuroCare Campus Expansion: Ready, Set, Go!

Exciting news! Our permits, financing, contractors, and the stars are finally all in alignment. On Wednesday, September 29, 2010 we will officially break ground to construct a new building to expand our NeuroCare Campus. We have been working for more than two years with our staff, outside consultants, architects, engineers, the City of Romulus, accountants, clients, families and others to design a full service, state-of-the-art rehabilitation environment. While our staff already provide outstanding care, the amenities in the new building and surrounding campus will enable them to truly let their talents shine. This expansion will help Special Tree continue to provide the best opportunities for healing and recovery to our clients and their circle of support.

The new building and surrounding landscape will include:

• 39 private rooms
• Advanced in-wall equipment for respiratory care in 27 rooms
• 27 Showers in clinical wings plus 2 in therapy clinic
• Centrally located client/family lounge located adjacent to nurses’ station
• Business Center for families and visitors
• 3-Season Sunroom attached to dining room
• Dedicated Activities and Therapeutic Recreation area adjacent to dining room
• Exterior play area for young clients and visitors
• New staff lounge
• Expanded walking path/nature trail following perimeter of wetlands and wildlife habitat
• Pond with waterfall, gazebo and accessible fishing areas
• Security system with cameras to monitor parking lots and exits
• Expanded parking
• New entrance via private drive off of Hannan Road

We have a great deal of work ahead of us. The project is scheduled to be completed in just under one year’s time. We will continue operations at the existing NeuroCare Center. Client, staff, and visitor safety is our number one priority as we navigate the construction to successfully complete the project and launch our new building.

Stay tuned for updates on the expansion here on our NCC blog. For questions or concerns, contact Jim Richert, Property Manager for Special Tree at
734-893-1000.

image: artist rendering of new building, 2010

Client Celebrates Hard-Won Achievement

On May 28, 2010, NCC Outpatient Case Manager Beth Smith listened to a message from her client Donna G. that made her smile from ear-to-ear. "Hey Beth, I passed my GED!" Although Donna’s message was brief, the call was three years in the making.

Donna first expressed interest in getting her GED to Beth back in 2007, when she came to Special Tree to continue her rehabilitation from a brain injury she experienced in 2001. It was an ambitious goal for Donna who was still in recovery and who was learning the independent living skills needed to transition from Special Tree’s residential program to a supported living apartment at Church Street. But Beth saw the look of a determined woman and decided that her treatment team would rally behind Donna getting her GED. "I’ve seen people do miraculous things just because they had the motivation and desire," said Beth.

It was a team effort to get the right supports in place to help Donna accomplish her goal. Donna, who dropped out of high school in the 10th grade, needed academic, financial, and especially emotional support to get through the challenging coursework. Beth met regularly with Donna to provide social work support and even found herself cracking open old text books to help Donna in writing, math, social studies, and science. The staff at Church Street, especially Crystal Arquette, also provided needed supports when Donna transitioned there in 2008.

But Donna’s motivation to study was sporadic as she struggled with personal setbacks and low self-confidence. "I had a hard time believing in myself," she said. "At the time, I still focused on what I couldn’t do, but Beth and others kept my confidence up and said I could do this."

"I pushed her to the end of her rope," said Beth jokingly. "Whenever Donna presented a stumbling block, I had to think of a way to remove it. I didn’t want her to fail." When Donna struggled with math, Beth found an outpatient client who volunteered to be Donna’s math tutor. When she’d get frustrated and lose focus, Beth and Donna worked on stress management and relaxation strategies. "Beth was perfect for me," said Donna. "She pushed me and encouraged me to keep going."

Donna’s motivation finally kicked into high gear in January after successfully overcoming some personal struggles that resulted in finding a winning combination of medical interventions and supports. With continued help from her treatment team, Donna started to make remarkable progress. "She really impressed everyone with her focus and determination," said Crystal.

When Donna received the news that she passed her GED, she says her self-confidence, "went through the roof! Earning my GED has given me a sense of accomplishment that no one can take away."

Together, At Last

Client with amnesia reunites with mother after 40 years
One morning last January, client David P., age 65, woke up in his room at Parkway Residence and said a word he’d been trying to remember for the past 40 years, "Yemassee!"

Yemassee was where he and his mother, Annie Mae, lived in South Carolina when he left home at age 17, and eventually served in the Korean War. A brain injury in the war wiped away the name of his hometown along with most of his memories from the past. He would spend the next 40 years trying to recall any information that would help him to find his mother.

David came to Special Tree in 2008 to recover from a second brain injury he experienced from a cycling accident. "I’m looking for my family," was all he could say during his first few months of treatment at NCC. A few months later, he transitioned to Parkway and joined the men’s residential peer group in the fall of 2009. That’s where he met NCC Social Worker Leslie Booker, the group’s facilitator, and asked if she would help him find his mother. She agreed, and in January their search began.

After David recalled where his mother lived, he and Leslie were able to do a Google search that turned up two Annie Maes in Yemassee, South Carolina. Leslie helped David to compose a letter but David was "nervous and scared," he said, that his mother would still be alive to read it. "I just prayed that I’d get to see her one last time."

But just days after sending the letter, David received a phone call that he will never forget. "Mom, is that you?" he said. David’s mother was still alive at age 90.

"I’ve been asking the Lord for 40 years to let me know if he was alive or dead!" said Annie Mae. She had also spent years actively looking for her son and had even hired a private detective.

David was reunited with his mother in Yemassee on April 4, 2010. Parkway Program Manager Jessica Frye and a member of her staff traveled with David for a 3-day trip where he visited with family, including his two siblings, from sun up to sun down. "He was exhausted, but so happy!" said Jessica. "The family couldn’t say enough about how grateful they were to Special Tree."

K'hron's Journey

From Traumatic Brain Injury to Recovery to Role Model

Like a typical teen, K’hron G. loves music and time with friends, does well in school, and has already selected his college of choice as well as his major.

But few teens have had to overcome the extreme challenges that K’hron faced after sustaining a TBI in a serious car accident two years ago. When the car he was riding in hit a tree head-on, K’hron was catapulted through the front windshield where he had his own head-on collision with the tree. K’hron’s frontal lobes were, virtually, destroyed and he was left completely blind.


The brain’s frontal lobes direct Executive Function, which controls memory as well as the ability to form concepts, think abstractly, and manage complex tasks. With his frontal lobes severely compromised, K’hron’s prognosis for a recovery to a high level of functioning and independence appeared dire.

K’hron arrived at Special Tree in a wheelchair, with a tracheotomy, wearing a helmet and in need of a prosthetic eye. “He was very upset, aggressive, combative, and didn’t want to participate in anything,” said Occupational Therapist Angela West. “Functionally, he wasn’t doing anything for himself and was really in denial. He wasn’t in school.

To help K’hron achieve independence, his treatment team helped him set small personal goals for recovery to regain physical movement, build cognitive and life skills, and adapt to being blind. He worked closely with West to become more independent at home and in school, and began using adaptive equipment. Intensive physical therapy helped K’hron learn to walk, which he found challenging and very painful. “Severe contractures in his left hip, ankle and knee created constant and severe pain,” said PT Sharon Roy. “Sharon pushed me real hard,” said K’hron. “She did the most by helping me get out of “the” wheelchair. I never said “my” wheelchair because I wasn’t interested in owning this period of my life. I was just passing through.” K’hron now walks independently using only a white cane for navigation. Speech Therapist Natalie Perrin helped him with reading, comprehending and memorizing. Massage Therapist Sunny Walker-Campbell relieved K’hron’s sore muscles and Recreational Therapist, Mandy Ohrt helped him to push himself. “I learned that, if there’s anything I can do, I can get it done,” said K’hron.

“This is why K’hron is so amazing,” West said. “He’s overcome a lot. He doesn’t have the frontal lobes we have yet he’s recovered a lot of Executive Function and made great progress in such short time.” According to Derica Scribner, Program Manager, Children Services, K’hron is now working at grade level in school and she firmly believes that he will have a job someday.

As K’hron continues to make gains in his recovery, his perspective on his injury shows a wisdom beyond his 17 years. “When I first found out I was blind after the car crash, I was mad, depressed and confused,” said K’hron. “Now I got over it. Everything I was mad about, confused about, I understand now.”

While the relative speed of K’hron’s recovery is remarkable, what’s most remarkable is that he seems at peace with what happened to him. Observed Scribner, “he’s a leader, the quiet type, who listens and gives observations and encouragement.”

“When I see kids in therapy, it’s hard,” said K’hron. “But, I tell them, you can do it! If you do it, I will clap my hands for you because I know you did it.”

K’hron has taken it upon himself to be a mentor to other students, even adults. According to West, people look up to him as a source of strength. “K’hron has a very positive outlook. He sees his injury as what he’s been given and he needs to move forward."

K’hron’s mom, Keila, couldn’t agree more. “He tries to help everyone even when they are trying to help him,” she said. “My son is an amazing young man.”

Comerica Park did it again!

By Jessica Bahny

Activities Team

NeuroCare Center

My co-worker Nicole and I were able to take two more of our clients, Clay G. and Willie B.,  to a Tigers Game on September 9^th.  It was another day game, beginning at 1:05.  What a perfect day!  Great temps, and the sky was gorgeous!  After an uneventful drive, though, we were in for a sort of unpleasant surprise.  The staff member at Comerica Park told me that there were absolutely no handicapped accessible seats in the WHOLE park.  Amy, our activity coordinator, had called before we left, and was told there were quite a few seats available. The staff member looked for about 15 minutes, and still could find nothing.  I was really sad, because I knew how much the guys were looking forward to it.  I think she could see how much it meant to us to go, because she disappeared and came back with 4 tickets located in THE TIGER’S DEN!!!  We were so close to the game, we could read names on the back of the jerseys!  Who needs the big game screen?!  Once again, we were treated with the utmost courtesy.  The staff even removed chairs to make room for our clients’ wheelchairs.  I do need to add that the chairs themselves are fabulous.  They are cushioned, and we got our own tables!  The tigers won against the Chicago White Sox.  To cap of a fabulous day, the four of us got our picture made in front of the Ernie Harwell statue.  Both Clay and Willie were so excited about the seats, and it was once again a huge privilege for me to be able to be a part of a special day for them.

Beverly Hills and Greenbriar Clients: Thursday Update from South Carolina

As told to Angie Folkwein
Residential Best Practices
Program Coordinator

Clients and staff from our Beverly Hills Community Residence (clients Laura, "Mr. Benny", and Dennis and staff Michelle-APL, Mary-RST, and Kim-RPM) and from the Greenbriar Community Residence (clients Stanley, Ilene, Joanna, and Mike and staff Pat- RST, Conswaylo-RST, and Tequella-RPM) hit the road this week for a trip to South Carolina.

Kim writes in with the latest update on their trip:

On Wednesday, we went to the Mrytle Beach State Park where we enjoyed the weather and had a nice picnic. After that, we all went shopping. [What's a trip without shopping!]

In the afternoon we went out on the pier of the Atlantic Ocean to watch the shark fishing. We followed it up with dinner at Ultimate California Pizza. YUM.

The people here are super nice. They all remak this is a wonderful thng that we are doing with our clients. Mike said that he would like to come back. When staff told Ilene we are leaving Thursday, she said no, that she wants to stay and is not ready to come home yet!

Beverly Hills and Greenbriar Clients: Reporting from South Carolina!

As told to Angie Folkwein
Residential Best Practices
Program Coordinator

Clients and staff from our Beverly Hills Community Residence (clients Laura, "Mr. Benny", and Dennis and staff Michelle-APL, Mary-RST, and Kim-RPM) and from the Greenbriar Community Residence (clients Stanley, Ilene, Joanna, and Mike and staff Pat- RST, Conswaylo-RST, and Tequella-RPM) hit the road this week for a trip to South Carolina. Here is the update on their trip!

We are staying staying in a huge 1457 square foot condo in Myrtle Beach. The balcony alone is 178 square feet. We are here until September 2. The condo is within walking distance of the beach; it includes 2 indoor pools, 1 outdoor pool, a lazy river, and is absolutely beautiful. We all went to the beach Monday. Laura asked to take her shoes off to be able to feel the sand in between her toes, something she has not done in many, many years. Mike loved spending some time in the water and lying on the beach. Dennis and Ilene asked to lay in the sand and enjoyed every minute of it.

We also cruised the strip yesterday and enjoyed the little souvenir shops and the beautiful sights. Monday night our whole group had a nice dinner at the Sticky Finger Smoke House. The workers there were so nice and catered to our every need. After dinner, we watched a beautiful fireworks show, it was amazing! Tuesday we enjoyed a late lunch at the River Café and were heading to Ripley’s Believe It or Not for some evening entertainment.

We are really missing Linda who is spending time at the Trevino Residence while we are gone. We hear that all of the clients and staff have really enjoyed her company and don’t ever want her to leave! Shout out to Linda, we can't wait to tell you all about our travels when we get back. We heard you went shopping and had a super time.