eLeVate Recovery

06/10/2026

🧠 This is one of my favorite images when I think of living our best lives.

The image below illustrates a concept called an “enriched environment.”

One environment provides the basics.

The other provides opportunities to explore, move, learn, problem-solve, socialize, and experience the world.

As humans, we’re not much different.

Our brains need challenge.

They need purpose.

They need opportunities to try new things, make decisions, solve problems, build confidence, and stay connected with others.

This is especially important following stroke, brain injury, neurological conditions, disability, or simply as we age.

While appointments, therapy, and medical care are important, life happens between appointments.

It happens during a trip to the grocery store.

A walk in the park.

A conversation with a friend.

Trying something new.

Learning from mistakes.

Building confidence one step at a time.

The goal isn’t just to survive.

The goal isn’t just to attend appointments.

The goal is to continue learning, growing, participating, and living.

Because when the right person—or team—believes in you, your life can only eLeVate. 🧡

What are some ways you keep your brain challenged and engaged?

06/09/2026

Today I mailed a handwritten note to the family of a new eLeVate Recovery client.

Along with the paperwork, I wanted them to receive something else:

A reminder that they are seen.

Behind every diagnosis, therapy appointment, and care plan is a family member who has spent countless hours advocating, supporting, encouraging, and loving someone through life’s challenges.

Sometimes a handwritten note simply says:

💙 I see you.
🧡 I appreciate you.
💙 I understand challenges.
🧡 I see your advocacy.
💙 I believe quality of life matters.
🧡 I’m here to help.

At eLeVate Recovery, people will always matter more than paperwork.

Sometimes the smallest gestures leave the biggest impact.

05/30/2026

🧠 Saturday Spotlight: Looking Back, Moving Forward

Today also happens to be World MS Day.

If you know Patty G., you know she's hilarious, incredibly intelligent, full of s***k, and always keeps people laughing. When Patty misses something, her absence is noticed and felt.

Patty has a way of helping other people's lives eLeVate despite facing her own adversity.

For those who don't know her, Patty was diagnosed with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis more than 30 years ago.

A quote that always makes me think of Patty is from Cheryl Strayed:

"We don't have a right to the cards we believe we should have been dealt. We have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones we're holding."

Whether it's life's hand of cards or her tarot cards, Patty does exactly that.

Some days are hard, to say the least. Yet she still shows up.

She is a writer, a concert-goer, the best seated chair Zumba dancer I know, witty, resilient, incredibly intelligent, a wife, a mother of three, and my friend. She started high school at age 12 and graduated from the University of Michigan at age 16.

For years, I've had the privilege of walking alongside Patty, not just at an MS Walk, but through adaptive pickleball, therapy, & adaptive group fitness classes, nights out for pizza, with plenty of laughter!

Last week we checked out Road Less Traveled Bookstore and were impressed by both the accessibility and kindness we found there… & Ikons picture up on the wall!

Patty independently navigated the bookstore in her power chair, browsed the shelves, cracked jokes, and purchased a shirt that read:

"GET LIT."

While checking out she said,

"I can't read naked... at least not in public."

Needless to say, we were laughing.

Afterward, we grabbed a brewski and grilled cheese on the patio at Farmington Brewery.

Tonight we're getting amped for Bingo together.

Next week she's headed to share her story at Baker College to Dr. Metti’s master level of OT students class, go Adaptive Scuba Diving in Howell, and in August we'll be attending Dirt Days, an adaptive off-roading event in Holly!

Remember that quote?

We're doing exactly that.

Patty, thank you for reminding me that our strengths will always outweigh our limitations. Thank you for your friendship, your humor, your perspective, and your ability to make every room a little brighter.

Thank you for helping my life eLeVate!!

See you soon, girl. 🩵🧡

05/27/2026

Many people assume my passion for neurorehabilitation began after my stroke.

Truthfully, it started long before that.

When I attended the University of Toledo, I knew I wanted to work with people, incorporate animals, and help others reach their goals and greatest potential. Long before my life-altering surgery, I became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and fell in love with the brain, human behavior, physical medicine & rehabilitation, emotional healing, and quality of life. Figuring out what lights people up again.

Then life came full circle.

After my own brain surgery, coma, stroke, and rehabilitation journey, I gained an entirely different perspective..not just as a clinician, but as a survivor.

Recovery is so much bigger than physical progress.

Sometimes it’s a favorite song.
A dog.
Nature.
A feeling of purpose.
Ordering a coffee on your own.
Someone believing in you.

Because when the right person believes in you, your life can only eLeVate. 🩵🧡🧠

Sharing an article that tells a little more of the story.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

At eLeVate Recovery, recreation therapy is all about helping people reconnect with what matters most: family, friends, community, purpose, and the activities that bring joy and meaning to life. The freedoms we enjoy to gather, play, heal, and create memories are possible because of the sacrifices made by so many.

As you spend time with loved ones this weekend, whether it's sharing a meal, enjoying the outdoors, or participating in meaningful traditions, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect on those who made it all possible.

From all of us at eLeVate Recovery, we wish you a safe, meaningful, and memorable Memorial Day. ❤️🤍💙

05/24/2026

This is more than a race.

It’s a tribute.

eLeVate Recovery is proud to sponsor Captain Jim’s 5K in honor of Captain Jim Vos.

Join us in moving for something that matters.

Sign Up Here: https://bit.ly/4cpCHem

The 8th Annual Paddle Run/Walk 4 CureHHT @ Captain Jim’s is on Sunday June 7, 2026. It includes the following events: 1.8 Mile Kayak/Stand-up Paddle Board, 5k Run/Walk, Kayak/SUP AND Run, and 1 Mile Run/Walk.

05/12/2026

We’re not just sponsoring. We’re honoring.

eLeVate Recovery is proud to support Captain Jim’s 5K in memory of our dad, Captain Jim Vos.

A day built on movement, connection, and purpose. Just how he lived.

Come be part of it.
Sign Up Here: https://bit.ly/4cpCHem

The 8th Annual Paddle Run/Walk 4 CureHHT @ Captain Jim’s is on Sunday June 7, 2026. It includes the following events: 1.8 Mile Kayak/Stand-up Paddle Board, 5k Run/Walk, Kayak/SUP AND Run, and 1 Mile Run/Walk.

05/09/2026

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and at eLeVate Recovery, it’s a reminder that recovery is about so much more than just the physical milestones.

It’s rebuilding confidence.
It’s reconnecting with the things you love.
It’s celebrating the small wins that turn into big ones.

Every survivor’s journey looks different, but no one should have to walk it alone. Through recreation therapy, community, movement, laughter, purpose, and play, we help people rediscover joy and independence one step at a time.

This month, we’re celebrating the strength of stroke survivors, caregivers, and families everywhere. Keep showing up. Keep pushing forward. We see you. 💙

05/08/2026

Fearless Friday 💪

Recovery takes courage. But sometimes the most powerful part is hearing from people who are living it.

The wins. The smiles. The moments that remind us life doesn’t stop after diagnosis or setback… it just looks different.

At eLeVate Recovery, those stories are everything. They show what’s possible when you add purpose, play, and connection back into the process.

To every client and caregiver who trusts us with their journey… we see you. And we celebrate you.

05/04/2026

May the 4th be with you from eLeVate

At eLeVate, we do not need Jedi powers to lift spirits, build connection, and bring joy to every day. We show up with purpose, care, and a little creativity.

Helping individuals rise, engage, and thrive is our kind of force.