How It All Began.
It’s rare that NuStep account reps in our healthcare division get to connect with customers who’ve used our products in their own recovery. Especially from a spinal cord injury.
For NuStep staffer Erin Hoard, what began as a typical sales call has led to much more than a sale. It’s led to an exciting, new collaboration with an extraordinary person.
Starting next month, Natalie Barnhard, the president and founder of Motion Project, will be a guest blogger for NuStep. Natalie, who sustained a spinal cord injury in 2004, will share her inspiring story.
There’s More to the Story.
Erin and Natalie’s connection began in 2020, when Natalie contacted NuStep about one of our products, the TRANSITT. At the time, Natalie was in the process of selecting physical therapy equipment for a new rehabilitation center.
But, as Erin soon learned, there was much more to the story.
The center, which is the brainchild of Natalie, specializes in the rehabilitation and recovery for people – like her – with spinal cord injuries. Erin recalls, “She was so passionate about her own recovery as well as helping others on their journey through recovery.
“When we first spoke, the center was under construction so I would check in every month or so to see how things were progressing and how she was doing.”
About a year later, Natalie bought a TRANSITT for her center, the Natalie Barnhard Center for Spinal Cord Rehabilitation and Recovery, which opened in September 2021.
As part of her post-sales follow up, Erin arranged a training webinar with Natalie and her team. Erin remembers how excited they were about adding the TRANSITT to the other state-of-the-art therapy equipment they purchased.
“Natalie’s mission for the center is clear,” says Erin. “Providing a rehab experience that feels nothing like being in a hospital. One that focuses on the whole person in their recovery. Not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well.”
Projects in Motion.
Erin continues to check in with Natalie periodically. In a recent conversation, Natalie shared that Motion Project and the University of Buffalo’s Department of Rehabilitation Science have partnered to conduct research on the benefits of health and wellness programs for people with spinal cord injuries.
The partnership has also yielded a new internship program at Natalie’s center. Students in the university’s physical and occupational therapy programs will get clinical experience working with people recovering from spinal cord injuries. Natalie and team welcomed their first intern in January.
Thanks to Erin’s ability to connect with her customers, we’re thrilled to welcome Natalie as a new voice to our blog space. Stay tuned.
