In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland takes a look at the Amputee Coalition’s leadership. Between 2019 and 2022, CEO total compensation (Form 990, Part VII, Columns C & F) increased from $183,877 to $380,727—a 107% jump. Cass Isidro stepped into the role in February 2023 and left on August 22, 2025.
Host Mike Bolland has been told by reliable sources that she did a good job during her tenure. However, with limb loss being a lifetime journey, he discusses why it would be valuable to have someone leading the organization for longer than 2.5 years—someone truly dedicated to the community, not just viewing the position as another step in a career.
Mike also shares why he personally would not pursue recommendation letters for the Amputee Coalition when it comes to becoming a Certified Peer Visitor. As always. a representative from the Amputee Coalition is welcome to join a future episode to share their perspective and continue this important conversation.
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What do you do when life is going perfectly—until it’s not? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Kijuan Amey—a U.S. Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and traumatic brain injury survivor whose life changed in an instant. At just 25, Kijuan was thriving: one year from earning his degree, running his own business (Kiwi Enterprise LLC), and proudly serving his country. Then, a sudden motorcycle accident nearly took it all away. But instead of asking, “Why me?”, Kijuan chose a different question: “What now?” Through faith, grit, and a desire to help others, he turned unimaginable trauma into purpose—and a message of hope.
In this episode, host Mike Bolland shares the inspiring story of Carter Henning, a high school freshman from Calamus-Wheatland in Iowa who returned to lead his varsity golf team just two months after losing his leg in a snowmobile accident. Carter’s determination and passion for the game showcase what’s possible with resilience and heart. Mike also highlights the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN), a nonprofit offering vital support and peer mentorship to amputees and their families across North Texas. Founded by Ellen Winchell in 2002, DAN empowers individuals through monthly meetings, the Certified Peer Visitor program, and a strong community of encouragement.
In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Abraham, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist whose life took an unexpected turn when she became the patient. After a sudden illness left her paralyzed and unable to speak, Vanessa faced the daunting task of reclaiming her voice and identity. Vanessa shares her harrowing experience of battling Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the emotional toll of being unable to communicate, and her path to recovery. Her story is not just one of survival but of transformation, leading her to become an advocate for ICU survivors and author of the memoir Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life.
