In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Shawn Johnson, founder and executive director of Enhancing Skills for Life, and Mike St. Onge, board chairman and quadruple amputee, to explore the organization’s inspiring mission and impact.
Shawn, an occupational therapist with nearly three decades of prosthetic and rehabilitation experience, shares how Enhancing Skills for Life grew from its first workshop in 2002 into a global community serving people living without both arms or all four limbs. Mike reflects on his personal journey as a quadruple amputee, highlighting the strength of peer support and empowerment in rebuilding independence.
Discover how this nonprofit is transforming lives through:
✅ Workshops and skill-building events
✅ Adaptive equipment resources like the “Hands-Free Catalog”
✅ Scholarships, mentorship, and international participation
✅ Exciting future collaborations and upcoming workshops
Whether you’re part of the limb loss community or simply inspired by stories of resilience and hope, this conversation is packed with insight and heart.
🔗 Learn more: Enhancing Skills for Life
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