In this empowering episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Dr. Jackie Garcia, PT, DPT — a bilingual physical therapist, neurologic specialist-in-training, and founder of Nxt Stride Rehab — a virtual coaching program transforming how amputees recover, rebuild, and thrive.
Jackie opens up about her journey into physical therapy, her passion for supporting individuals with limb loss and spinal cord injuries, and how a gap in care inspired her to launch a program that brings expert support directly into people’s homes — no matter where they live.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Jackie’s path into PT and neurological rehab
- Why she created Nxt Stride Rehab and who it serves
- Stories of clients overcoming major challenges — including hip disarticulation
- How her customized programs help amputees regain strength and independence
- The emotional side of recovery: overwhelm, fear, and building confidence
- How her pregnancy has shifted her approach to care
- Her work with AdaptX to train fitness professionals in amputee-specific support
Whether you’re an amputee, caregiver, or rehab professional, Jackie’s insights will inspire you to reimagine what’s possible after limb loss — and how virtual therapy is changing the game.
🔗 Connect with Jackie & Learn More:
🌐 Website: nxtstriderehab.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackie.dpt/?hl=en
👉 Like, subscribe, and share this episode to support disability inclusion and awareness!
Remember – Learn more about host Mike Bolland on his website: One Handed Keynote Speaker
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike sits down with Lindsay Hicks to share her courageous decision to choose amputation at age 22 — and the emotional and physical challenges that followed. Lindsay opens up about navigating identity after limb loss, the support of her parents, and the mindset that helped her move forward. She shares how setting a goal to walk unassisted by Christmas gave her focus during recovery and how resilience continues to shape her life today. The conversation also explores her prosthetic journey, serious medical complications including liver failure and infection, and the determination that helped her regain mobility after two years on crutches.
What if surgery and virtual reality could dramatically reduce phantom limb pain? On this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Dr. Glenn Gaston, orthopedic hand and upper-extremity surgeon, to explore groundbreaking innovations in amputee care — including the Starfish Procedure and a virtual reality treatment for phantom limb pain. Dr. Gaston shares how a life-changing patient experience led him to build a dedicated amputee clinic and push beyond century-old methods of care He also shares his journey into amputee care, the inspiration behind his innovations, and why collaboration between surgeons, prosthetists, therapists, and mental health professionals is shaping the future of limb loss recovery.
Lera Doederlein joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share a powerful story of choosing possibility. Born with AMC (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita), Lera grew up in Phoenix using braces and forearm crutches while navigating school, friendships, and the quiet realization that sports might look different for her. As a teenager, she made the bold decision to pursue double above-knee amputations in order to gain independence and improve long-term mobility—and it transformed her life. Lera walks us through the realities of recovery and physical therapy, learning to use prosthetics, and the moment a clinician pushed her beyond her comfort zone—encouraging her to run just a week after she started walking. She also shares why community matters so much, from Camp No Limits to Hanger events and amputee boot camps that helped her build confidence and momentum.



