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
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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.
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike talks with John Cooper, a physical therapist assistant with 18 years of experience, about his journey into physical therapy and his passion for working with lower-limb amputees. John shares how his grandfather’s recovery from brain surgery sparked his career, and how close collaboration with prosthetists helps him address the real-world challenges amputees face every day. He explains why patience matters in rehab, why quality beats quantity in therapy sessions, and how setbacks can become powerful turning points.
Mike Bolland shares the story behind Enable Review — a new community-powered platform created to help people with limb loss, limb difference, and caregivers find prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation care they can trust. After hearing powerful stories from guests and listeners, Mike explains why real patient experiences matter — and how Enable Review puts those voices front and center. Enable Review isn’t about ads or marketing. It’s about lived experience. If you’ve worked with a prosthetist, orthotist, physical therapist, or rehab clinic, we invite you to be part of our early community. https://enablereview.com/
