The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User Perspective

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of gun violence, physical assault, and traumatic injury. Listener discretion is advised. Joseph Huerta’s story is one of brilliance, hardship, survival, and hard-earned faith. A top graduate in his class, Joseph’s life took an unexpected turn after family separation led him into homelessness, living in a tent city and navigating daily survival....

At just 12 years old, Giusiana Prosser began experiencing medical symptoms that would change her life — symptoms that were dismissed, minimized, and misunderstood for years. After being told it was “all in her head,” Giusiana never stopped advocating for herself. At 19, she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome , and at 21 with Andersen–Tawil Syndrome , finally giving a name to what her body h...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Tyler Keller, whose journey is rooted in grit, faith, and resilience. Tyler grew up on a small farm in Michigan, surrounded by rodeo culture—both of his parents were professional rodeo athletes, as were his older sisters. Following in their footsteps, Tyler competed at a national level, earning rodeo scholarships to Lamar Community College and later North...

In this episode, we sit down with Frances “Fran” Esteves, an Occupational Therapist with nearly 19 years of experience serving students across the Rio Grande Valley. Fran shares how her lifelong connection to movement — from dancing with a semi-professional ballet company to teaching classical ballet in North Dakota and coaching rhythmic gymnastics in McAllen — shaped her passion for working with...

Episode Description — Season 1 Finale: “The First 15” In this special season finale, we hit pause and look back at the journey that brought us here. From powerful comeback stories to raw, unfiltered conversations about resilience, purpose, and real-life struggles, we revisit the first 15 episodes that shaped Season 1. Join us as we reflect on the lessons learned, the guests who left a mark, the mo...

At just 17 years old, Charlie Merritt made a promise — to serve, to lead, and to never back down. Following in his father’s footsteps, he earned the title of United States Marine at Parris Island, beginning a journey defined by grit, discipline, and heart. After eight years on active duty and four in the reserves, Charlie carried that same intensity into life beyond the Corps — playing semi-pro fo...

For as long as he can remember, Mario Bonfante has lived for speed — from BMX tracks and motocross jumps to the smooth pavement of road racing. By the time he was sixteen, he had earned his pro card, chasing the dream of becoming one of the best. But in September of 2006, a BMX crash changed everything. The accident left him paralyzed — but not powerless. After months in the hospital and years of...

At just 18 years old, Armando Ramirez’s life changed in an instant. What began as an ordinary night ended in tragedy when a drive-by shooting left him fighting for his life. His heart stopped for 12 minutes. Doctors said the odds were slim — but Armando had other plans. Now living with a T9–T10 spinal cord injury, Armando has defied every expectation. From countless surgeries and rehab at Craig Ho...

In this episode, we sit down with Corey Lee — better known as Pheez . At just 18 years old, Corey joined the Navy on September 6, 2001, only five days before 9/11 changed the world. What he thought would be a four-year enlistment turned into deployments, life-altering experiences, and a path he never expected. Corey opens up about his time serving and the diving accident that left him paralyzed fr...

Listener discretion is advised . Eric’s story is raw, real, and unforgettable. After surviving two major crashes that left him with spinal cord injuries, he takes us inside the highs and lows of rehab—sharing how medication-induced hallucinations tested his mind, and how humor became his tool to calm others and himself. He recalls the unlikely moment that changed everything: eating a hamburger tha...

Jody’s story is one of resilience, faith, and fighting spirit. He shares how a life-changing accident deepened his spiritual connection and set him on a journey of recovery at Craig Hospital. Through the ups and downs, he battled depression and discovered purpose and joy in adaptive sports. Today, Jody is not only the reigning Wheelchair Boxing Heavyweight Champion but also a loving father, a devo...

Episode Description (Dr. Julia Bramwell) In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Julia Bramwell, a board-certified pediatrician who has dedicated over two decades to medicine before making a bold shift to launch Invest in My Health Corp . Julia opens up about her personal journey, the challenges she faced, and the pivotal experiences that reshaped her path. We talk about her “rage against t...

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Britt Sitzes, OTR/ATP — from performing as a clown to becoming an occupational therapist and later a respected ATP. Britt’s career path is full of unexpected turns, but each step shaped the impact he would go on to make in the mobility world. We talk about his time at National Seating and Mobility in Austin, where he helped grow one of the co...

Episode 7: Phillip Bramwell: Finding Freedom in Laughter In this episode, we welcome comedian and performer Phillip Bramwell. Born with quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Phillip brings a sharp sense of humor and a fresh perspective on life, independence, and disability. With a background that includes professional acting and modeling, he’s no stranger to the stage—and now he uses comedy as his platform...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Allison Kyral, DPT , to explore the world of adaptive fitness, physical therapy, and patient care for individuals with spinal cord injuries . Alyson shares her journey pursuing her DPT, the experiences that shaped her approach, and her passion for creating inclusive fitness spaces. We also dive into her work with newly injured individuals, what they can expect...

In this inspiring episode, Shawn Simmons opens up about his journey of perseverance after a below-the-knee amputation. Through determination and rehab, he discovered wheelchair basketball — first playing with the ParaSports Spurs and now competing at the collegiate level with the University of Texas at Arlington. His dedication has also led to an invitation to the DK3 Wheelchair Basketball Invitat...

From the softball field to the stables, Victoria’s journey is one of grit, grace, and growth. In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable , Victoria shares her powerful story—from the day her life changed with a diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome , to the long road of recovery that followed. Before her injury, she was fiercely competitive on the softball field. Today, she holds a Master of Scienc...

In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable , we pull up a seat with Mario — a C5/C6 incomplete spinal cord injury survivor whose story is a blueprint of resilience. After facing the unthinkable, Mario didn’t stop at survival. He went back to school, pushed through the barriers, and pursued a master’s degree in civil engineering. Through grit, determination, and an unshakable sense of purpose, Ma...

In this powerful episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable , we pull up a seat with Danny Flores, a resilient force from right here in the Rio Grande Valley. Danny shares the raw, unfiltered story of the day everything changed—a C5/C6 incomplete spinal cord injury that rewired his body but never touched his spirit. We talk about what it means to wake up in a new body, the mental mountain that follows t...

Welcome to the debut episode of Wheelchair Roundtable ! 🎙️ In this opener, your hosts Rico and Roland—both proud Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs)—break down what an ATP actually does, and why this role is a critical piece of the mobility puzzle. But we’re not just talking job titles—we’re getting personal. We share our own journeys into the world of assistive technology, the people and ex...