Shepherd Center

02/19/2026

Last week, we recognized and our incredible phlebotomist team, who not only collect specimens but are also essential to the way we care for patients.

We sat down and talked with Shepherd Center’s lead phlebotomist, Tressa Thomas. She knows that most patients aren’t excited about having their blood drawn, and she takes pride in her ability to help them feel calm and comfortable.

What does a phlebotomist do?

We collect lab specimens.] We collect blood. Each phlebotomist is assigned two floors each day. Then, we return to the lab where we began receiving the specimens, readying them for processing by our lab techs. By the time most staff are making their way to work, we have done the bulk of our workday!

How did you know you wanted to be a phlebotomist?

I like the role because you work independently and you go at your own pace. Sometimes you have to take that extra time to talk to the patient and make them feel comfortable. And that's what we do here. We have a great phlebotomy team.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?

The most fulfilling to me is when you've gone to a room and a patient's terrified, and when you draw them, and they look at you and say, ‘Well, I didn't even know you did it.’ They're no longer afraid.

We also want to thank our whole phlebotomy team, Tracy Simmons Johnson, Raven Greer, and Chyna Weatherly, along with our dedicated PRN staff.

To read Tressa’s full interview, click the link below.

https://bit.ly/4rZ75kQ

02/19/2026

Roberto Jimenez began his rehabilitation journey at Shepherd Center in November 2023 after a forklift accident that caused incomplete paraplegia and below-the-knee amputation. He spent 10 months as an inpatient at Shepherd Center, participating in daily therapy sessions before continuing outpatient therapy.

Roberto hopes his portrait conveys a message of bravery, showing that while fear is real, pushing through it is possible. He wants his story to inspire confidence and hope in others facing difficult challenges. For him, hope means believing in progress beyond grim predictions and meeting challenges with faith, work, and self-trust.

To others on similar journeys, Roberto’s message is clear: fight relentlessly, believe in your strength, and maintain positive self-talk to overcome adversity.

He expresses heartfelt gratitude for the Shepherd Center community for its expert care and the encouragement from staff, fellow patients, and family that made his recovery possible.

“If you believe in a higher up and you do pray, you do have to remember you can't just pray on it and not act on it. You have to put in some work and meet him halfway in order for [your goals] to happen.”

In 2025, Roberto took part in Shepherd Center’s Portraits of Hope, an exhibit showcasing the transformative journey of healing through portraiture, storytelling, and creative collaboration. You can read more about it in the winter issue of Spinal Column.

Click the link in our bio for the latest issue of Spinal Column.

📸: ELEY PHOTO

02/18/2026

If you look outside of some Shepherd Center patients’ rooms, you'll see the Bobby Jones golf course. When the weather is good, Shepherd Center recreation therapists take groups to the golf course to try out adaptive golf. And even in the winter months, volunteers from the Georgia State Golf Association Adaptive Golf Program visit the hospital to introduce patients to adaptive golf equipment and share pointers to help them improve their game, regardless of their injury or illness. They, along with Shepherd Center’s recreation therapists, also help patients find adaptive resources closer to home if they don't live in or near Atlanta.

Sam Taylor, who sustained a spinal cord injury while on duty as a police officer, attended one of the golf clinics in the Livingston Gym on his last day as a Day Program patient. He practiced his swing while using a ParaGolfer, an adaptive golf wheelchair that helped him to swing from a standing position. Taylor enjoyed golf before his injury and is eager to get back on the course — he saw the golf clinic as a great opportunity to give it a try.

“Being in a controlled environment where I can get instructions based upon my injury ... I figured the best chance I had to start golfing again would be to learn from people who know the adaptive portion.”

Taylor even got some pointers on improving his swing while using his own wheelchair.

Other patients join in on the clinic, too, like Josh Smith. To see Smith’s swing, you wouldn’t know this is only his second time playing golf, the first being during the previous month’s clinic in the gym. Smith is also wrapping up his time in the SCI Day Program. A putt-putt outing piqued his interest in golf, so he tried the golf clinic.

“Getting in the ParaGolfer and working with [the instructors], I was like, 'Oh, this is sweet, I definitely want to come back,’ Smith says. "My grandpa's a big golfer, too, so maybe this will be something we can have fun with, and it turns out I'm not bad at it. They're great teachers, and it's a lot of fun.”

02/17/2026

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, local organizations gathered at the Georgia State Capitol to promote services available to the nearly 13% of Georgians who have disabilities.

Led by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency - GVRA , GVRA Day included Shepherd Center, AgrAbility, BlazeSports America , Bobby Dodd Institute, CTI, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, the Georgia Association of Training, Government and Supports (GATES), Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, and New Ventures Inc.. The organizations connected with state legislators and the public to raise awareness of vocational rehabilitation services and resources.

“One of the questions we get asked most often from our patients, many of whom have sustained injuries or survived illnesses that led to temporary or lifelong disabilities, is ‘will I be able to work again?’ or ‘when can I get back to doing the job I love?’” said Abigail Garcia, MBA, MHA, director of government relations and advocacy at Shepherd Center.

“We gathered at the Capitol to make sure that people know how to access all of the resources available to them that can support them in leading a full and meaningful life.”

02/17/2026

We believe that exceptional care begins with a balanced life. That’s why we offer fixed shifts for nurses, therapists, and respiratory care professionals. You can plan your days, recharge, and focus on what matters most, both inside and outside of work.

Here, you’ll find supportive teams who value collaboration and well-being. You’ll have time to pursue your passions beyond the hospital walls while making a profound impact within them.

If you’re looking for a career that fits your life, and not the other way around, come be part of our mission.

Click the link below to join our team.

https://bit.ly/4kISMyo

02/16/2026

As if taken from a hallmark story, Ryan Clements and Mallori Ammerman have known each other since they were six years old. Unfortunately, the couple's fall wedding had to be postponed when Ryan became severely ill and was admitted to Shepherd Center for rehabilitation.

Knowing the couple wanted to get married on their dating anniversary – January 27 – Ryan’s dedicated rehabilitation team huddled and devised a plan to make their wedding happen at Shepherd, The team got cupcakes, hot chocolate, Sprite, gifts, and simple décor – all things that may seem small. But to patients and loved ones navigating a life-changing illness or injury, these small gestures feel incredibly special.

On a chilly but beautiful day, the couple stood together in the Home Depot Foundation Courtyard in front of the blue-green heart sculpture – their location of choice – crafted by Mike Hamby. The ceremony was officiated by the groom's hometown pastor, who came up from Macon to make it a truly unforgettable event. Family and Shepherd team members gathered as the ceremony took place, while more guests watched from the James H. Shepherd Jr. Bridge, witnessing a love story decades in the making.

Ryan’s goal in speech therapy was to say his wedding vows to his wife as he recovered. And thanks to his hard work and dedication, he was able to say his wedding vows to her, surprising her with what he wrote. Throughout his rehabilitation, he also continuously worked on his stamina, and it all showed. He stood for nearly the entire ceremony, supported by his parents at his side. Only sitting down to recite his vows, Ryan was on his feet again without hesitation to kiss his new bride.

Hope is recovery.

Hope is saying your vows out loud.

Hope is a courtyard wedding.

Hope is here.

02/14/2026

A visit from our facility dogs is the perfect way to say, “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

They visited patients and handed out special Valentine treats, reminding us that hope can show up in many ways, even with four legs and a wagging tail.

Thank you, Canine Companions! Because of you, our patients got Valentine’s hugs and kisses from our facility dogs.

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02/13/2026

Otto and Clyde Feil have shared a love story for 53 years.

After years filled with devotion, their resilience was put to the test on the morning of April 16, 2018, when Otto had a severe coughing fit from undiagnosed pneumonia. Soon after, he showed signs of a stroke. Clyde rushed him to the emergency room at St. Joseph's Hospital, and he was later airlifted to GradyHealth.

Upon arrival at Grady Memorial Hospital on April 16, 2018, the neurologist explained Otto’s options. Without intervention, Otto likely would not survive. Surgery could restore brain circulation but risked impairment.

“I said, ‘Do it,’” Clyde recalls. “I wanted him to have the best chance.”

Fortunately, Otto survived the surgery. After spending 10 days at Grady, he transferred to Shepherd Center for inpatient rehabilitation. There, Otto and Clyde began their recovery journey together.

At Shepherd, Clyde became Otto’s care partner, supporting him through daily physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Humor helped them heal. Otto’s physical therapist, Chris Ready, notes Otto enjoys introducing Clyde to things she dislikes—gory movies, inappropriate articles, and Tiger King. They laugh together, often like kids.

On April 16, 2025, seven years after Otto’s stroke, both agree that these have been the best years of their lives.

To Clyde, Otto is her companion and love. She admires his optimism and calls him a warrior. To Otto, Clyde is his angel.

Their shared devotion carries them through each day.

To read more about Otto and Clyde's love story and recovery journey, click the link below.

📸: ELEY PHOTO

https://bit.ly/4ayRS2S

02/11/2026