Shepherd Center

Shepherd Center Founded in 1975, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation.
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Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit hospital devoted to the medical care and rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injury and disease, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular problems. Shepherd Center is a 152-bed facility and annually admits about 900 people to its inpatient programs and 540 people to its day patient programs. In addition, Shepherd Center sees more than 7,300 people annually on an outpatient basis.

Why do people with multiple sclerosis experience fatigue or difficulty walking? The answer isn’t the same for everyone—a...
01/12/2026

Why do people with multiple sclerosis experience fatigue or difficulty walking? The answer isn’t the same for everyone—and that’s why our experts are digging deeper.

At Shepherd Center, we’re pioneering a first-of-its-kind approach to study how the brain, muscles, energy, and movement work together. Using immersive virtual reality, we simultaneously measure brain activity, muscle use, breathing, and energy during realistic physical and mental effort.

This innovative research will help us uncover what truly drives fatigue and mobility challenges, opening the door to personalized rehabilitation strategies that can better serve every patient.

Because at Shepherd Center, we’re not just treating symptoms—we’re redefining what hope is.

It’s Wednesday afternoon in the Best Health Suite at Shepherd Center. Beyoncé, 50 Cent, and Usher are playing in the bac...
01/12/2026

It’s Wednesday afternoon in the Best Health Suite at Shepherd Center. Beyoncé, 50 Cent, and Usher are playing in the background while Allie Juarez, our certified yoga instructor and exercise physiologist, leads an adaptive strength training class. Across the room, Patrick Jones is working hard smiling through the challenge.

Patrick sustained a spinal cord injury in 2017. Since then, he’s completed inpatient therapy, our Spinal Cord Injury Day Program, Beyond Therapy®, and more. Today, he’s here because he found our Best Health and Wellness Program and made it part of his routine.

“These classes are fun, and I learn something new every time,” Patrick says. “Even with my background as a trainer, Allie shows me things I didn’t know.”

This program offers three weekly in-person classes and on-demand virtual classes—all designed to make fitness accessible for everyone. Whether you’re in the hospital, at home, or across the country, you can join in. Pre-recorded classes even include subtitles for patients who are hard of hearing or speak other languages, ensuring no one is left out.

Because at Shepherd Center, fitness isn’t just about exercise—it’s about hope.

Ready to learn more or join in? Email marina.moldavskiy@shepherd.org for details.

Did you know? About 79% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, and most include goals around health, exercise, or die...
01/09/2026

Did you know? About 79% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, and most include goals around health, exercise, or diet. Even if resolutions aren’t your thing, the start of a new year is the perfect time to check in on your health and well-being.

And the best part? Shepherd Center’s expert staff is here to help you along your journey. Swipe through the graphics for their tips.

To learn more, click the link below.

https://bit.ly/3L1AHhO

01/08/2026

Thanks to our incredible staff, generous donors, and supportive community, Shepherd Center continues to help patients rebuild their lives and show us all that hope is here.

It means the world to us to see patients and their care partners overcome incredible challenges and return to the lives they love.

Our Stories of Hope series gives you the opportunity to hear about these journeys — from struggles to triumphs — firsthand. Each story takes you through challenges and milestones as patients and their care partners share their experiences of healing at Shepherd Center.

Watch these heartfelt videos by clicking the link below.

Mark your calendars! You’re invited to experience the thrill of adaptive skiing on January 29 and 30 at Beech Mountain R...
01/07/2026

Mark your calendars! You’re invited to experience the thrill of adaptive skiing on January 29 and 30 at Beech Mountain Resort in North Carolina.

This event, hosted by Catalyst Sports, is all about making skiing accessible. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or getting back on the slopes, we’ve got the gear and support to make it happen.

Thanks to the generosity of the Jack Trottier Foundation, your registration is FREE—including adaptive ski equipment, lift ticket, and expert instruction. You’ll only need to cover travel expenses (transportation, lodging, and meals).

Want to bring a friend, family member, or care partner? They’re welcome too! Just note they’ll need to secure their own lift ticket and equipment rentals.

We have four spots open—don’t miss your chance to hit the slopes your way!

�Learn more by clicking the link below
https://bit.ly/49K4Fjy

Shepherd Center is excited to welcome Barry Fitts as our new vice president and chief information officer (CIO). Barry b...
01/07/2026

Shepherd Center is excited to welcome Barry Fitts as our new vice president and chief information officer (CIO). Barry brings more than 25 years of IT experience and a strong track record in healthcare technology leadership. He joins us from Christus Santa Rosa Health System in Texas, where he served as associate CIO.

“Barry possesses strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. His strategic vision and dedication to excellence will greatly contribute to our continued success,” said Jamie Shepherd, MBA, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Shepherd Center.

“I’m thrilled to join a hospital that delivers world-class care and fosters a compassionate culture,” Barry said. “Shepherd Center aligns perfectly with my values—and brings me closer to family, which means a lot to me.”

Outside of work, Barry enjoys sports, hiking, classic rock, and spending time with his wife, Lori, their three children, and two lively boxers.

Noah Smith first discovered his love for water skiing at Shepherd Center’s Adventure Skills Workshop (ASW)—and that pass...
01/06/2026

Noah Smith first discovered his love for water skiing at Shepherd Center’s Adventure Skills Workshop (ASW)—and that passion has now taken him all the way to the 2025 IWWF World Disabled Waterski Championships in Mulwala, Australia. Athletes competed in seated, standing, and vision-impaired categories across three events: slalom, tricks, and jumping.

Noah Smith and Jana Shelfer, who represented Team USA 🇺🇸, both delivered incredible performances:

🏆 Noah Smith� New World Record in Seated Men’s Trick (MP1) – 920 points - �5th in Seated Men’s Slalom with a PR of 3 buoys at 32 mph

🏆 Jana Shelfer� Overall Women’s World Champion� New World Record in Seated Ladies Trick (MP2) – 1,340 points� Silver in Seated Ladies Jump with a PR of 43’ - 4th in Seated Ladies Slalom with a PR of 2 buoys at 32 mph

Thanks to both of these incredible performances, Team USA brought home gold.
�
Congratulations to Jana, Noah, and our amazing coach Bill Furbish, along with Matt, Becky, and the entire Sports Teams staff. Shepherd alums continue to make Team USA a winning team!

01/05/2026

One recent December morning, patients had the opportunity to test their adaptive cycling skills when Shepherd Center’s Recreation Therapy Program partnered with Catalyst Sports to host a clinic showcasing adaptive cycling gear in our Livingston Gym. Like the holidays had come early, patients had plenty of adaptive bikes, including handcycles, to choose from based on their interests and abilities, provided by Charles Stanley, of Catalyst Sports and Shepherd Center.

As part of our goal to create opportunities for patients to rediscover their passions and purpose, adaptive cycling clinics are typically held monthly. They are often integrated into patients’ schedules based on their goals and interests. And that’s not all – when the weather is warmer, Shepherd partners with Catalyst to take patients on monthly group rides on paved trails just outside Atlanta.

“These clinics and outings are a great opportunity for essentially every patient we serve. There are many different configurations, adaptations, and styles for bikes that make cycling suitable for almost any type of injury or disability,” says Brandon Clift, BS, ACSM EP-C, ACSM CIFT, CASC, sports specialist in Shepherd Center’s Recreation Therapy Program “Cycling allows people to get outdoors, improve their cardiovascular fitness and overall function, and socialize with friends and family.”

With heavy hearts, we pause to honor the life and legacy of Bob Kafka, a pioneering advocate for disability rights.Bob d...
01/02/2026

With heavy hearts, we pause to honor the life and legacy of Bob Kafka, a pioneering advocate for disability rights.

Bob dedicated decades to ensuring that people with disabilities were fully included in society—not segregated in institutions. His tireless work advanced civil and human rights, leaving an indelible mark on the disability community and beyond.

We are grateful for his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to equality. While there is always more work to be done, his impact will continue to inspire generations.

📸: Austin American-Statesman

The only thing better than a graduation at Shepherd Center is a double graduation!As hallmates turned friends, Marlaina ...
01/01/2026

The only thing better than a graduation at Shepherd Center is a double graduation!

As hallmates turned friends, Marlaina Nichols and Adam Duncan often relied on each other for support as they tackled rehabilitation. As they shared their hopes, struggles, and milestones, Adam learned that Marlaina is a Swiftie, also known as a fan of Taylor Swift. In fact, listening to Swift’s songs got her through some of her most challenging moments.

When Adam learned that he and Marlaina would be graduating together, he went to work learning how to play one of Swift’s new songs on the guitar – part therapy and part celebration – to mark the huge accomplishment.

In their graduation speeches, both Marlaina and Adam both noted that rehabilitation is hard work – but that friends make it a whole lot better.

Congrats, Adam and Marlaina, on your graduations!

That’s a Wrap, 2025 What a year! We celebrated 50 years of Shepherd Center and created unforgettable moments with our i...
12/31/2025

That’s a Wrap, 2025

What a year! We celebrated 50 years of Shepherd Center and created unforgettable moments with our incredible patients, families, staff, and community.

From world-class rehabilitation and groundbreaking research to heartfelt patient stories—2025 was all about hope, humor, and heart.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to making 2026 even better!


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2020 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, GA
30309

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