Rolling Start Inc. Blog | Rolling Start, Inc

Our Live TBI Webinar Is Almost Here

May 15, 2026

Stronger Minds: Meet the Speakers for Our Upcoming TBI Empowerment Webinar

🧠✨ Rolling Start, Inc. invites you to join us for Stronger Minds: A Traumatic Brain Injury Empowerment Event, a free live webinar dedicated to resilience, recovery, healing, and independence after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

This meaningful virtual event brings together medical expertise, innovative recovery tools, and lived experience stories to support individuals living with TBI, caregivers, families, professionals, and advocates throughout the community.

📅 Monday, May 18, 2026
⏰ 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (PST)
📍 Live on YouTube

Participants are encouraged to register for free on Eventbrite to receive reminders and livestream access information before the event.

Keynote Speaker — Dr. Charlie Dawson, M.D.

Brain Injury Fellow, University of Kentucky

Dr. Charlie Dawson is a Brain Injury Fellow at the University of Kentucky dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives after neurologic injury. His work spans the full continuum of rehabilitation care, from acute inpatient recovery to outpatient treatment for conditions including traumatic brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, and other acquired brain injuries.

With a strong focus on patient-centered care, Dr. Dawson emphasizes not only physical recovery, but also restoring independence, identity, dignity, and quality of life. His perspective highlights the importance of empowering individuals throughout the healing process and supporting long-term recovery beyond the clinical setting.

Originally from Nebraska, Dr. Dawson earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College and completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Nebraska Medicine. He is passionate about advancing rehabilitative care and improving outcomes for patients and families navigating life after brain injury.

Featured Speaker — Peter Pettis

Founder, California Neurofeedback

Peter Pettis is the founder of California Neurofeedback, a Riverside-based organization focused on making neurofeedback technology more accessible and affordable for individuals seeking support for mental health, cognitive challenges, emotional regulation, sleep improvement, and overall well-being.

After personally struggling with emotional imbalance and finding limited success through traditional approaches, Peter discovered neurofeedback technology in his early 30s and experienced significant improvements in his mental and emotional health. Inspired by those experiences, he founded California Neurofeedback to help others gain access to similar tools and support.

Through his work, Peter has assisted individuals from many walks of life, including veterans, professionals, and traumatic brain injury survivors, helping them explore alternative approaches to improving cognitive function and quality of life.

During the webinar, Peter will share insight into neurofeedback technology, how it works, and its growing role in supporting brain health and recovery.

Testimonial Speaker — Rebeca Valenzuela Fraire

Assistive Technology Coordinator, Rolling Start Inc.

Rebeca Valenzuela Fraire is an Assistive Technology Coordinator at Rolling Start Inc., a survivor of domestic violence, and a passionate advocate for individuals living with disabilities.

In 2023, Rebeca’s life changed after surviving domestic violence that resulted in both a traumatic brain injury and becoming a wheelchair user. Since then, she has navigated the challenges of recovery, healing, and adapting to a new way of life with resilience and determination.

Through her recovery journey, Rebeca became actively involved in the disability and wheelchair community, participating in adaptive sports and connecting with organizations throughout the region. Her experiences inspired her to use her voice to encourage others facing trauma, disability, and major life transitions.

Today, Rebeca continues sharing her story with honesty and strength while helping others recognize that healing is not linear and that rebuilding life after hardship is possible. Her story reflects the power of community support, advocacy, perseverance, and empowerment.

Join Us Live on Monday

Stronger Minds is more than a webinar, it is a conversation about healing, hope, resilience, and the many pathways toward rebuilding life after traumatic brain injury.

Whether you are living with a TBI, supporting a loved one, working in rehabilitation or healthcare, or simply interested in learning more about brain health and recovery, this event offers valuable insight and encouragement from experts and lived experience advocates alike.

🎥 Free Live Webinar on YouTube

We hope you’ll join us live for this empowering event and help support awareness, healing, and independence for individuals living with traumatic brain injury.

🔗 Register for free on Eventbrite to receive reminders and livestream details:

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month

April 30, 2026

The May Calendar is Here!

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of financial protection and stability for individuals living with disabilities. It is an opportunity to learn about disability insurance options, understand available resources, and recognize how financial coverage can support long-term security, independence, and peace of mind when facing unexpected health challenges or life changes.

Financial security strengthens independence. From protecting income and supporting basic living needs to ensuring access to care, housing, and essential services, disability insurance plays an important role in helping individuals maintain stability and continue living with dignity and confidence.

Join Us This May

Throughout the month, Rolling Start is hosting a variety of in-person and virtual events at our San Bernardino and Victorville offices, as well as online. Our May programming includes advocacy meetings, educational classes, support groups, and opportunities for meaningful community connection.

Whether you are looking to learn more about financial security and disability resources, connect with others who share similar experiences, or find supportive services, we are here to help you learn, connect, and thrive.

You can view our full May event calendar and register at:
rollingstart.com/calendar

Become a Rolling Start Consumer

If you have a visible or invisible disability, you may be eligible to become a Rolling Start consumer. Consumers gain access to empowering services, community events, and food distributions when available.

Your independence and voice matter. Our goal is to support your journey toward self-advocacy, empowerment, and inclusion while helping you build community and confidence along the way.

Get Involved

Looking to make a difference? Consider donating or volunteering to support programs that promote accessibility, opportunity, and independent living. Your support helps strengthen our community and expand access to vital resources.

Contact Us

If you have questions or would like more information, we are happy to help:

San Bernardino Office: (909) 890-9516
Victorville Office: (760) 949-7626

Together, let’s continue building a more inclusive Inland Empire, where individuals with disabilities are recognized, protected, and empowered to thrive.

Save the Date

April 24, 2026

Promotional event flyer titled ‘Save the Date – Stronger Minds.’ The flyer advertises a live webinar called ‘Stronger Minds: A Traumatic Brain Injury Empowerment Event,’ hosted by Rolling Start Inc. The layout features a white central panel with rounded edges, framed by flowing abstract green and blue wave-like patterns. The text states that the event advocates for survivors of traumatic brain injury on their journey toward healing, recovery, and independence. Three featured speaker sections appear, each with a small headshot photo to the left of the text. The keynote speaker is Dr. Charlie Dawson, M.D., a Brain Injury Fellow at the University of Kentucky, who provides rehabilitative care for individuals with neurologic injuries such as traumatic brain injury and stroke. A neurofeedback session is presented by Peter Pettis, founder of California Neurofeedback and an Inland Empire advocate, focusing on accessible neurofeedback technology to support mental health and cognitive challenges. A testimonial speaker, Rebeca Valenzuela Fraire, Assistive Technology Coordinator at Rolling Start Inc., shares lived experience as a traumatic brain injury survivor and discusses resilience and ongoing healing. Event details at the bottom list May 18, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Time, livestreamed on YouTube. A QR code and registration link, linktr.ee/rollingstartinc, appear near the lower section alongside Rolling Start Inc. accessibility-themed icons.

🧠✨ Stronger Minds: A Traumatic Brain Injury Empowerment Event

Live Webinar | Hosted by Rolling Start, Inc.

Join Rolling Start, Inc. for an inspiring and informative virtual event dedicated to resilience, recovery, and rebuilding life after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

This live webinar brings together leading experts, neurofeedback specialists, and individuals with lived experience to share practical tools, personal insights, and empowering perspectives. Whether you are a survivor, family member, caregiver, or professional, this event is designed to support your journey toward healing and independence.

What You’ll Gain

Expert guidance on TBI recovery and resilience
Insights into neurofeedback and brain health
Real stories from individuals with lived experience
Practical strategies to support independence and well-being

Event Details

📅 Date: Monday, May 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (PST)
📍 Location: Live on YouTube (Free Event)

How to Join

Register to receive the livestream link and event reminders. Scan the QR code or go to linktr.ee/rollingstartinc to register. Be sure to follow our YouTube channel @Rollingstartinc to stay connected and access future resources.

Anna’s Advocacy Corner

April 13, 2026

Transformation, Resilience, and Second Chances: Richard’s Story

In the debut episode of Anna’s Advocacy Corner, Anna sits down with TBI specialist and Rolling Start Inc. team member Richard Startz for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about transformation, resilience, and the true meaning of a second chance.

Richard’s journey is not an easy one. He opens up about his past involvement in gang activity, his time spent in jail, and the uphill battle of rebuilding his life after incarceration. Reentering society came with significant challenges, especially as a wheelchair user navigating a world that is not always accessible or inclusive. On top of that, having a criminal record made finding stable employment even more difficult.

But Richard’s story is not defined by his past. It is defined by what came next.

Everything began to shift when he connected with Rolling Start Inc. Through opportunity, support, and his own determination, Richard found more than just a job. He found purpose. Today, he serves as a TBI specialist, using his lived experience to uplift, mentor, and guide others on their own paths toward independence.

His story is a powerful reminder that when people are given the chance to grow, they can transform their lives and make a lasting impact on their communities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

In this conversation, viewers will gain insight into:

Richard’s life before and after incarceration
The realities of reentry as a wheelchair user
Barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities and criminal records
The role Rolling Start Inc. plays in creating opportunities
How lived experience can become a powerful tool for advocacy and change

Watch the Full Episode

Be sure to watch the full conversation below and hear Richard’s story in his own words.

Join the Movement

At Rolling Start Inc., we believe in the power of advocacy, inclusion, and second chances. Stories like Richard’s are why we do this work.

We invite you to be part of this growing conversation. What does true second chance employment look like to you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us.

Stay Connected

This is just the beginning of Anna’s Advocacy Corner. New episodes will be released every month, featuring real stories that inspire change, amplify voices, and help build more inclusive communities.

👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated on future episodes and continue supporting stories that matter.

April is World Autism Acceptance Month

April 1, 2026

[ID: An image of the Rolling Start Inc. April 2026 calendar. Go to www dot rollingstart dot com forward-slash calendar to go to the accessible version of our calendar on our website. Text above says World Autism Acceptance Month, Celebrating the strengths and perspectives of autistic individuals while promoting understanding, inclusion, and respect. This month encourages communities to move beyond awareness toward genuine acceptance and support for neurodiversity. Register on linktr dot ee forward-slash rollingstartinc followed by the rolling start inc logo a gradient from green to blue with several icons that represent different disabilities like wheelchair, braille, canes, asl, etc.]

The April Calendar is Here!

April is World Autism Acceptance Month, a time to promote understanding, respect, and meaningful inclusion for autistic individuals. It is an opportunity to celebrate neurodiversity, uplift autistic voices, and continue building communities where people on the autism spectrum are valued, supported, and empowered to live independently.

Acceptance strengthens communities. From accessible education and employment to healthcare, housing, and meaningful social connection, ensuring equitable opportunities for autistic individuals remains essential to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Join Us This April

Throughout the month, Rolling Start is hosting a variety of in-person and virtual events at our San Bernardino and Victorville offices, as well as online. Our April programming includes advocacy meetings, educational classes, support groups, and opportunities for meaningful community connection.

Whether you are looking to learn more about inclusion and accessibility, connect with others who share similar experiences, or find supportive resources, we are here to help you learn, connect, and thrive.

You can view our full April event calendar and register at:
rollingstart.com/calendar

Become a Rolling Start Consumer

Your independence and voice matter. Our goal is to support your journey toward self-advocacy, empowerment, and inclusion while helping you build community and confidence along the way.

Get Involved

Contact Us

If you have questions or would like more information, we are happy to help:

San Bernardino Office: (909) 890-9516
Victorville Office: (760) 949-7626

Together, let’s continue building a more inclusive Inland Empire, where autistic individuals and the entire disability community are recognized, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Game Day Brings Community Together

March 31, 2026

Inclusive fun and friendly competition at our San Bernardino and Victorville offices

Last month’s Game Day brought together consumers and staff from both our San Bernardino and Victorville offices for an afternoon full of connection, laughter, and friendly competition. From high-energy challenges to laid-back games, the room was filled with smiles, teamwork, and moments that reminded us just how important community spaces like this can be.

In San Bernardino, participants jumped into Minute-to-Win-It games that kept everyone engaged and cheering each other on. Over in Victorville, the vibe was just as lively, with attendees enjoying games, music, and plenty of opportunities to connect. Across both locations, snacks were shared, conversations flowed, and new friendships were formed.

Events like Game Day are all about creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone can come as they are, have fun, and build meaningful connections. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’ve joined us before, there’s always something special about coming together as a community.

If you missed out last month, we’d love to see you at our next Game Day this Friday, April 3rd, from 2pm to 4pm. San Bernardino will be hosting Minute-to-Win-It challenges with pizza and snacks, while Victorville will feature Dominoes, Uno, and snacks. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, have fun, and connect with others.