Porter Charles is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist, and a workplace therapist. He is also a TBI survivor, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to his work.

He is the founder and CEO of Smooth Stone Counseling, where he supports individuals in navigating life and work imbalances. He specializes in shifting clients out of fear-based thinking into more grounded and sustainable ways of living. Porter offers virtual one-on-one sessions and workplace workshops and is passionate about creating accessible educational content to support emotional wellness and recovery. He currently serves as a board member for the Boston College School of Social Work Alumni and works with clients ranging from Harvard and MIT staff to executives, parents, and high schoolers.

In this episode, host Bethany Lewis, the Concussion Coach, interviews Porter Charles, a former colleague from Cognitive FX. Porter shares his deeply personal journey of suffering a traumatic brain injury from a white-water rafting accident and the long, challenging road to recovery.

The conversation covers the wide range of debilitating symptoms he experienced, including panic attacks, cognitive issues, and the "T" (trauma) part of the TBI. Porter discusses the difficulties of navigating a lack of understanding from medical professionals, the isolation of an "invisible injury," and the importance of finding effective treatments.

He highlights the turning point at Cognitive FX, the importance of therapies like occupational therapy and EMDR, and how his experience ultimately guided his career path as a therapist. The episode provides hope for those suffering from concussions and offers practical advice for both survivors and their caregivers on the importance of addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of recovery.

Resources Mentioned and Contact Information

• Porter Charles’ Website: Smooth Stone Counseling

• Porter’s email: info@smoothstonecounseling.com

• Porter’s Facebook Handle: https://www.facebook.com/SmoothStoneCounseling

• Porter’s Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/talktoporter_/

• Porter’s TikTok Handle: https://www.tiktok.com/@talktoporter

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org

• EMDRIA (EMDR International Association): emdria.org

• Brain Sparks (Nonprofit mentioned): brainsparx.org

• Cognitive FX (Treatment center mentioned): cognitivefxusa.com

Connect with Bethany:

• Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/

• Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the website

• Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

Ali Rheaume is a speaker, author, artist, and accessibility specialist who is deeply passionate about supporting the disability and brain injury community. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Movement Science and a Master’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

Ali is the owner of 199 Accessibility Consulting and her art business, Embracing Unique Art. She serves on the Brain Injury Council of Massachusetts, the Franklin Commission on Disability, and the NASHIA (National Association of State Head Injury Administrators) Education Committee. She is also the founder and facilitator of two community groups: a virtual support group called Life After Concussion and an in-person social hour for individuals with disabilities called Rise Up.

Ali is a passionate advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and bringing people together to increase awareness and support for brain injury and disability.

In this uplifting and insightful episode, host Bethany Lewis reconnects with previous guest Ali Rheaume (from Episode 46) to catch up on the developments in her life and work since they last spoke.

Ali shares the heartfelt inspiration behind her new children's book, "Buddy the Brain," which she wrote and illustrated to help children understand brain injuries, helmet safety, and how to support loved ones who may be different after a brain injury. She also highlights the book's accessibility features, including large print, braille, ASL, audiobook, and e-book versions.

The conversation then shifts to Ali's accessibility consulting business, where she offers a practical mini-masterclass on creating accessible digital content. She shares her top tips, including using left-aligned text, sans serif fonts, alt text, captions, and avoiding all caps or decorative fonts.

Ali also shares about her advocacy work, the importance of digital compliance, and the power of community. She discusses her two support groups and offers profound, practical advice on navigating relationships and dating after a brain injury—emphasizing authenticity, setting boundaries, and taking small, celebratory steps forward.

Finally, Ali leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: everyone's journey is unique, and progress happens one small step at a time. Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, or a clinician, there is hope and a path forward.

📚 Resources Mentioned by Ali Rheaume1. "Buddy the Brain" Children's Book

• An educational, interactive book for children (K–2nd grade) that teaches about the brain, helmet safety, and brain injury in a kid-friendly way.

• Written and illustrated by Ali Rheaume, available on Amazon

• Accessible formats available: Large print, braille, ASL, audiobook with character descriptions, and e-book.

• Uses Ali's own accessible handwriting font on a clean white background for easy reading.

Ali shared her top tips for making digital content more inclusive:

• Left-align text (not centered or justified)

• Use sans serif fonts (avoid script, decorative, or serif fonts)

• Avoid all caps and italics for long text

• Include alt text (image descriptions) for screen readers

• Add captions to videos (full sentences, not flashing single words)

• Place text on a solid background for better readability

• A monthly, growth-mindset support group for adults (18+) whose lives have been affected by concussion.

• When: Second Wednesday of each month, 2:00–3:30 PM Eastern Time.

• Where: Virtual (Zoom)

• Focus: Real, vulnerable conversation with a focus on moving forward, sharing tips, and mutual support—not just complaining.

• How to join: Sign up for emails via Ali's website to receive the Zoom link and monthly topic. https://alirheaume.com/

• A monthly, free in-person social hour in Franklin, Massachusetts, for anyone navigating disability.

• Activities include casual conversation, guest speakers, games, and crafts (e.g., flower arranging).

• Open to all, including friends and family.

• All activities are adaptive and accessible.

Jack Fonderwhite, LAc is the creator of Peak Mind, a novel electroacupuncture approach to neurostimulation, and the founder of Jackupuncture in Hawaii. He is a provider for some of Hawaii’s top talent, including UFC’s BMF champion Max Holloway. A former kickboxing competitor himself, Jack combines nearly a decade of clinical expertise with personal experience to help elite performers—especially combat sports athletes—elevate their brain’s ability to perform at its best in sport, work, and life. His brain-first approach specializes in helping present and former athletes recover from concussions and optimize their cognitive longevity.

In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, host Bethany Lewis reunites with her friend and fellow “Concussion Nerd” Jack Fonderwhite. They dive deep into the unique challenges of diagnosing, treating, and recovering from concussions in the world of combat sports (MMA, kickboxing, boxing, etc.). Jack explains why combat sports athletes face a higher risk of undetected sub-concussive impacts, the lack of baseline data in youth sports, and the importance of proactive brain care for those who choose to continue fighting. He shares powerful anecdotes about treating psychosis and hallucinations resulting from repeated head trauma, offers practical advice for parents of young fighters, and outlines how athletes can train safely without giving up the sport they love. Finally, Jack discusses his upcoming nonprofit to fund concussion care for youth athletes and how he works with clients both in-person and virtually.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Pupillometry / Reflex Pro: An app-based tool that scans the pupil’s response to light to assess autonomic nervous system function and screen for suspected neurological injury.

• Baseline Testing: Jack emphasizes the need for comprehensive baseline measurements (cognition, reaction time, balance, visual, vestibular, proprioceptive, and autonomic systems) before an athlete begins competing.

• Sub-threshold Cardio Rehab: An evidence-based recovery method using heart-rate-monitored exercise to help the brain heal after trauma.

  Contact & Follow Jack Fonderwhite

• Website: jackupuncture.com

• Email: jackupuncture@gmail.com

• Instagram: @jackupuncturehi

• Previous Episode (Episode 104): Jack Fonderwhite on Electroacupuncture & Concussion

Connect with Bethany:

• Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/

• Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the website

• Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation