We recently connected with Scharlene Gaudet and have shared our conversation below.

Scharlene, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Amidst the pandemic, I found myself employed at a small university located outside of Dallas. Much like the broader situation in Dallas, the university had ceased its operations, leaving us unable to provide essential healthcare services or educational opportunities to aspiring healthcare professionals.

My daily routine was filled with meetings, each seeming to lack direction and failing to address the pressing needs of our community. During one such meeting, I engaged in a conversation with Donna Cranston, the esteemed founder of Defenders of Freedom, a longstanding nonprofit partner. Together, we expressed frustration over our inability to support the youth during these challenging times and harbored concerns about the potential long-term consequences of our inaction. Subsequently, upon returning home that evening, I engaged in a discussion with my spouse, and together, we made the decision to establish a clinic. Given the essential nature of healthcare services, we believed it provided a viable avenue to continue our mission. Fast forward two months, and our clinic became a reality.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My professional journey has always been driven by a passion for helping and educating others. Initially, I embarked on a career in the veterinary field, where I devoted a significant portion of my time. However, a pivotal moment arose when I needed to temporarily pause my career to care for a sick family member. This hiatus prompted a decision to return to academia in my thirties, pursuing a doctorate degree.

During this academic pursuit, I encountered a significant obstacle in the form of a car accident resulting in a concussion. Despite seeking medical assistance, including multiple consultations and attempts to alleviate my post-concussive syndrome symptoms, I encountered frustration. Medical professionals attributed my symptoms solely to stress, recommending psychiatric intervention and medication. However, I remained skeptical of this approach, as it seemed disconnected from addressing the root causes of my ailments, such as migraines, insomnia, brain fog, and gastrointestinal issues.

It was at this critical juncture that a fellow classmate introduced me to a nearby brain clinic. This introduction proved transformative for both me and my family. Not only did it facilitate my completion of the doctoral program, which seemed uncertain prior to this discovery, but it also redirected the trajectory of my career.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

In our professional sphere, encompassing civilian and veteran populations, discussions largely center on post-traumatic stress (PTS), yet the concept of post-traumatic growth (PTG) often goes overlooked. Despite the prevailing sense of inertia and caution, we embarked on establishing a new business amid a seemingly stagnant environment.

Despite widespread skepticism and external voices advising against such a venture, we pressed forward, fortified by the unwavering support of our family and community. It became evident that amidst the prevailing doubts and uncertainties, this was an opportune moment for growth. This experience underscores the notion that despite skepticism or prevailing sentiments of impossibility, there are paths to progress and advancement.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When we made the decision to launch this practice, we faced a myriad of uncertainties. As we began searching for suitable properties to lease, it became apparent that we were navigating unfamiliar territory. However, amidst the uncertainty, one thing became abundantly clear: the overwhelming support from our community. With each prayer, new opportunities seemed to present themselves.

An unexpected invitation to establish our practice within an existing medical facility arose, but the challenge of securing capital remained a daunting hurdle. Despite encountering a setback when our loan application was rejected by a bank we had a longstanding relationship with, my husband and I refused to be discouraged. We took stock of our assets, contemplating what could be liquidated to finance the creation of our envisioned clinic.

In the face of adversity, the depth of our community’s support became increasingly apparent. Offers of financial assistance poured in, solidifying our shared dedication to this endeavor. It was evident that our community was as committed to our success as we were. Thus, Resiliency Brain Health was born—a testament to the power of resilience and the collective support that sustains us.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.resiliencyBH.com
• Instagram: resiliency_brain_health
• Facebook: Resiliency Brain Health
• Linkedin: Scharlene Gaudet
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBIcWwDkZtIDQiOQ6a2Zbw