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s4L support group meeting
NEW LOCATION - FIRST COAST REHAB IN ST. AUGUSTINE!
5.8.25 Matt Nasveschuk
Matt Nasveschuk is a former US Navy SEAL and Combat Medic with real-world life-saving experience serving in Panama and Afghanistan. Following service, Matt supported his wife, Mary, through her Physical Therapy Doctorate at the University of Saint Augustine by working in many different fields, including the medical field at a prosthetics clinic. Later, Matt completed two master's degrees in business administration and accounting at Saint Leo University. Matt worked at PwC for three years, rising to a senior associate focusing on process automation and data science before deciding to pursue becoming a Medical Doctor. Matt maintained a 4.0 GPA and is studying for the MCAT exam to apply to medical school while working as a Patient Care Technician at HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton, Florida. Matt and Mary have two boys and live south of Tampa, Florida.
NEW MEETING LOCATION: First Coast Rehab 2630 US-1, St. Augustine, FL 32086
4.10.25 Brandon Gilleland
Join us at our next meeting to hear Brandon discuss how you can re-claim your identity as someone other than a person living with limb loss/limb difference!
NEW LOCATION FOR MEETING:
First Coast Rehab
2630 US-1, St. Augustine, FL 32086
1.14.25
Casual Meeting where participants discussed expanding group participation to Jacksonville, FL
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12.12.24 Holiday Gathering
We celebrated the holiday season at our last meeting of the year!
11.12.24 Scott Love, PT, DPT, DHS, MPT
Scott Love was raised on a family farm in rural, central PA. He was the youngest of 6 children. After high school, he began working in a tire and automotive repair business in Harrisburg, PA. He eventually moved back to central PA and opened his own tire and automotive repair business. Later, he started a pizza shop and convenience store.
After 15 years of hard work, he went to college at St. Francis University while continuing his businesses and raising a family of three children. He finished his Bachelor of Health Science in 1998 with Honors and on the Dean’s List. He was then accepted into the school's Master of Physical Therapy Program. In 2000, he graduated, received the Outstanding Student Physical Therapy Award and was runner up for the prestigious Mr. Frankie Award. He then earned Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Health Science degrees from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
After working for Select Medical, Dr. Love eventually started his own private practice. While performing wound care in a physical therapy setting, he acquired a flesh eating bacteria that led to an amputation at the knee after 21 limb salvage surgeries.
Dr. Love has been an instructor for DPT Programs for over 12 years. His courses focus on limb loss, limb difference, Orthotics, Prosthetics and Gross Anatomy. In 2023, Dr. Love co-founded Steps4Love, a local non-profit that has been able to help 7 individuals world-wide since its inaugeration.
In November, we listened to Scott’s history and his vision for Steps4Love!
9.10.24 Jay Fain
In 2006, Jay Fain lost his limb while serving overseas in Iraq after an IED hit his Humvee. Today, Jay is a Purple Heart Veteran who aims to spread positivity and inspiration by sharing his story authentically and with an occasional tinge of humor.
Jay spoke on how to stay resilient and patient through the rehabilitation process and how to set and achieve goals in life beyond limb loss/limb difference.
Jay spoke on how to stay resilient and patient through the rehabilitation process and how to set and achieve goals in life beyond limb loss/limb difference.
8.13.24
Casual meeting where newcomers were able to get answers to their questions about healthcare and support services.
6.11.24 Joey Stevens
As a seasoned amputee peer visitor, Joey has been working with patients and their families for more than 15 years. An above knee amputee for more than 30 years, he is in a unique position to more fully understand what an amputee may be going through. At our June meeting, Joey spoke about the importance of peer visitation before and after amputation and informing doctors of the services he used to provide.
5.14.24 Jake Kokowicz
Despite a life-changing accident in 2014, Jake Kokowicz's determination has led him to incredible achievements. From a coma to a Master of Social Work, his journey is a testament to the power of resilience. Jake plans to use his experience, coupled with the knowledge and skills he gained at SVSU, to help other veterans. Catch the recorded meeting on our Facebook page!
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4.9.24 Dug Becker, SPT
Dug Becker, Student Physical Therapist at USAHS, shared his story and how he wishes to give back to the community as a future PT. Catch the recorded meeting on our Facebook page!
3.12.24 Rick Coleman, CPO
As a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist with over 20 years of experience, Rick Coleman spoke to our support group on how new and experienced amputees learn to cope with and manage phantom limb pain. Catch the recorded meeting on our Facebook page!
2.16.24 Jose Rodriguez-Torres
With courage and grace, Jose opened up about his journey of losing a limb and the daily hurdles that amputees bravely navigate.
Despite facing adversity, Jose radiated positivity and resilience, illuminating the room with his uplifting spirit. He shared candidly about the challenges he encounters each day and how he finds strength to overcome them. From navigating physical barriers to embracing new perspectives on life, his story was a testament to the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit.
1.21.24 - LAUNCH!
In collaboration with the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Steps 4 Love hosted its inaugural limb loss/limb difference support group meeting. Facilitated by Davis Mills and Kaleb Dougan, both Occupational Therapy Doctorate Candidates, this first gathering saw 12 attendees coming together for an initial planning session. Attendees discussed knowledge and use of coping techniques when dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological illnesses. It marked the beginning of an exciting journey, with hopes for even greater things to come.
