Paul Davis

Circle of Hope Recovery Meeting Host

Paul Davis is a lifelong Oregonian and passionate advocate for brain injury survivors and those in recovery. His journey with brain injury began at age five after a severe fall, followed by a car accident in 2011 and a stroke in 2019.

Sober for 33 years, Paul acknowledges, “Alcohol was my first coping mechanism—it worked until it didn’t.” Now, as the volunteer host of BIHN’s Circle of Hope Recovery Meeting, he is dedicated to creating a supportive space for those navigating both brain injury and substance use recovery.

“I carry a message of hope and love for the person you are right now. We move forward together with the strength of community,” he shares. Paul believes deeply in connection: “I found my People, my People gave me Purpose, and their love fuels my Passion.” Through his leadership, he hopes to inspire hope and resilience in others.

Shane Pennington

Mindfulness Meditation Meeting Host

Shane Pennington is a certified mindfulness meditation and adaptive yoga teacher with a personal story of resilience and transformation. Living with a traumatic brain injury from a fall on black ice in 2016, Shane discovered mindfulness meditation as a gateway to self-compassion and loving-kindness. This practice has been instrumental in helping her navigate life with new limitations.

Shane is a mother and grandmother who is a passionate advocate for mindfulness. She volunteered as a mindfulness meditation teacher for Insight Memory Care Center and holds certifications from LoveYourBrain and the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program.

When she's not teaching, Shane enjoys playing acoustic guitar, swimming, and gardening in Southwest Florida, where she lives with her rescue pets.

Barb George

Caregiver's Meeting Host

Barb George is a Washingtonian by choice and a U.S. “ping-pong” by habit, having lived all over the East, West, and South. She became a brain trauma survivor at the age of 45 when she was headbutted by a horse on their small hobby farm in 2004. In 2010, she began learning about advocacy and became the facilitator for a TBI support group in her small town. She led a large group of survivors, including those recovering from strokes and injuries, as well as many Veterans.

Highlights of this time included participating in Stand Downs with Veterans’ groups and creating an inclusive walk for Different Abilities.

Barb became a caregiver for her husband in 2021 when he first began showing signs of minor strokes, which were ultimately caused by Radiation-Induced Vasculopathy. He passed away in late 2023.

“Having a space to share fears, loss, and gain encouragement is as vital as air. We all need this.”

Dan DeCracker

Support Group Meeting Host

Dan DeCracker has lived his entire life in Upstate New York, just outside of Rochester. Dan began his recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) at the age of 47.

He is hopeful that the knowledge and experience gained on his recovery journey may provide fellow survivors, their families, and caregivers with insight and perspective to help navigate the daily challenges of living with a brain injury.

“In my professional career prior to injury, I was fortunate to experience the power of staying positive. Positivity is among the strongest forces in the universe. My advice to fellow survivors would be to take one day at a time and always keep a positive outlook. You are not alone!”

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Volunteers & Staff Members