MEET OUR TEAM
Melody
Melody brings a strong background in business development and a passion for community service work. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Pre-Medicine and a Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology from Grand Canyon University where she graduated with honors. Melody worked in higher education, business, commercial/print modeling, and as trainer for exercise and wellness. After the accident, she spent years in a wheelchair. It was during this time, she had to find a new purpose. One day her mom brought her Lexie, a dog who was rescued from abuse. It was during the time Melody spent training Lexie that she learned how love can change anything. One year later, melody got Storm, her working dog. She believes anything can happen if you never give up and keep showing up. She enjoys coffee, gardening, training for Ironman, figure skating, dance, hiking, playing with her dogs, creating healthy recipes, personal development, fast cars, and playing chess.
Duane
Duane is one of the founders of Neuro & Brain Performance Centers. He brings a strong background to neuro rehabilitation with over 17 years of experience. He began working in skilled nursing then entered middle management of a national rehab company supervising physical therapists throughout Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.He serves as President of Neuro and Brain Community Foundation, Board member of the Next Step Foundation, and Will 2 Walk Foundation. He is the co-founder of Camp With A Ramp, a regular volunteer with Lifewaters Foundation for adapted scuba diving, Day On The Lake with Barrows Neurological Institute, AZ Spinal Cord Injury Association, and Camp Can Do with the Brain Injury Alliance. He is also an AT Still University Clinical Instructor of the year.
Sharon
Sharon is a T5/T12 paraplegic since 2012 due to car accident. She lives in Mesa, Arizona and is a mother of three children ages, 13, 15, and 18. She’s also a proud animal mom to 1 dog and 3 cats. Currently she is the Peer Mentor Specialist for the Arizona Spinal Cord Association. Sharon is also the designated Ambassador (Arizona) with the Peer & Family Support Program (PFSP) for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. In addition to mentoring, she spends time speaking about living with paralysis to various groups/schools. She views her volunteer work, public speaking and the impact of my work on others as a reflection on how helping people living with spinal cord injuries can make a difference in other’s lives. Sharon was just crowned Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2024 for her advocacy skills.
Doran
Originally from Spokane Washington, Doran found a new home in Mesa Arizona. He has been working in the field of physical therapy for 2 years with a focus on treating neurodegenerative and acquired neurological disorders to improve function in daily life and quality of life. He attained his bachelors at Brigham Young University and his Doctorate at A.T. Still University. Doran is a proud Eagle Scout who enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen, the outdoors, and traveling with his wife.
Valerie
Valerie is an Arizona native, born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. She graduated from GateWay Community College in 2016 with an associate in applied sciences, in Physical Therapist Assisting. She started her career working in orthopedics, but a catastrophic motor vehicle accident in 2020 left her husband, Chris, paralyzed. Valerie stepped away from clinical care to become a caregiver to Chris. In 2023, Valerie made a return to physical therapy, this time treating patients in the neurological setting, many patients with injuries much like Chris’. She believes her family's experience has helped her become a stronger patient advocate and therapist. Valerie finds great fulfillment in assisting the recoveries and care of her patients and spends much time advocating on their behalf as she finds the healthcare system can be difficult for patients and their families to manage. Valerie understands the importance of therapy and service animals, as many of her patients can and do benefit from their assistance. Valerie looks forward to helping families connect with their K9 companions through the work of Pawsitive Working Dogs!
John
John Davis, MS, OT, BSN, IMC. John is the co-founder of Neuro & Brain Performance Centers. He has almost 20 years of experience treating orthopedic and neurological conditions as an occupational therapist. Understanding a need in the field of Occupational Therapy, John began implementing unique, innovative techniques in his care. He is a pioneer in utilizing neurofeedback and is involved in multiple research studies in utilizing qEEG. John believes in an evidenced based approach utilizing the Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) or “Brain Map” with a 19 channel assessment to guide treatment. John is also the co-founder of Brain PerforMAX established to provide research, treatment, and prevention of brain injuries. John received his Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (now operating as A.T. Stills University) in 1999.
Derek
A native to Mesa, Arizona, Derek has been working in the field of occupational therapy for 5 years. He completed his undergraduate degree in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University in 2014. Since then he has completed his doctorate in occupational therapy from Northern Arizona University, focusing his capstone project on concussion's impact on function and advanced rehabilitation of the physical, visual, and cognitive symptoms related to the injury. Derek continues to show interest and passion in neurological conditions, particularly those negatively impacting participation in daily activities. He enjoys dance parties with his wife and 1 year old daughter and is interested in anything involving sports!
Emmalee
Emmalee is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from AT Still University. She enjoys everything outdoors with her partner like hiking, camping, yoga. Anything that involves sunshine and she’s there. She teaches yoga and is a reiki practitioner. She is excited to bring her passion for animals to our organization.
Morgan
Morgan is a born native of the east valley in sunny Arizona. Morgan had an unfortunate life change at 12 years old, causing her to be paralyzed due to a flu shot; after years of physical therapy, Morgan was able to get out of her wheelchair and is able to walk. Now, Morgan works as a physical therapist assistant at an outpatient neurological PT clinic, helping patients like herself every day. Morgan has a Belgian Malinois x German shepherd dog that assists her with getting off the floor when needed.