Staying Emotionally Well

Our five-part series explores COVID-19 and its potential impact on stroke survivors and their caregivers and families. Hear stroke patients’ questions and concerns and our stroke experts’ responses.

Episode 2

Download audiocast transcript (PDF)

Moderated by Emmy Award-winning news anchor Carey Peña, this episode features stroke survivor Rachel Scanlon Henry and Dr. Kimberly McGuire, a clinical psychologist at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, New Jersey.

Henry shares her lengthy emotional recovery following her stroke and how it has better equipped her to weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. McGuire addresses how stroke survivors can reduce anxiety and stress and get emotional support during this difficult time.

Podcast Participants (in order of appearance)

Carey Peña (Moderator)

Carey Peña is an Emmy Award-winning news anchor, host and investigative journalist. As founder and CEO of Inspired Media 360, she created her dream company at the intersection of tech and TV. Peña strives to inspire people through the stories IM360 covers, the shows and content her company creates, and the many charity events and other activities where she serves as master of ceremonies or volunteers her time.

Rachel Scanlon Henry (Stroke survivor)

Rachel Scanlon Henry had her stroke on April 4, 2003. She spent the next three years experiencing the five stages of grief developed by psychologist Elizabeth Kubler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. She has emerged from her stroke stronger, more joyful and as a relentless advocate for  stroke survivors. 

Henry lives in Worcester, Massachusetts with her husband Tim and her son Jason, a family she says she got as a result of being a stroke survivor. She’s a teacher and long-time volunteer for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.

Kimberly McGuire, Ph.D., ABPP (Clinical psychologist)

Dr. McGuire has been a staff psychologist at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, New Jersey since 2006. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, California.   

She is certified in clinical health psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and has been recognized by The Leading Physicians of the World as a top psychologist. At the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Dr. McGuire provides psychological services using a biopsychosocial/spiritual approach for people with stroke, spinal cord injury, amputation, multiple sclerosis, cancer and other diseases. She also helps develop and implement programs for Kessler’s outpatient clinic.