Shari Bookstaff
B.S., M.A.
CA, USShari Bookstaff is a marine biology professor turned brain surgery patient who gives presentations to medical professionals teaching them how to connect to their patients in an instant. Shari grew up in Wisconsin, the only nice Jewish girl on her block dreaming of becoming a marine biologist. She fulfilled her dreams, and was thriving in her career as a tenured biology professor at a local community college. Her kids, 12 and 8, were doing well in school and blossoming into awesome young people. Then, just over a decade ago a benign brain tumor practically destroyed her life. She spent months in the hospital, regaining basic human functions such as eating, walking and talking. Today, Shari continues to improve. Although she has many ongoing challenges, Shari has not allowed these physical difficulties to rule her life. Instead, she uses her unique perspective to help medical professionals turn a moment of genuine care into a lifetime of positive impact! Her presentations have helped hundreds to become better practitioners. Shari is living proof that determination, hard work, and positivity are the cornerstones to overcoming tragedy.
Shari is the author of When Life Throws You Lemons...Make Cranberry Juice!, an autobiographical account of her recovery from her brain tumor removal and ensuing complications. This book has been called, "Fantastic!", "Inspiring", and "Inspirational for Single Moms!!!".
Shari also developed a workbook to compliment. In this workbook, you will experience stories from patients, empathy exercises, and challenges to help you to improve your skills.
Shari Bookstaff is a marine biology professor turned brain surgery patient who gives presentations to medical professionals teaching them how to connect to their patients in an instant. Shari grew up in Wisconsin, the only nice Jewish girl on her block dreaming of becoming a marine biologist. She fulfilled her dreams, and was thriving in her career as a tenured biology professor at a local community college. Her kids, 12 and 8, were doing well in school and blossoming into awesome young people. Then, just over a decade ago a benign brain tumor practically destroyed her life. She spent months in the hospital, regaining basic human functions such as eating, walking and talking. Today, Shari continues to improve. Although she has many ongoing challenges, Shari has not allowed these physical difficulties to rule her life. Instead, she uses her unique perspective to help medical professionals turn a moment of genuine care into a lifetime of positive impact! Her presentations have helped hundreds to become better practitioners. Shari is living proof that determination, hard work, and positivity are the cornerstones to overcoming tragedy.
Shari is the author of When Life Throws You Lemons...Make Cranberry Juice!, an autobiographical account of her recovery from her brain tumor removal and ensuing complications. This book has been called, "Fantastic!", "Inspiring", and "Inspirational for Single Moms!!!".
Shari also developed a workbook to compliment. In this workbook, you will experience stories from patients, empathy exercises, and challenges to help you to improve your skills.
Moment of Care: Lifetime of Impact!
Medical professionals are amazing in their quest to save lives every day. No "but," you are amazing! Especially difficult is remembering that a completely non-responsive patient may be aware of EVERYTHING going on around them. When I was in ICU for almost a month, on a tracheotomy and feeding tubes, completely dependent on nurses, doctors, and therapists, what I craved most was non-medical, human contact. Let me share my story with you and help you be even more effective.
Strive to Thrive!
It didn't take brain surgery for Shari to realize how much she loved her career, but she certainly gained appreciation for its stability. A good education gives you choices, flexibility, and power. Unexpected, dramatic, life-altering bumps in the road happen to everyone along life's journey and being better prepared leads to a better outcome. Don't settle for "surviving". Strive to thrive! This presentation works for all adult audiences as Shari shares her story of survival...
First and Ten
Before meeting my neurosurgeon for the first time, my dad and I joked that the surgery should have all first-downs and touchdowns, no Hail Mary's or even punts! Let me show you how football got me through my darkest hours. Remembering that an NFL Quarterback doesn't stop playing and take a knee unless they are WINNING inspired me to continue my rehab, write a book, receive my Black Belt in karate, and return to my career as a Biology Professor. Let me help you use your love for the game to...
Woof!
Gromitt, Shari's service dog, has been a fantastic addition to her life. Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) breeds, raises, trains, and provides dogs to people who need them free of charge. Shari will share her story, focusing on the great impact Gromitt has had. She applied for and recieved a service dog by following her own advice, "Focus on what you CAN change, not on what you CAN'T change."
The Power of Education
Shari has always believed that education is the key to success. Following her brain tumor and subsequent obstacles, Shari's education helped her to remain in her home, live with her kids, and go back to work. Her education saved her life! A good education gives you choices, flexibility, and power. Listen to Shari's story--you will be more motivated than ever to continue your education!
