Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacey Ritter.
Hi Stacey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve worked in the sports medicine field for over thirty years, helping all levels and ages of athletes manage their injuries. When California adopted the Youth Sports Concussion Law in 2015, I became the local resource for athletic trainers, coaches, athletes and healthcare clinicians on updates in head injury care. Although I never planned on owning my own business, there was clearly a need for evidence-based education & management of this common injury. So in 2021, I opened Concussion Navigation Services, the only certified, concussion rehab specialty clinic within 200 miles.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I had no formal education on the business side of entrepeneurship. I was not prepared to take on marketing, accounting, contracting, or any of the other basic business management fundamentals. The monthly income volatility was difficult to get used to in the beginning. There was also a lot of doubt along the way as to whether I was really making the right choice to start my own business without this knowledge or skill set. But I sought out mentors, business coaches and classes to teach me what I needed to be successful, and I continue to learn every day.
As you know, we’re big fans of Concussion Navigation Services. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Concussions were once thought to be an untreatable injury, Researchers have now proven that early, active rehab leads to quicker and more complete healing. “Rest-and-wait” is no longer recommended. Concussion Navigation Services (CNS) uses the most current, evidence-based recommendations for injury management, as well as pre-injury baseline testing, provider education and consulting services.
Sports aren’t the only cause of concussions; they can happen in car accidents, falls, or anytime there is a hard blow to the head. Because each injury is unique, CNS creates individualized treatment plans targeting the specific needs of each patient. It is one-on-one care, so we can really listen, educate, and adjust when necessary.
Emergency departments, doctors offices, healthcare clinics and school nurses all refer people to CNS for concussion management. Word of mouth has been excellent from patients who had great recoveries here, and share that experience with others. I have become known as “The Concussion Lady”, which I am happy to claim; I am truly passionate about helping brains heal.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
San Luis Obispo has an underlying kindness that I have always appreciated; maybe it’s because we are so grateful to live in such a remarkable place. The relaxed pace, and beautiful natural environment allows us to have moments throughout the day to be truly grateful for the SLO life.
However, finding affordable, accessible healthcare in SLO can be very challenging. Many people have to seek specialty care outside of our area, which adds travel and financial burden to their medical costs. It is especially difficult for middle- and lower-income families, and those who are uninsured/underinsured.
One of the primary reasons I chose to stay here & open CNS in this area was to address this gap between specialy care needs & available services. Every brain deserves the opportunity to heal.
Pricing:
- Intial Assessment (90 min): $165
- Follow-up appointments (50 min): $100
- Pre-Injury baseline testing: $99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theconcussionnavigator.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concussion.navigator/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concussion.navigator
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-ritter-cns/
