About Us

We understand that caregiving for aging parents isn't just a responsibility—it's a journey that reshapes our lives. Founded by Tammy Provencal, a seasoned physical therapist who transformed her professional and personal caregiving challenges into a mission for change, Neuro Ninja Care is a movement dedicated to redefining caregiving.

Our healthcare system often overlooks the crucial role of caregivers, treating them as an afterthought and leaving them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. We recognize that to truly care for our aging parents, we must first empower those who care for them. Our mission is to arm caregivers with the education, tools, and emotional support they need to transform caregiving from a barely manageable task into a journey of growth and fulfillment.

 

My Journey to Holistic Caregiving

Discovering My Path

From childhood, family has always been central to my life. Family shaped my identity, influenced my decisions, and ultimately guided my career path. To me, my family members were not just loved ones; they were my first teachers in compassion and accountability. My educational journey began in a program centered on learning about healthcare occupations. This experience immersed me in the medical field, where I learned about patient care, medical procedures, and the critical role of empathy in healthcare. However, I also observed the limitations of the traditional medical system, which often focused more on treating symptoms than addressing root causes and caring for the whole person. This realization inspired me to explore other avenues within healthcare. 

The Shift to Physical Therapy

Physical therapy offered a unique perspective on health and well-being. It allowed me to work closely with patients, helping them regain mobility, independence, and quality of life. I found that as a PT, I could address not just the physical aspects of a person's health, but also consider their emotional and psychological needs. This holistic approach resonated deeply with me. 

Family Dynamics and Holistic Care

Two pivotal moments deepened my understanding of family caregiving and the deep emotional challenges that often come with caring for someone who has been an integral part of our lives since childhood. The first was becoming the primary caregiver for my Uncle Billy who was more like a grandfather to me and who was struggling with dementia. This personal experience highlighted the profound impact of family dynamics on caregiving. The second was caring for my own mother, which unearthed old insecurities and self-doubt from my childhood—feelings I thought I had overcome. I realized that caring for an aging parent is uniquely challenging because our parents are often the first people who shape our sense of self. You know those movies where an adult child returns home for the holidays and suddenly finds themselves slipping back into childlike emotions and behaviors? I believe this is similar to what often happens when we become caregivers for our aging parents. Our inner critic, which was influenced by our parents in childhood and carries into adulthood, often becomes even more persistent when we are back in close proximity to our critic's origins. Recognizing and managing this dynamic is essential for effective caregiving and maintaining our own well-being.

The Broken Healthcare System

Throughout my career, I have witnessed the failures of the healthcare system in supporting our aging population and their caregivers. Patients are often discharged from medical facilities before they are ready, leaving families to cope with complex medical, physical, and emotional needs without adequate support. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these failures, showing how unprepared we are to support our elderly and their caregivers. 

Embracing a New Role

Recognizing these challenges, I decided to expand my role beyond physical therapy. I became dementia certified and received training to become a life coach, equipping myself with the tools to support caregivers more holistically. Determined to better support caregivers, I founded Neuro Ninja Care. This approach enables me to guide families through the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of caregiving, helping them navigate their journey with confidence and compassion. 

Mission and Vision

My mission is to revolutionize the caregiving experience by integrating education, physical therapy strategies and training, and life coaching. I empower caregivers to provide comprehensive care for their aging parents, fostering well-being and personal growth for those receiving care as well as for the caregiver. Together, we can create a nurturing environment that promotes health, resilience, and transformation.

 

Conclusion

My journey from student to holistic caregiver has been driven by a commitment to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. By addressing the whole person and considering family dynamics, I strive to provide a level of care that goes beyond the conventional medical model. Through this comprehensive approach, I aim to support and empower caregivers, transforming caregiving into an opportunity for personal healing and development. Having walked this path myself, I’m here to help you find meaning and growth in caregiving, overcoming guilt, resentment, and the overwhelm of balancing caregiving with personal lives.