About Nancy
Hello,
My name is Nancy Tindall (Garland). Over the years, through working with both children and adults, I have come to understand that positive energy is fundamental in creating meaningful results.
I was raised in Toronto in a loving family. In 1990, I was 17, attending school taking advanced academic courses. I had many plans laid out for my future, and then suddenly my life changed when I was involved in a boat crash that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. The physical, cognitive, and emotional effects were significant. Luckily I healed physically very quickly. I healed so quickly that the doctors didn't know what to do with me, except, send me home. At that time, there were few supports and limited understanding of what I was experiencing, so recovery often felt deeply isolating. I lost nearly every part of the life I had known — school, hobbies, relationships, home and family connections. When I later tried to return to that life, almost all of it was no longer there. The life I remembered was gone.
There was a time when my memory lasted less than a minute. I was saying and writing words backwards and upside down. My ability to think clearly, communicate, and function day to day was deeply impaired. In that space, even trained professionals did not have clear answers for my recovery. So I began to rebuild—slowly in my room, 30 seconds at a time, then 1 min, then 2,...., patiently, and through necessity. I became a student of my own healing, learning through trial and error, observation, movement, and the quiet influence of some positive people. I've learned to protect my energy as many people chose to take advantage of my situation. I focus on people and environments that are kind, support growth and well-being.
Over time, I came to understand something important: healing is not only something learned through textbooks—it is something lived, felt, and experienced. The smallest moments matter, and often, the smallest, most overlooked pieces can make the greatest difference.
This experience shaped the work I do today. I began volunteering with a Brain Injury Association, and later became a Personal Support Worker, supporting clients living with dementia, injury, and age-related decline. In many ways, I could relate to the frustration, confusion, and loss of function they were experiencing. I found myself spending much of my time engaging clients in activities that supported their mood, focus, and confidence. Families began noticing positive changes, and eventually I was hired specifically to provide one-on-one activity-based support.
I combined what I learned through my training, my personal recovery, and the needs of my clients to develop my program — originally called the Happy Brain Program, now known as Brain & Body Balance — a movement-based approach designed to support happiness, confidence, focus, coordination, and overall well-being.
Along my life journey, I have also experienced profound traumatic experiences & personal loss, including the very early deaths of my father, brother, and daughter. Each loss occurred at different times and under different circumstances, and each required its own kind of healing. These experiences deepened my compassion and strengthened my commitment to helping others find steadiness, balance, meaning, and hope — even during life’s most difficult seasons.
Through these challenges, I learned how to be grateful for the time we have with one another, how to let go of what cannot be controlled, and how to continue finding peace and happiness even in hardship. I came to understand that education, awareness, and the right tools can help guide our thoughts, our energy, and our direction in life.
This path led me to study the mind, human behaviour, and the connection between movement, emotion, and the brain. I became certified as a Life Coach, Personal Support Worker, End-of-Life Doula, and Reiki Master, and I study and practice Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Brain Gym, Bal-A-Vis-X, neurobics, and neuro-movement exercises.
I believe we all emit a natural, positive energy, but over time that energy can become clouded by stress, loss, fear, or negative experiences. We always have choices though, and I chose to learn how to stay positive while still honouring real emotions.
I look forward to connecting with you, so we can support one another, learn and grow stronger together. Nature reminds us that nothing grows alone. Trees stand tall because their roots are connected, sharing strength beneath the ground, adapting to the seasons, and reaching toward the light. In the same way, people grow through patience, guidance, and positive energy.
Just like the trees, we are meant to grow, to heal, and to keep reaching toward the light!!
Smiles,
Nancy Tindall (Garland)