About

Technohealer

About

Brenda Torres CTRS is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist,
with over 19 years of experience. She has earned the recognition in the health and educational field as an expert in providing creative and innovative program development, utilizing skills and knowledge in adaptive modification to promote creative quality programs including specialized senior fitness, Technology, and serves as a speaker for National Conferences and Workshops.

Gale Brewer District 6th Council Member Leader serving Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Ruth Messenger former District 6th Council Leader and Manhattan Borough President.

At 14yrs. old she took a stand and voiced and brought her concern about the cleanliness in her Manhattan Upper West side neighborhood to her district leader at that time Council member Ruth Messenger accompanied by her sister Maria, and friends, which turned out to be her first advocacy experience that tuned out to make a change in getting more garbage cans throughout the neighborhood once Ruth Messenger had her and her peers investigate the problem as a task and came up with a solution. This experience opened the door for Brenda to continue a relationship with Ruth and her assistant at that time, Gale Brewer who became Brenda's Mentor and friend.

Gale Brewer currently serves as District 6th Council Member leader in the Upper west side of Manhattan and has taught Brenda how to listen to the voice of the people in the neighborhood and assist them especially the hispanic community who needed help in various matters. Brenda became an intern in Gale's office and learned how to gather and make the necessary connections to assist her neighbors with their problems and concerns.

"Gale is a true authentic advocate for the people. I have seen her heart extend to those who truly need help and assistance. She has a gift of listening and knowledge in directing their needs to the right place with results.

As my mentor, I acknowledge her gift and passion for the community which led me to be an extension of the work by listening within nursing home communities where voices of the needy still exist. I am forever grateful especially to Gale Brewer, Ruth Messenger, and leaders whom I had the privilege of learning from and working with that are the healing connection to communities."

Brenda values "community" and learned to become sensitive in listening to the needs and concerns of the people which led her to become an advocate and healer. Her passion to get results and create new possibilities is how Technohealer was created.

”I value what I do, and who I serve in providing programs that promote; cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual stimulation. But more importantly in exploring new creative ways in maintaining or maximizing patient's optimum level of functioning”.

It is important in keeping individuals connected to the world when they feel disconnected due to physical, mental, social or environmental barriers using technology. There are educational opportunities for caregivers, family members, and health facilitators, who need assistance in keeping their patients, loved ones or family members connected to the world while maintaining their independence to maximize their home stay within their community before considering institutional placement while providing an opportunity for better health.

“Working in the health field for many years, I have seen the forgotten and ignored ".

Torres had a vision some years ago and saw a mobile computer station for room bound residents. Her Faith and determination took some years in researching equipment, adaptive devices and furniture to accommodate the residents. It took written proposals with testimonials to get someone to listen to the needs and cries from those who may have given up in life due to lack of family contact, support , stimulation and feeling they're no longer needed in society. "I HEARD THEIR CRIES"... Torres said.

"As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist I have worked hard in both creating and facilitating creative programs to promote stimulation within the Therapeutic Recreation five domains service of care, which include: Spiritual, Physical, Social, Cognitive, and Emotional stimulation. Technology is an element that has allowed opportunities to explore benefits within these five domains."

CNR Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation's Community Advisory Board funded the vision believing in the power of using technology for the benefit of the residents. She put together several computer lab stations throughout the facility with specialized software programs that touched all five domains as well as put together a wireless modified computer mobile station which the residents named "R2D2". He travels into resident’s rooms and provides world connections through this modified unit providing wireless access with special keyboards and a variety of specialized mouse for those who have difficulty with hand grasping or gripping. The mobile and stationed units also have headsets with speakers and a camera to take pictures to send to their family through emails.

I know how it felt to be disconnected through a personal experience in a hospital bed. I looked forward in checking my emails as a daily regular lifestyle routine, but didn't have access to a computer in the hospital. I felt isolated, and disconnected to the world for that period of time. I felt unproductive without the use of the computer, and wondered when it will affect proper healing flow. Someone had to sneak my laptop to me in the hospital and I connected it to the phone line for a dial-up connection. Almost immediately, I felt alive, and empowered again knowing that I was able to communicate with my family, staff and colleagues again.

That experience was truly a test for patience and creativity in coping with time. Please note any possible equipment interference in keeping in mind the safety for patients who may be hospitalized with restrictions due to mechanical interference. In that case, of course I would have not used the computer. It is important to make health facilitators aware of this experience through conferences, in-services and orientation on how technology can promote healing and maintain a person’s hope and extend a life line through testimonies.

It is truly up to all of us to care and be responsible for those who have made it possible for us today, especially our seniors. That is why I often ask why do adaptive devices have to cost so much? Or why are the equipments not being made easily available for those truly in need? When will we take responsibility to our current existing senior possibilities that may extend their lives? We owe it all to the forgotten…That is why I am living for purpose and making it my duty to make it better for those who cannot speak, hear, see, or walk... so they too can have an opportunity for a better Quality of Life.....