In March 2021, thirty-seven-year-old CIA officer Kathryn Roche was in a car accident that sent her head smashing into a car door, causing a concussion and whiplash. That unexpected impact launched her onto a path of discovery-of how her brain injury left her with post-concussion syndrome, what it meant to have a nervous system short-circuit, and how she could give her body time and space to heal. Running a human performance and resiliency program for the CIA's paramilitary officers, she leaned on her firsthand experience with recovery, redefining purpose, and the challenge of listening to one's own body.
Moving from a high-intensity position in the CIA to navigating disability in the wake of traumatic brain injury, this story shines a light on the complexity of brain injury, offers hope to those in the midst of their own life-shifting journey, and encourages readers to be intentional about maintaining their well-being.
In her memoir, Well, I Didn't See That Coming: My Journey from the CIA to Life with Post-Concussion Syndrome, Kathryn crafts a vivid description of brain injury, loss, healing, and resilience-all while reminding us to listen to the truths our bodies are telling us.
