For nearly a decade, Chantal Singh dedicated her life to caring for others as a nurse. Beginning her career at 21, she earned a master’s degree, held several nursing leadership positions, and taught in a nursing program. Chantal became a travel nurse in 2023 and left her hometown in Canada to work as a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurse in Ventura, California.  

On July 20, 2024, just one month after her 30th birthday, Chantal was driving home after finishing a night shift, when her life took an unexpected turn: she was struck by an oncoming car. She was fortunate not to sustain many physical injuries, but the accident marked the beginning of a long road to recovery from invisible challenges.  

Doctors initially diagnosed Chantal with a concussion, but Chantal soon realized she faced difficulties in everyday tasks at home. Her cognition had been impacted from the accident, affecting her processing speed, executive functioning, at-home safety, and ability to care for herself independently. 

As a nurse, Chantal knew she had to advocate for herself and began searching for resources with the help of her father. Through the Ventura County Brain Injury Center, Chantal connected with Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS). During her evaluation, she felt seen and understood.  

“Mike asked all of the right questions,” said Chantal. “I remember crying. It was very validating to finally be seen and acknowledged.”  

Four months after the accident, Chantal was admitted to the CNS’ Day Treatment Program in Los Angeles. Chantal focused on rebuilding skills she would need to return to nursing and regain full independence. Her tailored therapy program addressed cognition, vision impairments, dexterity in her wrist and arm, emotional challenges, and fine motor coordination.  

“Your care plan is based on your specific needs. It’s not just a one-size-fits-all,” Chantal said. “They were constantly evaluating my progress and where I could be pushed.”  

As treatment progressed, Chantal’s therapists modified activities to help prepare her to return to work. Her education therapist, Rylie, created tasks that allowed Chantal to work on medication dosage calculations, multi-tasking and her memory. In occupational therapy, Chantal tested on her dexterity by performing IV insertions into a model arm. Working closely with her therapist Josie, she also completed nursing simulations that strengthened her working memory and decision-making skills, tools she continues to use today. This structured therapy routine at CNS helped prepare Chantal to handle 12-hour shifts she hoped to return to.  

“One thing that made me feel at home was the people,” Chantal said. “They cared about me as a person. CNS was really my support circle.”  

Chantal completed CNS’ program in May 2025, but she found it difficult navigating her day-to-day life after returning home. Slowly but surely, she rebuilt her routine and discovered a new rhythm of living, learning to work with a service dog and moving into her own apartment.  

In August 2025, Chantal returned to nursing at Cedars-Sinai, a full circle moment after receiving care there after the accident.   

Chantal has learned a deep appreciation for all the things she can do that were impossible two years ago and everyone who helped along the way. Walking down the aisle at her brother’s wedding and passing her driving test were two special moments that once felt out of reach.  

At work, she also brings a new perspective to the children she cares for, going above and beyond to ease their journeys in the hospital. As someone with an invisible disability, Chantal hopes sharing her story can help others feel less alone. Through her own experience, she has learned that recovery extends far beyond the hospital and that many challenges are not always visible to others.  

Recovery, she says, doesn’t end when rehabilitation is over.  

“You cross the finish line,” Chantal reflected. “But it never really stops.”