Natalie Castrogiovanni

About Natalie Castrogiovanni

Natalie Marie Castrogiovanni (Barnhard) PTA, LMT, I am the president/ founder of Motion…

Experience

1. Founder and CEO

   Motion Project Foundation, Inc

   Jun 2021 — Present

   Natalie M. Barnhard-Castrogiovanni: Advocate, Founder, and ChangemakerI’m a proud Western New York native dedicated to empowering the spinal cord injury and disability (SCI/D) community. My journey began in 2004 when I sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury. Having to leave my hometown for specialized care my eyes opened to a critical gap in resources—and I became determined to change that.I founded Motion Project Foundation, Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to provide essential resources, financial support, and life-improving services to individuals living with paralysis. To expand this mission, I lead the WNY Chapter of United Spinal Association and serve as a Regional Champion with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, advocating for better policies and support on both local and national levels.One of the biggest gaps is the lack of long-term, specialized rehabilitation for people with SCI/D. This is why in 2021 I opened the Natalie Barnhard Center for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and Recovery—a state-of-the-art facility offering advanced technology, robotics, and expert care to help people in their recovery journey.We’ve built a community through lived experience where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to focus on their abilities—not limitations.No one should be denied the chance to heal because of financial barriers or geography. My mission is to ensure everyone has access to life-changing recovery services.Beyond work, I’m a public speaker, podcast guest, writer & blog contributor. I’m now married, stay active with adaptive sports & recreation, proving that life after injury can still be filled with joy & adventure.“You don’t have to be a prisoner of your wheelchair or disability. No matter what you’re facing, you can still live a beautiful, meaningful life.”I’m committed to breaking barriers, redefining recovery, and empowering people with paralysis to move, heal, and thrive.… with the right support, anything is possible.

Education

• Villa Maria College

  Associate’s Degree, Physical Therapy Technician/Assistant

  1999 — 2002

• Villa Maria College

  Associate of Arts and Sciences - AAS, Physical Therapy Technician/Assistant

• Trocaire College

  Associate’s Degree, Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage

  2002 — 2004

• Canisius University

  General Studies

  1998 — 1999