33% of My Brain is Dead.
And yet, I’ve never felt more alive.

Nicole addressed our graduating students [Seton Hall University] as the invited speaker at our commencement this year. She had an extremely rare ability to appeal to the hearts and minds of students in every health profession in our school, including PA, AT, PT, OT, SLP, and MHA! You could have heard a pin drop while our future healthcare providers and their families and friends listened intently to her story and words of wisdom toward their future practice. I cannot say enough good things- the best speaker for this important moment for our students and college! Nicole was also very easy to work with, and from just one quick meeting came through with a perfect presentation!Caryn Grabowski, MS CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Faculty, and Higher Education Administrator at Seton Hall University

If you are looking for a powerful speaker with an incredible story to tell, you need Nicole Salzano! In a world where attention spans are approximately 20 seconds, no one moved while listening to her story about grit, resilience and life. Her message resonated with our student athletes, coaches and administrators and informed many about the importance of goal setting and beyond! Reach out today - you'll only be disappointed you didn't do it sooner.Jeff Johnson, Associate Athletic Director for University of Rhode Island Athletics

I highly recommend inviting Nicole to speak to your team or organization. As a coach who knows her story, I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary strength and inspiration she embodies. Her willingness to share her journey is a testament to the remarkable woman she is. Your team or organization will not be disappointed.John Spadafina, Head Swimming and Diving Coach at Sacred Heart University

Nicole spoke this week at Bergen County Academies and told her story about strength and resilience. Her presentation was moving and powerful and resonated with so many students. The message was relatable to all; as she discussed how to address and overcome unexpected challenges in life, how we all experience moments of despair, and the "power of yet". It served as a great reminder to students and faculty to appreciate the present moment and to find our inner strength to move past the difficult times in our lives. I feel grateful to have heard her story.Nancy Sousa, MA, NCC, Lead Counselor of Bergen County Academies

Nicole visited our Bergen County Institute of Sports Medicine classes at Northern Valley, delivering an incredibly moving and personal account of her journey. Her story captivated our students, leaving them truly inspired. She not only shared her experiences but also provided valuable insight into the causes and effects of strokes, making complex medical concepts more relatable and impactful. Nicole’s ability to connect with students was remarkable—she engaged them fully, answered all their questions thoughtfully, and put a real face to the reality of being at the peak of performance only to have life change in an instant. Her visit was both educational and deeply motivational, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have had her speak with our class. Lauren Pinkman, Instructor at Bergen County Technical School Institute for Science and Technology

Nicole came to speak to my class of graduate speech pathology students at Mercy University. Teaching a class provides students an academic framework, but Nicole provided a deep and personal account of living with aphasia. Putting a human face is important and Nicole did an outstanding job at this. She was amazing. The students continued to talk about how great she was for days after she came. It was quite inspirational for all of us.Oren Abramowitz, Speech Pathologist Professor at Mercy University

I have had the pleasure of working alongside Nicole in various capacities, and I can confidently say that she is an exceptional individual. Her dedication as a volunteer at the Adler Aphasia Center is unmatched, and her ability to connect with people as a speaker is truly remarkable. Nicole's intelligence, passion, and sense of humor are just a few traits that make her an inspiration to all. Despite the challenges that come with aphasia, she has shown unwavering drive and determination. Her positive attitude and unrelenting spirit are truly infectious and make her an inspiration to all.Stephanie Sigelkow, Events and Communications & Volunteer Manager at Adler Aphasia Center