By: Lennard James
Memphis-based philanthropist and business leader Matt Herman has announced a philanthropic investment in Doman International—specifically, the nonprofit’s effort to validate the Doman Developmental Profile, an advanced neurological assessment designed for children with brain injuries. With Herman contributing the final $25,000, this high-profile campaign aims to increase the clinical credibility of a tool that has long been involved in non-traditional rehabilitation approaches.
Doman International has been a leader since the 1950s in neurorehabilitation programs tailored for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, developmental delays, and traumatic brain injuries. Built on the premise of neuroplasticity, the organization’s approach involves customized programs administered at home, transforming parents from passive observers to active, empowered facilitators of their child’s neurological development.
The Developmental Profile plays a central role in this approach. It allows caregivers and healthcare professionals to measure comprehensive neurological milestones, helping families track a child’s progress in areas such as motor skills, language, social functioning, and cognitive abilities. The tool’s wide use—employed in the evaluation of over 40,000 people across 75 countries—demonstrates its practical utility and broad influence. However, in today’s data-driven healthcare environment, clinical validation is considered an important step for integration into mainstream medical practices.
To that end, Doman International embarked on a scientific validation of the Profile through a multi-phase study. Preliminary findings show a notable correlation with the Brunet-Lezine developmental scale—a traditional clinical benchmark. This research has been accepted for publication, suggesting the Profile’s reliability. A few additional assessments are needed to fulfill the study’s statistical criteria, after which final data review and wider dissemination can take place.
This is where Matt Herman comes in. With a career that includes founding Enhance Health and years of experience in impact investing, Herman has long been a supporter of data-driven initiatives. As a result, he decided to fund the final phase of the validation project. “We’re not just validating a tool,” Herman emphasizes. “We’re supporting families’ belief in the potential for their children.” His funding will enable the completion of the study, the final analysis, and the publication of results, opening the door for hospital licensing, potential revenue, and long-term growth.
Once fully validated, the Profile could be licensed to healthcare providers and used to secure insurance reimbursement, potentially helping to integrate neural programs into pediatric and rehabilitative medicine on a wider scale. Additionally, revenue from licensing could support Doman International’s ongoing mission, helping more children access these services without financial obstacles.
This initiative reflects Herman’s giving philosophy: supporting solutions that provide both immediate impact and long-term sustainability. His involvement accelerates the research timeline while also raising awareness among families, clinicians, and healthcare systems. It aligns with a global trend toward evidence-based interventions and patient-centered care.
Families who have used Doman’s programs report achieving unexpected milestones—walking, speech improvements, and even reading fluency in children once diagnosed with significant disabilities. These success stories highlight what neuroscience-informed methods can accomplish when combined with perseverance, parental commitment, and validated tools like the Developmental Profile.
As the project nears completion, Herman is encouraging others to consider supporting this effort. Donations can be made to Doman International via https://www.domaninternational.org. Whether through personal contributions or connecting within philanthropic networks, every donation helps to finalize the study and bring the Profile closer to broader use in healthcare settings.
By backing this initiative, Matt Herman is helping to shape the future of pediatric rehabilitation. His vision combines innovation, clinical rigor, and compassion, aiming to bring meaningful change for children who deserve better and for systems striving to meet higher standards. Hashtag #MattHerman, #MattHermanEnhanceHealth, and #MatthewHerman
