Isabella Sementilli is a true inspiration through her survival of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and her work to educate others about overcoming challenges and reducing incidents of school bullying.

As a fifth grade student, a school bully yanked Isabella’s chair out from under her, causing a concussion, fractured tailbone and neck and back injuries. This left her with NDPH and Occipital Neuralgia – two rare and debilitating headache disorders.

Tap dancing and tennis lessons were quickly replaced with going to more than 35 different doctor appointments, numerous scans, x-rays, and years of physical therapy. The TBI forced Isabella to be on Homebound Instruction from eighth grade until graduating high school in 2021.

Although she faced many obstacles, Isabella was not deterred from making a positive difference. Her unwavering faith kept her hopeful. She tweaked her Papa’s Italian cookie recipe to make it her own, creating Iznettes^® – a small peanut and tree-nut free cookie with icing and sprinkles. She began to sell them at Scotti’s, her family’s Italian restaurant.  Her motto is Never Crumble!^®

To all those who live with an invisible disability, just remember stay strong, be positive, you are one tough cookie… that will Never Crumble!.

Isabella has also written, illustrated and published a children’s book The Short Story Of One Tough Cookie: A True Story to share her message – “Be nice. Be kind. Share a smile.”

Isabella started her own business – Bella Cervella, Italian for “beautiful brain.” It includes her own line of Never Crumble!^® apparel, a Never Crumble!^® doll and handmade Never Crumble!^® healing stone bracelets. She supports anti-bullying and brain injury awareness organizations from her sales.

Isabella has received numerous awards, including the Ruth Bader Ginsberg Agent Of Change from NYSMICJ, The Neil & Jane Golub Making A Difference Award from the Anti-Defamation League Of New York, Hearts and Heroes Award, the COVID-19 Acts Of Kindness Heroes Award, Literary Champion Award, the NYS Assembly Proclamation as an anti-bullying advocate from NYS Assemblyman Phil Steck, Silent Angel Award from BIANYS, The #WhoCaresIDo International Challenge for standing up to bullying, Young Excellence Award from the YWCA of NENY, and was the 2023 Women of Distinction of NYS Honoree chosen by Senator James N. Tedisco. She has been featured in Cricket Media FACES Magazine, “Kids Changing the World: Cookie for a Cause.” She has also initiated the “Isabella Marie Sementilli Never Crumble!^® Scholarship” at Niskayuna High School, which is presented to a student who has overcome an obstacle in their life.

When she is not working at her family’s Italian restaurant, Scotti’s, Isabella is sharing her story and positive message at schools and events within the community.

Although no one can see invisible disabilities, Isabella lives daily with NDPH, Occipital Neuralgia, PTSD, Allodynia, Functional Scoliosis, IBS and TMJD. 

Isabella is extremely honored to be invited to be an Invisibility Disabilities Ambassador for New York State. It is her mission to be an advocate and a voice for those who live with invisible disabilities.