11:15 am – 12:00 pm
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Workshop Session 1
1A. How We Talk About Brain Injury
Presenter: Michael E. Keesler, JD, PhD
During brain injury recovery, survivors learn that part of the new normal is talking about our brain injuries to others. Many also quickly discover that talking about these often-invisible injuries presents a host of challenges. But through a mixture of presentation and audience participation we will collectively share some winning strategies, words of caution, and whatever else comes up along the way.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregivers
1B. Put a Pin in It: Acupuncture Mechanisms and Treatment Options for Chronic Post Traumatic Headache
Presenter: Grace Rollins, Lic. Ac., Dac; Rosanna Giuliana, Lic. Ac., Dipl. NCCAOM
Chronic post-traumatic headache (CPTH) affects up to 60% of individuals following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and significantly impacts quality of life. Despite this prevalence, effective treatments—particularly non-pharmacologic options—remain limited. Acupuncture has demonstrated benefit for migraines, headaches, and chronic pain, yet research focused specifically on CPTH has been scarce. A recent pilot study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma showed promising results for acupuncture in CPTH management. This session reviews the evidence base and mechanisms of acupuncture for pain, trauma, and functional neurological disorders, highlights key findings from the CPTH study, and discusses how these insights inform treatment frequency and course planning.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregivers
1C. Let the Mind Your Brain Navigator Be Your Guide and Empower You to Be Your Own Advocate in Navigating Our Complex Healthcare System
Presenter: Gillian Murray, DSW, LSW, CBIS
This session will focus on providing information about the continuum of care after brain injury and the available funding for rehabilitation so that persons with brain injury and their caregivers can become their own advocates. Two new programs offered by the Mind Your Brain Foundation will also be discussed: Mind Your Brain Navigators and Mind Your Brain Fund. Tips and suggestions will also be provided on how to navigate our complex healthcare system and how to advocate for needed treatment and rehabilitation with health insurance plans.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregivers
1D. Importance of Lifestyle Medicine Following Acquired Brain Injury for Long-Term Brain Health
Presenter: Randel Swanson, DO, PhD
Evidence-based lifestyle strategies exist to promote long-term brain health. The adoption of these strategies is even more important following acquired brain injury exposure. This session will provide an overview of evidence-based lifestyle interventions to promote brain health, which are common sense and feasible, across the spectrum of brain injury severity.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregivers |
1:15 pm – 2:00 pm
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Workshop Session 2
2A. Optimistic Mindset: Move Toward, Not Away From Challenges
Presenter: Judy Saltzberg, PhD
This session will review the science and benefits of optimism for mental health, physical health, relationships, and performance. Participants will learn and practice the six strategies of an optimistic mindset and how to use them to increase resilience and well-being in the face of challenges.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregivers
2B. Headache Management Following TBI
Presenters: Megan Moore, CRNP, MSN; Christina Pettet, PT, DPT, NCS; Monica Coran Kuns, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Penn Medicine Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic and Penn Medicine Outpatient Therapy will provide an interdisciplinary approach to address headache following TBI supported by emerging research. This session will review new headache medications available and rehabilitation techniques from TBI specialists to improve headache management and quality of life. Participants will leave with a better understanding of updated research for headache management as well as have some home exercises and strategies to reduce headache frequency and/or intensity.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregivers
2C. Everyday Strategies to Calm Your Nervous System: Reducing Your Internal Alarms
Presenter: Adrienne DeThomas, PT, DPT, MSCS, LSVT BIG certified
Do you struggle with persistent anxiety, racing thoughts, poor sleep, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed? Do you experience chronic GI issues, frequent illness, jaw clenching, neck pain, or headaches? These symptoms may reflect a dysregulated nervous system. In this session, we’ll make sense of how the nervous system works by exploring the roles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. You’ll learn to identify common triggers that disrupt balance and understand how much influence you have over your own system. We’ll also share practical, everyday techniques to calm an overactive nervous system linked to traumatic brain injury and chronic stress.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregiver
2D. Adaptive Sports for Brain Injury Survivors in the Philadelphia Area
Presenters: Samantha Onobrakpeya, OTR/L, MSOT, CBIS; Elizabeth Ryan, PT, MPT, NCS, CBIS
This presentation introduces adaptive sports as a powerful tool for recovery, wellness, and lifelong rehabilitation for individuals living with brain injury. Designed for survivors and caregivers, the session defines adaptive sports and explores how recreation supports physical health, cognitive recovery, emotional well-being, and social connection. Attendees will learn about a variety of adaptive sports and activities available in the Philadelphia area and how people of all ability levels can participate and thrive. The session also shares practical information on local programs, events, and organizations offering inclusive opportunities, along with guidance on getting involved. Participants will leave inspired and confident to explore adaptive recreation in their own communities.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregivers |
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm
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Workshop Session 3
3A. On the Road to Recovery Don’t Forget AAA
Presenters: Colleen Baratka, MA, TEP, CTP-3; Deborah Karner, LCSW, TEP
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can bring sudden, challenging changes to daily life, shifting roles at home, work, and in relationships. Survivors and families may feel uncertain or disconnected. This workshop provides a supportive space to explore these changes while introducing the AAA Model of Recovery—Aware, Accept, Adapt—as a framework for healing and resilience. Through guided activities, group discussion, and creative exercises, participants will gain practical tools to manage role changes, improve communication, and support one another’s recovery. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how the AAA Model offers a meaningful path forward, fostering connection, growth, and hope after brain injury.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregivers
3B. Strengthening Relationships Between Survivors of TBI and Their Caregivers Utilizing the Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
Presenter: Sophia Wright MSN, RN, NPD-BC, AMB-BC
TBI survivors are among the bravest, most vulnerable of humankind. Those entrusted as caregivers are faced with the challenge of providing physical and emotional support while fostering a positive relationship with TBI survivors. Implementing the principles of Trauma-Informed Care can help create and nurture a trusting relationship that improves health outcomes and reduces caregiver burnout. Furthermore, Trauma-Informed Care allows the opportunity for TBI survivors to wholly engage in every aspect of their life, providing a sense of their inherent human value and worth. This session is designed to help caregivers gain an understanding of how to apply the principles of Trauma-Informed Care to create a strong and positive survivor/caregiver relationship.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregivers
3C. I Can’t Think of the Word: Strategies for Word Finding Difficulty After TBI
Presenters: Monica Coran Kuns, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS; Jordyn Sales, M.S., CCC-SLP
“I know what it is, but I can’t say the name.” “It’s on the tip of my tongue.” These familiar phrases often reflect word-finding difficulties, a common challenge after brain injury. Such moments can occur during everyday conversations or professional settings, affecting confidence and communication. This workshop explores how word-finding difficulties present, factors that can worsen them, and practical strategies to manage these challenges in real-life situations. Participants will also learn activities to support ongoing improvement in communication and confidence after brain injury, helping enhance quality of life and social participation.
Target Audience: TBI survivors
3D. “Move Together: Small Steps + Big Support”
Presenters: Scott Dillman, MBA; MJ Schmidt, MA CBIST; Natanya Sortland
Fitness after brain injury doesn’t have to mean hours in the gym. Small, doable movements—especially when done with peer support—can add up to lasting change. This session will discuss why small moves matter and offer a framework and practice with setting “micro-goals”. The importance of support, especially the power of peers, will be discussed. Finally, we will offer a variety of resources to consider when thinking about your fitness. We hope participants will leave inspired and connected.
Target Audience: TBI survivors and caregivers |
