The Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance is offering Lunch and Learn Sessions for Social Workers and Social Service Professionals. Continuing Education Units will be available after each session. The sessions will begin at 12 p.m. and be held via Zoom. (Zoom link to be sent out within 48 hours of the event.)
Each individual session is $15.
Each individual session is $15. For 2026, you may register for $15 for each session, and/or you can mix-and-match six sessions for $75 (offer good through June 9).
May 12, 2026
Brain Injury: Fact or Fiction
Presented by Mandi Dickey, FNP-BC, MSN, RN, Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology
Is it getting harder to determine if what you’re being told is true? In a world full of mixed messages and myths, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction in brain injury recovery. This session addresses common brain injury myths, explores real causes and feelings, and clarifies what recovery can look like for survivors and their support networks.
Register for this May session.
June 9, 2026
Concussion: Hiding in Plain Sight
Presented by Chaandani Khan, Concussion & PPCS Educator, Return to Life (Canada)
Concussions are common yet frequently overlooked injuries that can disrupt thinking, communication, behavior, and identity for weeks, months, or even years. In this educational and anecdote-driven session, hear how hidden concussion symptoms show up in everyday life and clinical settings, and why greater awareness matters for both survivors and professionals.
Register for this June session.
July 14, 2026
Know About Dementia to Better Care for Clients—And Yourself
Presented by Valerie J. Richards, MBA, Families with Dementia
Gain a clearer understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related progressive dementias to better serve clients, families, and yourself as a professional. This session reviews diagnosis, symptoms, behaviors, and progression; offers strategies for positive interactions with affected individuals and their families; and highlights ways to support your clients while maintaining your own well-being.
Register for this July session.
August 11, 2026
Employer-Focused Disability Awareness
Presented by Alec Wendelboe,,Education and Community Outreach Coordinator, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance
This virtual training will cover the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, including those with stroke-related disabilities. We will discuss the value that disabled employees bring to workplace culture and how to understand and implement accommodations to support them effectively.
Register for this August session.
September 8, 2026
Brain Injury Basics: Corrections
Presented by Alec Wendelboe, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance/Minnesota Stroke Association
Acquired brain injury is significantly overrepresented in incarcerated populations and significantly affects rehabilitation outcomes. This session explores the connection between ABI and incarceration, prevalence statistics, and strategies corrections professionals can use to support individuals with brain injury. Resources for further training and intervention will also be provided.
Register for this September session.
October 13, 2026
Effectively Responding to Brain Injury Symptoms and Substance Use Disorders
Presented by Thomas G. Beckers, BS, LADC, CBIS, Vinland National Center
Thomas G. Beckers shares insights from 20 years of experience in treating people with co-occurring brain injuries, substance use disorders, and other cognitive impairments. He will highlight how service providers can adjust their methods to increase and improve engagement and outcomes, using experiential activities and presentations.
Register for this October session.
November 10, 2026
Proactive and Reactive Behavior Strategies
Presented by Jodi Greenstein, MSW, LICSW, CBIS, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, part of Allina Health
Working with individuals with brain injury often involves behavioral challenges. This session introduces proactive strategies to reduce the likelihood of behaviors and reactive approaches to use when they occur. Caregivers and professionals will leave with practical tools they can apply across settings.
Register for this November session.
December 8, 2026
Brain Injury: Beyond the Basics
Presented by Alec Wendelboe, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance/Minnesota Stroke Association
Take a deeper dive into the complexities of acquired brain injury. This session covers prevalence across diverse communities, functions of key neural regions, and the role of neuroplasticity in recovery. Participants will also learn about related conditions and supportive strategies to reduce symptom severity. Ideal for professionals seeking deeper and more advanced understanding of brain injury and its broader effects.