Welcome Message from David King • 40th Annual Conference Schedule • Breakout Track Description
Information and Directions • Downloadable Registration Form • Online Registration •
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Information • Cancellation Policy •
Conference Schedule
8 - 9 a.m. - Registration and Exhibits Open
- Exhibits are open daily 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
8:45 - 9 a.m. - Opening Remarks
9 - 10:30 a.m. - Keynote Address
- Substance Use and Brain Injury: You Know More Than You Think
Carolyn Lemsky, PhD, C.Psych, ABPP-Cn, Clinical Director, Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS) of Toronto
As many as half of all individuals living with the effects of brain injury could benefit from education or intervention related to substance use. Dr. Carolyn Lemsky will provide an overview of the intersection between substance use and brain injury, highlighting essential skills for rehabilitation professionals. Attendees will learn practical approaches for engaging clients in discussions about substance use, implementing brief interventions, and supporting addiction intervention efforts. Dr. Lemsky will demonstrate how clinicians already possess applicable skills for the prevention and treatment of substance use following brain injury. The session will conclude with a review of key resources for continued learning.
Dr. Carolyn Lemsky is a board-certified neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience in rehabilitation across the U.S. and Canada. She serves as the Clinical Director at Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS) of Toronto, a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care-funded agency dedicated to supporting the community reintegration of individuals living with acquired brain injury (ABI). Additionally, she is an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Lemsky leads the Substance Use and Brain Injury (SUBI) Bridging Project, a research and knowledge transfer initiative funded by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. In collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), she has developed workshops and webinars for addiction and ABI providers across Canada. Key resources from the SUBI project include the Brain Injury Toolkit and the SUBI Client Workbook, Second Edition.
Specializing in neuropsychological assessment and intervention, Dr. Lemsky focuses on individuals with moderate to severe brain injury who also experience mental health challenges or problematic substance use. She has played a pivotal role in advancing accessible addiction care through consulting with brain injury and addiction programs, as well as research teams in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Dr. Lemsky is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences and has authored book chapters and peer-reviewed articles in neuropsychology and brain injury literature. Her expertise is widely sought after for training sessions and conference presentations, particularly on the SUBI Project's integration of brain injury and addiction care.
10:30 - 11 a.m. - Break and Exhibits Open
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Breakout Sessions I
- Partnerships for Better Care
Dr. Carolyn Lemsky, PhD, C.Psych, ABPP-CN, Clinical Director, Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS) of Toronto
Tracks: Mental Health, Research
For clients experiencing significant harm due to substance use, collaboration with addiction service providers is crucial. Brain injury professionals play a vital role in fostering productive partnerships with these providers. This session will explore strategies for strengthening cross-sector collaboration and provide an overview of freely available educational materials designed to improve understanding of the intersection between brain injury and substance use. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for adapted care and practical steps they can take to build meaningful partnerships across sectors.
- Understanding the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Early Life Stress on Outcome After TBI
Dmitry Esterov, DO, MS, Physician, Assistant Professor, PM&R, Mayo Clinic
Hillary Hook, MSW, LICSW, Social Worker, Mayo Clinic
Tracks: Youth Focused, Research
This session will present research on the connection between adverse childhood experiences, early life stress, and recovery following traumatic brain injury. The discussion will cover the biological mechanisms that link early adversity to prolonged recovery and chronic symptoms. Attendees will gain insight into screening methods and intervention strategies to improve outcomes for individuals affected by TBI.
- Public Health Approach to Falls Prevention
Kaytlin Hanson, CCC-SLP, Trauma Prevention Coordinator, Hennepin Healthcare
Tracks: Public Health, Rehabilitation
Falls are an increasing public health crisis among adults aged 65 and older due to demographic shifts in aging populations. This session will outline key patient risk factors, review current fall prevention programs, and discuss actionable steps for reducing fall-related injuries at individual care levels.
- Autonomic Dysfunction in the Setting of TBI - Rehab Focused
Megan Meyer, DPT, WCC, Physical Therapist, Hennepin Healthcare
Miranda Langford, DPT, Physical Therapist, Hennepin Healthcare
Track: Rehabilitation
Autonomic dysfunction, a disorder of the nervous system that affects involuntary bodily functions, is frequently seen in individuals recovering from TBI. This session will examine its symptoms, impact on rehabilitation, and studies linking Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) with a history of TBI.
- Low-Level Blasts as a Mechanism for Brain Injury
James Plunkett, MD, Medical Director, Minneapolis VA Outpatient TBI/Polytrauma
Brionn Tonkin, MD, Chief, PM&R-Neurorehabilitation, Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Matthew Puderbaugh, DO, Staff Physiatrist, Hennepin Healthcare
Track: Research, Rehabilitation
While high-level blast injuries from explosive devices (eg. IEDs, mortars) are widely recognized as a cause of traumatic brain injury, emerging research suggests that low-level blast/overpressure exposure from heavy artillery and breaching explosives may also contribute to TBI-like cognitive and emotional impairments. This session will explore the latest findings in blast-related TBI research.
- Community Reentry After TBI: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Preparing Patients and Families for Discharge from Acute Rehab Setting Following TBI
Annie Dahlquist, MSW, LICSW, Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Laura Barrett, Recreation Therapist, Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Kristina Keillor, Speech-Language Pathologist, Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Diane Schretzman Mortimer, MD, MSN, FAAPMR, Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Tracks: Social Services, Rehabilitation
Members from the Minneapolis VA Polytrauma Acute Rehab team will discuss different ways to work as an interdisciplinary team to assess, treat and educate patients and their families during inpatient rehab stay following a brain injury. Their team has identified interventions to help prepare patients and families to re-enter community settings following TBI.
12 - 1 p.m. - Lunch
1 - 2 p.m. - Breakout Session II
- Suicide: Challenges After Brain Injury
Dr. Robert Karol, PhD., LP, ABPP-RP, CBIST-R, President, Karol Neuro + Rehab Consulting
Track: Mental Health
People who have experienced a brain injury are at an increased risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. This session will explore risk factors and warning signs for professionals to be aware of, as well as the specific variables that contribute to heightened vulnerability. Attendees will learn about professional responses to suicidal ideation, strategies for intervention, and ways to provide appropriate support to individuals struggling with mental health challenges post-injury.
- Brain Injury in Early Childhood
Katherine A. Elwell, MS, CCRP, Clinical Research Coordinator - Neuroscience, Children's Minnesota
Amy M. Linabery, PhD, MPH, MS, Senior Scientific Investigator, Neuroscience, Children's Minnesota
Heather Sesma, PhD, LP, Neuropsychologist, Director Concussion Program, Children's Minnesota
Tracks: Youth Focused, Social Services
Traumatic brain injuries occur at higher rates in early childhood, but they often go unrecognized due to differences in symptom presentation compared to older children and adolescents. This session will explore the unique characteristics of TBI in children ages 0-5, typical recovery timelines, and common but overlooked symptoms. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to identify and support young children with TBI.
- Strategies to Improve Meaningful Delivery of Care and Services to Native American Nations Population
Rebekah J. Fineday, BSN, RN, PHN, Senior Native American Community Advocate, Sanford Health
Tracks: Public Health, Social Services
Understanding the historical and cultural context of Native American Nations is essential for providing effective healthcare. This session will explore best practices in cultural competency and humility, share successful strategies implemented at Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota, and discuss challenges and barriers in implementing change and bridging healthcare gaps between enterprises and Indigenous communities.
- Neuro-Optometry: Eye and Vision Sequelae After Traumatic Brain Injury
Dr. Michael Wallerich, Doctor of Optometry, Neuro-Optometrist, Swoop Eye Care
Track: Rehabilitation
The majority of TBI patients are anticipated to experience eye and vision-related issues, affecting their rehabilitation and quality of life. This session will explore the role of neuro-optometry in brain injury recovery, common visual impairments, and therapeutic interventions.
- Brain Injury and its Complex Co-Occurring Conditions: Supporting Individuals and Management of Symptoms
Erwin Concepcion, PhD Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Residency, LP, Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executive, Clinical Services Director, Minnesota Department of Human Services/Direct Care and Treatment
Tracks: Research, Rehabilitation, Mental Health
This session will examine the common mechanisms underlying moderate to severe TBI and strategies for managing its effects on mental health, cognition, and behavior. Attendees will gain insights into practical approaches for supporting individuals with co-occurring conditions.
- Helping Paws: Furthering Independence and Quality of Life Through the Use of Assistance Dogs
Tony Craidon, Veteran and First Responder Coordinator, Helping Paws; Alyssa Golob, Executive Director, Helping Paws
Tracks: Social Services, Mental Health, Rehabilitation
Helping Paws is an ADI accredited nonprofit organization dedicated to raising and training assistance dogs to support individuals with physical disabilities, veterans and first responders with PTSD, and facility-based therapy programs. This session will explore the impact of service dogs on quality of life, the training process, and how these partnerships foster greater independence.
2 - 2:30 p.m. - Break and Exhibits Open
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Breakout Session III
- Having But Not Having: Navigating Ambiguous Loss as a Survivor of Brain Injury
Courtney Sand, MS, LBA, BCBA, CBIST, Training and Education Coordinator, Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa
Tracks: Mental Health, Social Services, Rehabilitation
Ambiguous loss is a unique form of grief experienced by brain injury survivors who mourn the life they once envisioned for themselves. This session will provide an overview of ambiguous loss, its emotional impact, and coping strategies for survivors and caregivers. Attendees will learn how to foster resilience, adapt to new realities, and find meaning amid uncertainty, empowering survivors and caregivers to embrace hope and adapt to new possibilities.
- Understanding TBI in the Context of Motor Vehicle Crash, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Injuries in Minnesota
Ericka Welsh, Injury and Violence Epidemiology Unit Supervisor, MDH
Leslie Seymour, Senior Epidemiologist, MDH
Anna Gaichas, Research Scientist, MDH
Tracks: Youth Focused, Research, Public Health
This session will present data from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on TBIs associated with motor vehicle crashes, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian injuries. Attendees will learn who is most affected, where and when these injuries are most likely to occur, and how MDH’s updated Crash Outcomes Data Evaluation System (CODES) dashboard can provide insights into costs and health outcomes. Presenters will share opportunities for traffic safety prevention programming, including Toward Zero Deaths state and regional initiatives.
- Brain Injury and Domestic Violence
Alec Wendelboe, BS Neuroscience, Education & Community Outreach Coordinator, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance
Tracks: Public Health, Mental Health, Social Services
This session will explore the connection between acquired brain injury (ABIs) and domestic violence/intimate partner violence (DV/IPV). Attendees will learn how brain injuries occur in DV/IPV situations, the long-term effects on survivors, and available resources to support individuals affected by DV/IPV in their own work.
- Cardiovascular Health in Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury
Sarah Mahasin, MD, Board Certified in Brain Injury Medicine
Tracks: Research, Public Health, Rehabilitation
Emerging research suggests a link between TBI and increased risk for cardiovascular disease, regardless of injury severity. This session will discuss current findings, screening methods, prevention strategies, and best practices for managing cardiovascular health in brain injury survivors.
- A Review of Disorders of Consciousness, Unpacking (some) of the Mystery
Matthew Puderbaugh, DO, Staff Physiatrist, Hennepin Healthcare
Briana Schifsky, MS, OTR/L, MLD/C, Occupational Therapist, Hennepin Healthcare
Tracks: Research, Rehabilitation
Disorders of Consciousness is a term used to describe patients who sustain a brain injury that disrupts the brain’s arousal and awareness system. This can be manifested as comatose, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, or minimally conscious state. This session will focus on the identification, treatment, and prognosis of DOC patients and address the element of mystery in DOC which can create challenging situations for clinicians, families, and caregivers.
- From Provider to Patient
Mandi Dickey, FNP-BC, MSN, RN, Nurse Practitioner
Tracks: Social Services, Mental Health, Rehabilitation
This session will feature Mandi Dickey’s personal experience transitioning from brain injury professional to brain injury survivor. She will discuss the challenges and insights gained through her recovery and share how her journey has shaped her role as host of the Brain Wellness Podcast, both before and after her injury.
