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. For 2025, you may register for ALL 12 SESSIONS for $150 (offer good through January 14) or, you can mix-and-match six sessions for $75 (offer good through June 10).
December 11, 2024
Stroke Zebra
Joan Somes, PhD, RN-BC, CEN, CPEN, FAEN, NRP
"When you hear hoof beats coming from behind, you aren't expecting to see a zebra." Dr. Joan Somes discusses unusual symptoms and conditions that could lead healthcare professionals toward or away from a stroke diagnosis. This session aims to minimize tunnel vision and symptom-oversight, and best serve patients in emergency department settings.
Register today for the December session.
January 14, 2025
Problem Gambling and Gaming Basics and Beyond: Supporting Those with a Traumatic Brain Injury
Presented by Dr. Serena King, Professor of Psychology, Hamline University
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can profoundly impact cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, increasing vulnerability to psychiatric disorders, including gambling and gaming disorders. Individuals with TBI may face heightened financial, interpersonal, and cognitive risks when engaging in these behaviors compared to the general population.
This training will offer strategies for identifying and supporting individuals with TBI who struggle with gambling and gaming addictions. We will cover recognizing unique symptoms, addressing common misdiagnoses, and implementing early identification and intervention methods to improve quality of life. Additionally, the session will examine the complex relationship between TBI, gambling and gaming disorders, and other mental health conditions, focusing on how TBI-related changes in cognitive function, emotional regulation, and decision-making contribute to increased vulnerability.
Attendees will gain insights into the specific challenges faced by individuals with TBI who engage in gambling or gaming and will be equipped with resources for providing compassionate support.
Register for this January session.
February 11, 2025
Innovation in Stroke Research: Asymmetries in Motor Control and Their Impact on Functional Independence
Presented by Michele Darger, MOT/L, Research Coordinator, University of Minnesota Medical School
Researchers from the Movement Control and Rehabilitation Lab will present an overview of their current studies on movement deficits in chronic stroke survivors, with a focus on challenges to functional independence. Stroke survivors often face movement limitations in both the more and less affected arms, with the type of deficit varying based on the side of brain damage. This project investigates how these hemisphere-specific deficits, particularly under different cognitive demands, impact functional outcomes in left- and right-brain-damaged stroke survivors.
The findings from this research aim to support the development of more targeted, accessible, and affordable movement rehabilitation strategies to improve quality of life for chronic stroke survivors. Attendees will gain insights into study methods and learn ways to support this work by sharing it with potential participants.
Register for this February session.
March 11, 2025
Classes for Stroke and Brain Injury Survivors: A Free Resource for Reading, Writing, and Math Instruction for Adults with Stroke or Brain Injury
Presented by Sheila Brandes, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Instructor for Stroke & Brain Injury Recovery Class, Robbinsdale
Sheila Brandes will provide an overview of adult education in Minnesota and introduce the Classes for Stroke and Brain Injury Survivors. Offered free through the Robbinsdale Area Schools Adult Academic Program, this class provides instruction in academic skills and fosters connection among adults who have experienced a stroke or brain injury.
Register for this March session.
April 8, 2025
Taking The First Step, No Matter How Small, Will Allow The Next Step To Become Possible
Presented by Nick Prefontaine, Speaker, Founder and CEO of Common Goal
At 14, Nick was at Ski Club with his friends. On his first run, Nick went off a jump, landed on his head, and ended up in a coma for three weeks. Doctors told his parents that he might never walk, talk, or even eat on his own again. But, unknowingly, he used a system - the S.T.E.P. system - that led Nick to not only fully recover but to eventually run out of the hospital.
S.T.E.P. stands for:
- Support
- Trust
- Energy
- Persistence
In this session, Nick will share how each part of the S.T.E.P. system helped him rebuild my life, one step at a time. Nick hope to show others facing recovery challenges that the first step allows the next step to become possible.
Register for this April session.
May 13, 2025
Redefining Yourself After Stroke
Presented by Kevin Rhinehart, Founder of Stroke Survivors CAN!
Kevin Rhinehart was a successful psychotherapist, and after hours, an electric bass player. When the stroke hit him, he thought life was over—and in a way, it was. In this session, you'll learn how Mr. Rhinehart redefined his mission to find new meaning and purpose in life after stroke, creating support networks and resources for others navigating life after stroke.
Register for this May session.
June 10, 2025
De-escalation and Navigating Behavioral Symptoms
Presented by Jodi Greenstein, MSW, LICSW, CBIS, Supervisor, Community Behavioral Services, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
Supporting individuals and their teams when challenging behaviors arise can be difficult. This presentation equips attendees with essential tools, including verbal de-escalation techniques, resources for direct care staff, and strategies to help prevent premature discharge from programs due to behavioral issues. Participants will gain valuable resources to address and manage challenging behaviors effectively.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand and apply verbal de-escalation strategies
- Identify resources that support direct care staff in managing challenging behaviors
- Learn methods to support staff and reduce the risk of premature discharge from programming due to behavioral challenges
- List available supports and resources for providers to help address behavioral challenges
Register for this June session.
July 8, 2025
Brain Injury Basics: Pediatrics
Presented by Alec Wendelboe, Education and Community Outreach Coordinator, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance
In this session, participants will explore basic information about the developing brain and pediatric brain injuries. They will gain insight into pediatric brain injury incidence statistics, prevention strategies, and the wide range of available resources.
Register for this July session.
August 12, 2025
Head Start: Where Children and Families Learn, Grow, and Belong
Presented by Sarah Peterson, Head Start Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator at Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties
Community Action Head Start is a no-cost child and family development program serving pregnant individuals and families with children aged birth to age 5 in Ramsey County. This program emphasizes school-readiness skills, preparing children for kindergarten through developmentally appropriate and social-emotional curriculum. Join us to discover how the families you support can benefit from Head Start services.
Register for this August session.
September 9, 2025
Suicide Prevention after Brain Injury
Presented by Alec Wendelboe, Education and Community Outreach Coordinator, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance
In this session, participants will explore the factors that contribute to increased suicidal ideation following brain injury, along with supportive strategies for assisting in suicide prevention. They will examine how comorbid conditions and stigma impact suicidality and learn about a range of available resources to support individuals at risk.
Register for this September session.
October 14, 2025
Insight from Violence Free Minnesota: IPV, Homicide, and Coalition Engagement
Presented by Meggie Royer, Communications Senior Manager, & Alexis Finnegan, Membership and Outreach Manager – Violence Free Minnesota (VFMN)
Violence Free Minnesota is the statewide coalition dedicated to ending relationship abuse. In this session, Meggie and Alexis will discuss the coalition's efforts, present key findings from the Violence Free Minnesota Annual Homicide Report, and share strategies for supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Register for this October session.
November 11, 2025
Wounded Warrior Project Mental Health Services
Presented by Michael Lewis, Outreach Specialist
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a veteran's non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and empowering veterans, aiming to foster a successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members. WWP provides direct programs in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care, alongside advocacy efforts to enhance the lives of millions of warriors and their families. This session will focus on WWP's mental health initiatives and the range of accompanying services available to support veterans and their families.
Register for this November session.
December 9, 2025
Brain Injury: Beyond the Basics
Presented by Alec Wendelboe, Education and Community Outreach Coordinator, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance
This workshop delves into advanced topics on brain injury, focusing on its prevalence and impact across different community groups. Participants will gain an understanding of the functions of various neural regions and the role of neuroplasticity in forming neural circuits. The session will also cover conditions related to Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and offer supportive strategies to help minimize symptom severity. This workshop is tailored for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of brain injury and its broader effects.
Register for this December session.