BIAPA announces two new Board members

Robin Joyce has spent nearly 27 years practicing physical therapy, with most of her focus centering around patients who have neurological issues.  She has supported the brain injury community through co-facilitation of a traumatic brain injury support group, as well as through brain safety fair participation over the years. 

Recently, Robin has transitioned into the academic setting at Seton Hill University, enjoying a faculty position to teach future physical therapists.  However, she uses her certified brain injury specialist training in the clinic weekly, whether for concussion treatment or to address the issues of those with other levels of injury along the acquired brain injury spectrum.

Robin has stated that her personal mission is to support and advocate for her patients and their families.   She sees the value in recognizing the variable service and support needs of both the individual with the brain injury as well as the family and/or caregivers.  That recognition has led her to BIAPA and helps to drive her goal to establish relationships within the community to accomplish BIAPA’s Mission.

Cristabelle Braden is an award-winning singer/songwriter, speaker, writer, podcast host, and advocate for brain injury. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, she began to write music. Since then, she has surpassed medical expectations and thrived in her newfound gift of music, which she has shared at several BIAPA conferences.

Cristabelle is devoted to bringing support and education through her brain injury podcast Hope Survives® and her online support community Hope After Head Injury. Additionally, she is the creator and host of the first Brain Injury Bible Study group, which is offered on Zoom and at Success Rehabilitation. She is also a former member of the Board of Directors of the Council on Brain Injury, which presented her with its Individual Award Winner for leadership and dedication in the field of brain injury in 2020.

Cristabelle holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Religion (double major) from Lebanon Valley College.  She says about her election to the BIAPA Board, “As a TBI survivor, the mission and vision of BIAPA is something I fiercely support and stand behind. It is an immense honor to join the BIAPA Board as we work together to create a better world for brain injury survivors.” You can learn more about Cristabelle at cristabellebraden.com and hopeafterheadinjury.com