Michelle McCann and Elijah Olson join the BIAPA Board

The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that Elijah Olson and Michelle McCann have joined the BIAPA Board.

Dr. Michelle McCann started her rehabilitation pursuits at the University of Pittsburgh where she received her undergraduate degree in occupational therapy. Later, she earned her post-professional doctorate at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Throughout her 30-year career, Michelle has had a long-standing interest in neurorehabilitation, and she holds clinical certifications in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT Certified), Brain Injury Specialist with the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS), and Prospective Payment Certified Specialist (PPSC). In her previous roles within acute rehabilitation, she developed and managed disease- certified programs in several chronic disease conditions including acquired brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis rehabilitation.

In past connections with BIAPA, she used her expertise in community engagement to build support group learning networks for those with neurological conditions and their care givers. She enjoys service in many professional and community-based organizations, such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA), Keystone Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), and other local groups. Dr. McCann has presented throughout a range of professional conferences, both regionally and nationally, regarding the benefits and necessity of interprofessional interventions for clients with neurological diagnoses and services advocating for their caregivers’ wellbeing. She is excited to continue connecting with BIAPA and states, “It is imperative that we continue to expand upon the mission of BIAPA and advocate for the necessary services that will enable brain injury survivors and their families to have the highest level of recovery while protecting their overall quality of life.”

Elijah Olson survived a serious car accident in 2010.  He was diagnosed with Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and underwent extensive in-patient and out-patient therapy. This life-altering event ignited a profound commitment to the field of brain injury recovery and rehabilitation.

Elijah pursued his nursing education at Wilkes University, graduating from the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program, and passed the NCLEX in October 2017. He earned certifications as a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). Currently, he serves as a registered nurse in the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) at Chambersburg Hospital.  His prior experience includes significant contributions at the Penn State Rehabilitation Hospital in the Brain Injury Unit, where he co-chaired the Brain Injury Program. His efforts were instrumental in helping the hospital achieve CARF certification for its Brain Injury Program. Furthermore, he played a key role in making the hospital the 8th partner with the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania’s Ambassador Program.

As a board member, Elijah is excited to work on expanding the Ambassador Program across Pennsylvania, with the goal of reaching every individual who has sustained a brain injury.

Elijah and his wife Michaela recently welcomed a baby boy they named Theo.

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