Blog

The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania paid tribute to six individuals at the 2025 BIAPA Conference, which was held in Lancaster, PA, June 30 and July 1. Meaghan Wright received the Barb Dively Advocacy Award , which is named for Barbara Dively, a true advocate and champion for the rights of those who have experienced a brain injury, and their families. Meaghan's 40-year career in brain Injury rehabilitation demonstrates the same profound and unwavering commitment to the individuals and families she serves. Her dedication spans a wide range of settings and roles. Her work with BrainSTEPS has been crucial in helping school staff understand how best to support students returning to learn after a brain injury. She educates employers, families, and community agencies on how to effectively meet the unique needs of individuals with brain Injuries. Serving medically and behaviorally intensive clients in residential and in-home settings, she has demonstrated tenacity in advocating with physicians and providers for appropriate and timely treatment. She ensures that Individuals receive the comprehensive care they require, and that families are equipped to follow through with advocacy after services end. In her work within a home and community-based program, Meaghan demonstrates a unique approach by providing guidance and instruction within the client's specific environment - home, work, and school - ensuring greater real-world success for the individuals she serves. Her advocacy extends beyond individual cases to broader systemic improvements. She consistently advocates for adequate funding and champions the development of policies and trainings within her organization that not only support individuals but also respect their autonomy and self-governance. Meaghan has shown incredible dedication by supporting participants through a variety of significant life challenges, demonstrating a level of commitment that goes above and beyond. Meghan Chemidlin received the Dan Keating Pioneer in Brain Injury Award , which is named for Dr. Dan Keating, former BIAPA Board President, who played a significant role advancing the field. Meghan is an occupational therapist whose personal experience with mTBls has fueled her deep passion and commitment to improving care for others in this population. Through her work in an outpatient private practice, she has made transformative contributions to both clinical care and professional education. She is the co-publisher of the intervention and course, Concussion, Traumatic Brain Injury, and lnteroception - an innovative curriculum designed to improve self-regulation in individuals with brain injuries. It is the first and only interoception-based curriculum specific to this population, and early research has already shown significant positive outcomes. Her work fills a critical gap in rehabilitation, and it is actively being adopted by clinicians across the country. She is also the co-founder of NeurOT Consulting, a company that helps neurorehabilitation care teams and individuals develop and enhance comprehensive concussion programs. NeurOT provides training to both individuals and hospital networks, focusing on interoception, neuro-vision rehab, and polyvagal-informed care. Through this work, Meghan is advancing holistic and innovative concussion care on a national level. As an adjunct professor, international speaker, and mentor to graduate students, she shares her knowledge with current and future professionals. In recognition of her dedication to student mentorship and excellence in clinical teaching, she was recently honored with the Outstanding Fieldwork Educator Award from Moravian University. Her clinical work at A Rise Above Occupational Therapy Services, where she serves as senior occupational therapist, reflects her commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed care. Having navigated her own recovery journey, Meghan brings an unmatched empathy and insight to her work-one that inspires hope and drives change. Lady Sharper Rennie received the Direct Service Award , which honors a front-line staff member who provides exemplary service to individuals with brain injury. It recognizes the "unsung hero" who has worked for five years or more in the field of brain injury rehabilitation and who has shown dedication and commitment to the individuals they serve. With over 30 years of dedicated service at ReMed, Lady exemplifies the spirit of this award in every way. Her nomination described her as “an institution within ReMed, who has consistently provided exemplary service to individuals with brain injury, embodying the very definition of an ‘unsung hero.’” Throughout her long and distinguished career, Lady has been a steadfast leader and mentor. She has guided countless staff members, sharing her wisdom and experience, and fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. Her leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of care for which ReMed is known. Her dedication to her clients is truly remarkable. She has navigated numerous challenges and celebrated countless successes alongside those she serves. Her unwavering support, compassion, and expertise have made a profound difference in the lives of many individuals with brain injury. She has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure their well-being and progress. To ensure she is providing the best care to the individuals she serves; along with providing ongoing education to clients and team members, she maintains her certification as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). Claire Larson received the John Sears Inspiration Award , which honors an individual who has overcome significant challenges and who has utilized his or her talents and strengths lo inspire others to reach their goals. The award honors John Sears, talented artist and teacher who, despite the challenges of a 1985 traumatic brain injury, continued to teach and make art until his death in 2009. Claire has been a dedicated and tireless volunteer on the Brain Injury Unit at Bryn Mawr Rehab for close to 20 years. She has had a profound long-term impact on survivors and their families. Family members and survivors have shared that meeting Claire within the first few days of admission and hearing her inspiring story of injury and recovery was one of the first moments they truly envisioned a future ahead. They have said, “she gave us hope.” Claire's volunteer experience touches almost every area and department at Bryn Mawr Rehab. She provides patient transport to and from their PT, OT, ST, Psychology, Recreational, Music, and Art Therapy appointments. She often works in Bryn Mawr’s Horticultural Center where patients use plants and flowers to enhance their therapy experience. In addition to her direct service to patients, she is involved in Bryn Mawr Rehab’s Art Ability program. She also serves on the Volunteer Board, which focuses on volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives to support the rehab. Her dedication as a member of our outpatient Brain Injury Support Group has been unwavering. She attends this group monthly and shares her story and provides support to the other group members. She is also a peer mentor for new survivors of brain injury, offering unwavering support and compassion during their hospitalization. She fosters hope and resilience, not just for the immediate future or rehabilitation process, but for life beyond the hospital. Her empathy, patience, and dedication to the success of each individual, as well as her commitment to supporting their families, have had a lasting positive impact on everyone she meets. Stefani Eichelberger received the Leadership Award , which is presented to an individual, agency, or group of individuals whose far-reaching impact on the field of brain injury rehabilitation has been widely recognized. Stefani joined Community Skills Program of Counseling and Rehabilitation, Inc. as a neurorehabilitation specialist in 2008. She has been a presenter or co-presenter at seven BIAPA Annual Conferences, and she received the Outstanding Poster Award in 201O. She been a presenter at the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association's Professional Development Institute, and she has made many presentations at brain injury support groups and other community-based organizations providing services to individuals with brain injuries. She has served as a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee to the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Brain Injury Committee of Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Health's TBI Advisory Board. She has collaborated with the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Head Injury Program, and she has provided services through the NeuroResource Facilitation Program. On January 1, 2023, Stefani became the Director of Community Skills Program when its founder Sally Kneipp retired and transferred the program to Success Rehabilitation. Stefani oversaw the transition of the program's clients and staff to become a new division of Success Rehab, providing nonresidential services to persons with brain injuries in their own homes and communities. Her leadership skills have led to the growth of Community Skills Program in Pennsylvania and in New Jersey. She is an engaged member of the Leadership Team at Success Rehab, and a capable leader who will undoubtedly continue to contribute to the brain injury community in the future. Elayne Masters received the Service to the Brain Injury Community Award, which is presented to a person who has sustained a brain injury, a family member, or a professional who works in the field and is a resident of Pennsylvania. The recipient has shown extraordinary and exemplary service in educating and raising social awareness of the needs of persons with brain injury and their families. This individual has taken the initiative to make long-term, fundamental and positive impacts on the lives of people who have sustained a brain injury and their families. Elaine is a survivor who has made it her personal mission to improve the lives of others affected by brain injury. She is a Brain Injury Resource Line volunteer, a Brain Injury Ambassador, an advocate for brain injury and an advocate for those experiencing food insecurity. She takes every opportunity to use her voice and outstanding communication skills to make the world easier for those who experience brain injury. Drawing on her own experiences trying to secure services after she sustained a brain injury, Elayne effectively shares that story with providers and community members. She has been a tireless advocate for Pennsylvania’s brain injury community on the state and national level. Elaine Masters exemplifies BIAPA’s Service to the Brain Injury Community Award.

Duquesne University’s Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) recently hosted a heartwarming Spaghetti Dinner, bringing students, faculty, and community members together for an evening of good food and even better purpose. With enthusiasm and dedication, the organization successfully raised $1,000 for the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, contributing to vital resources for individuals affected by brain injuries and their families. The event was more than just a fundraiser—it was a testament to the students’ unwavering commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of Pennsylvania residents facing the challenges of recovery. Beyond the funds raised, the dinner served as an opportunity for SOTA members to deepen their understanding of brain injury rehabilitation and the critical services needed to support recovery. Through conversations, educational discussions, and a shared passion for advocacy, these aspiring occupational therapy professionals demonstrated their dedication to learning how they can help families navigate the complexities of long-term care and reintegration. Their involvement goes beyond this single event, as they continue to seek ways to provide meaningful support, ensuring that those affected by brain injuries receive the necessary assistance every step of the way.

Each year, Duquesne University’s Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), which is composed of 70 students, hosts a benefit Spaghetti Dinner recognizing and honoring a community organization that contributes to the health and well-being of their communities. This year’s Spaghetti Dinner will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom on Duquesne University’s Campus. All fundraising proceeds from the event will benefit the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania (BIAPA) in support of Pennsylvania residents and their families who have been impacted by brain injury. The evening includes a keynote speaker from BIAPA, information about BIAPA’s programs, a charity basket raffle, and of course, pasta! If you plan to attend, please use the QR code on the event poster to RSVP. The registration form also includes the opportunity to make a donation if you’re not able to attend. For more information, please contact Dr. Michelle McCann at mccannm2@duq.edu .

The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania (BIAPA) is pleased to announce that Jennifer Lynn Robinson, Esq., has joined the BIAPA Board of Directors. Jennifer is a Lifestyle & Communications Expert. Her expertise is in strategic networking, communications, leadership, resilience, and business etiquette. She is also a brain injury survivor.

Neuropsychologist Noah Sideman Has joined the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania’s Board of Directors.  Dr. Sideman’s earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Dickinson College and a master’s degree in International Education from Framingham State University. From that point, his career focused on education and mental health, working as an English language teacher in Poland… The post Noah Sideman joins BIAPA Board appeared first on Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania.

Congratulations to BIAPA Board Member Amanda Parezo, who recently received a Pennsylvania Governor’s Keystone Award, The post BIAPA Board Member Amanda Parezo Receives Governor’s Keystone Award appeared first on Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania.

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

The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania honored four people at its 2024 Conference in Lancaster.  Steve Holefelder received the Pioneer in Brain Injury Award; Damon Slepian received the Service to the Association Award, Amy Casarella received the John Sears Inspiration Award, and Howard Blumberg and his family received the Dennis Minori Family Tribute Award. The… The post BIAPA Honors Four at 2024 Conference appeared first on Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania.

The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that Amanda Parezo and Kate Turner have joined the BIAPA Board of Directors. The post Amanda Parezo and Kate Turner join the BIAPA Board appeared first on Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania.