2008 Annual Conference - Friday Schedule

Keynotes • Presentations and Downloads • Directions

8 - 9 a.m. -Registration and Exhibits Open

9 - 10:30 a.m. - Keynote Address

The Person's Subjective Experience in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation After Brain Injury

George Prigatano, from the Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, will be presenting the Friday Keynote Address, where he will discuss the patient's phenomenological state will determine their willingness to engage in rehabilitation, as well as the clinician's ability to identify areas that need to be focused on. The issue of impaired self-awareness versus denial of disability will be briefly discussed and guidelines for approaching patients with these complicated sets of disorders will be considered.

10:30 - 11 a.m. - Break and Exhibits Open

11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Breakout Session I

1. Principles of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation in Clinical Practice
   Dr. George Prigatano, Neurophysiologist, St. Joseph’s Medical Center
   Principles that guide neuropsychological rehabilitation will be described and examples given as to how they are clinically relevant.
2. Bridging Homelessness and Brain Injury: Cultural Perspective Approaches
   Dr. Kristen Ryan, Psychologist, South Metro Services; Raye Marie Black, CBIS, RN, Multicultural Outreach Coordinator, Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
   The prevalence of brain injury within the homeless population is significant. This presentation will give an overview of research and data on the homeless population and outreach findings as well as cultural perspectives approaches in communities of color.
3. Telemedicine Based Cognitive Rehabilitation After Acquired Brain Injury: The Results of a Randomized Control Trial
   Thomas Bergquist, Ph.D., ABPP, Program Director of Brain Injury Outpatients Programs, Mayo Clinic; Susan Lepore, OTR/L, Cognitive Rehabilitation Specialist, Mayo Clinic
   Given the disproportionate numbers of brain injuries which occur in rural settings and the common difficulties with transportation for persons with acquired brain injury, our study investigated the impact of cognitive rehabilitation, using a calendar acquisition approach. Family and participant ratings are reported.
4. Dialectical Behavior Therapy Basics and Innovative Applications in Working with Individuals with Brain Injuries and Borderline Personality Disorder
   Kathy Nesheim-Larson, MSW, CBIST, Director of Brain Injury Services, Mentor Network/ REM Minnesota; Kris Wainright-Tadych, MS, Director of Mental Health Services, Mentor Network / REM Minnesota
   This presentation will give a general overview of the key concepts of DBT and present the possible application methods in working with individuals with brain injuries and borderline personality disorders.
5. Legislative Update*
   Jeff Nachbar, Public Policy Director, Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
   This session will provide information about the legislative initiatives, advocacy work and ongoing challenges of promoting public policy on behalf of people living with brain injury.
6. Benefits of Group Programming for Adolescents and the Strategies that are Most Effective when Working with Adolescents with TBI
   Sara Hicks, LICSW, Behavior Professional, Courage Center; Jennie Lee-Burns, CBIS, Behavior Analyst, Courage Center; Beth Childs, CBIS, Behavior Analyst, Courage Center
   Discussion of the benefits of groups that are designed to address the unique needs of adolescents and young adults with TBI. Different strategies most effective when used with adolescents and how they differ from work with adults will be discussed.

12:15 - 1:15 p.m. - Lunch

Care Beyond Expectations Award

Introduction by Hennepin County Medical Center

1:15 - 2:30 p.m. - Breakout Session II

1. Classroom Interventions for Behavioral Challenges: The Student with TBI
   Deb Williamson, Statewide Traumatic Brain Injury Specialist Minnesota Low Incidence Projects, Minnesota Department of Education
   This session will focus on identifying pro-active interventions, including classroom strategies and environmental considerations, for student's K-12 with TBI and associated behavioral and/or executive dysfunction concerns.
2. Community Integration After Blast Injury and PolyTrauma
   Don MacLennan, MA, CCC, Speech Pathologist, VA Medical Center; Deborah Voydetich, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, VA Medical Center; Janelle Gustafson, Certified Recreation Therapist, VA Medical Center; Carol Ellingsberg, MS, Vocational Counselor, VA Medical Center
   This presentation will focus on trans-disciplinary programming developed within the residential transitional program at the VA Medical Center to enhance independence in the community, facilitate return to work and return to school.
3. Neuropsychological Evaluations in the Management of Sports and Other Concussions
   Nancy Spitzack Psy.D., L.P., Clinical Neuropsychologist, Bethesda Hospital; Maida Gunther, Ph.D., L.P., Clinical Neuropsychologist, Bethesda Hospital
   This session will include epidemiological data, pathophysiology of concussion, mechanisms of injury, common signs and symptoms of concussion, and issues in the management of sports concussions in particular. Presenters will discuss components of comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and computerized screening measures, and their use in the management of sports and other concussions.
4. Challenges of Abusive Head Trauma in Pediatrics
   Marjorie Hogan, MD, Department of Pediatrics, HCMC/HFA
   Abusive head trauma, or SBS/iTBI, continues to present challenges to pediatricians and other professionals caring for children. With new research-based knowledge, we are improving our recognition of ABT, as well as evaluation and intervention.
5. TBI: One Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
   Julie Philbrook, Trauma Prevention Specialist, HCMC; Nancy Franke Wilson, Independent Contractor for HCMC; Erin Petersen, Sage Kids of Minnesota, Minnesota Safety Council; Jon Roesler, MS, Epidemiologist Supervisor Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Injury & Violence Prevention Unit; Anna Gaichas, MS, MDH; Mark Kinde, MPH, Research Scientist Supervisor, MDH
   Experts in their field will discuss the Minnesota Department of Health's findings of their investigation into TBI from unintentional falls, followed by a panel presentation of a variety of data driven trauma prevention initiatives for people of all ages that can be utilized by local communities.
6. Severe Brain Injury and Life-Long Outcomes: The Hidden Issues
   Debra Braunling-McMorrow, Ph.D., V.P. ABI Service Diversification, The MENTOR Network
   This presentation will discuss the hidden realities for some with severe brain injury including issues of poverty, homelessness, and inappropriate placements in correctional facilities or psychiatric placements. This presentation will also emphasize the importance of continuing to challenge ourselves as service providers and advocates.

2:30 - 2:45 p.m. - Break and Exhibits Open

2:45 - 4 p.m. - Breakout Session III

1. Reintegration: Warrior to Citizen
   Cynthia M. Rasmussen, Major, Combat Stress Officer (Mobilized), US Army (88th RRC)
   Review of warrior skills vs. home skills for veterans of all wars with an emphasis on combat operational stress vs. PTSD vs. TBI as well as other behavioral health issues.
2. Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: When Traditional Physical Therapy is Not Enough
   Susan Reiter, PT, Fairview Northland Medical Center; Barbara Rein, PT, Fairview Northland Medical Center
   This session is for anyone exploring alternative physical treatments for mild traumatic brain injury. Discover craniosacral therapy, brain work, down regulating, and guided imagery. Learn how these techniques can be implemented into a comprehensive physical therapy program to assist in healing physically, mentally, and emotionally.
3. Making Your Job Easier - Include the School Nurse
   Janet Lowe, Assistant Administrator, St. Paul Public Schools; Mary Yackley, School Nurse with Transition Students, St. Paul Public Schools
   This presentation will help the audience understand the role of the school nurse in the special education health care planning process as a collaborating team member; documentation and how the school nurse can assist in collaborating with educational staff and community providers.
4. Consumer Panel
   Stevie Nelson; Craig Martinson; Elaine Bergstrom
   Each consumer will describe their experience of brain injury and their individual journey of reclaiming their lives.
5. Managing Aggressive Behavior
   George Demers, M.S., Safety Consultant
   This session is designed to teach techniques for safely managing out of control behavior, including the processes involved, looking critically at the situation from both sides of the issue, assessing, planning and evaluating each step and most importantly, seeking ways to avoid events which become explosive.
6. Building Community Connections: Lessons Learned from Outreach with the Medically Underserved
   Gladys Gonzazles-Ramos, Associate Professor, New York University Silver School of Social Work; Marty Allen, MSW, MBA, Program Manager, The Medtronic Foundation; Ruth Hagestuen, RN, MA, Director of Field Services, National Parkinson Foundation
   This workshop will draw on the presenters' varied experiences in developing and implementing outreach models. Lessons the presenters learned about best practices in connecting to diverse communities, and effective tools for outreach will be offered.

*Denotes a session that is not eligible for CME/CEU credits. Click here for more information on CME/CEU credits during this conference.

Keynotes • Presentations and Downloads • Directions