Thank you to our 2008 Annual Conference Partners:



Thank you to our 2008 Annual Conference Diamond Sponsors:


Thank you to our 2008 Annual Conference Gold Sponsors:












Thank you to our 2008 Annual Conference Silver Sponsors:












Thank you to our 2008 Annual Conference Bronze Sponsors:
Abilities Unlimited
Accessibile Space
ActiveStyle
American Ramp Systems
Axis Healthcare
Center for Diagnostic Imaging
Community Connection of Minnesota, Inc.
Consumer Directions Inc.
Department of Human Services, Disability Services Division
Focus on Living
Geritonm Medical
Glesener's Inc.
Karcher Foster Service
Kauffman Law Firm
Liftvest USA
Lutheran Social Services Brain Injury Program
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
Miller Dwan Regional Rehabilitation Center
Minnesota Disability Law Center
Minnesota Neurorehabilitation Hospital
Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
NORA
Options Family and Behavior Services
Options Residential
People Incorporated
Provide Care Inc.
Rehabcare Group
Restart Inc.
Rise, Inc.
Schwebel Goetz & Sieben
The Christensen Group
34 13th Avenue NE, Suite B001 Minneapolis, MN 55413
Phone: 612-378-2742
Toll Free: 1-800-669-6442
Fax: 612-378-2789
E-Mail:info@braininjurymn.org
2008 Annual Conference - Friday Schedule
Keynotes • Presentations and Downloads • Directions
This page contains the submitted presentation handouts and/or slide shows that were presented in each session. Each link will open the document in a new window. While a majority of the links are PowerPoints, some may be Word, Acrobat or other file formats. File format and size are posted following the links.
Positive Behavior Supports for Individuals with Challenging Behavior: Common Sense Systematically Applies- File: Thursday Keynote - Behavior Intervention - PowerPoint, 523k
- Tim Feeney, Executive Director and President of School and Community Support Services in Schenectady, New York, will be presenting the Thursday Keynote Address which will provide a framework for the development of behavioral supports for individuals with challenging behaviors that focuses on assessment that is context-sensitive and collaborative and intervention plans that are pro-active and developed to prevent problems from emerging. In addition, positive behavior supports integrate cognitive and communicative approaches, focus on the integration of meaningful activities in an individual's daily routine, and most importantly, are developed in collaboration with the individual and his or her natural network of support.
Breakout Sessions I
- Transition Tools: Practical Student Made Projects to Look Towards Life After High School*
Darwin Dyce, Physical & Health Disability Consultant, SW/WC Service Cooperative
File: Multiple files are associated with this presentation:
- Disability Services Overview
Rebecca Slininger, Home and Community Living Services Training and Education Policy Consultant, Department of Human Services; Audrey Fischer, PCA Policy Consultant, Department of Human Services
Disability Services Division provides an array of services for individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community. This session will provide an overview of the programs. The presenters will share success stories as well as best practices and an introduction to some of the policies behind the programs. - Practical Approaches for Individuals with Brain Injury Who Abuse Alcohol and Drugs
Brian P. Sammon, MA, LMFT, LADC, Behavior Professional, Options Family and Behavior Services
This session will present strategies intended to help practitioners, staff and families intervene in the behavior of drug and alcohol abusing consumers who are also struggling with brain injuries. - Considerations When Working with Culturally Diverse Populations in a Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program
Angela Folie, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute; Julie Gephardt, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
File: Culturally Diverse - PowerPoint - 64k
The focus of this presentation is to identify and address factors that may hinder or foster assessment, intervention and meaningful outcomes so clinicians can better provide culturally competent services. - Establishing a "Successful" Support Group in a Rural Setting
John W. Johnson, Advocate, Trainer, Option Center for Independent Living
File: Rural Support Group - PowerPoint - 230k
This session will provide answers to the questions; what are the challenges involved in setting up and maintaining a support group, how do distance and isolation factor into success of a group and who are the key players for success? - Craniectomy: "I Needed This Operation Like a Hole in the Head"
Mark Larkins, MD, Chief Neurosurgery, Regions Hospital
File: Crainectomy - PowerPoint - 61k
This session will explore experiences with the use of craniectomy for acute head trauma and unusual complications and innovative approaches to reconstruction.
Breakout Session II
- Helping People Without Making Them Helpless: Fun, Functional and Other "F" Words*
Tim Feeney, PhD., Executive Director and President of School and Community Support Services
File: Fun F Words - PowerPoint - 203k
This presentation will provide a framework for the development of positive, personal, and meaningful supports for individuals with acquired brain injury. The ultimate goal is to provide participants with an understanding of a manner to interact with others that encourages humor and fun while simultaneously doing serious work. - Building a Therapeutic Alliance with the People You Serve
Norman Cohen, PhD, Neuropsychologist, Courage Center
File: Therapeutic Alliance - PowerPoint - 2,916k
In order to maximize benefits of any therapy for individuals with brain injury, the therapist and client must communicate clearly and efficiently. This presentation will explore the relationship that develops between therapist and client, and the specific strategies to use to form a working bond to smooth the way to success. - Ending Homelessness in Minnesota
Laura Kadwell, Minnesota Director for Ending Long Term Homelessness; Julie Grothe, Case Management Supervisor, Guild, Inc.
File: Delancey Street - PowerPoint - 174k
File: Homelessness - PowerPoint - 804k
File: Long Term Homelessness - PowerPoint - 357k
File: Unidentified TBI - Acrobat PDF - 51k
One-third of people who are homeless report a brain injury. This workshop will look at the relationship between homelessness and brain injury and present plans to end homelessness as a "door" through which people with brain injury access appropriate services. - From the Past to the Future: A Historical Survey of Treatment in Brain Injury Rehabilitation
David Tupper, Director of Neuropsychology, Hennepin County Medical Center
File: Historical Survey - PowerPoint - 18,389k
This presentation will review the history and evolution of neuro-scientific and psychological concepts seen as important in empirically based brain injury rehabilitation, including as examples: neuronal plasticity, re-education, electrotherapy, retraining of mental faculties, substitution and compensation of function and constraint induced therapy. - Consumer Panel*
Russ Philstrom, Nicolas Dennen, Aaron Clow, Gene Kaiser, John Johnson
File: Consumer Panel - Word document - 45k
File: Russ - Word document - 21k
This panel consists of five men who have experienced brain injury and wish to tell their story. Learn about the personal journey that these men experienced for future consideration as you serve people living with brain injury. - Caring for Those Who Serve: Rehab Innovations for Military Service Members
Jessica Kovacevich, MOT, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MVAMC); Hillari Olson, DPT, Physical Therapist, MVAMC; Colleen Schreffler, Med, CTRS, Recreation Therapist, MVAMC
File: Rehab Innovations - PowerPoint - 4,603k
This presentation will discuss the Veterans Affairs Medical Center's interdisciplinary team approach to polytrauma rehabilitation, including innovative programming, assistive and diagnostic technology, and the importance of lifelong care for our veterans.
Breakout Session III
- Asking About Depression: Is it Grief, Depression or Something Else?
Robert Karol, PhD, Program Director, Brain Injury Services, Director, Psychology and Neuropsychology, Bethesda Hospital
File: Depression - PowerPoint - 1,233k
After a brain injury, what appears to be depression can often be a mask for grief or other issues. This talk will highlight the variables, address how to conceptualize the information the person presents to the professional, and help the professional ask the right questions. - Acute and Long Term Nutrition Support for the Person with Brain Injury
Karen Koppy, MPH, RD, LD, Clinical Dietician, Hennepin County Medical Center
File: Nutrition Support - PowerPoint - 791k
The presenter will review the strategies used to provide patients with adequate nutrition in both the acute and long term settings. Topics will include age specific challenges in providing adequate nutrition, various methods for delivering nutrition support, and new developments in nutrition intervention for people with brain injury. - Identifying the Mild Brain Injury - And Now What?
Marilyn Haight, Sr. Occupational Therapist, Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC); Linda Mabbs, Speech Language Pathologist, HCMC; Helen Mathison, Speech Language Pathologist; Chris Lofgren, Sr. Occupational Therapist, HCMC
File: Mild TBI - PowerPoint - 7,011k
File: Mild TBI Handouts - PowerPoint - 3,011k
File: Mild TBI Handouts 2 - PowerPoint - 220k
Changes in function may appear even if the CT or MRI appear normal. What tests might be used to identify the mild brain injury condition? What remediation or compensation interventions can be used? What are low cost options? Audience sharing is encouraged. - White Matter and Neurocognitive Changes in Adults with TBI: What Does Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tell Us?
Mary R. T. Kennedy, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Speech-Hearing-Language Sciences, University of Minnesota (U of M); Jeffrey R. Wozniak, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, U of M; Ryan Muetzel, Junior Scientist, Psychology, U of M; Bryon Mueller, PhD, Information Technology Professor, Psychiatry & Radiology, U of M
File: White Matter - PowerPoint - 201k
This presentation will review Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) findings after TBI, describe a recently completed study at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, and to discuss the usefulness of DTI given the current evidence. - What About Social Emotional Learning?*
Katherine Utter, LICSW, Social Emotional Learning Coordinator, Intermediate District 287 and Virginia Nyhus, Social Emotional Learning Coordinator, Intermediate District 287
File: Emotional Learning - PowerPoint - 869k
This presentation will provide a brief introduction to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), including a framework for understanding and implementing SEL to learners with unique needs. - TBI on the Inside: Traumatic Brain Injury in the Minnesota Prison System
Marlena Wald, MLS, MPH, Epidemiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Steve Allen, Director of Behavioral Health, Minnesota Department of Corrections (MN DOC); Dr. Kenneth Carlson, Psychologist, MN DOC; Elizabeth Hopkins, TBI Project Coordinator, MN DOC; Dr. Adam Piccolino, Neuropsychologist MN DOC
File: Prison Survey - PowerPoint - 663k
File: TBI in Prison - PowerPoint - 3,643k
This presentation is an overview of the prevalence of TBI in the prison population and a more detailed progress report on the training and release planning efforts. CDC information will be presented giving a national perspective on the issue of TBI among offender populations.
- The Person's Subjective Experience in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation After Brain Injury
File: Real Life Inpact
- PowerPoint - 215k
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.
Breakout Session I
- Principles of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation in Clinical Practice
Dr. George Prigatano, Neurophysiologist, St. Joseph’s Medical Center
File: Principles - Word - 104k
Principles that guide neuropsychological rehabilitation will be described and examples given as to how they are clinically relevant. - 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. - 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. - 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
File: Dialectical Behavior - Acrobat pdf - 286k
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. - 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. - 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.
Breakout Session II
- 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. - 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
File: Polytrauma - PowerPoint - 5,447k
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. - 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
File: Concussions - PowerPoint - 4,727k
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. - Challenges of Abusive Head Trauma in Pediatrics
Marjorie Hogan, MD, Department of Pediatrics, HCMC/HFA
File: Pediatrics - PowerPoint - 23,637k
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. - 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
File: TBI Falls - PowerPoint - 1,441k
File: TBI Prevention - PowerPoint - 3,062k
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. - Severe Brain Injury and Life-Long Outcomes: The Hidden Issues
Debra Braunling-McMorrow, Ph.D., V.P. ABI Service Diversification, The MENTOR Network
File: Hidden Issues - PowerPoint - 232k
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.
Breakout Session III
- 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. - 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
File: Multiple files are associated with this presentation:
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.Case Study Nurses - PowerPoint - 120k Directive Communications - PowerPoint - 100k Case Studies Document Guide - pdf - 484k Dynavision Objective Measure - PowerPoint - 57k Fairview Northland Head Injuries - PowerPoint - 89k Helping People Change - PowerPoint - 154k Image 001-1 - tiff - 42k Image 001-2 - tiff - 442k Image 001-3 - tiff - 324k Image 001-4 - tiff - 322k Image 001-5 - tiff - 442k Conference Presentation - PowerPoint - 7,647k Conference Presentation Final - PowerPoint - 8,276k TBI Presentation - PowerPoint - 7,579k Sports Concussion - PowerPoint - 177k Sports Injury - PowerPoint - 423k - 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
File: Include the School Nurse - PowerPoint - 3,919k
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. - 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. - Managing Aggressive Behavior
George Demers, M.S., Safety Consultant
File: Aggressive Behavior - PowerPoint - 20,085k
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. - 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
File: Underserved - PowerPoint - 288k
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.

