Change Text Size:

2010 Consumer and Family Conference

Consumer and Family Conference 2010
Journey to Wellness: Body. Balance. Being.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Calvary Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Brain injury affects the whole person - including changes in the physical, emotional and cognitive areas of their body. These changes can impact how a person reacts to his/her daily life including school and work and how he/she manages his/her finances. Relationships and a person's well being are determined by how well he/she can manage these challenges. The road can seem long and insurmountable.

Join us on Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Consumer and Family Conference at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minnesota.

Event Schedule

  • 7-8 a.m. – Vendor set-up
  • 8-9 a.m. – Attendee Registration; continental breakfast; time with vendors
  • 9-10 a.m. – Keynote Presentation: The Journey through Spiritual Crisis-Helping Children and Families Find Hope; Margo Richardson, Chaplin, Hennepin County Medical Center
    How do TBI survivors and their families remain hopeful even when the changes and losses are overwhelming? Much depends on one's spiritual outlook. Studies show that even when you cannot cope with life the same way you used to, your faith and core values make it possible to remain optimistic. Rev. Margaret (Margo) Richardson will provide an overview of the challenges to one's faith and what constitutes and supports a strong and healthy spirituality. This presentation is for survivors, families and caregivers.
  • 10-10:45 a.m. – Presentation #1: Addressing Stress; Steve Dahl; Behavior Analyst; Minnesota Department of Human Services, Community Support Services
    Steve will briefly discuss stress recognition and coping techniques to support individuals' ability to cope with daily frustrations.
  • 10:45-11: a.m. – Break
  • 11-11:45 a.m. – Presentation #2: A Mind-Body Approach for Healing; Andy Lear; Mind-Body Solutions
    Drawing upon his experience with traumatic injury and as a yoga teacher, Andy introduces participants to a mind-body approach to healing. Topics covered include approaches for giving and receiving care, developing healthy boundaries and building a healing mind-body practice.
  • 11:45-1:15 p.m. – Lunch; time with vendors
  • 1:15-1:45 p.m. – Presentation #3: Public Policy Update; Jeff Nachbar; Public Policy Director; Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
    Advocacy plays an important role in recovery and securing necessary services and supports for individuals, families and communities affected by brain injury. Jeff will discuss advocacy, both from individual perspective, as well as a policy change perspective; and share strategies for how you can become a more effective advocate. Recent legislative activity and key public policy priorities also will be discussed.
  • 1:45-2:30 p.m. – Presentation #4: Interactive Art Therapy; Arts of Passage
    Harry LeBlanc is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in Expressive Arts Therapy and Drama Therapy and is the founder of Arts of Passage, an arts-based private therapy practice. Harry takes a creative improvisational approach to psychotherapy by integrating ritual and the arts. This comfortable, interactive presentation will require no artistic skill as Harry focuses on creating a safe, non-judgmental space for your innate creativity and capacity for healing to emerge. No matter what anyone has ever told you and regardless of your previous experience or talent, you are already creative just as you are now.
  • 2:30-3 p.m. – Break/time with vendors
  • 3-3:45 p.m. – Presentation #5: Survival is Only the Beginning; Susan Howry; Howry Residential Services
    Susan Howry had an aneurysm in 2008, she understands how survival is only the beginning. Susan and her daughter Randi will provide a personal perspective on brain injury and recovery. After a ruptured brain aneurysm left her clinging to life, Susan regained her life and will share with us a unique story of being a care provider, and then needing the very care she provides.
  • 3:45-4 p.m. – Closing Remarks

Registration
To register for the Consumer and Family Conference, please call the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota at 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442. The cost of this conference is $20 per individual. Attendee minimum age is 16 years old and the ability to participate in a full day of activity and presentations.

This low cost registration is due to a scholarship grant made available through the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Directions
Calvary Lutheran Church is located at 7520 Golden Valley Road in Golden Valley.

From Highway 169:

  • Take Highway 55 East to the stoplight at Rhode Island Avenue. Turn left and continue to Golden Valley Road.
  • Turn right at Golden Valley Road
  • Calvary Lutheran Church is on the left side of the road.

From Highway 100:

  • Take Highway 55 West to the stoplight at Rhode Island Avenue
  • Turn right at Rhode Island Avenue
  • Turn right at Golden Valley Road
  • Calvary Lutheran Church is on the left side of the road.

Contact the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota at 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442 for more information or to register. We hope to see you there!