Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance

Lunch and Learn Sessions for Social Workers
and Social Service Professionals

The Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance is offering Lunch and Learn Sessions for Social Workers and Social Service Professionals. Continuing Education Units will be available after each session. The sessions will begin at 12 p.m. and be held via Zoom. (Zoom link to be sent out within 48 hours of the event.)

The cost is $15 per session. Special Deal: sign up for all six sessions before July 10 for $75 - that's six sessions for the prices of five. Register today for this special price to attend all sessions.


July 10, 2024
Left vs. Right Sides Strokes: Disability and Barriers to Independence
Donna Lindsey, MN, RN, CNS-BC, SCRN, Clinical Nurse Specialist/Stroke Program Coordinator at Hennepin Healthcare
Donna Lindsey explores new treatments for improving blood flow to the brain after a stroke, aiming to significantly improve outcomes for survivors. She will explain the differences in communicative and cognitive abilities between left-sided and right-sided strokes.

Register today for the July session.


August 14, 2024
All About Aphasia! Techniques For Supportive Conversation And Life Participation For Patients In The Hospital, Home, And Community Settings
Angela Maier, MnCAN Co-Executive Director of Programs and Operations; Jessica Wald, MnCAN Co-Executive Director of Advancement and Communication; Carly Cauley, MnCAN Speech Language Pathologist
A team of MnCAN Speech-Language Pathologists will introduce techniques for supported conversation in hospital or community settings and basic information about aphasia. They will cover the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia, different models of aphasia recovery, and how to engage care partners to provide maximum support through a person’s aphasia journey. The session will also highlight MnCAN’s programs for individuals with aphasia and their families and care partners.

Register today for the August session.


September 11, 2024
Effectively Responding to Brain Injury Symptoms and Substance Use Disorders
Thomas G. Beckers, BS, LADC, CBIS, Vinland National Center
Thomas G. Beckers shares insights from 18 years of experience in treating people with co-occurring brain injuries, substance use disorders, and other cognitive impairments. He will highlight how service providers can adjust their methods to increase and improve engagement and outcomes, using experiential activities and presentations.

Register today for the September session.


October 9, 2024
Reading after Traumatic Brain Injury: Understanding Contributors to Reading Success
Katy H. O’Brien, PhD, CCC-SLP, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute at Allina Health
Reading is fundamental for school, work, and community participation, but many people experience changes after brain injury that make reading difficult and frustrating. Katy H. O’Brien describes the common challenges with reading that people face after brain injury and explores potential approaches for rehabilitation and future research directions to support reading recovery.

Register today for the October session.


November 13, 2024
Addressing Professional Burnout/Compassion Fatigue at Work
Robert L. Karol, Ph.D., LP, ABPP, CBIST
In today's health care environment, burnout is a growing concern. This session will examine the causes and offer concrete steps professionals can take to lessen burnout and feeling overwhelmed.

Register today for the November session.


December 11, 2024
Stroke Zebra
Joan Somes, PhD, RN-BC, CEN, CPEN, FAEN, NRP
“When you hear hoof beats coming from behind, you aren’t expecting to see a zebra.” Dr. Joan Somes discusses unusual symptoms and conditions that could lead healthcare professionals toward or away from a stroke diagnosis. This session aims to minimize tunnel vision and symptom-oversight, and best serve patients in emergency department settings.

Register today for the December session.


The cost is $15 per session. Remember, Special Deal: sign up for all six sessions before July 10 for $75 - that's six sessions for the prices of five. Register today for this special price to attend all sessions.

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