About Us
Our Mission
To improve the quality of life for everyone impacted by brain injury by providing advocacy, education, information, support, and resources, while promoting brain injury prevention
Our Vision
A world where all individuals impacted by brain injury thrive in their community
Our Values
Integrity: Being dependable and following through on commitments
Excellence: Modeling a positive example as we pursue high expectations
Collaboration: Actively listening and working together for a common purpose
Making the invisible visible since 1983
Today, you can make a difference for people impacted by brain injury.
OUR BOARD of directors
Bryan Bates, MSHA, BSN, RN
PRESIDENT
Katie Pierce, PT, DPT
Vice President
Jessica Westmiller, MSW
Vice President
Tamara Valovich McLeod, PhD
Treasurer
Scott Palumbo, Esq.
Immediate Past President
Sean Badding, MPA
Ian Crain, MD
Jyothi Gupta, PhD
Edward James, PhD
Kevin Keenan, Esq.
Larry Niemann
Julie Rake, MSPAS-PAC
Ileana Ratiu, PhD, CCC-SLP
Tamara Valovich McLeod, PhD
OUR STAFF
Statewide Info-line
1 (888) 500-9165
info@biaaz.org
MAIN OFFICE
(602) 508-8024
Carrie Collins, MPA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Shawna Fellenz
Program Operations Director
Anne Adkinson, BHPP
CAREGIVER ADVOCATE
Brain Health Coach
Suzy Albanese, OTR/L
RESOURCE FACILITATION
Certified Brain Injury Specialist
Randy Elston
ADAPTIVE RECRATION & ACTIVITIES
USMC Veteran
Luke Fadell, MVHPA
DIRECTOR VETERANS SERVICES
ADDICTION & DISABILITY SERVICES NAVIGATOR
U.S Army Veteran
Will Grove
RESOURCE FACILITATION
Certified Brain Injury Specialist
Laura Johnson
SURVIVOR ART PROGRAMS
Kristin O’Shaughnessy
CLIENT EXPERIENCE NAVIGATOR
Suzanne O’Connor, PsyD
ADDICTION, EMPLOYMENT, &
BRAIN INJURY TECHNICAL ADVISORY
Janice Podzimek
DRUNK & DISTRACTED DRIVING SURVIVOR ADVOCATE
Certified Brain Injury Specialist
Brittany Sweeney-Lawson
STATEWIDE NEURO-INFO LINE DIRECTOR
Certified Brain Injury Specialist
BILINGUAL—Spanish
ADVISORY
COUNCIL
Carrie Martz
Chair, 2023
Owner
Carrie On Consulting &
Clean Light Laboratories
Christina Kwasnica, MD
Immediate Past Chair, 2022
Medical Director Neurorehabilitation
Barrow Neurological Institute
Dignity Health | St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
Dina Shacknai, PsyD
Immediate Past Chair, 2021
Founder
Maxie’s Hosue
P. David Adelson, MD
Past Chair, 2020
Director
Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Karla Baning, NP
Neurology, HonorHealth
Clint Borman, DPT
Partner & Director of Physical Therapy
Foothills Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Patrick Bosarge, MD
Trauma Program Medical Director
Tina Buck, PhD, LPC, BCN
Biobalance Integrated Wellness LLC, Bisbee, Arizona
David Dodick, MD
Professor of Neurology,
Director of the Headache and Concussion Programs,
Mayo Clinic Arizona
Marisue Garganta
President
Marisue Garganta & Associates
John Heick, PhD
Associate Professor
Northern Arizona State University
Rob Hunter
On-Air Host | Assistant Program Director
550 KFYI and iHeartMedia
Ashutosh Jadhav,
MD, PhD
Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute Dignity Health | Neurological Surgery, HonorHealth
LaShawn Jenkins, Esq.
Founder/Partner
Jenkins Law Firm
Judge Jennifer Jermaine
San Marcos Justice of the Peace
Chandan Krishna, MD
Neurosurgeon
Mayo Clinic
David Moffitt
City of Phoenix
Captain • Paramedic
Johnathan Monteiro, DPT
AthElite Performance Therapy
Natasha Moyes
Networking Specialist | PR
Fancy Life Pro
L. Elizabeth Mullikin, DHA, FACHE
Arizona Group Director Neuroscience Service Line Abrazo Neuroscience Institute (Phoenix) and Carondelet Neurological Institute (Tucson)
Jessica H. Nathan
Senior Vice President of Operations | Neuro RehabCare Vice President | CPMc
Sharon Noe
Cindy Owens
Senior Regional Manager
& Vice President
CPMc
Austin Peterson,
CFP, CLU, MBA
Financial Planner
Backbone Financial
Aimee Piller,
PhD, OTR/L, BCP
Owner
Piller Child Development
Patricio Reyes, MD
Chief of Neurology | TBI | Alzheimer’s Disease | Cognitive Disorders
VA Medical Center
Mike Robertson
Senior Manager
American Express
Kelly Sample
Owner
Cucina Tagliani Restaurants
Ed Sandidge
AZ Mass Mutual
Ken Smith
Area Manager
Intel
Clint Sundt
Vice President
Sundt Construction
Freddie Thornton
CFO
MC Companies
Steven Threet
Former Arizona State University Quarterback
Phil Wurr
Executive Director at Paramedics Unlimited,
Captain with Phoenix Fire,
PVCC Adjunct Faculty
COMMITTEES
Advisory Council
CHAIR: Christina Kwasnica, MD
The Advisory Council works in tandem with and under the auspices of the Board of Directors to open doors, expand the BIAAZ’s outreach, and de-stigmatize brain injury.
Meeting details shared with members.
Email: info@biaaz.org
Camp Brain Committee
Camp Brain is a four-day camp for survivors of brain injury. The camp relies on physical therapy and occupational therapy students and professionals to staff the camp. Other professionals, caregivers, and survivors are welcome to assist with scholarship fundraising for campers and volunteers.
Meets March – July
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Development & Special Events Committee
This committee meets the first Friday of every month via ZOOM at 4:30PM.
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Education Committee
Join us as we plan the Brain Injury Survivor & Caregiver Expo, Brain Injury University, and Living Life Fully after Brain Injury series.
Meets via Zoom the last Friday of the month from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
The Noggin | e-Zine Committee
CHAIR
Brittany Sweeney-Lawson
This committee looks at article submissions and advertising opportunities for the beloved quarterly e-Zine, The Noggin.
Meets the last Monday of the month from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
JOIN THE TEAM!
Please review our current open positions.
Long-COVID Neuro Care Coordinator
The focus of this position is to identify the ongoing needs of survivors of brain injury and their family members. Additional emphasis is placed on serving those who are experiencing long-term neurological impacts due to COVID-19, and those needing continuum of care services due to cognitive/memory issues and limited assistance.
CONTACT US if you are interested in joining the team!
To apply for this position, please complete the preliminary application form below and upload your cover letter and resume where indicated.
Program Manager-Adaptive Recreation & Activities
Be part of a team of knowledgeable, compassionate, and helpful allies for Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona clients. The Adaptive Recreation and Activities Program Manager oversees components of social activities and recreation programs including planning, implementation, and evaluation. This position also supervises and works with community volunteers. This position is responsible for planning and overseeing regular events and social activities for survivors of all types of brain injury, their families, and caregiver.
CONTACT US if you are interested in joining the team!
To apply for this position, please complete the preliminary application form below and upload your cover letter and resume where indicated.
CASE FOR SUPPORT
990
Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona
5025 E. Washington St, Ste 106
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
QCO CODE: 22360
EIN 94-2937165
CALL
(602) 508-8024
Statewide Info-line
1 (888) 500-9165
Fax (602) 508-8285
contact us
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