“I immediately understood how a brain injury can be life-changing in a way that I never had before. Now I know what they and their families go through and I’m grateful my father has fully recovered.”

2023 Brainiac Bash Emcee Announced and Ready to Talk the Talk

Kyle Kittleson is one of the most likeable guys you’ll ever want to meet, which makes him the ideal choice to emcee the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona’s 2023 Brainiac Bash Soiree Supporting Brain Health.

Last year, the Scottsdale, AZ native made quite an impression on supporters of the brain injury community in the same role, and vice versa. This year, he can’t wait to do it again, using his skillset of rallying people around a worthwhile cause. “I’m so impressed with the organization and the passion for the mission,” he shares.

For the past 15 years, Kyle’s journey has led him to some unexpected places. He has worked in zoos and aquariums in Hawaii, Florida, and California as a trainer of exotic and domestic animals.

Upon his return to the Grand Canyon State, he began conducting online videos and hosting live workshops promoting mental health care for the preventative mental health educational company, MedCircle. The experience was an eye-opener into the importance of brain and mental wellness. “I became an advocate overnight,” he says.

But the universe has a funny way of sneaking up on us mere mortals. Shortly after Kyle agreed to host last year’s Brainiac Bash, his father fell and hit his head, sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He remained in the hospital for a month, one week of which he was in a coma.

“I felt terrible for Dad,” he recalls. “He didn’t deserve this. I immediately understood how a brain injury can be life-changing in a way that I never had before. Now I know what they and their families go through and I’m grateful my father has fully recovered.”

This personal connection with the invisible disability of brain injury has certainly made his already strong commitment to this cause even greater. “I’m truly blown away by all the great work of the Brain Injury Alliance and their supporters,” he emphasizes.

Kyle cites several highlights from the 2022 Brainiac Bash. “My favorite thing to do is talk to people on camera. I’ve always wanted to meet Barry Goldwater, Jr. and was thrilled to interview him. I was also surprised by how good the dance judges were with their concise, witty comments. It’s not that easy to be clever while on the spot, and they were all tremendous.”

However, the person that stood out to him the most was the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona’s own Advisory Council Member, Carrie Martz. “Her dance performance was incredible, just like all the great work she does for the cause [of brain health],” Kyle explains. “She has made quite an impact on me.”

Now, Kyle has his attention focused on the upcoming Brainiac Bash, which will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia in Scottsdale.

“I encourage everyone to be involved,” he urges. “My goal is the same as the Alliance’s: Raise more money, attract more volunteers, and bring more people to the table.”

For Kyle, it’s not a matter of if. “We can do this,” he affirms.

Kyle Kittleson (right) and Carrie Martz (left) at the 2022 Brainiac Bash.

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.

What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:

• Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
• Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
• Hosts Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Workgroup
• Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
• Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
• Manages statewide Neuro Info-Line: 888-500-9165