Who We Are
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona is a social benefit organization dedicated to creating a better future through brain injury prevention, advocacy and education. We support, connect, and empower survivors and caregivers on their journeys to recovery.
Thirty-five years ago, the Brain Injury Alliance was founded in Tucson by a group of parents who joined forces to network and assist their pediatric and adult children who survived brain injury. They were particularly interested in identifying and working with professionals who truly understood the complex journey that life-after-brain-injury entails.
Today, the Brain Injury Alliance is a statewide organization that supports individuals with brain injuries and the professionals that serve them, through prevention, education and awareness.
OUR STAFF
Carrie Collins, MPA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Carrie brings her passion for well-run nonprofits to the Alliance. She has an extensive background in nonprofit management, government, and public policy, joining the Alliance in 2015 after a long career with United Way and the Alzheimer’s Association. Carrie enjoys the challenges that come with being at the helm of the only organization in Arizona providing lifelong support, resources, and empowerment activities for survivors of brain injury. Born in Michigan, when not planning the annual conference or Camp Can Do, the Arizona transplant can be found honing her desert green thumb or spending time with her three rescue Chihuahuas.
Brittany Sweeny-Lawson
RESOURCE FACILITATION MANAGER (Bilingual)
Brittany is responsible for vetting and researching brain injury resources and information so those who need them most—survivors of brain injury, their families, and the professionals who serve them— have reliable access to them through the BIAAZ website database. As the bilingual resource facilitation manger, she strives to offer the highest-quality resources in English and Spanish, and is continuously in the process of translating BIAAZ materials into Spanish. She is proud to be on the BIAAZ team, providing education and raising awareness for the invisible injury of brain injury. In her spare time, Brittany loves attending and acting in theater productions, baking, reading, karaoke, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their cat, dog, and hedgehog.
Laura Johnson
Survivor Engagement Coordinator
With a background that includes a Business Administration degree and minor in art history from Northeastern University in Boston, and a Bachelor of Fine Art’s in Interior Design and Architecture from The Art Institute of Phoenix, Laura deeply appreciates the power of visual creativity and interpretation, and has a keen grasp of entrepreneurial organization and project management.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor herself, Laura has embraced her journey to help tell the stories of others. She has worked in the non-profit sector for the past 7 years in Phoenix as a health navigator, assisting individuals and their families within the disability community, connecting them to resources, organizations, and most importantly for survivors, new friendships. Laura enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her dog Sophie, as well as seeing bands, anything art and design related, sailing, hiking, and traveling.
OUR BOARD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Julie Rake,
MSPAS-PAC
President
Arizona Integrative Medicine & Spa
Sabrina Taylor
Vice President
Detective
Phoenix Police Department
Sean Badding
Treasurer
Owner
Everlasting Services
MEMBERS
AT-LARGE
Jessica Brown, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Speech Language & Hearing Sciences
University of Arizona
Ian Crain, MD
Director
Brain Injury Center at Banner
University Medical Center Phoenix
Chester Hayes III, MS, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant
Valley Surgical Clinics
Scott Palumbo, Esq.
Partner
Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo
Katie Pierce, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
CoreBalance Therapy, LLC
Ileana Ratiu, PhD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor
Assistant Program Director
Midwestern University
ADVISORY COUNCIL
David Adelson, MD
Chairman
Director
Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Scott Palumbo, Esq.
Immediate Past Chairman
Partner
Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo
Carrie Collins, MPA
Executive Director
Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona
Dena M. Baldwin, EMSL
Facilitator
Owner
Go Big!
Clint Borman, DPT
Partner & Director of Physical Therapy
Foothills Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Patrick Bosarge, MD
Trauma Program Medical Director
Banner University Medical Center Phoenix
Marisue Garganta
President
Marisue Garganta & Associates
The Honorable
Barry Goldwater
Former Member of Congress
John Heick, PhD
Associate Professor
Northern Arizona State University
Rob Hunter
On-Air Host | Assistant Program Director
550 KFYI and iHeartMedia
Jennifer Jermaine
State Representative
Maggie Keane MD
Pediatrician
Acts of Kidness Pediatrics
Chandan Krishna, MD
Neurosurgeon
Mayo Clinic
Erica Krobot
Executive Director Risk & Litigation Counsel
Banner Health
Christina Kwasnica, MD
Medical Director Neurorehabilitation
Barrow Neurological Institute
Dignity Health | St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
David Moffitt
Networking Specialist | PR
City of Phoenix, Captain • Paramedic
Natasha Moyes
Networking Specialist | PR
Fancy Life Pro
Michael Murphy
Author
Cindy Owens
Senior Regional Manager
& Vice President
CPMc
Austin Peterson
Financial Planner
Backbone Financial
Patricio Reyes, MD
Chief of Neurology | TBI | Alzheimer’s Disease | Cognitive Disorders
VA Medical Center
Mike Robertson
Finance Director
American Express
Ed Sandidge
AZ Mass Mutual
Kelly Sample
Owner
Cucina Tagliani Restaurants
Bridget Seeley, PhD
Senior Lecturer in the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University
Dina Shacknai, PsyD
Founder
Maxie’s Hosue
Ken Smith
Area Manager
Intel
Clint Sundt
Vice President
Sundt Construction
Scot Taggart
Field Sales Manager
SIMS Business Systems
Steven Threet
Former Arizona State University Quarterback
Phil Wurr
Executive Director at Paramedics Unlimited, Captain with Phoenix Fire, PVCC Adjunct Faculty
COMMITTEES
Addiction & Brain Injury Arizona Workgroup
This workgroup takes a much needed and unique look at the relationship between brain injury and addiction, with a focus on supportive resources and modified programming.
Meets March 6, June 5, Sept 4, & Dec 4, 2020, from 2:00-4:30 p.m. throughout the state
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Advisory Council
CHAIR: P. David Adelson, 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
Arizona TBI Services Advisory Board
COMING IN 2020
This statewide board is made up of professionals, survivors, and community members, and takes a comprehensive look at TBI services with a person-centered approach.
Email: info@biaaz.org
Brain Health Gala 2020
Members of this committee plan and prepare for this signature BIAAZ fundraising event that will support outreach and services statewide in 2021.
Meeting details shared with members
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Brain Health Gala 2020: Silent Auction Committee
Members work with merchants and service providers in the Valley to facilitate donations and arrange promotional opportunities for the Brain Health Gala, a signature BIAAZ fundraising event that will support outreach and services statewide in 2021.
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Brain Health Symposium Planning Committee
This committee supports the planning and marketing for the December 1, 2020 conference for allied health professionals.
Meeting details shared with members
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Butters Pet Care Fund Committee
CHAIR: Allison Marshall
The Butters Fund is a one-of-a kind programs that supports survivors of all types of brain injury in maintaining their pets and service animals through financial challenges. The committee helps raise and direct funds to support the owner and their animal’s health and well-being.
Meets via Zoom the last Monday of the month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Camp Can Do Committee
Camp Can Do 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
Chrissy's Closet - Medical Supply Committee
CHAIR: Kathy VanDerworp
This Committee works to sustain and promote Chrissy’s Closet, a durable medical supply loan closet named after Chrissy Gonzales, who fought valiantly against a pediatric brain tumor.
Meets quarterly at Chrissy’s Closet in Phoenix
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Dream It Forward!
COMING IN 2020
This committee oversees financial awards for the following programs:
- Scholarships for students impacted by brain injury towards college, trade school, or after school programs.
- $300 Certified Brain Injury Specialist Credential scholarships for Arizona professionals.
- Instructor stipends for Brain Injury University and Living Life Fully.
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
Public Policy Committee
The end goal of this committee is to work with state, local, and federal officials to educate them about the guts, grit, and support it takes to live well after brain injury.
Meets via Zoom the last Friday of the month from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Re:Start! Resale Store Committee
Re:Start! is the BIAAZ’s resale shop where survivors of brain injury learn needed skills to ready themselves for volunteer work and new careers.
Meets quarterly at the Re:Start! Store in Phoenix
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Run, Walk, & Roll Committee
CO-CHAIRS
Jim Ledgewood,
Swaback & Associates
Angela Womack,
Caliente Construction
This committee will plan and prepare to make the Run, Walk, and Roll fundraiser on March 22, 2020 at Kiwanis Park a fun, safe, and successful event.
January – March, on Fridays from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Services for Vulnerable Populations Committee
CO-CHAIRS
Jay Mankey
Childers & Coventry
Shanna Mays
Arizona Complete Health
This committee is set to strengthen and expand services for justice-involved youth, children in foster care, those experiencing homelessness, survivors of family violence, and survivors of human trafficking.
Meets via Zoom the 2nd Wednesay of the month from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
State Opioid Response & Cognitive Impairment Services Implementation Committee
CO-CHAIRS
Dr. Jessie Brown
Dr. Ileana Ratiu
This committee works to ensure effective communication and optimal program spending for Opioid Use Disorder grant funding.
Meeting details shared with members
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Strategic Planning Committee
This committee plans and oversees the implementation of the 2020-2023 Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona Strategic Plan.
Meeting details shared with members
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
Tucson Concussion Run
This committee is responsible for putting on the October 17, 2020 Concussion Run at Rillito Park in Tucson. The primary goal is to bring attention to the seriousness and prevalence of “mild” traumatic brain injury.
Committee meets June – September in Tucson
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Utility Assistance Fund
Those impacted by brain injury may find themselves facing hardship when their hours at work are reduced or they lose their jobs. This committee helps survivors of brain injury living independently to keep the lights on and the water running during times of financial crisis.
Meets via Zoom the last Monday of the month from 8:00-9:00 a.m.
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
Veterans & Brain Injury Services Statewide Workgroup
This committee harnesses the power of veterans serving veterans, and strives to engage in current services, as well as identify growth opportunities to assist active duty service members, veterans, and military families in living well after brain injury.
Meets Feb 7, May 1, Aug 7, & Nov 6, 2020, from 9:30 a.m.-noon in Phoenix
CLICK HERE to volunteer
Email: info@biaaz.org
COMING SOON
ANNUAL REPORT
CASE FOR SUPPORT
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Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona
5025 E. Washington St, Ste 106
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
CALL
(602) 508-8024
Statewide Info-line
1 (888) 500-9165
Fax (602) 508-8285
BIAAZ is a chartered affiliate of the
United States Brain Injury Alliance.