Our Team

We Love What We Do!

Administrative

Amanda McFarlane

Executive Director

I came to this work through years of direct frontline experience in both health and social services. I worked alongside individuals and families living with acquired brain injury—often in moments of crisis, and often within systems that were not built to understand or accommodate neurological disability. What I saw, again and again, was how easily people with brain injuries fall through the cracks when services operate in silos or rely on rigid definitions of eligibility.

That experience is what continues to guide my leadership at BrainTrust Canada.

BrainTrust’s work is rooted in the belief that people with brain injuries deserve dignity, access, and meaningful support—no matter how complex their circumstances may be. I created Brain Injury Justice Services after witnessing how frequently individuals with brain injuries are misunderstood, excluded, or criminalized within justice systems that lack the tools to respond appropriately. The program exists to bridge that gap, providing advocacy, navigation, and support that recognizes both the neurological impacts of brain injury and the human being behind the diagnosis.

At BrainTrust Canada, our programs, services, and advocacy are informed by what happens on the ground. We listen closely to the people we serve and to the families, frontline workers, and community partners who support them. Whether through neuro-rehabilitation supports, clinical counselling, justice services, ICBC navigation, prevention and education, or knowledge-exchange initiatives, our goal is to respond to real needs while pushing systems to do better.

I am also a lifelong learner. I value curiosity, reflection, and continuous growth, and I enjoy traveling and engaging with new ideas and perspectives. These experiences strengthen my understanding of how different systems respond to vulnerability and reinforce the importance of inclusive, adaptable approaches to care.

I believe lasting change happens when frontline experience informs policy, when collaboration replaces silos, and when people with brain injuries are seen, heard, and supported as whole individuals. That belief sits at the heart of BrainTrust Canada’s work—and it is why I do this every day.

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Lori Hamilton

Controller

Hello, my name is Lori. As a chartered professional accountant, I provide financial oversight to several nonprofit organisations – I love supporting those who are ‘doing good’ in the world! Put simply, I support BrainTrust Canada in achieving their mission by making sure that they’re following money regulations and spending wisely. I grew up in a lighthouse station on Vancouver Island and was home-schooled until age 14, and I think this contributes to my ability to work so well independently! My husband, Tim, and I have four adult children and three dogs. We live in Lake Country and enjoy camping, boating, and the occasional wine tour.

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Kate Stoodley

Operations Director

Hello, my name is Kate. My journey with BrainTrust began on the frontline, where I walked alongside our clients, offering empathy and advocacy. I’ve since embraced a new role, one that allows me to provide even more support to those in need, preventing them from slipping through the cracks. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with friends/family, reading, and playing video games.

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Education & Prevention

Education & Prevention Lead

Ella Jones

Hello, my name is Ella! I am originally from Vancouver Island and am currently in my final semester of studies at the University of British Columbia. I am incredibly passionate about neuroscience, community education, and creating inclusive, accessible, and safe environments for all members of our community. Outside of work, I love running, hiking, paddle-boarding, and spending time outdoors in the Okanagan.

Prior to assuming my current role, my journey with BrainTrust Canada began as a Community Support Facilitator, where I had the opportunity to directly support clients and learn from individuals with brain injuries. I have extensive experience working with clients, children, and families navigating complex support systems. Through this work, I have developed a strong passion for accessibility, education, and helping communities build greater awareness and understanding around brain injury and prevention.

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Clinical Team

Claire Optland

Clinical Counsellor

Hi! My name is Claire and I’m a counsellor at BrainTrust. During my early career I worked at Connect, a brain injury rehabilitation home. This amazing experience and the many remarkable individuals and caregivers I was privileged to work with sparked my passion for supporting the brain injury community. When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my husband, my daughter, our two dogs, and exploring the beautiful outdoors we get to call home in the Okanagan.

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Monica Martin

Clinical Counsellor

Coming soon.

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Deb Bailey

Clinical Counsellor

Coming soon.

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