Caregiver Co-Creation Research Event
2026-05-21 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | University of British Columbia Okanagan – Skeena Residence, Room 114, 1320 International Mews, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V8, Canada
You’re invited to connect with other caregivers through guided, small-group conversations to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore solutions! Your input will help shape future initiatives to better support caregivers.

An Evening for Caregivers
2026-04-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Rustic Reel Brewing, 760 Vaughan Ave., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 7E4, Canada
Join us for a relaxed and welcoming evening designed just for caregivers supporting individuals with a brain injury.

Take a well-deserved break and enjoy a creative night out as you design your own custom wooden sign. The workshop will be guided by artist Rustic Chalk Decor, making it easy and enjoyable for all skill levels.

Appetizers will be provided, along with tea and coffee, so you can settle in, get comfortable, and enjoy the evening.

This night is about slowing down, connecting with others who understand the caregiving journey, and taking some time for yourself. No experience needed, just come as you are and enjoy the night.

Education & Prevention Community Booth @ SilverStar Mountain Resort
2026-03-28 11:30 - 15:30 | SilverStar Mountain Resort, 123 Shortt St., Vernon, Canada
BrainTrust Canada will be on location at SilverStar Mountain Resort with our Education & Prevention booth, connecting with the public to promote safety and brain injury prevention. The booth focuses on increasing awareness around common causes of brain injury in sport and recreation, including falls and collisions, and shares practical tips to reduce risk. Visitors can stop by to learn about helmet safety, decision-making in high-risk environments, and how small choices can have a big impact on brain health. This outreach supports ongoing efforts to bring prevention education directly into community spaces where it matters most.

BISEY Community Booth @ Orchard Park Mall
2026-03-24 10:00 - 18:00 | Orchard Park Mall, 2271 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, Canada
BrainTrust Canada will be live on location at Orchard Park Shopping Centre with a booth for our Brain Injury Safety & Education for Youth (BISEY) program. The booth focuses on raising awareness about brain injury prevention, particularly around the impacts of substance use and risk-taking behaviours. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with interactive activities, including impairment simulation goggles, and learn how brain injuries can happen and how to reduce risk. The booth creates a space to connect with youth and the broader community while promoting brain health and safety in an accessible, hands-on way.

2025 Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference
2025-10-30 08:00 - 17:00 | BC
The Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference (WCBIC) 2025 will bring together thought leaders, advocates, and professionals from across North America. In line with this year’s theme, “Beyond Injury: Brain Injury as a Human Rights Issue,” we will explore how brain injury intersects with fundamental human rights, including access to healthcare, justice, housing, and employment. Through engaging discussions, we’ll examine the systemic barriers faced by individuals with brain injuries and highlight the role of human system dynamics in creating more equitable outcomes. Together, we’ll explore how cross-sector collaboration and rights-based approaches can reduce harm and improve quality of life for those affected.
By attending or sponsoring, you are helping shift the conversation — recognizing that brain injury is not just a health issue, it is a human rights issue. Your participation supports our mission to expose and address the systemic neglect faced by individuals with brain injuries, especially those impacted by poverty, incarceration, homelessness, and violence. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable community where every person has the right to safety, healthcare, housing, dignity, and justice.
Join us for this important and transformative event. Together, we can build a future where housing, healthcare, and inclusion are treated as basic rights, not privileges.

Beyond Injury:
Brain Injury as a Human Rights Issue
Reframing Care, Justice, and Social Equity Through a Human Systems Lens

Sponsorship & Exhibitor Prospectus
Download it here.

Questions?
Contact us at marketing@braintrustcanada.com

Schedule at-a Glance
Download it here.

Day-of Program
Download it here.

Speakers

Dr. William Panenka
MD, MSc, FRCPC (Neurology and Psychiatry)
Dually certified Psychiatrist and Neurologist
Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UBC

Dr. Panenka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. He is a dually trained Neurologist and Scientist as well as being a clinician scientist with the BC Provincial Neuropsychiatry program, the BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services Institute, and the Fraser Health Concussion Clinic. His research program is primarily focused on the intersection of brain injury and mental health in diverse groups, including Vancouver’s vulnerably housed and homeless population.

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Dr. Bill MacEwan
BSc, MD, FRCPC, ABAM

Dr. MacEwan graduated from UBC in medicine and completed his specialty training in psychiatry at UBC in 1987. Academically Dr. MacEwan is a Clinical Professor in the UBC Department of Psychiatry. His research interests have been in the study of novel antipsychotics in the treatment of Schizophrenia; he has also been looking at clinical correlates of Schizophrenia, Early Psychosis and Addiction.
Currently, Dr. MacEwan is a member of St. Paul’s Hospital Dept of Psychiatry. He is also a consultant psychiatrist with PHSA working at the Surrey Pretrial Health Clinic and is the Medical Director of Coast Mental Health.
He recently retired as the medical lead for the Downtown Community Court psychiatric teams. Dr. MacEwan is the former Head of Psychiatry at St. Paul’s Hospital and is the clinical lead in the Tandem Study, a CIHR funded cohort study of the health, addiction and mental health of residents who have experienced TBI/ABI and reside in the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver. Bill has worked in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) of Vancouver for the last 25 years.
Dr. Bill lives in Surrey with his 2 dogs (Eva and Rufus), 5 horses (Matilda, Winter, Ollie, Finnegan and Oscar) and 2 donkeys (Pedro and Al)

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Sgt. Jon Cawsey
Regional Domestic Violence Unit
Saanich Police Department

With over two decades of dedicated service, I am a proud 21-year member of the Saanich Police, committed to building meaningful relationships both within the department and throughout the broader community. My work is rooted in the belief that inclusion, collaboration, and trust are essential to effective policing and public safety.
Currently, I have the privilege of leading the multidisciplinary Regional Domestic Violence Unit — a role that brings together professionals from law enforcement, victim services, probation, and community agencies. Together, we take a coordinated, trauma-informed approach to risk assessment and management, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our communities are supported, protected, and heard.
Throughout my career, I’ve remained focused on creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and valued — whether that’s working alongside colleagues, engaging with community partners, or supporting individuals during their most difficult moments. My approachable and open leadership style encourages dialogue, fosters collaboration, and promotes shared responsibility in addressing complex social issues.
I believe that meaningful change happens when we work together, and I’m dedicated to continuing this work with compassion, professionalism, and purpose.

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Tori Dach

Manager of Cridge Brain Injury Services

Tori Dach is the Manager of Brain Injury Services at The Cridge Centre for the Family in Victoria BC, the oldest non-profit in Western Canada and first service provider in Canada to develop and implement direct services for women+ survivors living with a brain injury as a result of intimate partner violence. Tori brings almost 20 years of experience working in the field of brain injury focusing on the many intersections of brain injury including intimate partner violence, homelessness, mental health, addiction and the criminal justice system. Tori is also a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC. She has a special interest working with individuals through grief and loss, trauma, navigating difficult life transitions and healthy relationships – all of which are also cornerstones to journeying brain injury and gender-based violence. She is a Board Member of The CBG Centre for Traumatic Life Losses and Community Partner of the BC Consensus on Brain Injury.

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Ali
Survivor

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Patti Flaherty
CEO, CONNECT Communities

Patti Flaherty has worked in the field of brain injury and rehabilitation for more than 30 years. Her passion for people helped develop CONNECT’s unique culture and Leading Practice Life Redesign Model, which emphasizes social capital and person-centered coaching with a creative and flexible approach.
Patti divides her time between Ontario and British Columbia, enjoying work and play in both provinces. She loves spending time with her family and friends, adorable dog Gracie, and enjoys travel and yoga to keep her grounded. She considers her time with CONNECT and the impact of its Life Redesign Model the most important and rewarding work of her life.
Patti is a founding member of the Interdependence Network, a past chair for the British Columbia Brain Injury Association (BCBIA) and past chair for the Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference Society. Patti is an active member of the Canadian College of Health Services Executive since 2005. Before joining CONNECT in 2007, she was a Senior Operating Officer at Vancouver Coastal Health responsible for the site operations of the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre.

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Adam Van Sickle
Service Access and Transitions Leader, CONNECT Communities

Adam Van Sickle has more than 20 years of experience working in the field of brain injury. He has been with CONNECT since it opened in Hamilton in 2019 and is instrumental in facilitating the transition of folks from hospital or other locations to move into their home at CONNECT.
With a background in recreation therapy, Adam has a strong belief that anyone can do anything in the right environment. He has seen countless of examples of this through CONNECT’s Life Redesign Model.
When he’s not working, you might catch him coaching youth baseball, spending time with his two daughters or keeping things running on his small hobby farm.

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Nova
Former CONNECT Communities Resident

Nova is from Williams Lake. She lived at CONNECT Lake Country from 2018 to 2022. She is now back in Williams Lake where she lives independently in an apartment. She attends classes at Thompson Rivers University and works as a peer support worker with people with marginalized unhoused populations in her community

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Karin Schmidt
Independence Coach (Occupational Therapist), CONNECT Communities

Karin Schmidt works as the Independence Coach (Occupational Therapist) at CONNECT Lake Country where she has been helping people redesign their lives for more than 9 years. She has worked her career in brain injury rehabilitation and has a passion for a person-centered approach. She enjoys sharing her passion for the outdoors with the people living and working at CONNECT.

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Perry Strauss
Chief Enhanced Care Officer, ICBC

I support customers to find their best recovery journey after being injured in a motor vehicle crash. Our goal is to support our customers to understand their benefits, provide efficient access to care and benefits, and collaborate with care providers to enhance customer recoveries. I joined ICBC in 2021, with the purpose of supporting ICBC’s transformation to Enhanced Care. Before joining ICBC, I held senior roles with a Canadian disability insurer supporting customers with rehabilitation and return to work planning and previously provided direct rehabilitation care as a Physiotherapist in BC. I am a father of 3 in a household that is frequently active in many outdoor sports and activities.

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DJ Larkin
Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, Executive Director

DJ Larkin is a public health and human rights advocate, litigator and public educator with over a decade of experience working to address the structural and legal injustices that affect people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and those living at the intersection of poverty, criminalization, and systemic marginalization. DJ is an adjunct faculty position at Simon Fraser University, and contributions to public policy, legal reform, and community-engaged research have largely been rooted in the not-for-profit and legal advocacy sectors.
While a Staff Lawyer, Legal Director, and Interim Co-Executive Director at Pivot Legal Society (2013-2018), DJ led legal campaigns and public education initiatives focused on housing rights, homelessness, police accountability and drug policy reform. Between 2018-2021 DJ worked full-time with a litigation team representing the Cowichan Nation in successfully advancing Rights and Title claims (Cowichan Tribes v Canada (Attorney General), 2025 BCSC 1490, and served as Director of Legal Services Grants at the Law Foundation of BC from 2021 to 2023.
In their currant role as Executive Director at the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC) DJ brings together this legal, policy, and community engagement experience, and actively supports the development of public education campaigns, policy reform strategies, and coalition-based advocacy efforts to shift drug policy in Canada toward health- and rights-based approaches.

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Tiffany Lee
Associate, Pushor Mitchell LLP

Tiffany Lee practices workplace law and litigation at Pushor Mitchell LLP. She advises both employers and employees on workplace issues such as human rights complaints, wrongful dismissals, severance pay and package negotiations, workplace policies and drafting employment contracts and independent contractor agreements. Drawing on her experience with the Australian federal industrial relations tribunal and an Australian federal union, she provides a broad perspective to workplace rights.

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Erin Webber
Senior Occupational Therapist, Framework Health

As an occupational therapist, Erin has worked in both public and private health care settings across multiple provinces, providing assessment and treatment services to individuals with a range of physical, mental health, and cognitive issues. Brain injury has been an area of focus throughout her career where she has pursued additional education and assisted with the development of brain injury specific programming for large rehabilitation networks and the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. Erin has been accepted as an expert witness in the Supreme Court of British Columbia and is passionate about ongoing education to ensure best practices.

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Dr. Manu Mehdiratta
Neurologist

Dr. Mehdiratta is an experienced Neurologist with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital, medico-legal & health care industries. He is skilled in concussion, neurodiagnostics, stroke, clinical research and medical education. He has qualified as an expert witness in neurology in Ontario and BC. He is a strong healthcare services professional, having graduated from McMaster Medical School, and UBC Neurology and Harvard Stroke Fellowship programs. He is currently an attending Neurologist at Trillium Health Partners and Part-Time Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. He is the medical director of Trillium Brain and Spine Institute, a group of neuroscience experts committed to furthering the care of patients with neurological and spinal illness through innovation, clinical expertise and research. He is also the medical director of iScope Concussion and Pain Clinics, with clinics in Mississauga, North York and Toronto, Ontario; and North Vancouver, Langley and Surrey BC.

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Laura Thurnheer
MBA, CPHR, Turn Here Solutions

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Venue
Metro Hub
Kelowna, BC
Address:
Metro Hub
1265 Ellis Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z7
Map

In Partnership With
We are proud to partner with the following organizations whose support helps make the West Coast Brain Injury Conference possible. Their commitment to collaboration ensures this event brings together diverse voices and expertise to strengthen brain injury awareness, services, and advocacy.

Sponsored By
We are grateful to our sponsors whose generous support makes the West Coast Brain Injury Conference possible. Their contributions help us create a space for learning, connection, and collaboration across sectors, ensuring brain injury remains part of the broader human rights conversation.

Hotel Partners
BrainTrust Canada has partnered with local hotels to offer our out-of-town guests special discounted rates. We’re grateful to these partners for helping make your stay in Kelowna more comfortable and affordable while you join us for our events.

Prestige Beach House
Starting at $175.95/night for our Standard two-Queen room
https://www.worldhotels.com/content/luxury-hotels/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.62138.html?groupId=7G0GC9S4
Code: 4011
Booking from October 27th-31st

Coast Capri Hotel
Superior Rooms with One King Bed or Two Queen Beds for $139.00
http://coa.st/BrainTrustCanadaRoomBlock
Booking from October 28th-31st

Pre-Conference Networking Event – October 29, 2025
Start the conversation before the conference begins. This evening gathering sets the tone for the 2025 West Coast Brain Injury Conference, bringing together leaders, professionals, advocates, and changemakers in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It is a chance for those working in healthcare, housing, justice, research, and community support to connect with others who share a commitment to advancing brain injury awareness and support. Guests will have the opportunity to meet speakers, sponsors, and fellow delegates ahead of the full-day conference, exchange ideas and experiences in an informal setting, and explore opportunities for collaboration across sectors and disciplines. The evening will feature local wine, light appetizers, and meaningful conversation, all in support of an important cause. The event will be held at the Pushor Mitchell LLP firm.

Community Service Provider Roundtable – October 29, 2025
This strategic roundtable will convene provincial brain injury service providers, government leaders, health and justice partners, Indigenous representatives, insurers, and funders. The purpose is to:

Update on Provincial Initiatives – including the BCBIA amalgamation, Bill 206 progress, and BC Consensus Findings.
Showcase Collaboration in Action – highlighting the ICBC Brain Injury Navigation &Support Pilot as a model of cross-sector innovation.
Create a Provincial Think Tank – to identify shared needs, barriers, and advocacy priorities across housing, health, justice, and community supports.
Lay Foundations for a Shared Roadmap – establishing the next steps for provincial collaboration and a stronger unified voice.

The discussions and commitments that emerge from this session will directly inform the West Coast Brain Injury Conference the following day. The event will be held at The Innovation Centre.

About the Area

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Okanagan
WCBIC 2025 takes place in Kelowna, BC – the entry point to the breathtaking Okanagan Valley. Nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, this area is renowned for its vineyards and fruit farms. Kelowna, the primary urban center, graces the picturesque shores of Okanagan Lake.

Tourism Kelowna

Restaurants
Discover the charm of Kelowna by indulging in its thriving culinary landscape. Embark on an adventure with a food or winery tour, or consult Tourism Kelowna’s guide for suggestions on some of our preferred dining establishments.

Restaurants

Attractions
Kelowna is synonymous with year-round excitement! Whether you’re immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the valley or seeking indoor adventures, there’s an abundance of activities to suit every taste!

Attractions

Accommodations
Visitors to Kelowna will find plenty of places to stay, whether you’re looking for a lakefront resort with all the amenities, a stylish boutique hotel, a welcoming bed and breakfast, or a simple and affordable motel. Whatever your preference, there are options to make your stay comfortable and convenient while you enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Accommodations

2024 Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference
2024-06-11 08:00 - 17:00 | BC
The Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference (WCBIC) 2025 will bring together thought leaders, advocates, and professionals from across North America. In line with this year’s theme, “Beyond Injury: Brain Injury as a Human Rights Issue,” we will explore how brain injury intersects with fundamental human rights, including access to healthcare, justice, housing, and employment. Through engaging discussions, we’ll examine the systemic barriers faced by individuals with brain injuries and highlight the role of human system dynamics in creating more equitable outcomes. Together, we’ll explore how cross-sector collaboration and rights-based approaches can reduce harm and improve quality of life for those affected.
By attending or sponsoring, you are helping shift the conversation — recognizing that brain injury is not just a health issue, it is a human rights issue. Your participation supports our mission to expose and address the systemic neglect faced by individuals with brain injuries, especially those impacted by poverty, incarceration, homelessness, and violence. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable community where every person has the right to safety, healthcare, housing, dignity, and justice.
Join us for this important and transformative event. Together, we can build a future where housing, healthcare, and inclusion are treated as basic rights, not privileges.

Beyond Injury:
Brain Injury as a Human Rights Issue
Reframing Care, Justice, and Social Equity Through a Human Systems Lens

Tickets on sale

Sponsorship & Exhibitor Prospectus
Download it here.

Questions?
Contact us at marketing@braintrustcanada.com

Schedule at-a Glance
Download it here.

Day-of Program
Download it here.

Speakers

Talks
Traumatic Brain Injury: Addressing Inequities
Dr. Angela Colantonio
This presentation will focus on the highlights of a major research program focused on traumatic brain injury in underserved populations in Canada with a sex and gender lens. This will include findings from recently published systematic reviews on rehabilitation for individuals with brain injury relevant to the context of homelessness, the criminal legal system and gender based violence. Resources for these populations will be discussed. The session provides a forum for knowledge exchange among participants with the goal of addressing inequities in underserved populations.
In the Heat of the Moment: Emotion Management Research to Reduce Anger after Brain Injury
Dr. Jade Witten
Uncontrollable anger is a common and serious consequence of acquired brain injury (ABI), affecting the individual and their loved ones. Dr. Jade Witten’s talk will discuss the complications and long-term impacts of ABI, including changes to personality, mental health, and cognition. She will then describe evidence-based practical ways for people with ABI to manage daily situations of anger. Jade will also highlight the clinical implications of her research, and make suggestions for future directions in the field.
Beyond a Single Event: Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury as a Chronic Health Condition
Michelle McDonald
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing health crisis, impacting millions of Canadians with far-reaching implications on the physical, cognitive, emotional, and socioeconomic well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Mounting evidence reveals that moderate to severe TBI can manifest as a persistent, evolving health condition, giving rise to enduring health challenges and psychosocial complications across the lifespan. This presentation will: review the intersectional nature of brain injury; provide the rationale and benefits for classifying moderate to severe TBI as a chronic condition within Canada’s healthcare system; outline global efforts for a chronic designation for TBI that will align Canadian health policy with emerging global standards and facilitate international collaboration in research, policy development, and public health initiatives; and, most importantly highlight how this designation will lead to a future where the needs of individuals and families are acknowledged, supported, and integrated into comprehensive care frameworks.
Meeting of the Minds: Uniting Efforts to Address Brain Injury Across Government Levels and Bill C-277
Janelle Breese Biagioni

Join Janelle Breese Biagioni, a longstanding brain injury advocate, clinical counsellor, and CEO of the CGB Centre for Traumatic Life Losses, for an enlightening presentation titled “Meeting of the Minds: Uniting Efforts to Address Brain Injury Across Government Levels and Bill C277.”
During this session, Janelle will highlight the critical intersections of brain injury and the necessity for collaboration among all levels of government to address the challenges faced by individuals affected by brain injury. Get ready for an exciting update as Janelle unveils the latest developments in the 125 Days to Say Yes! campaign and outlines plans for phase two of this advocacy tool, set to unfold from September to December 2024.
Learn how every individual in Canada can contribute to the development of a National Strategy on Brain Injury as she leads the discussion on uniting efforts to address brain injury across all levels of government.
The Road to Recovery Initiative: An Overview of Innovations in Substance Use Care Aimed at Supporting Patients with Brain Injuries
Dr. Brittany Dennis
This session will provide an overview of the Road to Recovery Initiative, an innovate model of care being implemented within Providence Health Care, which seeks to address two aspects of BC’s substance use crisis through 1) increasing access to on-demand addiction care; and 2) reorganizing existing clinical services to support patients at every phase of recovery. This session will go further to describe the unique ways the Road to Recovery Initiative seeks to address the needs of patients with brain injuries. This presentation will offer real-world examples that illustrate the tangible impact of the Road to Recovery in transforming lives through breaking down barriers and supporting patients with brain injuries to secure access to the appropriate and necessary recovery-based services.
Jacob’s Story
Shirley Wilson
Wilson was Mum to Jacob Wilson. He was the son of her family of two children, with Maddison being her daughter. Both Maddi and Shirley and his father Paul, have been left to grieve the loss of Jacob since November 11, 2021. At the too-young age of 24, Jacob lost his fight of addiction to overdose by fentanyl.
Jacob, like many other young people, had dabbled in drugs, experimenting. In the early morning of August 31, 2018, Jacob was run over by a pickup truck. The police arrived at Mum’s door to tell her that he was not going to survive as he had severe damage to his body, including his brain. She was to be taken to Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre to sign organ donation papers. By some miracle, he lived. He was airlifted to Royal Columbian Hospital where the first of many doctors came to discuss brain surgery. However, the brain bleeds (2) began to slow and doctors moved on to the other parts of his body in desperate need of repair.
Jacob survived and the family had their beautiful boy for another 3 ¼ years. Still not long enough. Eventually, the mental anguish from his brain injury, leading to increased opioid use, lead to his death.
The family wants change.
Hope
Jules Delorme

Jules highlights the often misunderstood and complex nature of the brain injury. While recounting his journey of recovery over four years, including a five-month coma and extensive rehabilitation at various facilities, ultimately achieving independence. Putting emphasis on the importance of proper rehabilitation and support systems in allowing TBI survivors to reclaim their lives and roles, particularly as parents. Despite challenges, Jules find profound positive transformation in his outlook on life and relationships. Jules puts express gratitude to supportive organizations, healthcare professionals, and his family, especially son, whom Jules credits as his motivation. Jules advocates for greater awareness, support, and funding for TBI rehabilitation, challenging misconceptions and highlighting the transformative potential of proper care.
Colin Edstrom
Brain injuries can be difficult to manage in the workplace. Individuals want to return to work for the normalcy, sense of identity, and self-worth. Employers need individuals to perform work on their behalf. Sometimes there is a tension between these two objectives. This presentation will explore employee and employer rights when dealing with brain injuries in the workplace.

Dr. Angela Colantonio,
PhD, OT. Reg. (Ont.)
Canada Research Chair in TBI in Underserved Populations,
Professor and Director, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute,
Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy,
Temerty Faculty of Medicine University of Toronto,
Senior Scientist, KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network,
Adjunct Scientist, ICES

Dr. Angela Colantonio is the Director of the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute and Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is also senior scientist at the KITE Research Institute Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-UHN. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, and the American College of Epidemiology. She received her PhD in epidemiology and public health from Yale University and has a MHSc in Community Health and BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto.
Dr. Colantonio holds a Canada Research Chair in Traumatic Brain Injury in Underserved Populations. She currently co-leads an internationally recognized program of research on acquired brain injury (www.abiresearch.utoronto.ca) with diverse foci on women, sex and gender considerations, work-related traumatic brain injury, and brain injuries in underserved populations, such as women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), individuals who intersect with the criminal legal system and persons who are vulnerably housed/homeless.

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Dr. Jade Witten,
PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow,
Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy | Faculty of Medicine | University of British Columbia,
GF Strong Rehabilitation Research Program

Dr. Jade Witten is a postdoctoral research fellow in the CEDAR Lab (Collaborative Evidence: Developing Awareness and Research for Brain Injury) at the University of British Columbia and in the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. She is a neuropsychologist by background (registered in South Africa), and completed her PhD in Psychology at Bangor University in the UK. Jade’s PhD research implemented emotion management tools to reduce frustration and anger for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) living in the community. Jade is committed to neurorehabilitation research that aims to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of people with ABI and their families.

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Michelle McDonald
CEO, Brain Injury Canada

Michelle is an accomplished non-profit professional with over two decades of experience working in the sector in both Toronto and Ottawa. She brings a wealth of knowledge to any role she undertakes and has a proven record of growth in both revenue and reach for small organizations. As Chief Executive Officer of Brain Injury Canada, she has led the organization in a new strategic direction solidifying its position as a credible information source, knowledge mobilizer and ally for those with lived experience, families, the healthcare/service provider community, as well as the medical and research community. In addition to managing day-to-day operations, she also oversees the development of all Brain Injury Canada’s education and awareness programs, as well as advocacy initiatives. Her demonstrated focus on collaboration and partnerships gives her the ability to look at the big picture, but also all the moving parts and how they fit together effectively and efficiently. She currently sits on the Executive Committee for the Canadian Traumatic Brain Injury Research Consortium, the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the Canadian Transportation Safety Agency, the Executive Committee for the Canadian Concussion Network and is Co-Chair of the Governing Council for Neurological Health Charities Canada. Past roles include Executive Director at the Brain Injury Society of Toronto and in Health Promotion at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Past committee involvement includes Toronto ABI Network Planning Advisory Committee, Toronto ABI Network Concussion Task Force and Ontario Advisory Council (OAC) for the Ontario Acquired Brain Injury Community Associations.

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Janelle Breese Biagioni
CEO & Founder, CGB Centre for Traumatic Life Losses

With over three decades of dedicated experience in trauma and brain injury advocacy, Janelle Breese Biagioni brings a wealth of personal and professional insight to her work. As the CEO of the CGB Centre for Traumatic Life Losses and a clinical counsellor, she spearheads initiatives aimed at providing support to individuals affected by trauma and loss, particularly survivors and their families grappling with the repercussions of brain injury.
In her advocacy role, Janelle serves as the Community Lead for the BC Consensus on Brain Injury, Mental Health, and Addiction. Notably, she played a pivotal role in shaping Bill C-277, advocating for the establishment of a National Strategy on Brain Injury Act at the federal level.
Driven by her extensive experience and unwavering dedication, Janelle is deeply committed to effecting positive change and raising awareness for those impacted by brain injury and associated challenges.

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Dr. Brittany Dennis,
MD, PhD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia,
Clinician Scientist, British Columbia Centre on Substance Use,
Addiction Medicine Physician, St. Paul’s Hospital, Providence Health Care

Dr. Brittany Dennis MBBS, PhD is a clinician scientist with training in general internal medicine and an area of focused competency in addiction medicine. She currently holds academic appointments as a full-time Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Social Medicine at the University of British Columbia and part-time Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine – Adjunct at McMaster University. She joins the British Columbia Center on Substance Use as a Clinician Scientist, with protected time from her role as an attending physician in Providence Health Care’s (PHC) Division of Addiction. Dr. Dennis has been awarded the 2023 Michael Smith Health Research BC/BCCSU Partnered Scholar award to support her leadership role on the research evaluation of the Road to Recovery Initiative. Dr. Dennis’ program of research within the BCCSU includes a collection of studies investigating emerging treatments and novel models of substance use care.
Prior to her undergraduate medical training at the University of London (MBBS), she completed a PhD in health research methodology at McMaster University. To establish capacity in large-data base analytics she received post-doctoral training at Stanford University, the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), and through the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Research in Addiction Medicine Scholars Program (Boston and Yale University). Dr. Dennis has been an important contributor to 100 peer-reviewed publications, 20 national and international presentations, an expert panel for Canada’s 2023 national guidance on opioids for chronic non-cancer pain, and a textbook chapter on opioid use disorder.

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Jules Delorme
Brain Injury Survivor

Jules is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, having overcome immense challenges as a brain injury survivor. After enduring a grueling five-month coma and undergoing three surgeries, he embarked on a remarkable journey of rehabilitation, relearning to walk and talk with unwavering determination. Despite the odds, Jules has not only recovered but has also achieved the pinnacle of physical fitness, believing fervently that brain injuries are not permanent obstacles but rather challenges to be conquered on the path to healing and renewal.

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Shirley Wilson
Abbotsford Board of Education, Board Chair

Shirley Wilson is a long-serving trustee in the Abbotsford, BC school district, serving 20,000 students in a fast-growing city of 150,000+ residents. In her 19th year of elected service and much longer in community non-profit and charitable work, Wilson has committed to improving the lives of children, youth, and families with every role she has pursued.
Wilson was Mum to Jacob Wilson. He was the son of her family of two children, with Maddison being her daughter. Both Maddi and Shirley and his father Paul, have been left to grieve the loss of Jacob since November 11, 2021. At the too-young age of 24, Jacob lost his fight of addiction to overdose by fentanyl.

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Colin Edstrom
Pushor Mitchell LLP
Commercial Litigation, Employment Law,
Litigation

Colin’s practice focuses on labour and employment law, workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, privacy law and human rights. He is a trusted advisor and counsel to workplaces of all sizes, and takes pride in providing responsive, methodical and common-sense legal advice.

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Venue
Metro Hub
Kelowna, BC
Address:
Metro Hub
1265 Ellis Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z7
Map

Sponsors

Exhibitors & Partners

About the Area

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Okanagan
WCBIC 2025 takes place in Kelowna, BC – the entry point to the breathtaking Okanagan Valley. Nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, this area is renowned for its vineyards and fruit farms. Kelowna, the primary urban center, graces the picturesque shores of Okanagan Lake.

Tourism Kelowna

Restaurants
Discover the charm of Kelowna by indulging in its thriving culinary landscape. Embark on an adventure with a food or winery tour, or consult Tourism Kelowna’s guide for suggestions on some of our preferred dining establishments.

Restaurants

Attractions
Kelowna is synonymous with year-round excitement! Whether you’re immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the valley or seeking indoor adventures, there’s an abundance of activities to suit every taste!

Attractions

Accommodations
Visitors to Kelowna will find plenty of places to stay, whether you’re looking for a lakefront resort with all the amenities, a stylish boutique hotel, a welcoming bed and breakfast, or a simple and affordable motel. Whatever your preference, there are options to make your stay comfortable and convenient while you enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Accommodations

2023 Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference
2023-06-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y6Z1, Canada
Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference

The Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference (WCBIC) 2023 will bring together inspiring change-makers and leading minds in the field of brain injury, public health, and politics for a full day of collaboration, dialogue, and learning.
In line with this year’s conference theme, “A Synthesis of Systems: Working Together to Fill the Gaps”, our focus is on the brain and behaviour in the context of current social issues, community connection, and systems change. Speakers topics will include intersectionality and disability justice, harm reduction, misdiagnosis of brain injury, and the perspectives of those with lived experience of brain injury.
As an attendee, sponsor, or exhibitor, you will be joining us on our mission to harness the power of community and collaboration to uplift individuals living with brain injury who fall through the gaps in our systems.
We hope that you will join us for this very important and innovative community event. Together, we believe we can make our community more just, kind, and equitable for all.

A Synthesis of Systems: Working Together to Fill the Gaps

Tickets on sale

Conference Program
Download the conference program.

Questions?
Contact us at marketing@braintrustcanada.com

Speakers

Talks
Responding to the Overdose Crisis in British Columbia: Opportunities and Challenges
Dr. Mary Clare Kennedy
British Columbia is contending with an escalating epidemic of overdose deaths driven by a toxic drug supply. Although a public health emergency was declared in 2016 in response to this crisis, overdose deaths have continued to increase, and the morbidity associated with non-fatal overdose pose a range of new challenges. This presentation will review the latest epidemiology specific to the overdose crisis, and will highlight the role of emerging substances, including illicitly-manufactured synthetic drugs. A range of interventional and policy approaches will be discussed, including those spanning the prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and enforcement pillars. Also discussed will be the role of ongoing healthcare provider education and clinical guideline development as key components to the response to the overdose emergency.
Identifying and filling gaps in treatment for people in the chronic stages of brain injury
Dr. Robin Green
This presentation will discuss clinical diagnosis of brain injury as a gateway to services, including barriers to obtaining a clinical diagnosis and the importance of self-advocacy. The dangers and implications of missed diagnoses for people with brain injury and comorbid mental health and substance use issues will be explored. This presentation will also highlight recent work on telerehabilitation research and models.
From Surviving to Thriving: Building Better Habits for Brain Health
Corbin Coulter
In my talk, I will discuss how sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury as a young adult changed my life, including my mental health, and how I came to focus on brain health. I will talk about the importance of brain health for prevention of illness and injury. As well, I will discuss the value of breathwork and mindfulness-focused interventions in my brain injury recovery.
How brain injury and other disabilities can affect spousal support and other Family Law related issues
Brent Coyne
This presentation will review what people with disability are entitled to from a legal perspective, including disability and spousal support, as well as how disability of a minor can impact child support.
Topic: Disability Justice and Ethical Responsibility
Laura Hockman

This presentation will discuss principles of disability justice from an Indigenous perspective. Further, the ethical responsibility of service providers will be discussed in the context of disability justice. Important issues, such as the importance of ongoing consent, will be explored.

How can we make neurorehabilitation more effective?
Dr. Lara Boyd
The most difficult questions in rehabilitation are “What is this patient’s potential for recovery?” and “What is the best rehabilitation strategy for this person?” Without answers to these questions, clinicians struggle to make decisions regarding the focus of therapy, researchers design studies that mix participants who have a high likelihood of responding with those who do not, and patients suffer from suboptimal outcomes. Biomarkers are measures that can be used to categorize patient subtypes and identify who will respond to certain therapies. This talk will explain how biomarkers can be used personalize rehabilitation. Ongoing research that pairs magnetic resonance imaging with noninvasive brain stimulation will be presented as an illustration of evidence based, person centered care.
Part of the Solution: Addressing Harm Reduction and Anoxic Brain Injury as a Community
Panel Speakers: Ali Butler, Mary Clare Kennedy, Michael Kube, Mike Gawliuk, Shannon Pedlar
Local community leaders will share their perspective on harm reduction and anoxic brain injury and how this relates to systemic issues affecting our community including homelessness, crime, mental health, and community supports for individuals with complex needs. The interactive panel will discuss how we can work together as community partners to build a foundation of support and be part of the solution. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions to the panel of speakers.
Enhancing Organizational Awareness
Jason McIntyre
BC Corrections provides correctional services and programs to individuals 18 years and older. We are 2,647 probation officers, correctional officers and staff working together to reduce reoffending and protect communities in BC. Across the province we operate 10 correctional centres holding approximately 1700 individuals and 56 Community Corrections offices supervising around 20,000 clients. It is estimated that 60-80% of individuals in a correctional setting could have a history of brain injury. Over the last 5 years we have been working on increasing the awareness of staff and clients about the impacts of brain injury with the goal of being more responsive to the needs of these individuals in our care. This presentation will explore the ways we are bringing this knowledge and awareness to our organization, including a project with Brain Injury Canada to create a first of its kind education resource for staff in provincial correctional settings.
Brain Injury in the Justice System: Kelowna’s Integrated Court
Lisa Wyatt
Kelowna’s Integrated Court is a court for individuals whose offending is due, at least in part, to an underlying issue such as mental health, substance use, or brain injury. The court operates from the view that the most effective way to avoid or prevent offending is to assist these individuals in managing and overcoming these underlying circumstances. As a founding member of Kelowna’s Integrated Court, Judge Lisa Wyatt will explain how the court was established, the importance of community engagement, and the process by which cases are seen in the court. This interactive discussion will include a question-and-answer period.

Dr. Robin Green
University of Toronto – Psychiatry
University Health Network

Dr. Robin Green is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and senior scientist in cognitive neurosciences at the University Health Network – KITE, and the Saunderson Chair in Acquired Brain Injury. Her program of research addresses brain and behavioural mechanisms of recovery from traumatic brain injury, and the development of interventions based on these findings. Her lab has helped to better understand impediments to recovery, challenging prevailing assumptions of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury as a static disorder, and reconceptualizing it as progressive, with early recovery of brain and behaviour followed often by declines in the months and years post-injury in many. Encouragingly, the lab has identified novel, modifiable (post-injury) treatment targets, and has been using these findings to develop interventions for mitigation of decline and improvement of clinical outcomes. Dr. Green and colleagues established the TeleRehab Centre for Acquired Brain Injury to treat and study the enduring effects of mild to severe brain injury of any etiology. Patients across Ontario receive remotely delivered, group-based assessments and behavioural interventions (pro bono); the clinical findings are used to continuously enhance treatment. The Centre was created to address a considerable gap in treatment for patients in the chronic stages of injury, and provides access to evidence-based treatments for patients regardless of geographic location, mobility restrictions or socio-economic status. A future goal is to treat patients in other provinces. Dr. Green is a co-founder and co-lead of ECHO Concussion, she is the Neuropsychology lead for the Canadian Concussion Centre at UHN, and a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto. She completed her PhD at Cambridge University, and her clinical neuropsychology training at the University Health Network in Toronto.

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Dr. Thomas Kerr
PhD, Professor/Head, Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Director of Research, BC Centre on Substance Use

Dr. Thomas Kerr, PhD, is Director of Research with the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) and is a Professor in and the Head of the Division of Social Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Kerr holds a doctoral degree in counselling and health psychology, and brings over 15 years of clinical experience working with a range of populations, including people who use substances, individuals living with mental illnesses, and people living with HIV. His primary research interests involve substance use, harm reduction, HIV/AIDS, and health policy and service evaluation. His long history of involvement in healthcare issues in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside includes ground-breaking work on peer-driven interventions, needle exchanges, and supervised consumption sites. Dr. Kerr has also worked in a number of settings internationally, including in Thailand, Argentina, Australia, France, the US, Russia, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
Dr. Kerr’s work impacts policy and practice both close to home and internationally. At home in Vancouver, his leadership in research on needle exchanges and supervised consumption sites has helped inform the redesign of harm reduction programs locally and internationally. Abroad, his community-based research in Thailand has been cited extensively in reports by the World Bank and the Global Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Dr. Kerr has provided invited expert testimony to House of Commons and Senate committees, the United Nations, and he was an expert witness for the Missing Women’s Commission of Inquiry. Dr. Kerr has published more than 700 scientific papers in international peer-reviewed journals and has received numerous local and national awards for his contributions to public health, human rights, and the fight against HIV/AIDS. He has received the Providence Health Care, Department of Medicine, and UBC Martin M. Hoffman Award for Excellence in Research. He has also been the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada, the National Knowledge Translation Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for his efforts to promote scientific discussion on the topic of illicit drug policy, and was the recipient of CIHR’s inaugural Population and Public Health Research Milestones Initiative Award for his outstanding contribution to developing Canada’s research base for harm reduction and health equity approaches to HIV prevention and control. Dr. Kerr has also been the recipient of the Alfred R. Lindesmith Award for Achievement in the Field of Scholarship, which recognizes scholars whose personal courage and quality of published research constitute a source of inspiration in drug policy scholarship.

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Laura Hockman
Independent Living Vernon
University of British Columbia Okanagan – Social Work

Laura is Gitxsan from Gitanmaax, which is near Old Hazelton, in northern BC. Following a matriarchal clan system, Laura is a member of the Wolf clan. Her maternal grandfather was hereditary chief of the Frog Clan. Her maternal grandmother was the hereditary chief of the Wolf Clan. Cultural traditions and protocols and traditional governance all strongly guide her practice as a social worker.
Laura completed her Bachelor of Social Work Degree here in Kelowna in 1999. Immediately she took on the position of Executive Director of Independent Living Vernon (ILV), a disability resource centre for people with a variety of disabilities. In 2010, Laura completed her Master’s of Arts (Interdisciplinary Studies) here at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Her thesis was titled “A Longer Journey” An Exploration of Indidividuals’ with Disabilities Experiences of Employment Programs in Vernon, BC. The research highlighted the importance of connection and control within the realm of employment for people with disabilities.
While still working part time at ILV, Laura works at Splatsin Health Services, near Enderby BC. As the Health Lead, Laura oversees a team of social workers and clinicians to provide a range of culturally safe and trauma informed services for First Nations people.

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Corbin Coulter
TBI Survivor
BrainTrust Client

Corbin Coulter is a traumatic brain injury survivor, BrainTrust client, and brain health advocate. When Corbin was 24 years old, he sustained a traumatic brain injury from a fall while drinking with friends. Following his injury, he experienced physical and sensory difficulties, as well as difficulties with his mental health. Corbin credits his progress in recovery to his focus on brain health through meditation, nutrition, exercise, and other healthy habits. He is always learning more by reading books and listening to podcasts. Corbin meditates every morning and has attended several silent meditation retreats.

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Dr. Lara Boyd
University of British Columbia – Physical Therapy

Dr. Lara Boyd is a Neuroscientist and Physical Therapist at the University of British Columbia. She is a professor and has held a Canada Research Chair, a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Career Scientist award and been a Peter Wall Early Career Scholar. Dr. Boyd directs the Brain Behaviour Lab at the University of British Columbia. Her TEDx talk “After this your brain will not be the same” has over 25 million views. Dr. Boyd is an expert in mapping how behaviours, environments and experiences affect brain health and learning using techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and non-invasive brain stimulation. To date this work has largely examined the impact of exercise and learning on neurobiology.

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Mike Gawliuk
CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association – Kelowna

Mike completed his Bachelor Degree in Psychology and then went on to earn his Masters in Leadership at Royal Roads. Mike started on the front line, working with youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. After that, he moved into program leadership and into senior leadership roles in the non-profit sector.
Mike is interested in collective impact and how this approach holds significant potential to address the particularly difficult issues we are wrestling with (e.g. homelessness, poverty, systems change in mental health and substance use care, etc.).

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Mary Clare Kennedy
University of British Columbia Okanagan – Social Work
BC Centre on Substance Use

Dr. Mary Clare Kennedy is a Canada Research Chair in Substance Use Policy and Practice Research and an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at UBC Okanagan. She is also a Research Scientist with the BC Centre on Substance Use. Dr. Kennedy’s research draws on quantitative and qualitative methods to examine social-structural dimensions of health among people who use drugs, and to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of novel harm reduction interventions, including safe supply programs and innovations in supervised consumption service delivery. She is currently co-leading the scientific evaluation of the Safer Alternatives for Emergency Response (SAFER) initiative, a Health Canada-funded, low-barrier safe supply pilot program in Vancouver that seeks to: (1) reduce overdose risk through the prescription of pharmaceutical alternatives to the unregulated drug supply; and (2) serve as a low-barrier point of access to the continuum of care for people who use drugs. Dr. Kennedy is also currently co-leading a CIHR-funded study investigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on supervised consumption service delivery, access and outcomes in Vancouver and Surrey.

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Ali Butler
Urban Matters

Ali Butler is a proud member of the Syilx Nation from the Lower Similkameen, and a Social Worker specialized in working with Indigenous communities. She brings many years of frontline and leadership experience working collaboratively with a variety of social-serving organizations in the areas of community outreach, health promotion, suicide prevention, and education. She has extensive knowledge in areas that impact vulnerable populations with expertise in the areas of mental health, crisis response, homelessness, intergenerational trauma and addictions, community navigation and advocacy both on reserve and within an urban setting. Ali is passionate about decolonizing systems, land-based healing, integrating Indigenous language concepts into practice, building community capacity, and responding to the needs of community in a holistic, inclusive and culturally safe way. She blends traditional teachings and contemporary practices and works to support people to come together in safe spaces without judgment or shame. Ali holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Indigenous Specialization, from the University of Victoria and a diploma from Okanagan College in Human Service Work.

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Michael Kube
Kelowna RCMP – Community Safety Unit

Michael Kube is a home grown Kelowna resident and a 30 year veteran of Law Enforcement. In his current role with the Kelowna RCMP, Michael works closely with partner agencies to connect those experiencing mental health, addiction and housing challenges with services and shelter resources. Michael also has a passion for building relationships, awareness and trust between Police and Kelowna’s diverse BIPOC, 2SLGBTQAI+ and new Canadian communities. Michael is committed to a safe, prosperous and inclusive Kelowna for everyone.

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Brent Coyne
Pushor Mitchell LLP

Brent Coyne is a litigation lawyer with Pushor Mitchell in the area of Family Law. Brent assists clients whose family issues may not be suitable or otherwise conducive to mediation. He is primarily geared towards resolving disputes through litigation and has successfully argued cases at all levels of court in British Columbia. Brent is an active member of the Trial Lawyers Association of BC, the Canadian Bar Association, the Kelowna Bar Association. Brent also serves as a Director of the Kelowna Art Gallery. Brent was called to the bar in 2012.

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Shannon Pedlar
Harm Reduction Coordinator, John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay

Shannon Pedlar is the Harm Reduction Coordinator for John Howard Society Okanagan & Kootenay, overseeing the delivery and development of harm reduction services and programs provided by this agency across Supportive Housing, Shelter Services, and outreach. Shannon has extensive front-line experience and education working with people who use substances.
Shannon values innovation and flexibility as key components necessary to address the ongoing toxic drug poisoning crisis and addressing the many harms – including brain injury – that result from the ever-increasing toxins present in the drug supply.

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Jason McIntyre
BC Corrections

Jason McIntyre has worked for BC Corrections since 2008 as a Probation Officer, Provincial Trainer and the last 4 years as an analyst.

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Honourable Judge Lisa Wyatt

Lisa Wyatt was appointed to the B.C. Provincial Court in December 2013, after having practiced family law in Kelowna for 22 years. She graduated from UBC Law School in 1990 and spent all of her practice years in Kelowna. During the course of her career as a lawyer, she represented clients in matters arising from separation and divorce, and acted as counsel for the Director in child protection cases for a number of years early on in her career. She was trained in collaborative practice as well, and focused to a large degree in out of court resolution wherever possible.
She served her profession in various capacities, including as President of the Kelowna Bar Association, Chair of the Family Law Subsection of the Okanagan Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and as an elected member of the Provincial Council of the Canadian Bar Association (B.C. Branch) for six years. She was an active volunteer in the community as well, serving on the Boards of the Elizabeth Fry Society, the Children’s Festival Society of Kelowna, and the Kelowna Community Food Bank.
Judge Wyatt was assigned to head up the Integrated Court in Kelowna in 2021, a task she took up with great enthusiasm. In her life away from the court, she enjoys travelling, photography, skiing, camping and hiking with her family, which includes her husband, three adult sons and their partners, and several very spoiled dogs.

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Venue
Rotary Centre for the Arts
Kelowna, BC
Address:
Rotary Centre for the Arts
421 Cawston Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6Z1
Map

Sponsors

Exhibitors

About the Area

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Okanagan
WCBIC 2022 is hosted in the city of Kelowna – the gateway to the stunning Okanagan Valley. Located in the Southern Interior of BC, the Okanagan region is known for its wineries and fruit orchards. The main city of Kelowna is situated on the beautiful shore of the Okanagan Lake.

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Restaurants
Explore the beautiful city of Kelowna through its booming culinary scene. Book a food or winery tour, or check out Tourism Kelowna’s guide for recommendations to some of our favourite restaurants.

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Attractions
Kelowna is the city of all-seasons fun! Whether you explore in the valley’s natural playground or take your adventure indoors, there’s something for everyone!

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2023 Annual General Meeting
2023-05-25 17:00 - 19:00 | BrainTrust Canada, 100-215 Lawrence Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 6L2, Canada
You’re invited!

The BrainTrust Canada Annual General Meeting takes place on May 25, 2023 from 5-7 pm at our Kelowna office (100-215 Lawrence Ave). Join us to learn more about the work BrainTrust does and share your voice.

Client Holiday Party
2022-12-15 13:00 - 14:30 | BrainTrust Canada, 100-215 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 6L2, Canada
All current BrainTrust clients are invited to attend the BrainTrust Client Holiday Party for an afternoon of snacks, socializing, and fun!

Details:

Date: Thursday, December 15th

Time: 1-2:30 pm (arrive anytime)

Location: BrainTrust Kelowna office

If you are not able to attend in-person, we will be holding a virtual holiday social via Zoom at 11 am on Thursday, December 15th.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact info@braintrustcanada.com

Holiday Raffle
2022-12-05 08:00 - 2022-12-20 23:30 | BrainTrust Canada, 100-215 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, V1Y 6L2, Canada
Looking for a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift? Want a gift that gives back to your community? Enter BrainTrust’s Holiday Raffle today!

Local artisan Keith Pinder generously donated the hand carved bowls for BrainTrust to raise funds for our clients. Each bowl is unique and will be a wonderful addition to anyone’s home. The bowls are made from local woods, from an arborist removing trees within the urban areas of Kelowna. The bowl’s finish is a hard wax/oil product which is food safe.

HOW TO ENTER

Make a donation to BrainTrust and be entered to win a set of bowls.1 entry = $510 entries = $45Enter here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/77899

The raffle is open December 5 to December 20, 2022.

Winners will be announced on social media and notified via email on December 21st, 2022. Winners can pick up their bowls at the BrainTrust office in downtown Kelowna.

ABOUT BRAINTRUST CANADA

BrainTrust Canada is an Okanagan-based non-profit organization that provides education, prevention, advocacy, and support services to individuals affected by acquired brain injury, including concussion, TBI, stroke, and anoxic brain injury. Through collaboration and community engagement, BrainTrust Canada works to maximize the potential of those with brain injury and to reduce the incidence of preventable brain injuries.

PRIZES

Red bowl set (4 bowls; 3 small, 1 large)

Green bowl set (3 bowls; 2 small, 1 large)

Blue bowl set (3 bowls; 1 small, 2 large)

Men's Winter Clothing Drive
2022-11-01 00:00 - 2022-11-30 23:59 | BrainTrust office, 100-215 Lawrence Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6L2, Canada
People with brain injury are 2.5x more likely to be incarcerated. When individuals transition from prison back to the community, they are released with the clothing and items they entered with.

Marcus has a history of multiple traumatic brain injuries, starting in an abusive home in childhood and most recently a brain injury from a physical altercation. He never received support for his brain injury. Marcus is impulsive, sensitive to light and noise, has trouble remembering meeting times, and gets stuck when he tries to plan ahead. Since he became an adult, Marcus has been in and out of prison.

Marcus received a 6-month sentence. When he entered prison, he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. When he was released in the winter, he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt carrying his items in a trash bag. Marcus wants to make a positive change in his life, but he needs his basic needs met to do so.

We need fresh starts, not frosty starts, if we are serious about reducing crime rates in our community and supporting people who are reintegrating.

BrainTrust is collecting new and gently used winter clothing, work clothing, and backpacks, as well as personal hygiene items to distribute to men being released to Kelowna and surrounding area from the Oliver Correctional Centre.

Items needed:

Men’s clothing items size L-4XLWinter coats, track pants, sweatshirts, t-shirtsWinter boots & running shoesSocks and underwearGloves & hatsBackpacksToothbrush & toothpasteDeodorantComb or hairbrush

You can help us bring support exactly where it’s needed. Donations can be dropped off at the BrainTrust office throughout the month of November. In December, BrainTrust will be bringing the donated items to the Oliver Correctional Centre. Staff there will distribute the items to people who are reintegrating into the community.

Items can be dropped off at the BrainTrust office in downtown Kelowna:

Monday: 10-3Tuesday: 9-3Wednesday: 9-3Thursday: 9-3Friday: 9-3

Please ring the doorbell when you arrive and a staff member will assist you.

If you have any questions, please contact Mitchell Kolybaba at mkolybaba@braintrustcanada.com

BrainTrust Community Open House
2022-10-18 15:00 - 19:00 | BrainTrust Canada, 100-215 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 6L2, Canada
You are invited to join BrainTrust Canada for the official opening of our new office! All community members are welcome to attend the Community Open House at 100-215 Lawrence Avenue (across from City Park) on October 18th from 3-7 pm.

The Open House will include:

Ribbon-cutting ceremony (at 3 pm)Wine and cheeseSilent auctionNetworkingOpportunity to learn about BrainTrust programs and services

Click here to RSVP

Please contact info@braintrustcanada.com if you have any questions.

About BrainTrust Canada:

BrainTrust Canada is an Okanagan-based non-profit organization that provides education, prevention, advocacy, and support services to individuals affected by acquired brain injury, including concussion, TBI, stroke, and anoxic brain injury. Through collaboration and community engagement, BrainTrust Canada works to maximize the potential of those with brain injury and to reduce the incidence of preventable brain injuries.

2022 Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference
2022-06-23 08:30 - 18:30 | UBCO & Virtual, EME Building, 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference

The Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference (WCBIC) 2023 will bring together inspiring change-makers and leading minds in the field of brain injury, public health, and politics for a full day of collaboration, dialogue, and learning.
In line with this year’s conference theme, “A Synthesis of Systems: Working Together to Fill the Gaps”, our focus is on the brain and behaviour in the context of current social issues, community connection, and systems change. Speakers topics will include intersectionality and disability justice, harm reduction, misdiagnosis of brain injury, and the perspectives of those with lived experience of brain injury.
As an attendee, sponsor, or exhibitor, you will be joining us on our mission to harness the power of community and collaboration to uplift individuals living with brain injury who fall through the gaps in our systems.
We hope that you will join us for this very important and innovative community event. Together, we believe we can make our community more just, kind, and equitable for all.

A Synthesis of Systems: Working Together to Fill the Gaps

Conference Program
Download the conference program.

Questions?
Contact us at marketing@braintrustcanada.com

Venue
Rotary Centre for the Arts
Kelowna, BC
Address:
Rotary Centre for the Arts
421 Cawston Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6Z1
Map

Our Speakers

Keynote
Dr. Kim Gorgens
Professor, University of Denver
The Colorado Brain Injury Model: Lessons from the US about Brain Injuries in Criminal Justice
This presentation will highlight data on brain injury history and related psychosocial vulnerabilities from adult and youth correctional, court and treatment facilities in Colorado. This presentation will also highlight a novel model (the Colorado Brain Injury Model) that is designed to identify brain injury history, assess cognitive functioning and these psychosocial vulnerabilities, and to make recommendations and referrals that support the individual through (and out of) the system.

Dr. Robin Green
University of Toronto – Psychiatry
University Health Network

Dr. Robin Green is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and senior scientist in cognitive neurosciences at the University Health Network – KITE, and the Saunderson Chair in Acquired Brain Injury. Her program of research addresses brain and behavioural mechanisms of recovery from traumatic brain injury, and the development of interventions based on these findings. Her lab has helped to better understand impediments to recovery, challenging prevailing assumptions of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury as a static disorder, and reconceptualizing it as progressive, with early recovery of brain and behaviour followed often by declines in the months and years post-injury in many. Encouragingly, the lab has identified novel, modifiable (post-injury) treatment targets, and has been using these findings to develop interventions for mitigation of decline and improvement of clinical outcomes. Dr. Green and colleagues established the TeleRehab Centre for Acquired Brain Injury to treat and study the enduring effects of mild to severe brain injury of any etiology. Patients across Ontario receive remotely delivered, group-based assessments and behavioural interventions (pro bono); the clinical findings are used to continuously enhance treatment. The Centre was created to address a considerable gap in treatment for patients in the chronic stages of injury, and provides access to evidence-based treatments for patients regardless of geographic location, mobility restrictions or socio-economic status. A future goal is to treat patients in other provinces. Dr. Green is a co-founder and co-lead of ECHO Concussion, she is the Neuropsychology lead for the Canadian Concussion Centre at UHN, and a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto. She completed her PhD at Cambridge University, and her clinical neuropsychology training at the University Health Network in Toronto.

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Dr. Thomas Kerr
PhD, Professor/Head, Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Director of Research, BC Centre on Substance Use

Dr. Thomas Kerr, PhD, is Director of Research with the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) and is a Professor in and the Head of the Division of Social Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Kerr holds a doctoral degree in counselling and health psychology, and brings over 15 years of clinical experience working with a range of populations, including people who use substances, individuals living with mental illnesses, and people living with HIV. His primary research interests involve substance use, harm reduction, HIV/AIDS, and health policy and service evaluation. His long history of involvement in healthcare issues in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside includes ground-breaking work on peer-driven interventions, needle exchanges, and supervised consumption sites. Dr. Kerr has also worked in a number of settings internationally, including in Thailand, Argentina, Australia, France, the US, Russia, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
Dr. Kerr’s work impacts policy and practice both close to home and internationally. At home in Vancouver, his leadership in research on needle exchanges and supervised consumption sites has helped inform the redesign of harm reduction programs locally and internationally. Abroad, his community-based research in Thailand has been cited extensively in reports by the World Bank and the Global Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Dr. Kerr has provided invited expert testimony to House of Commons and Senate committees, the United Nations, and he was an expert witness for the Missing Women’s Commission of Inquiry. Dr. Kerr has published more than 700 scientific papers in international peer-reviewed journals and has received numerous local and national awards for his contributions to public health, human rights, and the fight against HIV/AIDS. He has received the Providence Health Care, Department of Medicine, and UBC Martin M. Hoffman Award for Excellence in Research. He has also been the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada, the National Knowledge Translation Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for his efforts to promote scientific discussion on the topic of illicit drug policy, and was the recipient of CIHR’s inaugural Population and Public Health Research Milestones Initiative Award for his outstanding contribution to developing Canada’s research base for harm reduction and health equity approaches to HIV prevention and control. Dr. Kerr has also been the recipient of the Alfred R. Lindesmith Award for Achievement in the Field of Scholarship, which recognizes scholars whose personal courage and quality of published research constitute a source of inspiration in drug policy scholarship.

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Laura Hockman
Independent Living Vernon
University of British Columbia Okanagan – Social Work

Laura is Gitxsan from Gitanmaax, which is near Old Hazelton, in northern BC. Following a matriarchal clan system, Laura is a member of the Wolf clan. Her maternal grandfather was hereditary chief of the Frog Clan. Her maternal grandmother was the hereditary chief of the Wolf Clan. Cultural traditions and protocols and traditional governance all strongly guide her practice as a social worker.
Laura completed her Bachelor of Social Work Degree here in Kelowna in 1999. Immediately she took on the position of Executive Director of Independent Living Vernon (ILV), a disability resource centre for people with a variety of disabilities. In 2010, Laura completed her Master’s of Arts (Interdisciplinary Studies) here at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Her thesis was titled “A Longer Journey” An Exploration of Indidividuals’ with Disabilities Experiences of Employment Programs in Vernon, BC. The research highlighted the importance of connection and control within the realm of employment for people with disabilities.
While still working part time at ILV, Laura works at Splatsin Health Services, near Enderby BC. As the Health Lead, Laura oversees a team of social workers and clinicians to provide a range of culturally safe and trauma informed services for First Nations people.

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Corbin Coulter
TBI Survivor
BrainTrust Client

Corbin Coulter is a traumatic brain injury survivor, BrainTrust client, and brain health advocate. When Corbin was 24 years old, he sustained a traumatic brain injury from a fall while drinking with friends. Following his injury, he experienced physical and sensory difficulties, as well as difficulties with his mental health. Corbin credits his progress in recovery to his focus on brain health through meditation, nutrition, exercise, and other healthy habits. He is always learning more by reading books and listening to podcasts. Corbin meditates every morning and has attended several silent meditation retreats.

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Dr. Lara Boyd
University of British Columbia – Physical Therapy

Dr. Lara Boyd is a Neuroscientist and Physical Therapist at the University of British Columbia. She is a professor and has held a Canada Research Chair, a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Career Scientist award and been a Peter Wall Early Career Scholar. Dr. Boyd directs the Brain Behaviour Lab at the University of British Columbia. Her TEDx talk “After this your brain will not be the same” has over 25 million views. Dr. Boyd is an expert in mapping how behaviours, environments and experiences affect brain health and learning using techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and non-invasive brain stimulation. To date this work has largely examined the impact of exercise and learning on neurobiology.

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Mike Gawliuk
CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association – Kelowna

Mike completed his Bachelor Degree in Psychology and then went on to earn his Masters in Leadership at Royal Roads. Mike started on the front line, working with youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. After that, he moved into program leadership and into senior leadership roles in the non-profit sector.
Mike is interested in collective impact and how this approach holds significant potential to address the particularly difficult issues we are wrestling with (e.g. homelessness, poverty, systems change in mental health and substance use care, etc.).

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Mary Clare Kennedy
University of British Columbia Okanagan – Social Work
BC Centre on Substance Use

Dr. Mary Clare Kennedy is a Canada Research Chair in Substance Use Policy and Practice Research and an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at UBC Okanagan. She is also a Research Scientist with the BC Centre on Substance Use. Dr. Kennedy’s research draws on quantitative and qualitative methods to examine social-structural dimensions of health among people who use drugs, and to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of novel harm reduction interventions, including safe supply programs and innovations in supervised consumption service delivery. She is currently co-leading the scientific evaluation of the Safer Alternatives for Emergency Response (SAFER) initiative, a Health Canada-funded, low-barrier safe supply pilot program in Vancouver that seeks to: (1) reduce overdose risk through the prescription of pharmaceutical alternatives to the unregulated drug supply; and (2) serve as a low-barrier point of access to the continuum of care for people who use drugs. Dr. Kennedy is also currently co-leading a CIHR-funded study investigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on supervised consumption service delivery, access and outcomes in Vancouver and Surrey.

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Ali Butler
Urban Matters

Ali Butler is a proud member of the Syilx Nation from the Lower Similkameen, and a Social Worker specialized in working with Indigenous communities. She brings many years of frontline and leadership experience working collaboratively with a variety of social-serving organizations in the areas of community outreach, health promotion, suicide prevention, and education. She has extensive knowledge in areas that impact vulnerable populations with expertise in the areas of mental health, crisis response, homelessness, intergenerational trauma and addictions, community navigation and advocacy both on reserve and within an urban setting. Ali is passionate about decolonizing systems, land-based healing, integrating Indigenous language concepts into practice, building community capacity, and responding to the needs of community in a holistic, inclusive and culturally safe way. She blends traditional teachings and contemporary practices and works to support people to come together in safe spaces without judgment or shame. Ali holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Indigenous Specialization, from the University of Victoria and a diploma from Okanagan College in Human Service Work.

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Michael Kube
Kelowna RCMP – Community Safety Unit

Michael Kube is a home grown Kelowna resident and a 30 year veteran of Law Enforcement. In his current role with the Kelowna RCMP, Michael works closely with partner agencies to connect those experiencing mental health, addiction and housing challenges with services and shelter resources. Michael also has a passion for building relationships, awareness and trust between Police and Kelowna’s diverse BIPOC, 2SLGBTQAI+ and new Canadian communities. Michael is committed to a safe, prosperous and inclusive Kelowna for everyone.

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Brent Coyne
Pushor Mitchell LLP

Brent Coyne is a litigation lawyer with Pushor Mitchell in the area of Family Law. Brent assists clients whose family issues may not be suitable or otherwise conducive to mediation. He is primarily geared towards resolving disputes through litigation and has successfully argued cases at all levels of court in British Columbia. Brent is an active member of the Trial Lawyers Association of BC, the Canadian Bar Association, the Kelowna Bar Association. Brent also serves as a Director of the Kelowna Art Gallery. Brent was called to the bar in 2012.

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Shannon Pedlar
Harm Reduction Coordinator, John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay

Shannon Pedlar is the Harm Reduction Coordinator for John Howard Society Okanagan & Kootenay, overseeing the delivery and development of harm reduction services and programs provided by this agency across Supportive Housing, Shelter Services, and outreach. Shannon has extensive front-line experience and education working with people who use substances.
Shannon values innovation and flexibility as key components necessary to address the ongoing toxic drug poisoning crisis and addressing the many harms – including brain injury – that result from the ever-increasing toxins present in the drug supply.

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Jason McIntyre
BC Corrections

Jason McIntyre has worked for BC Corrections since 2008 as a Probation Officer, Provincial Trainer and the last 4 years as an analyst.

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Honourable Judge Lisa Wyatt

Lisa Wyatt was appointed to the B.C. Provincial Court in December 2013, after having practiced family law in Kelowna for 22 years. She graduated from UBC Law School in 1990 and spent all of her practice years in Kelowna. During the course of her career as a lawyer, she represented clients in matters arising from separation and divorce, and acted as counsel for the Director in child protection cases for a number of years early on in her career. She was trained in collaborative practice as well, and focused to a large degree in out of court resolution wherever possible.
She served her profession in various capacities, including as President of the Kelowna Bar Association, Chair of the Family Law Subsection of the Okanagan Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and as an elected member of the Provincial Council of the Canadian Bar Association (B.C. Branch) for six years. She was an active volunteer in the community as well, serving on the Boards of the Elizabeth Fry Society, the Children’s Festival Society of Kelowna, and the Kelowna Community Food Bank.
Judge Wyatt was assigned to head up the Integrated Court in Kelowna in 2021, a task she took up with great enthusiasm. In her life away from the court, she enjoys travelling, photography, skiing, camping and hiking with her family, which includes her husband, three adult sons and their partners, and several very spoiled dogs.

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Sponsors

About the Area

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Okanagan
WCBIC 2022 is hosted in the city of Kelowna – the gateway to the stunning Okanagan Valley. Located in the Southern Interior of BC, the Okanagan region is known for its wineries and fruit orchards. The main city of Kelowna is situated on the beautiful shore of the Okanagan Lake.

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Restaurants
Explore the beautiful city of Kelowna through its booming culinary scene. Book a food or winery tour, or check out Tourism Kelowna’s guide for recommendations to some of our favourite restaurants.

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Attractions
Kelowna is the city of all-seasons fun! Whether you explore in the valley’s natural playground or take your adventure indoors, there’s something for everyone!

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June 28, 2026
Rotary Summer Kickoff Festival Community Booth
City Park

Infinite Possibilities: Brain Injury Networking Event
2026-06-26 13:31 | BrainTrust Canada, 100-215 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 6L2, Canada
O﻿ur Infinite Possibilities: Brain Injury Networking Event will be held on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, at our Kelowna office on 100-215 Lawrence Avenue at 5:00 to 9:00 PM.

Join us for an evening full of stimulating conversation and warm company! Try your luck at our Silent Auction with prizes from varying community partners!

Whether you are a survivor, caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about brain injuries, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed and informal setting.

Discover Infinite Possibilities by engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing personal experiences, and gaining valuable insights from experts in the field. Together, we can create a supportive community that fosters understanding, resilience, and hope.

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to expand your network, learn from others, and find inspiration. Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and connection at the Infinite Possibilities: Brain Injury Networking Event.
