2025 Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference
2025-10-30 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | 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
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Questions?
Contact us at marketing@braintrustcanada.com

Schedule at-a Glance
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Day-of Program
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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

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.

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.

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.

Caregiver Co-Creation Research Event
2026-05-21 10:00 - 15:00 | 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.
