Who We Are
Who We Are: Our Story
Our Team
BrainTrust is led by our CEO Mia Burgess, alongside a trusted Board of Directors.
Our supportive staff consists of Administration, Client Services, Community Support Facilitators, Occupational Therapists, and Clinical Counsellers.
Meet the team.
Strategic Plan
Read about our strategic plan for BrainTrust Canada over the next three years. This plan will inform and elevate our work at BrainTrust in hopes of RAISING THE BAR as an organization.
The beginnings of this strategic plan started in 2019 through funding provided by City of Kelowna, and in facilitation with Dr. Kyleen Myrah. Insights and priorities were gathered from staff, board members, and key stakeholders.
The outcomes resulted in updated mission and values, as well as strategic priorities, and the plan to take BrainTrust to the next level as a leader of brain injury recovery.
Raising the Bar: Strategic Plan 2020
Client Stories
“I’m living my dream because of BrainTrust.” - Mark Bertolutti, BrainTrust Client
We work with clients to help improve their lives after concussion and brain injury.
Many of our clients have found support, relief, and help on their road to recovery through our services.
Read their stories.
Funders & Donors
BrainTrust gratefully acknowledges funding provided by Interior Health, Community Living British Columbia, and the Government of British Columbia.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria for Services
To be eligible for services you must have proof of diagnosis of an acquired brain injury¹. This must be confirmed by a physician and through medical or rehabilitation documentation².
1 Proof of acquired brain injury
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- CT scan, neurologist report, physiatrist report, MRI report
2 Medical/rehabilitation documentation must clearly indicate acquired brain injury. We accept:
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- Psychiatric reports with DSM IV diagnosis of acquired brain injury
- Neuropsychological assessments
- Hospital records
- Medical/rehabilitation or hospital discharge reports
Additional criteria:
- Age 12 and up
- Currently living in BrainTrust's catchment area - Central Okanagan from Armstrong to Peachland, BC
- Please note: The Youth Concussion Clinic has additional eligibility criteria.
Cost
Many of our services are free of charge. Your initial consultation is also free.
Fees are determined based on financial need and available funding. Information on fees will be outlined at your consultation. You may also contact us for more information.
FAQs
We help people with concussion and acquired brain injury. Our programs and services provide assistance in many areas of post-injury life. You can read more here about the kinds of services we offer.
You must have a medically documented (diagnosed) concussion/brain injury to receive our services. If you have documentation for your brain injury, you can book an appointment for a consultation.
See our Eligibility Criteria for Service for more information.
Many of our services are free of charge. Your initial consultation is also free.
Fees are determined based on financial need and available funding. Information on fees will be outlined at your consultation. You may also contact us for more information.
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a diagnosis,
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recommendations for treatment, and
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a description of the effects of your deficits and strengths on post-injury life.
Limited access to services may be possible, depending on availability.
We may also be able to direct you to resources you need outside of BrainTrust.
If you meet our Eligibility Criteria, you can book an appointment for a consultation right away. Consultations are booked for Tuesdays between 12:00 and 2:00 pm.
If you qualify for free services, the wait is usually 2-4 weeks.
If you are paying a fee for services, you can begin almost immediately.
We offer a variety of group programs. One of our groups is a Peer Support group.
You can learn more about our group programs here.
See our Eligibility Criteria to find out how to qualify for our services.
Once you qualify and have had your initial consultation, you will be assigned a case worker. Your worker may recommend participating in a group program.
If you're feeling suicidal call:
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to get help right away, any time of day or night. It’s a free call.
- Our Local Crisis Line: Call 1-888-353-2273 24 hours a day. You'll get connected to a BC crisis line, without a wait or busy signal. The crisis line operators have advanced training in mental health issues and services.
- Interior Health Community Response Team (CRT): 250-212-8533 They will come check on you in your home. Operates 11:30am-9:00pm, seven days a week.
You can get free legal support at B.C. Legal Aid.
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helping you understand brain injury and how you can help the individual recover
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adjusting to the changes in your roles and relationship
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managing overwhelming emotions
We work with people who have a medically documented acquired brain injury. Anyone who is 18 or over is considered an adult and must request support for themselves. Read here for more information.
Interested in working with us?
See our current job openings or contact us for volunteer opportunities.
For audited financials and detailed financial information on our charity please visit the CRA - Charity website.
BrainTrust Canada is located in Kelowna, B.C. on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx/ Okanagan Peoples.
Phone: 250-762-3233
Toll-Free: 1-800-762-3233