Making Headway Conference

2025 Making Headway Conference

Dive into our Making Headway conference on March 28 where expert speakers deliver dynamic sessions designed to inspire, educate, and empower you. Explore the lineup of presenters and their compelling topics below. The morning session is tailored for individuals with brain injuries, their families, and caregivers, offering valuable insights and support. In the afternoon, professionals can deepen their expertise and expand their knowledge through focused sessions.

Register and join us for our Annual Making Headway Conference!

Registration fee for all: $30.00
BIAV Members: $21.00*

* You can join as a member during the registration process to receive a discount. Not sure if you are a member or would like to become a member and receive the discount? Contact Megan at [email protected]

Limited space is available! Registration closes March 21.

Making Headway Conference Scholarships

Our goal is to make this conference accessible to as many people as possible. We strive to support those who qualify by offering financial assistance. This support is available to individuals with a brain injury as well as their caregivers and family members. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, contingent upon the submission of a request and the availability of our limited funds.

Apply for a Scholarship

Conference Sessions and Speakers

Morning Session

Focused on topics to assist persons with brain injury, family members, and caregivers.

8:30-9 a.m. Check-In and Refreshments

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Time: 9-9:30 a.m.

NeuroRestorative

Time: 9:30-10 a.m.

Session: Coming Soon

Information pending.

Srdjan Velickovic

Information pending.

Where Hope Begins

Time: 10-10:30 a.m.

Session: Helpful Things You Need to Know to Move Forward, Get the Help You Need to Recover and Thrive Again.

This session is designed to help others avoid the lack of care I experienced and help guide them through the recovery process. LSESSI is a volunteer-run and sponsored organization with over 1,400 current and past members. Through many years of experience I have tips and solutions to help navigate recovery.

Jim Segneri

I became a member of LSESSI in 1996 following an electrical accident at work in late 1995. After struggling to find medical help for my injury, I saw a television program featuring Steve Marshburn, the founder of LSESSI. After connecting with Steve, I was invited to a conference that changed my life. With the support of Steve and other survivors, I was able to start my recovery journey and find competent medical help. The road to recovery has been long and difficult, but with the group’s support and some very skilled doctors, I have made considerable progress.

Currently, I am a Training and Support Management professional with a strong focus on healthcare software and custom EHR applications (EPIC). I work for VCU Health in Richmond, Virginia, as a Training Lead for the EHR system, responsible for all EHR clinical documentation training. I am also a member of the board of directors. It has become my life’s calling to help others avoid the lack of care I experienced.

I live with my wife of 25 years and our 16-year-old son. We have two dogs and a cat. I love to cook, read as often as I can, and spend time volunteering at my son’s school. I volunteer at my church and am also on the HOA board for my neighborhood. While my physical activities are somewhat restricted, I have found alternative ways to participate and live my life to the fullest. Never be a victim always a survivor!

Research Roundtable - Speakers and Topics

Time: 10:45-11:45 a.m.

Session: Improving Knowledge and Revealing Hidden Truths: Women Caregiver's Lived Experiences

This session highlights women caring for an individual with a brain injury. It looks at their lived experiences based on insights from interviews. Findings include hidden truths and possibilities for improving supports in a community setting. Caregivers shared feelings of grief, including conflict, loss, isolation, and identity change. Also, they must work within a healthcare system that is disjointed. Many women reported that their personal skillsets and the benefits of support from others in this role aid their caregiving. Available and needed solutions are discussed.

Cynthia R O’Donoghue, PhD, CCC-SLP, F-NAP

Dr. Donoghue is a Professor Emerita of Communication Sciences and Disorders at James Madison University, Virginia. She has an adjunct professor appointment at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA. Dr. O’Donoghue continues to teach graduate courses and conduct research in neurogenic communication disorders. Notable affiliations have included National Advisory Council member for ETS PRAXIS for Speech-Language Pathologists, past Board of Trustees President for Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery, Inc., Vice-Chair of the Virginia Brain Injury Council, and voting membership in the
Dysphagia Research Society, Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences, American Congress of Rehabilitative Medicine, and ASHA. Dr. O’Donoghue has also been awarded the Fellow in Scholarship from the National Academies of Practice (F-NAP).

Session: Overview of the Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS)

Care Transitions for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury. Disparities in Care Transitions for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury by Race/Ethnicity, Location, Gender, and Insurance Status. Disseminate and Translate findings to the community/providers

Amol M. Karmarkar

Dr. Karmarkar is a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is the Director of Research at Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI), a 114-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Dr. Karmarkar also has a secondary appointment at Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System (Richmond VA Medical Center). Dr. Karmarkar is a health services researcher, clinically trained as an Occupational Therapist, with advanced training in public health and Epidemiology. His research expertise is related to health services research, focusing on the utilization of health services in acute, post-acute, and community-based settings and the outcomes associated with receiving these services. Dr. Karmarkar utilizes Medicare, Medicaid, commercial claims, all-payer claims, Electronic Health Records from both civilians and Veterans for his research work.

Session: Head Impact and Injury Biomechanics

Biomechanic research informs the development of improved protective equipment and contributes to fall prevention strategies and safer environments in care facilities. Gain information regarding concussion and injury detection.

Nicole Stark

Dr. Stark is a Research Assistant Professor in the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. She is a Research Biomedical Engineer specializing in head impacts and injury biomechanics, particularly in concussion and injury detection. Dr. Stark leverages deep learning and computer vision technologies to detect head impact occurrences in care facilities and develop strategies to mitigate the severity of head impacts resulting from falls. With a passion for injury prevention and safety innovation, she combines technical expertise with real-world applications to develop solutions that reduce the risks associated with traumatic brain injuries.

Afternoon Session

Focused on topics to assist professionals.

1-1:30 p.m. Check-In and Refreshments

Overview of the New ACRM Guidelines

Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

Session: Concussive Brain Injury: Would Every Clinician Should Know to Improve Outcomes and Avoid Symptom Persistence

This lecture will provide an overview of the of concussion with an emphasis on understanding differential diagnosis and pathoetiology of post-concussive symptoms. Limitations of current nomenclature, assessment strategies and understanding of persistent post-concussive symptoms will be emphasized along with discussion of newest assessment guidelines. Evidence-based risk factors for persistent impairment will also be explored. Longer term outcome including return to work will be reviewed in addition to interventions to minimize persistence of post-concussive symptomatology.

Nathan D. Zasler, MD, DABPM&R, FACRM, BIM, CBIST

Dr. Zasler is the Founder, CEO & and Medical Director of Concussion Care Centre of Virginia and the Founder and current Medical Director of Tree of Life in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Zasler is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), has a fellowship trained in brain injury rehabilitation, and is subspecialty certified in Brain Injury Medicine. He is an affiliate professor in the VCU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Richmond, VA, and a visiting professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. He is the Emeritus Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the International Brain Injury Association (IBIA). He has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and authored over 60 book chapters. Dr. Zasler has published and lectured extensively on TBI-related neuromedical issues and has edited 8 textbooks, including “Brain Injury Medicine: Principals and Practice,” now in its third edition. He is chief editor of two international peer-reviewed journals: “Brain Injury” and “NeuroRehabilitation,” as well as chief editor of “Brain Injury Professional”. He serves on a number of professional boards and as a consultant to healthcare and biotech companies. Dr. Zasler serves as a reviewer for over 20 international peer-reviewed journals. He is active in local, national, and international organizations dealing with acquired brain injury and neurodisability, serving in numerous roles. He has received numerous scientific awards, repeatedly recognized by “Best Doctors,” and numerous community patient awards for his clinical services. Dr. Zasler is an advocate, educator, clinical researcher, inventor, entrepreneur, and busy practicing clinician involved with community-based neurorehabilitation, chronic post-trauma pain management, and health care consultation, both clinical and medicolegal.

Sharing Resources

Time: 2-2:30 p.m.

Session: Tree of Life

Tree of Life, located in Richmond, Virginia, joined Collage Rehabilitation Partners in 2022. This program has been nationally known for its clinical expertise, providing Complex and Active Neurorehabilitation and Supported Living Services for over 30 years since Dr. Nathan Zasler founded it. Complex and Active Neurorehabilitation Programs are focused on comprehensive medical intervention, rehabilitation, and cognitive retraining, designed with the individual patient in mind. Intentional treatment engages patients immediately on the day of admission. Our goal is to move patients toward critical elements of success - self-awareness and medical and cognitive stability – and ultimately a discharge home. Our Supported Living System is designed to maintain health, medical, and behavioral stability. Varying levels of support are available and may be adjusted over time as complexities and challenges related to injury may arise. Our campus environment is supportive, safe, and comfortable, promoting socialization, leisure, and vocational and avocational activities. We also have a home within walking distance of our campus for individuals ready for a more independent living environment. Community outings are a big part of our therapeutic programming. Specialized and experienced treatment teams work together and are focused on creating long-term solutions that restore maximum function, decrease the likelihood of long-term complications, and set a clear path toward independence.

Dana Larson, M.S. OTR/L, MPA, CBIST

Dana Larson is the Virginia State Director for Collage Rehabilitation, based at the Tree of Life location in Richmond. His program specializes in post-acute residential rehabilitation, whether for short-term transitional stays, intermediate-length recovery, rehabilitative stays, or long-term residential support for people with acquired brain injuries. Dana initially came to Tree of Life as an entry-level OT in 2015 and most recently progressed to his leadership role as a product of Tree of Life's integration into the Collage Rehabilitation Partnership. Dana is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. In 2021, he earned his Master of Public Administration from Villanova University. Outside of Tree of Life, Dana is involved with several other Brain Injury Community programs, including Camp Bruce McCoy, a summer camp for Survivors of ABI where he found his calling as a clinician and caregiver. In his free time, Dana is a woodworking enthusiast, enjoys DIY home improvement, and is immersed in the life of having twin toddler sons. Dana's certified therapy dog, Jupiter, is a mainstay of the Tree of Life clinical team.

Post Traumatic Amnesia and Sheltering Arms Tour

Time: 2:45-3:45 p.m.

Session: Post Traumatic Amnesia: Improving the Rehabilitation Experience

This presentation will describe an interdisciplinary initiative to adopt an evidence-informed PTA
Protocol (Hart et al., 2020) for our program, leading to implementation on the brain injury unit
at our 114-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital. We will highlight effective knowledge
translation strategies, discuss barriers and facilitators to implementation and share preliminary
data demonstrating its effects on patient participation and agitation during post traumatic
amnesia. After the 30 minute lecture, there will be a 30 minute tour of SAI gym.

Brie Kilmartin

Brianna “Brie” Kilmartin is a seasoned Recreation Therapist specializing in Brain Injury care. With over 15 years of experience, Brie has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for people with behavioral and cognitive impairments. She graduated from Old Dominion University and has undergone extensive de-escalation, behavior management, and developmental impairments training. Brie serves as the Therapy Manager for Brain Injury Services at Sheltering Arms Institute. She helped found the Virginia State Therapeutic Recreation Association and served various roles on the board until 2022.

Annual Meeting, Advocacy Update, and Closing Remarks

Time: 4-5 p.m.

Session: Moving Through 2025

Dan Reeves, BIAV's Executive Director and a dedicated advocate for the brain injury community, will lead the update at our 2025 Annual Meeting. He will provide a comprehensive report on the association's current status, celebrate key achievements in 2024, and share his vision for 2025.

Following is an advocacy update from Becky Bowers-Lanier, BIAV's Advocacy Consultant.

Daniel Reeves, Executive Director

Dan has over 15 years of experience in pivotal roles within the nonprofit sector, both internationally and across the United States. He has a proven track record of leading collaborative teams, crafting strategies that uphold human dignity, fostering meaningful dialogue, and driving organizational growth. His expertise in finance, board development, philanthropy, communications, and dedication to serving others, will serve Virginia's brain injury community well.

Becky Bowers-Lanier, EdD, MSN, MPH
Advocacy Consultant, Brain Injury Association of Virginia

Becky is the President of B2L Consulting, LLC, specializing in consulting with healthcare and education non-profits on advocacy strategy and grassroots advocacy development. With over 20 years of experience as an advocacy consultant, Becky is also a Registered Nurse and has over 30 years of experience as a staff nurse, nurse educator, and program evaluator. She holds bachelor’s cum laude and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in public health from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a doctorate in higher education from the College of William & Mary.