ABI Survivor & Caregiver Support Groups

Maggie Sin is an Occupational Therapist, practicing since 2016 and employed with Rehabilitation Management Inc. (RMI) since 2017. In 2023, she integrated the creative arts into her occupational therapy practice and introduced an Art Based Occupational Therapy program to RMI. Talk Topic: Art Based OT integrates rehabilitation and wellness with art making and is a safe space for individuals to participate, practice daily skills, create, and for discovery. The program aims to improve individuals’ perceived control, sense of self and purpose, expression, mood, illness experience, pain, relaxation, and social support. Art Based OT can be customized and adapted for all types of needs and conditions, for individual therapy, and group therapy.

Sherri worked as an Accountant (CPA, CMA) for 13 years and as a Project Manager (PMP) for another 13 years. In July 2013 she was in an accident and received a TBI. Since then, her job has been recovering from persisting symptoms of concussion. Sherri will demonstrate how she used digital recording and speech-to-text software as she navigated the health care system to help work around her memory issues and slow processing speed. Benefits of using this technology include: Digital recordings of important appointments and multiple ways to locate them Calmer during appointments Ability to review conversations later and share them with family members Better tracking of next steps & action items Automatically receive a typed version of the discussion

Katie Muirhead is a Regional Lead with the Ontario Caregiver Organization. She brings combined experience as a clinician and caregiver to her role with the goal of sharing the work of the OCO and working alongside organizations and groups interested in enhancing caregiver support in their communities. At the Ontario Caregiver Organization, we work to improve the lives of Ontario Caregivers, ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour. Becoming a caregiver can feel overwhelming and leave caregivers unsure of where to get started or find support. Join us to learn more about: the various roles that caregivers have the emotional impact of caregiving, and what to expect when to ask for support and how to promote resilience information and resources about where you can find support

Dr. Miller is the Director of Brookside Psychologists and is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist working with adults. Her primary area of practice pertains to neuropsychological assessment and treatment of traumatic brain injury. Dr. Miller also offers counselling treatment for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain, primarily using a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) approach. Did you know there are lifestyle changes you can make to promote brain recovery and brain resilience? Learn about what we can do to influence neuroplasticity (adaptive structural and functional changes to the brain) after brain injury. Dr. Miller talks about: Intro to neuroplasticity, Lifestyle factors, and daily practices that can positively influence neuroplasticity (i.e., promote brain recovery and resilience).

Sandra Best and Melody Hamilton James of Elements Support Services on Promoting Independence and Making Informed Choices - Decisions about Daily Life and the Recovery Process Sandra and Melody will discuss the advantages of support and the process of finding a qualified RSW. They will delve into building on existing foundations and tailoring approaches to meet individuals where they are. Covering essential questions and considerations, they aim to guide you in choosing the right RSW. Sandra will kick off the session with her insights. Learn More About: Understanding ABI Challenges, Challenges faced by those with Acquired Brain Injury, Discuss the range of available support services for ABI patients, Challenges post-settlement when services are discontinued, Compare costs of private services versus support services, Highlight the importance of supporting both patients and their families, Real-life examples showcasing the impact of support services.