Recipients of the 2024 Awards of Excellence in Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Brain Injury Association of Niagara, COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

Brain Injury Association of Niagara

Nominated for:

COMMUNITY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR


Thank you OBIA and PIA Law. We are honoured to be nominated for an Award of Excellence in Brain Injury Rehabilitation in the Community Brain Injury Association of the Year category for the fourth consecutive year. Congratulations to all that have been nominated!

The Brain Injury Association of Niagara (BIAN) was established in 1986 by families impacted by acquired brain injury (ABI). Today, our registered non-profit organization exists with a mission to maximize the quality of life for individuals in the Niagara region who are living with the effects of ABI through support, advocacy, awareness, and education. BIAN takes pride in being a Member-driven organization, where individuals with lived experience are always included in our organizational decisions.

BIAN provides a range of services, including free educational workshops and a?ordable access to social, community, and peer-oriented activities. The Oasis Clubhouse acts as a communal space for people living with brain injury. It’s a place where people get together to share their ideas, skills, and interests. It fosters a proactive environment where Members can broaden their horizons, build friendships, and reach their potential. Among the Clubhouse’s programs are activities like Meal Preparation, Art Therapy, Neurological Music Therapy, and Horticulture. BIAN facilitates peer support through monthly Brain Injury Support Groups and involvement in OBIA’s Peer Support Program. Additionally, BIAN conducts monthly educational workshops led by service professionals in brain injury rehabilitation.

Through successful grant acquisitions, we have enhanced our presence in the Niagara region, amplifying awareness of brain injury within various community service organizations. Throughout the year, BIAN attended local businesses and fairs with Members with lived experience to provide resources to the general public. We are very proud of the work we have done collaborating with local brain injury service providers and building new partnerships. Our objective has been to collaborate with our partners to enhance assistance for individuals a?ected by brain injuries. Out of our partnership with Brain Injury Community Re-Entry, we hosted a free community event during Brain Injury Awareness Month. BIAM Event in the Park brought together over 10 community booths, live music by Melody Minds and an adaptive Tai Chi demonstration by Experience Physical Activity.

Without core funding, BIAN relies on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and proceeds from fundraising events. We extend our gratitude to all who support our cause.

Stay updated by following us on social media @bianiagara or visiting our website at www.bianiagara.org.

Learn about other 2024 award recipients


15 Comments
  • Lisa Bauer says:

    I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding care and support that Laura provides to our clients. Her dedication and passion for her work is truly inspiring. I have witnessed first hand the positive impact she has had on our client’s lives, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.
    Laura’s ability to connect with clients on a personal level and tailor therapy to their unique needs is remarkable. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure they feel supported and encouraged throughout their rehabilitation journey. Laura’s innovative approach and commitment to professional excellence make a significant difference in their progress. Laura’s work is deeply appreciated, and she truly deserves to be recognized as the best case manager!

  • Ramez Salti says:

    Great work, Laura!

  • Sabrina says:

    Well deserved as always !

  • Colleen Boyce says:

    The consummate professional who is always extremely client centred, compassionate, and an incredible team player working collaboratively for the benefit of the client and families. Bayshore NRIO enjoys working with you as we together support the clients through their recovery and rehab journey. Congratulations Laura.

  • Eden Dales says:

    Laura MacPhee is a phenomenal case manager and I feel truly fortunate to work with her. She takes her work very seriously, and gives her complete attention to the needs of each of her clients. She has a strong knowledge of mental health and is aware of when and why to refer to social work and psychotherapy. Laura is so lovely, and has a gentle and genuine nature that makes her approachable and easy to work with on any and all files. Laura best of luck, this is a well-deserved nomination!!

  • Nicole Galeotalanza says:

    Congratulations on your nomination Laura.

  • Rachel Greenwood says:

    Congratulations, Laura!! You’re a dream to work with, always bringing your strong communication, advocacy, and well-rounded skills to every file we’ve shared. You also bring laughter daily, which makes even the most frustrating situations more tolerable. I actually waited patiently (okay, not so patiently!) years to work with you, and you were absolutely worth the wait!!

  • Garvin Moses says:

    Congratulations on the nomination Laura. Laura has always been a strong advocate for clients and takes a real team approach. Her calm personality brings ease to all situations and is amazing to work with.

  • Kindree Alkins says:

    A huge congrats on this well-deserved nomination! What doesn’t Laura do! Laura is such an incredible OT and Bayshore NRIO is always so thrilled to work collaborate with her to support clients in their rehab journeys. Clients are always raving about how Laura goes above and beyond to support them and think creatively about how they can get things done (even when the request is a little out there!). She is always giving back; now its time to give back and show her the recognition she so greatly deserves.

  • Marek Siekanowicz - PT says:

    I worked with Laura with one of the most difficult cases involving severe TBI and stroke
    few years ago
    She had to managed public / hospital and private sector providers
    She had to deal with CVH staff as well as with outside hospital staff !
    She did amazing job connecting both sides to work on patient needs and rehabilitate!

    Congratulations Laura !!!

  • Melanie Hay says:

    I’ve known Laura for over 15 years now, we went to McMaster OT school together, and I can honestly say that both personally and professionally she is an amazing person and a fantastic OT/Case Manager. Congratulations Laura – well deserved! Looking forward to working with you again soon!

  • Zhila Heidari says:

    Laura, congratulations on the nomination! You have always been a strong advocate for clients and have a real team approach.

  • Zhila Heidari says:

    Laura, congratulations on the nomination! You deserve it.

  • Hazel Wood says:

    Laura truly cares about her clients and goes above and beyond to meet their needs! She is extremely skilled with clients with TBIs, including those with moderate and severe injuries. She comes up with creative, fun strategies that are highly effective.

  • Stacey Levine says:

    Congratulations Laura on this nomination!

    You’re incredible at what you do, collaborative and consistently go above and beyond to help the clients and families you support.

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