Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group

Support group co-facilitators (Nate, Megan, Alexa) celebrating support group's 5th birthday

Our team offers a support group that is open to all individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their caregivers. Education, resources, support, and a community are vital for both patients and caregivers after a TBI. Our group offers opportunities to share lived experiences, tips and strategies, and resources by meeting with others in similar situations. The group also features guest speakers covering variety of topics relevant to TBI.

Support Group Details

Dates: Fourth Monday of every month

Time: 5 to 6:30 pm

Location: We are currently holding our meetings virtually via Zoom. Please contact Alexa Walter for virtual meeting details and to be added to the email listserv.

Contact: Alexa Walter at tbisupportgroup@PennMedicine.upenn.edu

Previous Guest Speakers

• Therese Richmond, PhD, RN, FAAN
  Professor of Nursing and the Associate Dean for Research & Innovation at the University of Pennsylvania.
  Topic: the role of trauma after injury on recovery
• Jessica Jones, LCSW
  PHIICAPS Family-Based Services
  Topic: Acute trauma-specialty family therapy programs
• Jamie Shoop, PhD
  Pediatric Psychologist at CHOP in the Minds Matter Concussion Program
  Topic: Adapting to Emotional Changes After Traumatic Brain InjuryA
• Helene Moriarty, PhD, RN, FAAN
  Professor of Nursing at Villanova University
  Topic: “TBI as a Family Affair: Family Impact and Needs.”
• Sara Holland, DNP
  PPMC, Director of Nursing Education and Research
  Topic: An ICU perspective of TBI recovery
• Sabrina Mele, PT, DPT
  Good Shepherd Penn Partners - Penn Therapy and Fitness University City
  Topic: Using Habituation Exercises to Identify and to Help Manage Persistent Dizziness
• Craig Phillips, BA
  Brain Injury Survivor and Founder of Second Chance to Live
  Topic: Acceptance and Creating a New Normal after Brain Injury
• Michael E. Keesler, J.D., Ph.D.
  Clinical/Forensic Neuropsychologist; Center City / Graduate Hospital Area
  Topic: Interaction of Cognitive, Physical, and Emotional Symptoms following TBI
• Joseph L. Romano, Esq
  Topic: Guardianship: Questions and Answers, Myths and Realities
• MJ Schmidt
  Works for both ReMed and the Council on Brain Injury
  Topic: Council on Brain Injury (CoBI) and related community resources
• Pete Freudenberger, LCSW Outreach Manager
  Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania
  Topic: How TBI affects the military and veteran population, and the VA claim process for TBI
• Alexandra Merlino, Speech Language Pathologist
  Good Shepherd Penn Partners- Penn Therapy and Fitness University City
  Topic: How to identify re-exacerbation of signs or manage symptoms, how to utilize strategies to maximize memory, and how to discuss with physician in a timely manner to manage symptoms in the best way

• 

  Mark Cola, CBIS, CDP
  Director of Marketing and Outreach Referral for Main Line Rehabilitation Associates
  Topic: TBI services in the home and community and funding options
• Dmitriy Petrov, MD
  Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Penn Medicine/Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
  Topic: Q+A post-traumatic head injury recovery, symptom evaluation and management, resources