Parwana Akbari

HBA

KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network

Parwana Akbari is a Research Analyst at the KITE Research Institute at University Health Network, where she coordinates, implements, and supports multiple projects related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Her work primarily supports the Neurotrauma Care Pathways Initiative and the Canadian Clinical Practice Guideline for TBI. Driven by a passion for improving care through health promotion, Parwana has led and implemented numerous knowledge translation and mobilization activities. Her efforts and collaborations with her team help ensure persons with lived experience receive the most current, evidence-based care available.

Arman Ali

MPH, BSc

KITE - Toronto Rehab, University Health Network

As an Implementation Coordinator at the KITE Research Institute, Arman has undertaken many knowledge translation and implementation activities related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Currently, he leads the implementation of the Data Prioritization Initiative, a data integration initiative embedded within the Neurotrauma Care Pathways Project.

Chloé Buso

BScH

Institute of Medical Science, Neuroscience Specialization, University of Toronto
Canadian Concussion Center, Toronto Western Hospital

Chloé Buso completed her undergrad as a Life Science major at Queen’s University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Honours. She is now a Master of Science (MSc) candidate at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto, specializing in neuroscience. She is working under the supervision of Dr. Charles Tator, conducting research at the Canadian Concussion Centre, at Toronto Western Hospital. Chloé’s MSc research is primarily focused on investigating the pathophysiology and treatment of computer screen intolerance (CSI), a persisting concussion symptom. She hopes to determine appropriate measures to elucidate and treat CSI.

Eden Dales

B.A., M.S.W., R.S.W.

Owner and Director, Eden Dales Social Work

Eden Dales is a highly experienced and dedicated registered social worker, currently serving as the owner and director of Eden Dales Social Work (EDSW) in Toronto, Ontario. With a Master's Degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University in New York City, Eden has over twenty years of clinical experience, specializing in post-trauma recovery and providing comprehensive social work assessment reports and counselling services to individuals and families across Ontario. Her expertise spans cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and trauma-informed care, among other therapeutic approaches.

Throughout her career, Eden has been an educator and presenter at provincial, national, and international conferences on various social work-related topics, including trauma-informed care for healthcare professionals, lawyers, and support staff. Her trainings have been integral to projects such as the Gender-Based Violence Project and have provided essential education to numerous organizations, including the Consent and Capacity Board, Costi Agency, and the Brain Injury Society of Toronto. Eden's dedication to her field has been recognized with the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Brain Injury Society of Toronto in 2021.

Eden's commitment to social work extends beyond her practice. She has continually contributed to the professional development of her peers through workshops and training sessions focused on trauma recovery, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. Her role as an educator for the mental health staff at various agencies highlights her commitment to fostering a trauma-informed approach within the community.

Eden's passion for helping others and her extensive knowledge make her a standout professional in the field of social work. Her ability to provide compassionate, evidence-based care has made a significant impact on the lives of her clients, and her contributions to the field have helped to advance the understanding and implementation of trauma-informed care practices.

Sari Feferman

Partner, Rosen Sunshine LLP

Sari Feferman joined Rosen Sunshine LLP in August 2017 after practicing litigation in Toronto. Sari advises and represents health care professionals in regulatory, administrative and civil matters. She also provides opinions and general advice to professionals, organizations, and individuals with for a variety of regulatory, administrative and other legal matters.

Alison Foo

MSc, PMP

Clinical Research Professor at Seneca College

Alison Foo, MSc, PMP, is the Brain Injury Society of Toronto’s Board Director, Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, and Blogger. She is also a Clinical Research Professor and teaches at Seneca College and McMaster University Continuing Education. When she’s not grading (or dreading grading), she’s offering career, communication, and leadership coaching through her sole proprietorship. She has worked with professionals, students, newcomers, neurodivergent people, and people with disabilities. In her spare time, she enjoys watching Asian TV, taking naps with her rescue dog, and doom scrolling on TikTok.

Evan Foster

MHSc

Hull-Ellis Concussion and Research Clinic, TRI-UHN

Evan has a Master’s of Health Science in translational research. His background is in concussion and stroke rehabilitation research. He has worked at the Hull-Ellis Concussion and Research Clinic for over 7 years, and has been involved in the coordination and conduct of qualitative research, observational studies, and clinical trials.

Judith Gargaro

KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network

Judy Gargaro has extensive experience working in the fields of brain and spinal cord injury as a clinician, researcher, and quality improvement and implementation expert. She has worked at the local, regional and provincial level with a particular focus on ensuring that persons after brain and spinal cord injuries receive equitable, best-practice care and the needed services and supports to optimize long-term living in the community. Currently, she is the director of the Neurotrauma Care Pathways initiative for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries in Ontario.

Meeta Gugnani

MScOT

Owner/ Director, Mind Connections Inc.
Adjunct Lecturer at University of Toronto
Department of occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Meeta Gugnani graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational therapy in 1993 and received a Master of Science in Occupational therapy from Tufts University in Massachusetts in 1999. She focussed most of her graduate coursework and research on neurological rehabilitation. She has worked for the last thirty years in several rehabilitation hospitals and community settings providing occupational therapy services to clients with orthopaedic and neurological conditions. She has held several management and program development positions in the US and Canada. She is involved in several research studies involving clients with Stroke and ABI. She is the owner and Director at Mind Connection, which is a multidisciplinary rehabilitation company providing services to clients with neurological impairments in the community. She holds a status appointment as a Lecturer at the University of Toronto in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

Melanie Hay

MSc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)

Occupational Therapist

Melanie Hay is an Occupational Therapist who graduated from McMaster University in 2009. She has spent the last 15 years working as an OT with NRIO, a private, community-based, residential rehabilitation program which is now a division of Bayshore Healthcare’s Integrated Care Services. She has extensive experience assisting individuals with complex, catastrophic injuries (primarily including brain and spinal cord injury), to safely maximize their independence and quality of life. Melanie has a keen interest in assessing and treating clients with disorders of consciousness and has played an integral role in developing NRIO’s Sensory Stimulation Program.

Jewels Krauss

Actor and Director

Jewels is an actor and director based in Toronto, ON. Selected credits include: Amal (The MT Space); Thousand Beginnings (Under the Umbrella Collective); Breath in Between (Crow’s Theatre). As an Assistant Director, Jewels worked on Nathan The Wise at the Stratford Festival and on Nora oder Ein Puppenhaus at the Vorarlberger Landestheater in Bregenz, Austria. For TV/ Film, she appeared in Titans (Netflix) and starred in Steve Lukas’ short film Eigengrau. Jewels is also the co-host on the Food show City Girl Eats the Country currently streaming on Bell Fibe. Impact - An Accidental Meditation is Jewels’ short film directorial debut.

Impact - An Accidental Meditation is a highly visual, sensorial exploration of the protagonist’s concussed world after a bike accident based on Jewels’ personal experience. The film provides an intimate look into the elevated physical and emotional experience of navigating life post impact. The film aims to give insight into how our bodies store, process, and release trauma; when and how old trauma might get triggered; and highlight what a world of resiliency lies deep within our physical structure.

Shannon McGuire

B.P.E., B.H.Sc. (PT)

Outpatient Acquired Brain Injury Program
Post-Acute COVID Rehab Program
St. Joseph’s Health Care – Parkwood Institute

Shannon McGuire graduated from McMaster University as a physiotherapist and currently works on the Post-Acute Covid Rehabilitation Program and Outpatient Acquired Brain Injury Program at Parkwood Institute. Shannon is Clinical Associate for the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Western Ontario and does her best to leverage student placement and practicums to help innovate and do unfunded clinical research and program evaluation. She has spent the majority of her career working in rehabilitation with clients with neurological injuries including acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury and has particular interest in recovery of walking and balance, and the role of the vision system in rehabilitation as well as managing individuals with persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury. She teaches courses on Concussion Management to Allied Health professionals nationally and internationally.

Melissa McMillan

Developmental Justice Case Manager with Surrey Place and the Toronto Downtown East Justice Centre

Melissa has nearly a decade of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and addictions, and is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey through the criminal justice system. Currently, she works as a Developmental Justice Case Manager at the Downtown East Justice Centre court, where she supports individuals with charges to build a goal focused plan which addresses their criminogenic needs. Her overarching goal is to ensure the individual receives the support they require to succeed, and to reduce their recidivism.

J. Bronwen Moore

OT Reg. (Ont.), B.Sc.OT, MA

University Health Network: Toronto Rehab Adjunct lecturer with University of Toronto Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

J. Bronwen Moore, B.Sc.O.T., M.A., has been working since 2002 as an occupational therapist in the field of neurological rehabilitation and pain management in Toronto, Ontario. She has a master’s degree in adult education. In her work with the Toronto Rehab Brain and Spinal Cord LEAP (Living Engaged and Actively with Pain) Service at the University Health Network, Bronwen supports clients living with acquired brain injury and other neurological conditions to learn skills to self-manage their pain. She holds an Adjunct Lecturer appointment with the University of Toronto Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She has presented at numerous conferences about topics related to neurological rehabilitation and pain management. Bronwen’s professional interests include pain self-management, resilience, authenticity in practice, and the role of the arts in healthcare.

Laura Pazzano

Master of Health Policy, University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine & Health Bachelor of Arts (Honours Specialization in Sociology of Health and Ageing, Minor in Thanatology), Western University

Laura holds an Honours Bachelor of Sociology specialized in health and ageing with a minor in Thanatology, as well as a Masters of Health Policy degree. Her career has focused on strategic planning and performance management. Laura is currently a policy Lead at Ontario Health, driving quality and innovation in the province’s cancer care system.

Lonny Rosen, C.S.

Partner, Rosen Sunshine LLP

Lonny Rosen, C.S. is a founding partner of Rosen Sunshine LLP, a regulatory and health law firm. Certified as a Specialist in Health Law, he advises health professionals and other service providers, regulators, professional associations, and individuals. Lonny assists clients with policies and procedures, managing privacy breaches, and responding to investigations and complaints. He represents clients in adjudications, civil and other administrative proceedings. Lonny teaches health law at Osgoode Hall Law School and is included in numerous directories, including the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, “Best Lawyers in Canada”, Who’s Who Legal and Chambers Canada. He has been working with rehabilitation and related service providers for over 20 years.

Sarah Sheffe

BA, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Occupational Therapist, Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute

Sarah Sheffe is an Occupational Therapist at the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute (TAPMI) at Women’s College Hospital. She holds an Adjunct Lecturer appointment with the University of Toronto Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She leads the TAPMI Young Adult Clinic for pain and has published research on transition success and discharge success in young adult chronic pain care. Sarah is a co-author of the workbook, “Changing your pain pathways: Ways to cope with pain in daily life” for people with neurological conditions and pain.

Deborah Tang

PhD

Deborah Tang is a Clinical Psychologist. She received her PhD from McGill University. She has specializations in Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation and has extensive experience working with clients with acquired brain injury (ABI) in the community.

At present she is Clinical Director at Bayshore ICS Neurological Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario (NRIO) and oversees programming and residential care for individuals with ABI. In her work with NRIO, she works hard with her multidisciplinary team to develop focused and intensive brain rehabilitation programs.

Previously Dr. Tang was Clinical Director at Mind Forward Brain Injury Services. She has also worked at Hamilton Health Sciences in the outpatient ABI program, Baycrest Hospital and Toronto Rehab.

Catherine Wiseman-Hakes

Ph.D., Reg.CASLPO

Catherine Wiseman-Hakes, Ph.D., is a clinical neuroscientist and registered speech language pathologist. She is a Clinician-Scientist with the Hull Ellis Concussion and Research Clinic at UHN-Toronto Rehab Institute, an Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University in Hamilton and Affiliate Scientist with the KITE Research Institute, University Health Network-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Catherine has devoted her clinical and research career toward a better understanding of the factors which impact recovery from acquired and traumatic brain injury (TBI) as well as developing interventions to support positive outcomes and quality of life. She has been internationally recognized for her pioneering work in examining the relationship between sleep, neuroplasticity and neuro-recovery following TBI. She has authored and co-authored numerous research publications, provincial and international practice guidelines, a textbook, several book chapters and contributed to a rehabilitation manual on Sleep and TBI. She is also the recipient of awards for teaching and research excellence, outstanding mentorship and community service.

Colleen Worsley

MSW RSW - Clinical Supervisor

Services provided in Toronto & GTA, Peterborough & Kawartha East, Barrie

Colleen Worsley, MSW RSW, is a registered social worker, (OCSWSSW Reg #829920), with a master’s degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Colleen has more than 20 years of experience in the rehabilitation healthcare field providing direct care and management support in both clinical and community settings for individuals with traumatic brain injury.

Colleen combines her interest in neuropsychology with her studies in social work, cognitive science, and wellness building, to identify client strengths and challenges in the development of individualized and comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery programs. In her current practice within the Eden Dales Social Work team, Colleen provides social work support inclusive of strategies of “Heartmath,” (meditative and heart-centered breath work), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy), and utilizes a variety of emotional wellness building strategies.

Colleen sits as a committee member for the Brain Injury Society of Toronto where she is proud to be part of an organization that fosters community connections and integration for survivors of brain injury. She is a lifelong learner and when not attending courses or conferences to enhance her skills, she spends time with her boys visiting the farm or ‘running’ to keep up with their fun.