CBIRT

The Center on Brain Injury Research & Training works to improve the lives of children and adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

Dr. Kunze, Associate Director of CBIRT, brings expertise in early diagnosis, family-focused interventions, and culturally responsive practices. Her work emphasizes evidence-based strategies and caregiver coaching to support young children with developmental differences.

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

📢 Upcoming Oregon TBI Educational Team Webinar!
Start the New Year with learning that makes a difference! Join us on January 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM PST for a 1-hour webinar featuring Dr. Megan Kunze. Partnering with Families in Early Childhood Intervention

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

✅ Register now: https://t.co/C0dRtdzT7X

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leader in early childhood intervention and brain injury education!

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

🚨 Last chance to register! 🚨
Join us Dec 12 at 8 AM (PT) for:
Youth TBI & the Law: Barriers to Participation and Justice
Speakers: Dr. Catherine Wiseman-Hakes & Dr. Joseph Wszalek
👉 Register now: https://t.co/zmW1WtsOJa
#YouthJustice #BrainInjuryAwareness #Webinar

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

We are thrilled to welcome the very first Brain Injury Education Support Team (BESTeam) in Texas — the amazing team from St. David's Episcopal School!

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There��s More to the Story…
Our feature article on Dr. Megan Kunze, newly appointed Associate Director, is now live. Learn more about her background and the leadership strengths she brings to the team alongside Dr. Melissa McCart.

https://t.co/ztU8fBJB0i

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

Innovations in Concussion Identification

We're highlighting a recent innovation for concussion identification in sports. It's still early, and time will tell how well these tools work, but it’s encouraging to see individuals and organizations committed to change.

The LED Smart Mouthguard is one such innovation. When a player sustains a significant impact the mouthguard lights up and the player is immediately evaluated for a head impact. This may catch signs of concussions and other head injuries.

Progress like this keeps us moving forward toward better protection, awareness, and care for athletes everywhere.

https://t.co/AXA7pkfxW6

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

Join us this Wednesday October 1st for the next CBIRT Education/Medical (ED/MED) Collaboration Seminar Series!

This free, hour-long seminar via zoom will feature Angelika Rother, Ph.D.

Angelika is a researcher and teacher at the University of Oldenburg, Germany, specializing in language and communication in Special Education. With a career spanning from her early studies in Speech Language Therapy in Erlangen-Nuernberg to her doctorate in pediatric aphasia in Fribourg, she has combined teaching, research, and international collaboration. A pioneer in the academization of Speech Language Therapy in Austria, her work focuses on pediatric aphasia, developmental language disorders, and advancing the field across Europe.

This hour-long seminar includes a 30-minute presentation followed by a live Q&A—an invaluable opportunity for educators and medical professionals to connect and learn strategies to better support students with brain injuries.

Join in for a great chance to collaborate and discover new perspectives!

Register for the full Series using the following link: https://t.co/csPNjNKqMb

This session will not be recorded.

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

A New Chapter for CBIRT!

The Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) has named Dr. Megan Kunze as the Associate-Director. Dr. Kunze is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Psychology and an instructor in Early Intervention in the Department of Special Education at the University of Oregon.

Dr. Kunze joined CBIRT in 2020 with a background in early intervention, special education, and working with young children with developmental differences, including autism. She focuses her research on the accessibility and impact of early diagnosis, as well as professional preparation in Applied Behavior Analysis and family-focused naturalistic interventions to best support young children with developmental delays.

Currently, Dr. Kunze is the primary investigator or co-investigator on several research projects at CBIRT.

As CBIRT enters this new chapter under the shared leadership of Drs. McCart and Kunze, we are excited for the opportunities ahead. We look forward to strengthening collaboration and creating meaningful change for the individuals and families we serve.

Watch for the upcoming news article with more information about Megan’s background.

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Melissa McCart, CBIRT Director, and Melaney Grenz, Project Manager, had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Moody Prize Celebration held in Houston, TX. This year's winner was Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa, PhD. Dr. Haarbauer-Krupa was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her groundbreaking work and dedication in brain injury research.

We are pleased to celebrate Dr. Haarbauer-Krupa's achievements and the lasting impact her work continues to make in improving lives. Congratulations!

(left to right): Kristy Arbogast, Ph.D., Christina Mastor, MD, Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa, Ph.D., Melaney Grenz, M.S., CCC-SLP, Melissa McCart, Ed.D., and Geri Gioia, Ph.D.

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

Have you thought about becoming a member of the Oregon TBI Educational Team?!

To learn more, join us this Friday, for "Discover the Oregon TBI Team: Who We Are and How You Can Join"
September 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM PT

We’re excited to welcome new and prospective members with a dynamic training session led by an incredible team of professionals:

Derek Bueffel, NSCP;
Melaney Grenz, MS, CCC-SLP;
Malory Turner, MAT;
Sarah Shadley, RN

The training is free and will be conducted online through Zoom.

The TBI Educational Team is a dedicated, multidisciplinary group trained to support students with pediatric brain injuries, including TBI and concussion. Funded through the Oregon Department of Education’s regional programs for low-incidence disabilities, we work together to improve the lives of children impacted by brain injuries.

We’re inviting educational professionals across Oregon to join our team and make a difference! By becoming part of the Oregon TBI Team, you’ll collaborate with fellow professionals committed to providing the best support for students with brain injuries.

Register Now! https://t.co/NgRTDR1NII

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

Join us in recognizing National Concussion Awareness Day!

Together, we can raise awareness, share resources, and help families protect their children’s brains.

Concussion Awareness Now (CAN) makes it easy to start important conversations about concussions—whether on social media, at school, or in your community.

Download free resources, including social posts, brochures, infographics, posters, and videos.

https://t.co/6nIfdePGTl

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

Have you registered yet? Join us for the 2025–2026 Building Capacity: Brain Injury Conference Workshop Series!

This free, virtual series explores the complex intersections of brain injury with domestic violence, justice system involvement, and caregiving. All sessions run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

Upcoming Sessions:

Friday, October 24th, 2025: Brain Injury and Domestic Violence: Intersections, Impact and Support

Friday, February 27th, 2026: Justice Involvement and Beyond: Surviving the System, Building Resilience and Moving Forward

Friday, May 15th, 2026: Complex Caregiving: When Brain Injury Meets Domestic Violence and Justice System Involvement

These conference-workshops will address challenging topics through a brain injury lens, providing valuable insights and support for survivors, families, caregivers, and professionals.

Registration is free and sessions are designed for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of these important topics.

https://t.co/X1S94ZXADc

Please note: Sessions will include discussion of topics such as domestic violence, trauma, and the justice system. We encourage participants to practice self-care, and resources will be available.

This workshop series is sponsored by the Washington State DSHS, Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) and the Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership
Advisory Council of Washington State.

#BrainInjuryWA
#TBICouncilWA

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

CBIRT is proud to announce a groundbreaking milestone—the launch of the very first Texas Brain Injury Education Support Team at Austin ISD! This pioneering team has stepped forward with passion and determination, working tirelessly to protect the futures and unleash the full potential of Texas children.

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

Join us tomorrow! For A Conversation with Sarah Ward!

Free Zoom Seminar
Topic: Executive Functioning and TBI
Tomorrow September 12, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM PT

Featuring: Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP, Co-Director of Cognitive Connections, LLP

With over 25 years of experience, Sarah Ward has worked extensively in diagnostic evaluations, treatment, and case management for children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of developmental and acquired brain-based learning challenges, including:
Attention Deficit Disorder
Verbal and Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Social-Cognitive Learning Disabilities
Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury
Her particular expertise lies in the assessment and treatment of executive function deficits. She also holds an adjunct faculty appointment at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions.

Please note: This seminar will not offer credit and will not be recorded.

Register now!
https://t.co/m0KBVsNBxt

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

A Conversation with Sarah Ward!

Join us for an upcoming Zoom seminar:
Topic: Executive Functioning and TBI
Date: September 12, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM PT

Featuring: Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP, Co-Director of Cognitive Connections, LLP

With over 25 years of experience, Sarah Ward has worked extensively in diagnostic evaluations, treatment, and case management for children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of developmental and acquired brain-based learning challenges, including:

Attention Deficit Disorder
Verbal and Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Social-Cognitive Learning Disabilities

Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury

Her particular expertise lies in the assessment and treatment of executive function deficits. She also holds an adjunct faculty appointment at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions.

Please note: This seminar will not offer credit and will not be recorded.

Register now! https://t.co/m0KBVsNBxt

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

Join Us! Tomorrow, September 3rd for the next CBIRT Education/Medical (ED/MED) Collaboration Seminar Series!

This free, hour-long seminar via zoom will feature Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa, PhD, FACRM, a leading expert in acquired brain injury with over 40 years of clinical experience!

✅ September 3rd, 2025
✅ 7:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM ET
✅ Live via Zoom – Free to attend!

This hour-long seminar includes a 30-minute presentation followed by a live Q&A—an invaluable opportunity for educators and medical professionals to connect and learn strategies to better support students with brain injuries.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to collaboration and gain new insight!

Register for the full Series using the following link: https://t.co/csPNjNKqMb

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

ED/MED Collaboration Seminar Series Highlight

This first session of the Education/Medical (ED/MED) Collaboration Seminar of the 2024-2025 features, Stuart Schmidt, MS, LAT, ATC, joined the series to share insights on creating trauma-responsive and regulation-focused environments for students.

Key Takeaways from the session:

The autonomic nervous system constantly scans for safety—students impacted by trauma or neurodivergence may be more reactive.

Students operate in different brain states (executive, emotional, survival). When in survival mode, they need safety and connection—not problem-solving.

Behavior = communication. Reframing behaviors helps educators focus on teaching skills, not punishing.

Strategies like mindful breaks, movement, sensory activities, and interactive regulation tools can help students return to their window of tolerance.

Tools such as the Executive Skill Lending Library support attention, organization, and self-regulation.

The full session recording is available now as part of our 2024–2025 ED/MED Collaboration Seminar Series.

Watch here: https://t.co/Fnp7RbL7HL

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

On Friday, August 22nd, a memorable event happened at Portland's Roosevelt High School, home of the Roughriders!

David Kracke had this to say:
"Our amazing Advocate, and ACL Board member, Jonathan Boland, organized a presentation for all of the Roosevelt HS fall athletes, from boys football to girls volleyball and all sports in between.

I was honored to be part of the presentation team which included the honorable Judge Michael Greenlick from the Multnomah County Circuit Court bench, Roosevelt's Athletic Director, Coach Williams, head football coach and Dean of Students, Coach McCants, gym owner and soccer coach at Portland CC, Alexa Cooper, and my great friend and Clinic Director at the Brain Rehab Network, Matt Kampfe.

Our presentations fit together like puzzle pieces and at the end of the day the young athletes were hopefully inspired to live each day to its fullest, and to take concussions seriously.

I asked the athletes and coaches to pledge that if a teammate went out with a concussion, that teammate would be welcomed back to their same position after they recovered. By pledging to do this, we eliminate the athlete's fear that if they report concussion symptoms, they'll likely lose their position on the team. By all accounts, they will be taking that pledge!

It's been a long road since Oregon passed Max's Law, and these young athletes are playing a safer game because of it.

Go Roughriders!"

[CBIRT @CBIRTonline]

Catch Up Before the New Year Begins!

As we prepare for the 2025–2026 academic year, don’t forget that all of our 2024–2025 webinar recordings are available for review.

One featured session includes Amy Yillik, EdD, who is the chair of the Department of Counselor Education and Human Services at the University of Dayton and a professor of school psychology. Amy shared powerful strategies for supporting students with challenging behaviors through a trauma-informed, neuroscience-based lens. Topics covered include:

How stress and trauma shape the autonomic nervous system

Understanding brain states (executive, emotional, survival) and responding with safety and connection

Building trauma-responsive classrooms that focus on regulation, not just discipline

Using tools like the Executive Skill Lending Library to strengthen student success

These on-demand webinars are a valuable resource for educators and professionals seeking to build safe, connected, and supportive learning environments.

Stay tuned here for updates on our 2025–2026 webinar series—new sessions and speakers are on the way!

Watch this webinar recording now: https://t.co/CqjKPnDeBG