The Virtual Journey Conference

October 29th, 2020

The Journey Conference is the only conference in Northern Virginia that is designed and dedicated to survivors of brain injury and their family.

The Journey Conference is an annual conference hosted by Brain Injury Services for survivors, family members, and professionals in the brain injury community. This year’s theme will focus on the importance of telling your story and how that helps you along your journey. Attending Journey is a great way for you to connect with other survivors and be educated on community resources available to you and your family as you work to find your “new normal.”

Schedule: Morning Sessions

9:00-9:15am

Welcome and Introduction

9:15-10:10am

From Survivor to Storyteller

Inspirational storyteller Lethan Candlish shares the journey after brain injury that led him to the art of Storytelling and the benefits that can come from using storytelling as a tool in rehabilitation.

10:15-11:00am

Hiking to the Top of Mt. TBI

Holly’s path forever changed, when at the age of 18 she sustained a life-changing traumatic brain injury, as a result of a motor vehicle crash. Significant challenges followed, during her ongoing recovery. Holly shares her message of hope, humor, and inspiration.

11:05-11:50am
Breakout Session for Survivors

Positively Positive- A Breakout Session for Survivors

Holly’s path forever changed, when at the age of 18 she sustained a life-changing traumatic brain injury, as a result of a motor vehicle crash. Significant challenges followed, during her ongoing recovery. Holly shares her message of hope, humor, and inspiration.

11:05-11:50am
Breakout Session for Caregivers

TBI in the Rearview Mirror: A Mother’s Perspective- A Breakout Session for Caregivers

Diana will offer frank advice gained from her experience as a parent of a teenager/young adult with a TBI. With over four decades a nursing career, she can also offer perspective as a medical professional.

11:55-12:30pm

Changing your Narrative through Storytelling

The most powerful stories we tell are the ones we tell ourselves – and they are often wrong. Our stories are often about self- protection, but they can limit us in so many ways and leave us feeling stuck. Join us to learn how to change your narrative and break free from negative thinking, so you can rewrite the story that was intended for you!

12:30-1:00pm

Lunch Break

Schedule: Afternoon Pediatric Sessions

1:00-1:50pm

Ahead of the Game: Key Issues in Youth Concussions

The presentation will discuss current knowledge about youth concussion, focusing on a summary of definitions, symptoms, assessment/testing, management, formal guidelines, return to learn and sports, research and regulations/legislation.

1:55-2:40pm

“The Yuck Factor": Why Your Kids Don’t Listen and You Can’t Stop Yelling

Parenting specialist Rachel Bailey provides hands-on tools to help parents develop their ‘parenting long game’ in raising responsible, resilient and confident children.

2:45-3:30pm

IEPs and 504s: Prepare Your Parental Participation

The presentation will review a brief history and structure of IEPs and 504s. Strategies for preparation and participation of parents and student will be discussed. Deliberate and thoughtful approaches can be empowering, validating, and result in a “living” document.

Tickets:

$15

Morning Sessions:

Stories from survivors and caregivers with a focus on the importance of sharing your story

$15

Afternoon Pediatric Sessions

Listen to experts share parenting tips, strategize IEPs and 504s, and share key issues in youth concussions

$25

Full Day

Join us for a full day- In the morning, you can hear inspirational stories from TBI survivors and be empowered by the power of storytelling

Questions? Email Aleena Gardezi at agardezi@braininjurysvcs.org or call (703) 451-8881, ext.238 with any questions about attendance, sponsorship opportunities, or day of logistics.