Our People
Sara Aly
Sara Aly (CBIS, MSW, LCSW) is the Department Manager of the Adult Case Management program at Brain Injury Services. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her Bachelor degree in Social Work from her home country Egypt and her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from George Mason University. She began her experience with Brain Injury Services as an intern during her graduate program. Sara is a certified Wellness and Recovery Coach and facilitates a variety of wellness workshops that empower survivors of brain injury and their caregivers in developing a personalized wellness plan that can help them in improving the quality of their life. She is also a certified interpreter in health and community settings. She has been employed at BIS since 2011.
Sara Aly
Department Manager, Adult Case Management
Saleeha Artis
Saleeha Artis is the Community Coordinator for Brain Injury Services’ Fredericksburg Day Program. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a minor in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Outside of work she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and creative arts. Saleeha has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2022.
Saleeha Artis
Community Coordinator, Fredericksburg Day Program
Sarah Balas
Sarah Balas is a Pediatric Case Manager at Brain Injury Services. Sarah received her Bachelors in Social Work at James Madison University. While obtaining her degree, Sarah worked with children and families throughout various internships and volunteering opportunities which further drove her passion for helping and empowering others. Before working at Brain Injury Services, Sarah worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, providing ABA therapy to children and adolescents with autism and other developmental conditions.
Sarah Balas
Case Manager, Pediatrics Program
Tasha Bayard
Tasha Bayard, Ed.D., MSW, is the Case Manager for Veterans at Brain Injury Services. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fayetteville State University. Her career began in 2016 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she managed a diverse adult caseload of individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and mental health cases. With strong ties to the military community, Tasha’s experience includes roles such as Special Needs Coordinator (SNC) for the Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, case manager for Family Programs at the Army National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Virginia, and Program Analyst for the Navy Exceptional Family Member Program in Falls Church, Virginia. She joined Brain Injury Services in September 2024.
Tasha Bayard
Veterans Case manager
Kathy Bisetti
Kathy Bisetti is a Unit Coordinator at the ADAPT Clubhouse. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from George Mason University. Kathy has been employed by Brain Injury Services since June 2018.
Kathy Bisetti
Unit Coordinator, ADAPT Clubhouse
Claire Callison-Aub
Claire Callison-Aub (MSW, CBIS) is the Program Manager of the Child and Adolescent Program. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English, and a Master’s in Social Work from George Mason University. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since August 2009.
Claire Callison-Aub
Program Manager, Pediatrics Program
Becky Campbell
Becky Campbell (MS, OTR/L) is an Occupational Therapist serving as a Specialist in the Community Participation and Skill-Building Services (ComPASS) program. She received her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Becky has experience working in inpatient rehabilitation and home health settings, serving communities in the Washington DC and Northern VA. She is excited to provide brain injury survivors with the tools, confidence and abilities to re-engage in their communities and their lives. Outside of work she loves to cook and bake, practice yoga, craft, and watch sports with her husband . She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since November 2024.
Becky Campbell
Occupational Therapist
Bob Cerminaro
Bob Cerminaro is a Vocational Specialist in the Vocational Program at Brain Injury Services. He received a Bachelors Of Science degree in Individual & Family Studies from Penn State University. Bob is originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Belmont Bay, Virginia. In his leisure time, he enjoys watching football, listening to classic rock music, and walking his English bulldog Miles.
Bob Cerminaro
Vocational Specialist, Vocational Program
Selena Cruz
Selena Cruz joined Brain Injury Services (BIS) in 2024 as a case manager, serving clients across Fairfax and Loudoun counties. She brings a wealth of experience in supporting individuals with complex needs, specializing in acquired brain injuries, mental health, and behavioral management.
Before joining BIS, Ms. Cruz conducted research with individuals facing acquired brain injuries and mental health challenges and worked extensively in behavior management for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A Certified Brain Injury Specialist since January 2020, she also has hands-on experience as a therapy aide in neurorehabilitation, providing essential nursing support to patients with brain and spinal cord injuries.
Ms. Cruz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology with a focus on Applied Behavioral Science from the University of Kansas (2017) and a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas (2021).
Selena Cruz
Case Manager, Adult Case Management
Charmise Damon
Charmise Damon is originally from South Carolina. She moved to Washington DC in 2013 and currently resides in DC. She received her Bachelor of Science in sociology with a concentration in social work from Voorhees College in 1999 and a few years later pursued her master’s degree in counseling in the areas of mental health and substance abuse at Webster University in 2006. She has extensive experience working in the human service field, serving children and families, and vocational rehabilitation and other employment services. She is the proud mother of her son Tyson. Charmise loves traveling, reading, and spending time with family.
Charmise Damon
Pediatric Case Manager
Zach Daniel
Zach Daniel (CBIS) is the Manager of the Brain Injury Services of Fredericksburg office. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Washington University. He has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2008.
Zach Daniel
Program Manager, Fredericksburg Office
Valerie Dinges
Valerie Dinges is the Activities Coordinator for Brain Injury Services’ Fredericksburg Day Program. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus. As a traumatic brain injury survivor, she is particularly passionate about empowering others to regain independence and fulfillment in their lives. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, and karaoke. Valerie has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2023.
Valerie Dinges
Activities Coordinator
Markita Gilbert
Markita Gilbert (MS, CBIS) is the Fredericksburg area Case Manager. She has a Master of Science degree in Human Services with a Specialization in Counseling from Capella University. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2007.
Markita Gilbert
Adult Case Manager, Fredericksburg Office
Natascha Grant
Natascha Grant (MA, CRC, CBIS) is the Vocational Manager. She holds undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Fayetteville State University and a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in TBI from George Washington University. Her experience began with Brain Injury Services as an intern. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2014.
Natascha Grant
Vocational Manager, Vocational Program
Andrew L. Gunn-Wilinski
Andrew comes to Brain Injury Services with an extensive background in development operations, most recently as vice president of development operations at the Akilah Foundation for Women as it began a goal of dramatically scaling its unique educational program in Rwanda into Asia and North East Africa, and as Senior Director of Development at the George Washington University, where he was a significant contributor to GW’s $1B Making History Campaign.
Andrew holds a BSBM from the University of Phoenix with course work in Organizational Performance Improvement at George Washington University. A certified and active Reiki practitioner, he was raised in the United Kingdom and lived for five years in Okinawa, Japan. He currently resides in Northern Virginia with his husband Tom and their Jack Russel Terrier, Lucy.
Andrew L. Gunn-Wilinski
Director of Marketing, Development and Advocacy
Meryiem Hadji
Meryiem Hadji is a unit coordinator at ADAPT Clubhouse. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St Cloud State University, Minnesota. Meryiem has been employed by Brain Injury Services since 2021.
Meryiem Hadji
Unit Coordinator, ADAPT Clubhouse
Patrice Hall-Jackson
Patrice Hall-Jackson is a Vocational Specialist in the Vocational Program at Brain Injury Services. She received an Associate of Occupational Science degree in Visual Communications. Patrice has been working with children and adults with intellectual disabilities since 2001. Previously Patrice worked as an Employment Specialist for adults with intellectual disabilities in Maryland. She enjoys making natural body products, graphic design, photography, and making arts and crafts with her daughter.
Patrice Hall-Jackson
Vocational Specialist, Vocational Program
Sheridan M. Knowles
Sheridan Knowles (MS, OTR/L) is an occupational therapist serving as a Specialist in the Community Participation and Skill-Building Services (ComPASS) program and the Fredericksburg Day Program. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Shepherd University and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Towson University. She has experience working in a variety of healthcare settings including acute care, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, and administration capacities, and has served communities in Maryland, Washington DC, and Michigan. While her clinical experience is multifaceted, Sheridan is particularly passionate about serving survivors of brain injury and promoting tools and strategies to help them reach their highest level of independence and fulfillment. Sheridan has a background in theater and vocal performance and enjoys many hobbies including gardening and caring for her many houseplants, yoga and strength training, cooking, and spending time with family. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since October 2021.
Sheridan M. Knowles
Occupational Therapist
Joy Koeppen
Joy Koeppen (LCSW, CBIS) is the Counseling Manager at BIS. Joy has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree in Social work from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Joy’s passion for working with individuals with disabilities and their families began when she worked for Brain Injury Services as a Case Manager from 2000-2003. Joy returned to the BIS team in 2015 as the BIS Mental Health Therapist. Joy’s clinical experience spans more than 20 years in a variety of settings including healthcare, public schools and private practice working primarily with adults, parents of children with special needs, individuals with disabilities and family caregivers. Joy uses an eclectic clinical approach utilizing a wide variety of proven psychotherapy tools.
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Joy has lived in Virginia more than half her life and feels more like a native. When not working, Joy enjoys being with her family consisting of her husband, two sons and a lovable labrador retriever. Joy enjoys singing, gardening, being creative and being outside as often as possible to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Joy Koeppen
Manager, Counseling Program
Anisha Langston
Anisha Langston is an Adult Case Manager and a Veteran of the Armed Forces. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in applied behavior analysis from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Anisha is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health from the University of Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. She has over 7 years of experience in mental health providing empathy and critical thinking to make others feel empowered and at ease. Outside of work, Anisha enjoys spending time with family.
Anisha Langston
Adult Case Manager
NKenya Lassiter
NKenya Lassiter (MA, CRC, CBIS) currently is the Director of Operations at Brain Injury Services. She has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.
NKenya has been employed at BIS since 2002 and has worked in the field and with persons with various disabilities since 2000.
NKenya Lassiter
Director of Operations
Paula Levin-Alcorn
Paula Levin-Alcorn (MSW, LCSW) is an Adult Case Manager. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Towson University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland. Paula was a case manager at BIS from 1996 to 2001 and is delighted to be back.
Paula Levin-Alcorn
Case Manager, Adult Case Management
Jessica Linquist
Jess Linquist (MA, CRC, CBIS) is an Adult Case Manager covering Prince William County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education & Human Development from The George Washington University. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Brain Injury Specialist. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2022.
Jessica Linquist
Adult Case Manager
Stephanie Lloyd
Stephanie Lloyd is the Manager at the ADAPT Clubhouse. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Stephanie has been employed by Brain Injury Services since February 2019.
Stephanie Lloyd
Manager, ADAPT Clubhouse
Donna A. Meltzer
Donna is a life-long advocate for people with disabilities and has worked in the nonprofit arena for more than 35 years.
Donna was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in suburban Maryland. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park campus where she majored in Journalism (Public Relations) and minored in Government and Politics. While still in college, she began working for a Member of Congress on Capitol Hill, where she was first introduced to the understanding that people with disabilities did not have the same civil rights as other Americans. She worked to change that by helping to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Affordable Care Act (ACA) amongst other bills. She has worked for several organizations leading public policy change and organizational change, including the Epilepsy Foundation, where she led the change for policy and legislation that supports people with acquired and traumatic head injuries.
When Donna is not working for her organization, attending a Board meeting for another disability organization or healthcare organization, or mentoring another colleague, she can be found practicing yoga, swimming laps, or hanging out with friends and family. She is also very active in her faith community and helps her own synagogue become even more inclusive of people with disabilities. Donna is married and has two twenty-something adults who are busy starting their own careers.
Donna A. Meltzer
Chief Executive Officer
Jacqueline Paz
Jacqueline Paz is the Fredericksburg area pediatric case manager for Brain Injury Services where she facilitates resources for care givers and clients, education and awareness, and transitional services when applicable. She comes to the Fredericksburg area after completing her Master’s in Forensic Psychology from George Washington University. During this time, she worked as a residential counselor and facility manager at Center For Discovery working primarily with adult women with eating disorders and adolescents with severe mental health needs. In addition, Jacqueline volunteers with the Office for Women in Fairfax County providing resources to victims of domestic violence and assault. Jacqueline has had the honor of orchestrating a school tour raising awareness about the impact mental health has on children and the stressors they face in today’s world. Jacqueline received a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Biology from West Virginia University Institute of Technology.
Jacqueline Paz
Pediatric Case Manager, Fredericksburg Office
Elaine Perkins
Elaine Perkins (BA, COTA/L) is an Administrative Assistant at Brain Injury Services in Springfield, VA. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from George Mason University and an Associate degree in Occupational Therapy from Northern Virginia Community College. Elaine has been involved with BIS in 2012 as a caregiver support group member and then as an OTA intern at ADAPT clubhouse in 2019. Outside of work, she enjoys practicing yoga, traveling, and live music. Elaine has been employed with Brain Injury Services since 2022.
Elaine Perkins
Administrative Assistant
Sarah Pickford
Sarah Pickford (MS, OTR/L, CBIS) is the Manager of Community Participation and Skill-Building Services. She is helping to initiate the BIS Assistive Technology Program. While obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design from North Carolina State University she studied product design, human factors/ergonomics, aesthetic appeal, and universal design principles. She also earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University and is licensed in the state of Virginia. She draws knowledge and skills from both of these fields as she helps clients find assistive technology that supports their ability to engage in the activities they find meaningful. Sarah has been employed at Brain Injury Services since 2012.
Sarah Pickford
Director of Programs
James Redmon
James Redmon (MSW, MPH) is the Adult Case Manager in Leesburg covering Loudoun and western Fairfax Counties. He holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. He has worked in California and Kansas in a variety of roles including direct service, state policy, grantmaking, and administration.
James Redmon
Case Manager, Leesburg Office
Tamara Rogers
Tamara Rogers (MS, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS) is the Manager of the Community Participation and Skill-Building Services (ComPASS) Department and an occupational therapist. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a Master’s of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, both from Tufts University. She has experience working in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient settings, including completing a year-long fellowship program in Neurology with MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC. She obtained her Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation in 2019 and is particularly passionate about helping individuals with brain injuries live their most fulfilling and productive lives. In her free time, she enjoys running, crossword puzzles, and spending time with family, including her husband, two young sons, and dog. She has been employed at Brain Injury Services since July 2020.
Tamara Rogers
Department Manager, Community Participation and Skill-Building Services
Elyse Schneider
Elyse Schneider (MS, CBIS) is an Adult Case Manager. She recently relocated to Virginia from the Pittsburgh area. Elyse received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Seton Hill University and her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Carlow University. She has worked in human services in various positions for the past 10 years.
Before working with Brain Injury Services, Elyse worked for the Area Agency on Aging in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. She has provided case management to older adults for the past four years and is excited to learn more about Virginia and empowering individuals.
Outside of work, Elyse enjoys spending time hiking with friends, finding hidden waterfalls, and binge-watching TV series.
Elyse Schneider
Adult Case Manager
Katy Schnitger
Katy Schnitger is the Outreach and Advocacy Manager at Brain Injury Services. Katy has been involved with BIS since 2010 as a client and volunteer with the Speaker’s Bureau. She has been employed with BIS since 2015. She earned her BA from Albion College in Michigan.
When she is not at work, she enjoys being part of a dog therapy team with her Irishdoodle Penny. They visit patients and staff at Washington Hospital Center weekly.
Katy Schnitger
Outreach and Advocacy Manager
Stacy Stone
Stacy Stone (OTR/L) has a Bachelor of Business and Organizational Communication from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Health Science certificate in Occupational Therapy from Cleveland State University. She had experience in marketing and public relations before pursuing her degree in health sciences. She has worked in rehabilitation settings in Florida, Mississippi, Ohio, and Virginia primarily in hospitals, however, is eager to further her experience with assistive technology and cognitive rehabilitation at BIS. She is pursuing ongoing certifications and education with a passion to share new skills and knowledge with clients. Her interests are in reading, travel, running, and animals. She has a set of electric drums that are gathering dust, but that will one day be mastered!
Stacy Stone
Occupational Therapist
Brittany Stratton
One of Brittany’s favorite quotes is, “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” She has had the pleasure of serving as an honorary dance instructor to children, adolescents, adults, and families in various community behavioral health settings. One of her passions is supporting clients by rediscovering their strengths, embracing their humanness, and finding their balance.
Brittany has been in the social work field for over 10 years. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a Bachelor of Social Work Degree in 2010 and a Master of Social Work Degree in 2012 – GO RAMS!! She has experience in providing mental health therapy, intensive care coordination, crisis intervention, and clinical case management services in the community and school-based behavioral health programs. Brittany became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2019.
She is known for her work ethic, sense of humor, compassion, and creativity. She enjoys incorporating art activities, music, meditation, writing, and physical activity into therapy. Witnessing the growth and resilience of the individuals and families she serves is what motivates her to remain in the field! She believes that she learns just as much from her clients as they learn from her.
Brittany Stratton
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Michelle Thyen
Michelle Thyen (CVA) is the Director of Community Engagement. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola College in Maryland and a Graduate Certification from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. She has also obtained her CVA, Certification in Volunteer Administration. She has been employed with Brain Injury Services since 2002.
Michelle Thyen
Director of Community and Volunteer Engagement
Michelle Thyen
Michelle Thyen (CVA) is the Director of Community Engagement. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola College in Maryland and a Graduate Certification from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. She has also obtained her CVA, Certification in Volunteer Administration. She has been employed with Brain Injury Services since 2002.
Michelle Thyen
Director of Community and Volunteer Engagement
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
David L. Bulova
I was first introduced to BIS in 1997 and immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of this special organization. The staff at BIS make such a huge difference in people’s lives.
David Bulova represents the 37th District of the Virginia House of Delegates, which includes the City of Fairfax and portions of Fairfax County. In the House, he serves on the General Laws, Agriculture, Chesapeake, and Natural Resources, and Education committees as well as the State Water Commission, the Housing Commission, the Joint Commission on Health Care, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and the Virginia War Memorial Board.
David received a BA in Government from the College of William and Mary and a Masters in Public Administration and Policy from Virginia Tech. He is also a graduate of the Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. Professionally, David works as a Project Manager for Amec Foster Wheeler, where he helps local governments and industry to comply with federal and state water resources regulations.
David lives in the Middleridge community of Fairfax with his wife Gretchen and their three children.
The Honorable David C. Bulova
Thomas F. Hospod
Tom Hospod is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor working as a real estate finance and development specialist out of the Washington, DC area. Trained as a lawyer, Tom graduated from the University of Miami School of Law with his JD in 2015 and from Boston College with his BA in History and International Studies in 2011. Before attending law school, Tom served as a Legislative Aide in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, working on issues related to disability education during his tenure. After graduating from law school, he worked as a Regulatory Counsel for a compliance firm based in the Boston area.
A year and a half into his first job out of law school, Tom had a catastrophic accident while vacationing with his family, suffering a TBI that left him with spastic hemiplegia on the left side of his body. Tom went on to change industries, obtaining his Real Estate Investment Certificate from Harvard Extension School. During this time, he underwent an extensive physical and occupational therapy regimen – which only took him so far. He then dedicated himself to seeking out and staying on the cutting edge of therapies and treatments to help improve the quality of life of those living with TBI. He is currently enrolled in an experimental treatment for spasticity at Johns Hopkins University, in addition to an experimental robotic-assisted therapy program produced by Harvard Labs.
Tom lives in Alexandria, VA with his husband, former Naval Officer and Founder of Forge/VFR Eric Golnick, who runs a company dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of veterans and first responders. Being a field that often intersects with TBI, Tom has served unofficially as the company’s go-to resource for all matters TBI-related, ensuring these veterans have access to all available resources.
Thomas F. Hospod
Erin O. Mattingly
Erin Mattingly (M.A., CCC/SLP, CBIS) is a speech-language pathologist (SLP), strategic consultant, traumatic brain injury (TBI) subject matter expert, and the Director of Strategic Development at Loyal Source Government Services, a professional management consulting and staffing firm.
Ms. Mattingly has over 15 years of experience treating patients across the continuum of brain injury severity, from mild to severe injury, in both civilian and military populations. In her role as a consultant, she has worked on a variety of White House and Cabinet-level initiatives focused on suicide prevention and mental health across the Nation. Prior to her role as a consultant, Ms. Mattingly started the SLP program at a unique Department of Defense facility, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of Service members with mild traumatic brain injury and psychological health disorders. She has served in a variety of leadership positions across brain injury and SLP organizations, including the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS), the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS), and the Neurogenic Communication Disorders Special Interest Group of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She has multiple publications and presents at the state and national level on the treatment and evaluation of survivors of brain injury and suicide prevention in the Veteran and civilian populations.
Ms. Mattingly graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Education and the Ohio State University with a Masters in Communication Disorders. Ms. Mattingly holds her ASHA certification in speech-language pathology, her license to practice speech-language pathology in Washington, DC, and is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.
Erin O. Mattingly
Angela M. Ostrom
Angela M. Ostrom joins Brain Injury Services Board of Directors with extensive experience in nonprofit management, public policy, and strategic planning. She recently served as Executive Director of the ALS Association’s DC/MD/VA Chapter and as Senior Director for Volunteer Engagement for the ALS Asaoxiation national office (December 2021 - February 2024), where she led initiatives that increased volunteer leadership giving by 20% and boosted advocacy engagement and recruitment.
Before this, Angela worked with nonprofit health and patient advocacy organizations on federal grants, health policy, and advocacy strategies. Her career also includes significant roles at the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Epilepsy Foundation, where she managed multi-million-dollar budgets and led major legislative campaigns.
Angela holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University. Her leadership and advocacy expertise are invaluable as Brain Injury Services continues to support individuals with brain injuries and their families, enhancing their quality of life and empowering them to achieve their goals.
Angela M. Ostrom
Joann Perry
JoAnn Perry has worked across the public and private sectors to advise on business growth strategy and help drive organizational transformation within federal agencies undergoing IT modernization efforts. As an account manager with Accenture for over 5 years, she oversaw large-scale programs for the government to adopt technology, including data analytics, cloud computing, and business intelligence platforms.
She began her career at the Central Intelligence Agency where she frequently authored written assessments in the President’s Daily Brief and held a Top Secret clearance.
She is currently an active investor with an impact-focused angel investment fund and enjoys collaborating with her husband on marketing strategy for his local law practice. She earned her MBA from the Darden Graduate School of Business in 2012, and graduated from Emory University with a BA in Psychology in 2006.
Lastly, JoAnn has a personal connection to the work BIS does. In 2013 her mother-in-law suffered a brain injury. JoAnn’s role as a temporary caretaker provided the impetus for her and her husband to seek out opportunities to give back to the broader brain injury survivors population. They found BIS and the rest is history!
She lives in Falls Church with her husband and two young children.
Joann Perry
Stacey Piper
Stacey Piper founded Piper Strategies marketing and creative agency in 2017, prior to that she worked as the head of federal marketing for a billion-dollar global brand. She is an accomplished, results-driven marketing strategist with nearly 30 years of experience developing and implementing successful integrated marketing campaigns. Stacey has a proven record of successful translating commercial marketing best practices and digital trends into pragmatic federal marketing strategies for government contractors.
Now she works as a Fractional CMO for growing firms to leading marketing strategy and helping them to build marketing infrastructure and capacity. She works as an outsourced marketing department for other clients, helping to develop and disseminate content across earned, owned, and paid channels. With a strong background in sales and business development Stacey forms strong partnerships with sales teams and client-facing staff to ensure that the marketing strategies and messages speak directly to the customer, where they are. She is passionate about driving innovation and growth.
Stacey moved to the DC Metro area upon graduating from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in 1994 with a BS in Marketing. She earned her MS in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University in 2007. Stacey served as an Adjunct Professor at Marymount University 2006-2007 and is currently on the faculty of Government Marketing University. She lives in Fairfax with her husband and daughter. Learn more at https://piperstrategies.com.
Stacey Piper
Erica Savage
Erica Savage is a former Washington D.C. political executive, Erica faced a life-altering event in 2021 when she suffered a traumatic brain injury from being struck by an 18- wheel truck. Now, as a Wellness Lifestyle Consultant, she coaches individuals on prioritizing their personal well-being over productivity and trains organizations with best practices to facilitate workplace wellness, thus increasing productivity.
Driven by her own experiences, Erica founded The Reframed Brain to advocate for brain health and unseen injuries, striving for accessible support and resources for all affected. Through her efforts, she aims to foster empathy and awareness, providing solace and hope to those in need.
In addition to her consultancy work, Erica contributes to The Reecie Colbert Show on Sirius XM and hosts The Reframed Brain Podcast, using her platform to amplify the importance of brain health. She's in the final stages of launching her new book, "The Fight to Fly," a story of resilience and empowerment that will inspire all!
Erica Savage
Andrea Spetrini
Andrea Spetrini is a licensed CPA with BDO’s assurance division. Andrea has over 13 years of experience in public accounting with local, regional, and national CPA firms. Andrea’s public accounting experience includes accounting, auditing, and financial advising for nonprofit and healthcare organizations in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland area. Andrea’s nonprofit specialization includes financial statement reporting, auditing grant financial compliance, and performing operational and internal control reviews for a wide-variety of tax-exempt organizations.
She graduated from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in accounting and economics, and earned her Master’s in Business Administration in 2008 from Loyola University Maryland. Andrea is a native Maryland-er and lives in Annapolis with her husband.
Andrea Spetrini
Kevin Stenstrom
Kevin Stenstrom is a strategist and business development leader recognized and known for developing and motivating cross-functional teams to achieve superior results and execute on time and on budget. Prior to joining Deployed Resources, he was Vice President of Business Development at Zantech. In his role at Zantech, he was charged with developing and deploying business development, capturing strategies, building a pipeline for high end mission solutions for software development, modeling and simulation, cyber, C4ISR and systems engineering work.
As the Director of Business Development at ARServices, he was responsible for the development and expansion of the company’s business profile within the Department of Defense and federal civilian marketplaces.
Kevin is a retired U.S. Naval aviator with over 3000 hours in the P-3C aircraft. During his military career, he also served as a Strategic Planner in the Navy International Programs Office, and as Branch Chief for Communications Interoperability within the Pacific Command’s Communications Systems Directorate. He graduated from the U.S. Marines Corps War College with a Masters in National Security Affairs and Strategic Studies.
He lives in Burke, VA with his wife Kendel Paulsen and their three children.
Kevin Stenstrom
Vanessa Terry
Vanessa is a clinical dietitian specializing in helping clients on their path to recovery from eating disorders and addictions. She is passionate about showing individuals how to nourish and reconnect with their body. Vanessa works together with her clients to set healthy goals for nutrition, body recovery, and overall health by developing individual meal plans to meet their dietary needs. She has extensive experience with both inpatient and outpatient eating disorder facilities and has worked with clients at all stages of recovery.
Seeing the need for more individualized care Vanessa opened and operated her own practice in Reston VA. Prior to owning her private practice she has worked and interned at inpatient, partial treatment and outpatient eating disorder facilities and outpatient addiction facility.
Vanessa has also appeared in an ABC News Nightline special describing the struggles and journey for recovering from eating disorders. She has also participated in university panel discussions as an expert in the field and speaking engagements focus on the importance of medical team collaboration. She received her bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics at Arizona State University. She completed her clinical dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota with a focus on eating disorders.
Vanessa’s personal connection to BIS came from her mom suffering from a brain injury that led to medical complication and her death in 2023. In her experience there was no awareness of a program like BIS at the time. And now she wants to make sure more patients and families that suffer a brain injury know there is help and support out there!
Vanessa Terry
Philip DeFina, Ph.D., ABSNP, ABPdN
Dr. Philip Defina has over 40 years of experience as a neuropsychologist and cognitive neuroscientist. He is most known for developing novel, groundbreaking treatment protocols for traumatic brain injury, coma, autism spectrum, and PTSD.
Dr. DeFina is the founder and Chief Scientific Officer of the International Brain Research Foundation (IBRF), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation registered in New York. Previously, he served on the NYU faculty as an associate professor of neurology and psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine and the Bellevue Hospital Center. He was a forensic neuropsychologist at the Mount Sinai-Elmhurst Hospital Medical Center and was an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Psychology Department. Dr. DeFina was also the founder and first director of the Fielding Graduate University's Post-Doctoral Clinical Neuropsychology Training Program. Dr. DeFina subsequently co-founded the school neuropsychology training program at Texas Women's University and co-founded the American Board of School Neuropsychology, and was one of the original founding members of the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology.
As a renowned author and lecturer, he has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, books, and book chapters. He has been the Principal Investigator in several prominent research studies, including the recently completed Department of Defense Research Study on Severe Disorders of Consciousness and Coma recovery. Dr. DeFina is the Principal Investigator on a novel study using Stellate Ganglion Block Stimulation to treat chronic PTSD, Post-Partum Depression, and Post-Menopausal Syndrome. He was a research scientist and collaborator at the NYUBrookhaven National Laboratory's first PET-Schizophrenia Study. He has developed neuropsychological psychometric test instruments for ADHD, Memory Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Specific Learning Disabilities, and Disorders of the Aging Brain.
Dr. DeFina and the International Brain Research Foundation have been involved with many highly publicized cases of brain injury treatment, including the case of a 12-year old boy who was hit in the chest with a line drive during a baseball game and the highly controversial case of Jahi McMath, who was pronounced brain dead and then legally dead following a surgery in 2013.
His passion for unlocking the mysteries of the brain has been and continues to be his impetus in life.
Philip DeFina
Vanessa Terry
Vanessa is a clinical dietitian specializing in helping clients on their path to recovery from eating disorders and addictions. She is passionate about showing individuals how to nourish and reconnect with their body. Vanessa works together with her clients to set healthy goals for nutrition, body recovery, and overall health by developing individual meal plans to meet their dietary needs. She has extensive experience with both inpatient and outpatient eating disorder facilities and has worked with clients at all stages of recovery.
Seeing the need for more individualized care Vanessa opened and operated her own practice in Reston VA. Prior to owning her private practice she has worked and interned at inpatient, partial treatment and outpatient eating disorder facilities and outpatient addiction facility.
Vanessa has also appeared in an ABC News Nightline special describing the struggles and journey for recovering from eating disorders. She has also participated in university panel discussions as an expert in the field and speaking engagements focus on the importance of medical team collaboration. She received her bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics at Arizona State University. She completed her clinical dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota with a focus on eating disorders.
Vanessa’s personal connection to BIS came from her mom suffering from a brain injury that led to medical complication and her death in 2023. In her experience there was no awareness of a program like BIS at the time. And now she wants to make sure more patients and families that suffer a brain injury know there is help and support out there!