What drew you to working at VBIS?

Before VBIS I worked in international conference and association management. Many of my clients worked in Neuroscience and I was fortunate to meet inspiring global researchers who are passionate about how the brain works. When the ED position at VBIS came up I saw an opportunity to have more personal interactions with brain injury survivors, which really appealed to me.⁠

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

Of course, the people! From the wonderful clients to the amazing volunteers to the superb team I am so lucky to work with, I love interacting with everyone I meet each day, and each day brings different situations and people that I get to know better.⁠

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

There’s such a stigma around brain injury and brain injury effects so many people in our community, from the survivor themselves to the family members, co-workers, friends, and beyond – it’s a ripple effect. I’d love to see a future where brain injury gets the much needed attention and funding it deserves.⁠

What is a fun fact about you?

I am learning to play the harp and I love it because even if you play the wrong notes, it’s virtually impossible to sound bad!⁠

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I’ve always been drawn to meaningful community. Its rare to find these days, and that goes double for those facing the barriers that come with brain injury. To play even a small role in making a space where people can feel seen and thrive is a beautiful thing.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The clients! Everyday I get to meet so many fun, courageous, and amazingly resilient people who’s stories and never cease to inspire and humble me. You folks make my day, everyday.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

It’s cliché but unfortunately true that you never can tell what someone’s going through just by looking at them. So it’s all of our responsibilities to advocate for each other.

What is a fun fact about you?

My favorite food is Crickets. It’s appallingly difficult to find good ones in Canada.

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I began volunteering as a receptionist at VBIS back in 2020. Having a close family member with a brain injury and studying neuroscience, I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to get involved with an organization that does work so personally meaningful to me.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The people I’ve met! The wonderful clients, staff, researchers, and volunteers have all made a profound impact on my life. I continued to be inspired by the stories I learn from brain injury survivors every day.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

How unique and diverse brain injury is. From listening to client’s stories, I have gained a deep understanding of the intersecting challenges brain injury survivors face in their lives. Learning this has not only taught me how inspiring and resilient individuals are but has also broadened my own perspectives.

What is a fun fact about you?

In my free time I love to read and be outside!

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I was drawn to working with VBIS after growing up with my father who lives with a brain injury and then learning more about what that meant in university. I was also attracted to the values of compassion, accountability, and community, which I found listed on our website.⁠

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

I enjoy meeting people and walking beside them for a bit.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

The most important thing I learned working at VBIS is how to navigate various systems, supports, and services to help people living with brain injury meet their needs. This is something I keep learning about more and more. ⁠

What is a fun fact about you?

I was dragged by a school bus on the first day of grade 1. True story. 

What drew you to working at VBIS?

Completing my practicum with VBIS gave me a front row seat to view how this team works in action. The community that the employees, volunteers, and clients here have created is powerful and full of passion (something you don’t always find in the workforce). I was drawn to work here permanently because of the people I am surrounded by.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The best part of working at VBIS is the support offered by others. You never feel alone, there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand. I believe that a supportive team is the best thing a workplace can offer its employee.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

How to put my educational training into practice. You can learn about empathy, trauma-informed practice, communication styles etc., but VBIS helped me to gain experience using these skills. Specific to brain injury, the most important thing I have learned working at VBIS is how little others know about this topic. I am grateful VBIS is here to educate, support, and advocate for all things brain injury related.

What is a fun fact about you?

I have a cat named Sharky!

What drew you to working at VBIS?

There are multiple aspects of VBIS that captivated my attention. On a daily basis the staff and volunteers at VBIS develop a warm and welcoming environment where people in the community feel safe. This energy spreads into the powerful impact that VBIS makes on survivors, their families, and the community. Everyone here is open, friendly, and fun to talk to. VBIS is the perfect place for me to use my creativity and passion to help others, spread knowledge and increase awareness about acquired brain injuries.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The staff, volunteers, and clients here at VBIS. Everyday someone has me smiling and laughing! The people here are always open to questions and helping each other. This kindness and support make for a positive and happy work environment.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

I’ve learned personal stories about the stigma that acquired brain injury survivors face. Acquired brain injuries and the symptoms survivors face can be invisible to the naked eye making them harder for people around survivors to accept. This leads to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Hearing about the path to recover from survivors has led to a more personal understand of the effects of acquired brain injuries.

What is a fun fact about you?

I spend a large amount of time outside exploring what nature has to offer!

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I really wanted to find somewhere where I can have a real impact on the lives of people in my community in my day-to-day work. VBIS does incredible work and I have already seen the impact it has on people!

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The best part about being here is the people! Folks have been so welcoming and friendly. It has been wonderful getting to know the staff and clients.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

The thing I probably have learned already (and need to remind myself) is to speak slower! I tend to speak very quickly when I am excited. 

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I have a leopard gecko named Scout! I spend a lot of time decorating her tank and adding things to climb on and hide in. 

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I’ve always felt there is a real lack of education and understanding about brain injury. There is a lot of stigma about taking care of your brain, which I’ve always seen growing up playing sports and snowboarding. A lot of athletes don’t wear helmets or treat concussions seriously, I believe that comes from them being unaware of the danger of head injuries. I was drawn to VBIS because they are actively working to change people’s perspectives on brain injury and create a more inclusive environment for survivors.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The all-around positive atmosphere here, everyone is super friendly and supportive. Its special to get to work at a place that provides a safe place for so many people.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

That there is so many different types of brain injury. Getting to meet clients and hear their stories has been super impactful, I’ve got to see the unique issues that survivors deal with and it has helped me understand what recovery can look like.

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m proud to be half Jamaican! I also enjoy playing chess in my free time (although I’m not very good)

 What drew you to working at VBIS?

As a social work student doing my final placement at VBIS, I’m interested in learning more about addressing ableist ideas that make life more difficult for people that have experienced a brain injury. I also wanted to learn more about the skill of system navigation and to support people with their Social Determinants of Health.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The people I meet and get to work with have shared their personal stories with me and I feel privileged to get to learn from them. Also, the amazing team here has made me feel very welcomed and included.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

I am learning so much! However, If I must pick the most important thing, it would be how a brain injury can affect people. I think it is so valuable to understand the common symptoms of brain injury as it can be something that the medical system does not always recognize. This learning will lead me to be a better advocate for people that have experienced this type of injury.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love being a student and consider myself a lifelong learner. I think I will always be taking courses to gain knowledge and skills to best support the people I walk beside.

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Invisible disabilities are highly stigmatized, particularly ones related to brain injury. We are all one unfortunate second away from needing the support VBIS gives, and as such, I am happy to assist in strengthening the organization’s position and resources.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

My teammates are exceptional, the ED is exceptional, and watching the organization blossom is a privilege.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

I learn something new every month at VBIS, but looking back to when I first started, I was surprised at how much non-profit organizations rely on volunteers and was further surprised by the generosity of time and commitment our volunteers display.

What is a fun fact about you?

I failed my driver’s test four times! I’m from England. I blame it on the wrong side of the road thing.

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

After suffering a concussion in 2018 and then learning to manage ongoing post concussive symptoms, I wanted to help others dealing with brain injuries. Through my injury, I came to realize how many people suffer, and try to cope, with ongoing brain injury.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

The  dedication and skill set from different sectors at the VBIS board is uncommon with non-profit boards. Around the room, there is open communication, mutual respect, and listening to wide perspectives, with an end to see VBIS grow and help as many people as possible.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

There are so many people who need the help and support of VBIS through brain injury. The passion seen in volunteers and staff is amazing!

What is a fun fact about you?

Yes, accountants do have fun! I love riding my bike, both road and gravel. A reduction in post concussion symptoms through exercise is an added bonus.

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Life has shown me the formidable hurdles individuals with brain injuries and their families often face, including my own. When I heard about VBIS and the compelling stories of what it is like to live with a brain injury, it sparked an even fiercer commitment in me to raise awareness and provide support.  

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

The vibrant and positive energy in everyone on the team who truly want to make a difference, advocate and spread awareness about brain injuries.  

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

Gaining a deeper understanding of the causes, effects, and challenges associated with brain injuries. This increased awareness can be valuable for both personal growth and advocating for those affected by brain injuries.

What is a fun fact about you?

I came into the world on December 24th – couldn’t resist the holiday charm, I suppose. To top the humour, my younger brother clearly loved my birthday style so much that he had to show up to the same birthday party, only seven years later! 

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

In the course of my work as a physician the impact of brain injuries on individuals, their next of kin and their local community is always clearly apparent to me. Thankfully through personal connection I was able to join the board at VBIS.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

This is an exceptionally competent and very caring group of VBIS staff and volunteer directors who are working diligently and consistently to make other people’s lives better. What could be better than being a part of that? 

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

The massive difference that the services and programs offered by VBIS makes to the clients lives.

What is a fun fact about you?

As long as I am on the water I am happy. Frozen (snowboarding), or liquid (skiing and tubing) are equally good.

​What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

The passion and level of engagement that’s demonstrated by each of the Board members I had met. They made me feel inspired and excited to be a part of something magical in the work that VBIS does for the community. As someone with a very long history of concussions, I can completely appreciate the need to amplify the work that this board and organization is doing, and I’m super stoked to contribute what I can to help make this happen.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Getting an opportunity to work alongside pretty amazing and brilliant human beings! I know my time on the board has just started, but the time I’ve spent with the team so far – I’ve been nothing but absolutely impressed with how they have chosen to show up for VBIS.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

How no two brain injuries can look the same and how personalized modalities of care can really change someone’s life after brain injury. That’s why it’s so important to hold space for people to share their stories – so that we feel seen, heard, included, and valued.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love paint-by-number canvases. I don’t know why it came to be, but I can lose all sense of time and feel so happy when it’s just me, a handful of acrylic paints, and a piece of art broken down by tiny little numbers. 

​What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

I have a 17yr old son who recently had two concussions last year from mountain bike competitions. My concern led me to want to understand more and how I can help. I did not know the purpose and resources VBIS offers until speaking with Gerald Hartwig, the President.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Working with an energetic and motivated Board that is focused on making a difference.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

The tools available at VBIS for concussion patients that will help them with their recovery. Very few people know about this.

What is a fun fact about you?

Well, since it is no surprise since our last Board meeting, I bungy jumped nude (ok, back in 2000) as a bet to encourage a friend to stop smoking. She stopped and I lost😊.