We are excited to announce the 7th Annual Living Well With Brain Injury event on August 15, 2025, at the Malley Recreation Center located at 3380 S. Lincoln St. in Englewood, Colorado.
Join us for a day of discussion groups, resources and connecting with others. Topics will address healthy living, wellness, and care partner support. The day will include a resource fair, interactive discussion, lunch, and Q&A opportunities with Craig grads and staff.
Mapping Your Journey: Rediscovering Meaning after Brain Injury
Schedule
| 8 – 8:30 a.m. | Optional Tour of Craig Hospital (tour sign-up required with registration) |
| 9 – 9:30 a.m. | Welcome & Registration at Malley Recreation Center |
| 9:30 – 9:40 a.m. | Opening Remarks with Karen Rasavage, OTR/L, CBIST, Craig Clinical Professional Development Coordinator |
| 9:40 – 10:25 a.m. | Keynote Panel Our Journey Our Voice: Real Stories from the Road to Recovery led by Candi Boyd, Craig Chaplain |
| 10:35 – 11:35 a.m. | Breakout Workshops |
| 11:35 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lunch and Resource Fair |
| 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Breakout Workshops |
| 2:15 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Keynote Speaker Morgan Brubaker, DO, Craig Physician and Outpatient Medical Director |
| 3 – 3:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks with Jandel Allen-Davis, MD, Craig President and CEO |
| 3:15 – 3:30 p.m. | Door Prizes |
Rest & Renew Lounge – Offered from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lookout Mountain Art Room
This calm and welcoming space is open for individuals with brain injury to rest, engage in light activities, or simply take a break. This area will be staffed with supportive volunteers so that caregivers may attend the breakout workshops knowing their loved one is participating in their own activities nearby.
Breakout Workshops
Mapping Meaning Through Nature: A Horticulture Experience | Melissa Rieger, MS, OTR/L, CBIS, Craig Outpatient Telehealth Supervisor; Mattie Cryer LCSW, MSW, CBIS, Craig Horticultural Therapist This hands-on session will explore the journey of life after brain injury through nature-based expression. Using natural elements, participants will create miniature gardens that symbolize personal experiences, highlighting challenges, supports and environments. This creative process fosters self-reflection, connection and meaning-making. Participants are also invited to share their stories in pairs or small groups to deepen their insight and build community. |
The Nourished Mind: Practical Nutrition for Brain Health and Self-Care | Sharon DeGuevara, LCSW, MHNCS, CCATP, MindFUEL+ Creator; Jana Briggs, LPC, CMHNCS, CCATP, MindFUEL+ Creator Discover how everyday nutrition can play a powerful role in supporting emotional balance, mental clarity and recovery after brain injury. In this practical and encouraging session, participants will learn simple, real–life strategies to “fuel your brain” through mindful eating, hydration and small self-care shifts. Whether you’re navigating your own recovery or caring for someone who is, this session offers accessible tools to help reduce stress, boost focus and support emotional well-being. |
Mindfulness Through Yoga: A Journey of Self-Discovery | Katie Cassidy, MA CCC-SLP, C-IAYT, CBIS, Craig Speech Pathologist, Certified Yoga Therapist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist Participants will use breathwork and gentle movement to learn how to tune into their inner experience and foster self-compassion. This practice emphasizes mindfulness, self-awareness and sensory integration, offering a supportive environment to explore what is present in the moment, build inner resilience and cultivate a deeper connection to self. |
The Caregiver’s Journey: Honoring Purpose & Fostering Healing | Kent Hamstra, MA, CCM, Craig Counselor and Clinical Professional Development Coordinator; Olivia Kunevicuis, Craig Peer Mentor and Caregiver Join us for an inspiring caregiver panel as we explore the deeply personal journeys of finding purpose and healing through caregiving. This open forum offers an opportunity to hear heartfelt stories, ask meaningful questions and share your experiences in a supportive community. Together, we celebrate the resilience, strength and profound connections that caregiving brings. |
Who Should Attend?
Craig Hospital Brain Injury Program grads, outpatients, former patients, OTF participants and PEAK Center members living with brain injury and their families, caregivers and close friends.
Living Well with Brain Injury Resource Page
Craig Hospital’s Living Well with Brain Injury webpage offers up-to-date details about our educational events, resources and information for living well after brain injury.
Please Note / Aviso Para Hispanohablantes
Interpretation services will not be available at this event. / No se proporcionarán servicios de traducción al español en este evento.