We are excited to announce the 8th Annual Living Well With Brain Injury event on August 21, 2026, 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.
Connecting Pieces: The Art of Thriving
Schedule
| 9 – 9:30 a.m. | Registration at Malley Recreation Center |
| 9:30 – 9:45 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks with Karen Rasavage, OTR/L, CBIST, Craig Clinical Professional Development Coordinator |
| 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. | Keynote Speakers and Panel | Consciousness, Creativity and Path to Recovery led by Eric Spier, MD, Craig Physician and Brain Injury Program Medical Director and Sarah Adleman, C-IAYT, RYT500, MFA, MDiv, Yoga Teacher and Speaker |
| 11 – 11:45 a.m. | Breakout Workshops |
| 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lunch and Resource Fair |
| 1 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. | Thank You with Jandel Allen-Davis, MD, Craig President and CEO |
| 1:25 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Prize Drawing with Karen Rasavage and Mike Bruno, Assistant Physical Therapy Supervisor |
| 2 – 2:45 p.m. | Breakout Workshops |
Community Art Display
Following with this year’s theme, Connecting Pieces: The Art of Thriving, we invite guests to bring a piece of artwork to display on a table at the event so that we can admire each other’s creative outlets.
Rest & Renew Lounge
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 and therapy dogs so that caregivers may attend the breakout workshops knowing their loved one is participating in their own activities nearby.
Breakout Workshops
Expressive Arts: A Painting Session | Megan Frisco, MS, CTRS, CBIS, Craig Recreational Therapy Supervisor |
Shared Rhythms: Connecting the Body, Self and Social Sphere Through Music | Annamarie Engelhard, MT-BC, NMT, Craig Neurologic Music Therapist; Sarah Folsom, MM, MT-BC, NMT, Craig Neurologic Music Therapist In this interactive workshop we will explore how music can support connection to ourselves and others. Designed for people living with brain injury and their care partners, this session will use active music listening, collaborative songwriting, and group music-making to create opportunities for shared experiences and meaningful engagement. Participants are encouraged to engage at their own comfort level. Musical experience is not required. Together, we will create an original song using music as a tool for expression, collaboration and connection. Participants will leave with practical ideas and resources for incorporating music into their daily lives to support well-being and community engagement. |
Reconnecting With Self Through Breath and Embodied Practice | 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. |
Thriving Together: The Care Partners’ Path Forward | Kent Hamstra, MA, CCM, Craig Counselor and Clinical Professional Development Coordinator; Jose Reyes, EdD, LPC, Craig Peer Mentor; 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 homepage 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.