Healthy on Purpose

Sensitive Detection & Management of Subconcussion in Contact Sports: Emerging Perspectives on Prevention and Performance

With increasing evidence that subconcussive impact exposure can impair cognitive processing, sensitive objective evaluations have begun to identify potential interventions and innovations. This talk will review neurophysiological studies, highlight emerging approaches to protect and promote cognitive performance, therby helping to reduce the adverse effects and long term consequences of concussion.    Learn more about Tanja: VICE PRESIDENT – CLINICAL INNOVATION, HEALTHTECH CONNEX PHYSIOTHERAPIST, INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP COACH   Tanja has 30+ years of experience in clinical and healthcare leadership; orchestrating strategy and operations across 50+ sites while coaching/developing leaders and allied health teams of all types across multiple business streams. Her past role as Healthcare Innovation Lead with Canada’s largest national healthcare company positioned her in the emerging technology space, where she developed relationships with numerous inventors and start-ups redefining the healthcare landscape. This insight into future-facing innovations brought her to Healthtech Connex, where she currently pursues her passion for technology, clinical neuroscience and brain health across their multiple divisions; working with clinical leaders at the Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic, research professionals at the Centre for Neurology Studies and the medical engineering teams at Neurocatch. She recently founded the Brainnovation Network, linking neurorehabilitation facilities across North America to improve the standard of care for brain health. Tanja is also part of the global faculty of The Complete Leader (Leadership Development programs) and The Innovator’s Advantage Academy (Innovation Training- Coaching), working with clinics and industry to design and develop clinical innovation programs.    This presentation is sponsored by ReflexPro

Mindset & Concussion

Learn more about Dr. Emily: Dr. Emily Kostelnik is a Clinical Health Psychologist specializing in specializing in chronic dizziness and related disorders and also lives with multiple vestibular diagnoses. She approaches chronic illness through a holistic lens and her personal experience as a patient informs the way she works with her own clients. She is the founder of Rooted Behavioral Education which provides self-paced virtual behavioral health courses specific to chronic dizziness, provides one-on-one educational meetings to vestibular warriors worldwide, and oversees vestibular mindset coaches. She is also the founder of a private psychology practice called The Vestibular Psychologist where she provides virtual, individual, and group therapy to those with chronic dizziness living in US states where she is licensed. She is passionate about conducting research, supporting clients, and providing holistic education to the vestibular community. Her mission is to teach vestibular warriors that treatment requires a whole body approach and that there are always new treatment options to consider.   This presentation is sponsored by ReflexPro

The World's First AI Powered Concussion Recovery Assistant

Learn how Brainbot works as a 24/7 support system, providing adaptive strategies and insights to enhance self-management skills and confidence throughout the concussion recovery journey.   Learn more about Shelley: Shelley is an occupational therapist with over a decade of experience in treating individuals with traumatic brain injuries, and she has extensive training in concussion management and cognitive rehabilitation. Having endured persistent concussion symptoms herself, Shelley has unique insight into the complex and unique challenges that concussion symptoms bring to daily life. Her journey has led her to the forefront of enhancing occupational therapy with technology. She co-founded Brainbot, a digital rehab companion that leverages data and artificial intelligence to empower clients to understand and manage their concussion symptoms more effectively. Shelley's blend of clinical expertise, personal insight, and passion for innovative technology makes her a distinctive voice in the intersection of AI and occupational therapy.     This presentation is sponsored by NeckCare

Healthy on Purpose

A birds-eye view of nutrition, movement, and mindset applied to concussion/PCS recovery by practically leveraging the "B.A.M." concept.   Learn more about Dr. Mark: Dr. Mark Heisig specializes in integrative neurology and metabolic medicine, striving to be a leader in integrative concussion recovery and performance. Inspiring athletes and motivated individuals with simplicity and innovation to achieve new levels of higher quality performance in sport and life.   This presentation is sponsored by Jane

Empowering Recovery: Understanding the Role of Pain Reprocessing Therapy in Post Concussion Syndrome

Empowering Recovery: Understanding Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Post-Concussion Syndrome" Synopsis: Explore the emerging field of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and its application on post-concussion syndrome at the founding practice of the modality, the Pain Psychology Center. This session provides a concise overview of how PRT addresses the relationship between chronic symptoms and the nervous system. Gain practical insights into incorporating PRT techniques into your clinical practice and supporting PCS patients effectively on their recovery journey.   Learn more about Vanessa: Vanessa Blackstone, ACSW, citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is the Executive Director of the Pain Psychology Center and co-author of The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook. She earned her M.S. in Social Work from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Following her own personal recovery from chronic pain, Vanessa began her career as a therapist in 2018. In addition to chronic pain treatment, she specializes in sex therapy, substance use and recovery, mindfulness-based relapse prevention, and works on film sets as an Onset Wellness Professional. Outside of her professional roles, Vanessa is a former foster youth who advocates for current and former foster youth by sharing her personal experiences in public speaking events.   This presentation is sponsored by NeckCare