About our Organization
We Take Action…
...by providing leadership and support for a wide variety of projects and programs in resource coordination, prevention, education, advocacy and self-determination.
Resource Coordination
Our resource specialists provide, free of charge, information, educational materials, resource coordination, support and hope to individuals with brain injury and their families. Our Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm and by appointment. We have a statewide toll-free hotline (800.221.6443) maintain a lending library and publish guides such as The Maryland Directory of Brain Injury Resources, The Brain Injury Guidebook and LINKS, BIAM’s electronic newsletter. BIAM provides Case Management Services and Provider Trainings throughout the State, for a fee. In addition, we assist with research dissemination and clinical trial subject recruitment.
Prevention and Awareness Programs
Each year, BIAM not only attends but hosts a variety of events to promote brain injury prevention and awareness. We participate in many health care fairs, educational forums and community and school outreach events. BIAM is proud to partner with the Brain Injury Outreach Councils in Baltimore City/County and Western Maryland.
Education Programs
BIAM’s preeminent event is our Annual Two-day Educational Conference traditional held in the spring. It is one of the largest and best attended conferences devoted exclusively to brain injury in the Mid-Atlantic region. We also conduct seminars and trainings for healthcare and disability professionals, school systems, individuals with brain injury, family members/caregivers, and the general public.
Self Determination and Advocacy
Our efforts include advocacy on local, state and national levels. Most recently, BIAM spearheaded an initiative with many other dedicated organizations and legislators to pass legislation requiring that student athletes in Maryland be provided concussion awareness education and to be treated by professionals trained in concussion if they become injured. In addition, BIAM holds four seats on the Maryland TBI Advisory Board and we have representation on many state and disability workgroups and taskforces. We encourage and support the numerous Brain Injury Support and Caregiver Groups around the state.
Meet Our Staff, Board & Committee Chairs
BIAM Operations
Bryan Thomas Pugh, Executive Director
Suzanne Kantt, Assistant Director
Alicia Cignatta, Outreach Coordinator
Molly McSweeney, Office Administrator
BIAM Board of Directors
Mark Huslage – President
Professional
Coordinator of Brain Injury Services
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
Deborah Youngquist - Vice President
Professional
Rehab and Quality Management Dept
Christine Shenot - Secretary
Individual with Brain Injury
Keith Trumbull - Treasurer
Family Member
Doris B. Reinhart – Past President
Professional
Vice President & Administrator
Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland
Dr. William Bograkos, D.O. Army, retired
Professional
Sharon Christie
Professional
Law Offices of Sharon Christie, PA
Terri Bishop McDonald
Professional
Kennedy Krieger Inst. Community Rehab
Jamie McElwee
Professional
Program Director
Western Maryland Hospital Center
John McSweeney
Professional
Humanim, Inc.
Karen Memphis
Professional
Trauma Nurse
University of MD Shock Trauma
Mark Sementilli
Professional
Neuropsychologist
Kathy Specht
Professional
Montomery County Public Schools
Laurie Von Hagel
Family Member
BOARD Standing Committees
Infrastructure Committee – Doris Reinhart
Fundraising Committee – Kathy Specht
Legislative Committee – Bryan Pugh
Business Development – Mark Huslage