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About Us

At the Brain Care Centre we are committed to helping individuals to reconnect, rebuild, and thrive after a brain injury. Our services include service navigation, professional counselling, occupational therapy, assisted device training, and volunteer social programs. 

Defying Limitations

Image of two men smiling and and supporting each other

Brain Care Centre’s Mission and Core Values

Brain Care Centre exists to give those impacted by an acquired brain injury the support they need to overcome limitations, reconnect, rebuild, and thrive in the community.

As the leader for excellence in brain care, we Defy Limitations!

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Compassionate

We understand that those we serve are the experts of their own experiences and we deeply respect their individual journeys.

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Professional

We strive to ensure anyone who interacts with Brain Care Centre has a high-quality experience and that we operate with integrity and transparency.

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Collaborative

We work as a team to solve problems and invite partners and agencies to work alongside us.

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Innovative

We are attuned to the needs of those we serve, and our programs evolve to reflect the current trends in our sector.

What is an acquired brain injury?

An acquired brain injury is damage to the brain that happens after birth and is not linked to a degenerative disease. There are two different kinds of brain injuries – traumatic and non-traumatic. 

A brain injury can occur from a wide variety of situations, include a stroke, a car accident, a sports injury, domestic violence, or a workplace accident. 

The brain is an extremely complex organ, and every brain injury is different. This means that each person who sustains a brain injury has a different experience, a variety of symptoms, and varying levels of severity. Acquired brain injuries can change a person’s physical ability, cognition, emotions, and social skills. Sustaining a brain injury can affect anything in your body from swallowing, balance, memory problems, or changes in personality.

Some facts about brain injury:

      • In Canada, 2% of the population lives with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and there are approx. 165,000 traumatic brain injuries each year.
      • Women with TBI are more likely than men to experience mental health problems post-injury. 
      • Teens, young adults and seniors are at higher risk of TBI as a pedestrian.  
      • There are approximately 200,000 concussions per year in Canada. 
      • There is no single test that can definitively diagnose a concussion. 
      • There are over 120 types of brain tumors, making brain tumor treatment challenging.  
      • An estimated 8 million Canadians provided care to a chronically ill, disabled, or aging family member 
      • About 2/3 of people with a traumatic brain injury are affected by depression.  

Stories of Impact

Our clients all have their own unique stories and journeys surrounding their experiences with a brain injury, but where their stories overlap is in their experiences with Brain Care Centre. Check out some of their stories below. 

Roxanne

Roxanne’s Story

My world shifted on that fateful day in 2018 when a bus accident left me with a concussion. At first, I couldn’t watch TV, use my phone, or even glance at my iPad without triggering headaches and vertigo. In a difficult moment, I found hope and support through the Brain Care Centre. Through counseling, occupational therapy, and a supportive community, I regained my footing. Now, back at work and feeling empowered, I credit the Brain Care Centre for my remarkable recovery.

Happy disabled man listening to music using headphones with caregiver at home

Dwayne’s Story

Our idyllic life in Edmonton took a tragic turn when Dwayne was struck by a car. He was in a coma for weeks, and when he finally woke up, he had lost much of his memory. I suddenly became his full-time caregiver. With no income and feeling overwhelmed, we turned to the Brain Care Centre. Thanks to supporters like you, we were able to access vital programs, financial aid, and emotional support. Dwayne’s recovery has been challenging, but it became possible—a true testament to the impact of the Brain Care Centre.

Member of Brain Care Centre helping coordinate services for a client

Rawle’s Story

My life took an unexpected turn during a self-esteem workshop. A sudden inability to write and slurred speech led me to the University of Alberta Hospital, where I learned I had suffered a stroke. After months of hospitalization and outpatient care, I found hope at the Brain Care Centre. Courses, one-on-one support, and occupational therapy transformed my life. Now, I volunteer by writing thank-you notes to donors—a testament to my resilience and the center’s impact.

Two business colleagues talking to each other while walking to their work at office

This Time Was Different – Sheelagh’s Story

In 1995, I survived a car accident caused by a drunk driver. My physical injuries eventually healed, but the impact on my brain lingered. Then in 2019, another accident made things worse, exacerbating my brain injury and leaving me with light sensitivity, mobility challenges, and memory impairments. Discovering the Brain Care Centre changed everything for me. Through counseling, support groups, and occupational therapy, I found understanding, acceptance, and peer support. Now, as a Learning and Development Specialist, I’m committed to ensuring others can benefit from Brain Care Centre programs. Your donation truly makes a difference in lives like mine.

Brain Care Centre client getting support from the staff

Sylvie’s Story

In 2016, I survived a devastating car accident that left me with severe concussion symptoms. Blurry vision, dizziness, and anxiety became my daily companions. Through the Brain Care Centre’s Concussion Program, I found support, learned to manage my symptoms, and regained my health. Your continued support ensures that others facing brain injuries can find hope and healing too.

An elderly couple sitting at a table together at Brain Care Centre

Ashley’s Story

In April 2018, a surfing accident in Mexico left me with a concussion that evolved into Post Concussion Syndrome, ushering in two years of relentless headaches and uncertainty. It wasn’t until I found the support group at Edmonton’s Brain Care Centre that I realized I wasn’t alone in this journey. Connecting with others who understood my struggles was a turning point in my recovery, showing me the power of community in healing. Today, over three years later, I stand as a testament to resilience and hope, urging others to seek help and embrace the support available. You can recover—keep fighting, one day at a time.

Brain Care Centre’s Board of Directors

Anika Zepp

Executive Director

Brett Fraser

Board Chair

Kris Janvier

Vice Chair

Danica McLellan

Director

Kimberly Waslyenchuk

Director

Brian Rowe

Director

Jeff Tetz

Director

Noelle Piska

Director

Justine Lee

Director

Ryan Berget

Director

Connie Kobylko

Director

Annual Report