3rd Quarter 2014 Newsletter - Brain Injury Center of Ventura County

Brain Injury Center of Ventura County
Improving the quality of life for people living with a brain injury and their families throughout Ventura County
Third Quarter 2014
P. O. Box 1477 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • 805-482-1312
www.BrainInjuryCenter.org
Brain Injury Center of Ventura County
T
Celebrates Sweet
he Brain Injury Center of Ventura County marks 16
years of service. With a mission of helping brain
injury survivors and their families navigate life after
brain injury, the Brain Injury Center (BIC) proudly assists over
600 local survivors each year, as well as connects families
and caregivers with a supportive community.
“Brain Injury, whether it be through a trauma to the head or
through stroke, tumor or illness, is a uniquely insidious disability,” said Donna Davies, President of the BIC Board of Directors. “The cognitive, emotional, physical and social challenges last a lifetime. Our goal is to positively affect brain
injury survivors by helping them with these life-long challenges, as well as provide support to their families.”
The BIC story began in 1995 when
Dave and Midge
Stork’s 17-year old
daughter was involved in a nearfatal car accident
that left her with a
traumatic brain injury. Searching for
Dave and Midge Stork celebrating 16
ways to provide
years at the Walk & Roll event on June 22
support for their
daughter, and others facing the same challenge, the grassroots organization was formed. The group was incorporated in 1998 as the Brain Injury Support Group with meetings
at the Stork’s Ventura home.
“The original founding members started meeting in our living room, “ said Dave Stork. “I am more of a visionary and an
optimist so I always knew the organization would grow and
be what it is today. We just needed to bring in good people
to help us.”
Linda Wells, a brain injury survivor from Ventura, is one of the
original-founding members. Her own brain injury story began in 1998 when she was in a serious accident on Catalina
Island. She was airlifted to Long Beach Memorial Hospital
with a severe brain injury. After they saved her life, she was
transferred to St. John’s Hospital for rehabilitation and her
long journey as a brain injury survivor began. “We needed
a place for survivors and caregivers to belong,” she said. “We
knew there were others needing help because support is
important for survivors and their loved ones too.” Linda says
she no longer feels alone because she is part of a community. Although she has lifelong challenges as a survivor, she
is living a meaningful life where she can make a difference
and enjoy activities like art and yoga. “I live with a smile on
my face most of the time.”
In 2008 the organization’s name was changed to the Brain
Injury Center with an expanded mission to reach out to all
of Ventura County. The non-profit organization currently
serves the county’s estimated 32,000 adults with acquired
brain injury and over 16,000 adults with traumatic brain injury.
Because adults typically do not have long-term care and
advocacy, BIC is working to fill this gap. Services include
referrals for medical, psychological, transportation, financial planning, lodging and education. BIC also holds support groups, organizes monthly socials, offers psychological
counseling, and stages the annual Ventura County Brain
Injury Conference.
“It is inspiring and gratifying to hear how survivors and families feel the Brain Injury Center has made life easier for them,”
said Stork. “We are on the right path.” 
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Donna Davies, President, BIC Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Donna Davies, President
Dennis Wood, Vice President
Treasurer, Brian Cousino, CPA
Secretary, Pauline Malysko
Ann Arragg
John Cortes
Glee Lewis
Sheila Murphy
Dotti Oliver
Dave Wilk
Legal Counsel – David E. Edsall
Professional Advisory Council
Jarice Butterfield, Ph.D., CBIS
Donna R. Davies
Lisa Hayden, Psy.D.
Erik Lande, Ph.D.
Celeste Racicot, M.Ed., CRC, CVE
Cheryll Smith, Ph.D.
Robert Tomaszewski, Ph.D., ABPP-CN
Marsha Zak, Ph.D., SLP
Executive Director
Jeanette Villanueva, MPPA
Program Director
Lisa Hayden, Psy.D.
Administrator
Christine Riley, CBIS
Support Group Monitor Volunteers
Mackie Lindsey
Kay and Lou Liddi
Cynthia and Tom Hashbarger
Mary Ann Stehle
Linda Prewitt
H
appy Sixteenth Birthday Brain Injury
Center! The support group and potluck
suppers started years before 1998, but
16 years ago this month was the incorporation of
the organization we now know as the Brain Injury Center. Thank you to the people who planted
the seeds for the work we are able to do today,
especially Midge and Dave Stork.
A 16 year old is at a point in their lives when they are physically a young adult,
aware of their appearance and their own unique personality and opinions. BIC
similarly has become an independent voice, with clear vision and understanding of where it is and where it needs to go. Behind this voice and vision are
many who work tirelessly to pump the energy and resources needed to make
BIC effective for today and into the future.
Jeanette Marie Villanueva, our newly appointed Executive Director, is steering
BIC with capable, dedicated hands. She is meeting with key people within the
organization and throughout Ventura County. She is learning and becoming
more excited by her new position every day. The Transition Team of the Board
did an excellent job in recruiting and selecting Jeanette; thank you to Dennis
Wood, Vice President of the Board, and to his committee.
Of course all the Board members, who work tirelessly to connect us to the people and organizations in the community that support us and work with us, are
the lifeblood of the organization. Then you add the energetic spirit of the many
volunteers, survivors, family and friends and you have an unstoppable force for
change. In sixteen more years I believe Ventura County will not see survivors
wandering from place to place looking for services, wondering how to manage,
being turned away without needed care, rehabilitation and resources.
So gather round and sing with joy for the growing years we have had, for the
maturity we have attained and for the promises of the future. Together we will
continue to grow and make positive changes for those living with an acquired
brain injury. Hope to see you all at the Evening of Magical Memories in September! 
Fundraising Committee
Dotti Oliver, Chair
Nina Andres
Linda Prewitt
Natalie Bradley
Janice Rossi
Maribeth Butler-Case
Jane Rozanski
Michelle Chason
Maria Schwartz
Sue Craig
Carol Shaw
Kaye Feller
Nancy Simmons
Paula Lenett-Gill
Midge Stork
Michelle Grandstaff
Sue Tatangelo
Lisa Hayden
Debbie Tessano
Glee Lewis
Jeanette Villanueva
Pauline Malysko
Linda Wells
Sheila Murphy
Kay Wigton
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Support BIC with a generous donation
The Brain Injury Center of Ventura County is grateful for your support.
Because we are not government funded, we rely on the community’s
generosity to enable us to fulfill our mission of helping people with brain
injuries and their families. If you can, please complete the attached envelope with your contribution and drop it in the mail.
Thank you!
My Story… I am Jenna, the Survivor
By Jenna Prewitt
A
couple of years ago, I went to see the movie, The
Vow, which was based on the true story of a woman
who didn’t even remember her own husband after
a car crash that left her with a brain injury. There was a line
in that movie that stuck with me: “Each one of us is the sum
total of every moment we ever experience.”
So, with that in mind, I’ll introduce myself, because who I am
includes who I was before, as well as after, my brain injury.
My name is Jenna Prewitt. I’m 28 years old and have lived
in Camarillo my whole life (except for the year after my accident that I spent in hospitals and rehab
facilities). I am still the same person who
used to play soccer, was a high jump
champion, and who wanted to play
water polo during her senior year. (I just
can’t do those things anymore.)
I am the same person who had plans: I
was going to go to a university straight
out of high school—hopefully on a track
scholarship for high jumping; and then
start a career as a school counselor or
child psychologist. I planned on being
married by the age of 25—after getting
my degree, of course, and getting a dog
or two, and having kids. But life doesn’t
always go as planned and on June 24,
2002 mine changed in a heartbeat.
The doctors and nurses said my brain was “mush” and if I
lived, I would probably not be able to function on my own.
A neurologist told my family that I was brain dead.
I am Jenna, the girl who proved them wrong.
I don’t remember anything about my 56 days in the intensive care unit at Los Robles or about the first few weeks at
Northridge Hospital where I spent the next three months
learning how to breathe, swallow, move and speak again.
After that, I went to Solutions, a residential rehab facility in
Goleta, to learn how to live in the world outside of hospitals
with a brain injury and in a wheelchair.
After more than nine months after my
accident, I was finally able to go home.
I am Jenna, the survivor.
Brain injury doesn’t go away, but I have
come a long way from “She may not
make it” to where I am today. It took six
years, but I graduated from Ventura College and I may only have one year left
before earning my BA from California
State University, Channel Islands.
In an effort to try to help others avoid
what happened to me (and to increase
some understanding of what it’s like to
have a brain injury), I give presentations
in high school classrooms. I hope to help
Jenna Prewitt, brain injury survivor, will
high school kids realize that they are not
Coming home from getting burritos at
be honored at “An Evening of Magical
invincible and to make them aware of
the Somis Market, I was broadsided by
Memories” on September 27, 2014.
what can happen if they are in car accia truck as I entered an intersection. I
dents. I entered the Ms. Wheelchair California pageant in
don’t remember anything about the accident. I was told
2012 because it would have given me the opportunity to go
that branches obscured a stop sign and that a construction
statewide to try to provide more awareness of the needs of
project had removed the limit lines. I wasn’t speeding, drinkpeople in wheelchairs. (I didn’t win the title, but I was choing or doing drugs. My next memory didn’t happen for over
sen as Ms. Congeniality!) I still go to therapies three or four
three months because I was in a coma, fighting for my life. I
days a week, and I am volunteering at the Brain Injury Center
was 16 and could now add “traumatic brain injured” to who
twice a week.
I am.
I may also be Jenna, the dreamer, because I remain hopeful
The paramedics gave me a 3, the lowest score possible, on
that stem cell research will result in discoveries that will help
the Glasgow Coma Scale at the scene of the accident. Fifty
everyone who has had a brain injury. Until then, with suppercent of people with scores less than 8 die. I was airlifted
port from friends, family, and the community, I still believe
to Los Robles Hospital where it was determined that I had a
that it’s possible for me and for others with brain injuries, to
ruptured spleen, left hemiplegia, and a traumatic brain inmake a positive difference in the world. 
jury (TBI).
In every newsletter we share a story written by either a brain injury survivor or a family member/caregiver. We do not edit these stories. They are written with the unique
perspective and in the language of the authors. By sharing these stories as written, we think you – our stakeholders - get a more genuine picture of what it is like to live with
a brain injury. We hope you enjoy reading these special insights.
THIRD QUARTER 2014
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jeanette Marie Villanueva, MPPA
I
want to thank everyone for giving me such a warm welcome. I have enjoyed the many hugs by our survivors
and family members!
As I write this message, I am reminded of why I wanted to
lead a nonprofit organization – to use my professional skills
and abilities to make a difference. Since I joined the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County, I join our volunteers, interns,
board members and staff and I MAKE A DIFFERENCE every
day I go to work. I can sincerely tell you, there is no greater
reward.
I am joining the Brain Injury Center at an exciting time. It
started with a passionate group of founders searching for
ways to procure services and support for their loved ones
with brain injuries. They also needed a place to connect
with other survivors and family members to offer support,
resources and community. Since then this small grassroots
organization has steadily grown over the past 16 years –
and is now coming of age. In the United States, a “Sweet
16” birthday is an important rite of passage that celebrates
approaching adulthood. Well, thanks to all the committed
people along the way, the
Brain Injury Center is growing up.
During its 16 years, BIC has
helped thousands of brain
injury survivors and family
members by offering care
coordination with a multidisciplinary approach to
addressing survivor needs. Experienced interns and specialists facilitate our survivor and caregiver support groups,
and we continue to provide referral assistance to neuro and
physical assessments, rehabilitation, legal assistance, transportation, housing and much more. BIC has also fostered
community partnerships to collaborate and share services,
as well as reached out to the community for grants and fundraising. This dedicated work to fulfill the organization’s mission has made a positive life-changing difference.
As BIC enters adulthood, there is much to look forward to!
Happy “Sweet 16!” 
FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Lisa Hayden, Psy.D.
W
e have recently run two groups to sharpen vocational skills for individuals with TBI. We practice interviewing, asking for feedback from a
supervisor and responding to criticism.
Many folks would like to find meaningful activities, either
paid or unpaid and we support that heartily.
We have all celebrated the success of Tyler Sutton in his
work at Steve Thomas Mini of Camarillo and are pleased that
recently some other folks have found jobs. Sean Aulds is
happily working part-time at McConnell’s Ice Cream in Ventura. Eric Briney will be working at welding, something he
has trained for and been eager to do. We have two interns in
our office, Bernadette Lyon-Sales and Jenna Prewitt, where
they are gaining experience to put on resumes as they move
on to bigger and better things. One of our folks has requested we do an observation of him in his work environment so
we can strategize how to best use his skills and address any
challenges. We have found that with the proper supports
we can and do help folks find employment or volunteer
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THIRD QUARTER 2014
work that enriches their
lives. We are always eager
to partner with businesses
that would like to hire or
provide training for survivors and will work with
them to optimize successful outcomes. Chrissy Riley,
our Brain Injury Specialist,
is a great asset as she helps folks develop their resumes and
use the computer. Our new intern, Laurie Montes, is working with individuals to develop their job skills and provides
on-going support.
We understand the complexities of successful work re-entry
and team with the Department of Rehabilitation as needed
to smooth our bumps in the road. We work with the Social
Security Ticket to Work program and our survivors to ensure
that there are no hiccups in benefits. Please contact our
office if you have job opportunities or are looking to find
work or a volunteer position. We are eager to support your
endeavor. 
Eight strategies to remember when battling
your insurance company for coverage
By David Wilk, BIC Board Member
We asked Mark to provide his insight into a problem faced by
many families of brain injury survivors:
What to do when insurance
coverage is denied or overly
slow to be approved.
Here is his step-by-step advice…
1
The law firm of Hiepler and
Hiepler is a major supporter of
the Brain Injury Center. Partner Mark Hiepler specializes in
personal injury, wrongful death
and denial of insurance coverage claims and is experienced
at handling brain injury cases.
He has been named one of the
100 Most Influential Lawyers
in America and his cases have
been featured on the “Today
Show,” “ 60 Minutes,” “20/20” and
numerous other programs.
For more information, visit
www.hieplerlaw.com.
Never give up. Winston Churchill said this and it is certainly a key mindset in your
situation.
your medical practitioner state in writing why the treatment, therapy or pro2 Have
cedure is medically necessary. Emphasize the urgency. Refer to the need for treatment as a “medical emergency.”
Locate a second medical practitioner to state in writing that the procedure is medi3 cally
necessary.
the medical office follow up with a telephone call within 72 hours of the letter
4 Have
being received by the insurance company.
there has been no response affirming coverage yet), FedEx your own
5 (Assuming
letter with a copy of the original medical necessity letters to the CEO of the insurance company, HMO or other entity that has denied coverage. (The name will be
available on the Internet.) Your letter should reinforce the stated medical need,
emphasize the emergency and request that the CEO call you personally to discuss
this. A FedEx package will arrive at the CEO’s office and will get his/her attention.
a personal call to the CEO to follow up the letter. If you are not able to speak
6 Make
with the CEO, verify with his/her assistant that your letter (FedEx package) was received. If leaving a message with the CEO’s assistant, ask when you can expect a
return call. Be sure to make note of the date and time you called.
7
Make a personal call to the chief medical officer of the company, following up your
letter to the CEO. You can bet that this individual will know about your situation
from the CEO.
another certified letter to the CEO and also to the chief medical officer de8 Send
tailing all the steps you have taken to get this matter handled. Give 72 hours for
expedited approval of this medical emergency procedure under California Law. It
will be obvious that you are laying the groundwork for a lawsuit in the event they
still do not grant coverage. 
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Support Groups
BIC offers these programs at no charge.
Please phone the office before attending
for the first time.
CAMARILLO
1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month
4:00-5:30pm
AlmaVia of Camarillo
2500 N. Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo
Survivor and loved one’s group held concurrently
Facilitator: Dr. Lisa J. Hayden, Psy.D and Interns
An Evening of
Magical Memories
OXNARD
1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month
2:00-3:30 pm
St. John’s Regional Medical Center
1600 N. Rose Ave., Oxnard
Survivor and loved one’s group held concurrently
Enter through main/front entrance
Facilitator:
Camilla Seippel, Psy.D Candidate and Interns
OXNARD
GRUPO DE APOYO EN ESPAÑOL
Segundo y Cuarto miércoles de cada mes
14:00-15:30
En la Sain John’s Hospital de Oxnard
1600 N. Rose Ave., Oxnard
Los sobrevivientes, la familia y los cuidadores
están invitados a participar en este grupo de
apoyo gratuito.
Entrar por entrada principal
Facilitadora:
Camilla Seippel, Psy.D. Candidate and Interns
VENTURA
2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month
4:00-5:30pm
Bible Fellowship Church
6950 Ralston, Bldg. #300, Ventura
Facilitator: Dr. Lisa J. Hayden,
Psy.D and Interns
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTIVE
SERVICES
One hour sessions are available for either brain
injury survivors and/or family members. Case
coordination, referrals, and support to promote
physical and emotional health and well-being are
offered. Appointments are required.
Please call the office for more information.
SOCIAL GATHERING FOR
BRAIN INJURY SURVIVORS
AND LOVED ONES
Activities are offered each month –
an opportunity to have some fun.
Call (805) 482-1312 or email
info@BrainInjuryCenter.org
to express your interest.
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Please Join Us For An
Unforgettable Evening Benefiting
BRAIN INJURY CENTER OF VENTURA COUNTY
Honoring
Tom & Priscilla Van Gundy, Community Award Recipients
and
Jenna Prewitt, Brain Injury Survivor
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Residence Inn River Ridge by Marriott
2101 West Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard
The Evening Begins at 5:00 p.m.
Fabulous Silent and Live Auctions
Featuring Jewelry, Vacations, Wine, Art & More!
Honoree Presentation & Gourmet Dinner
$85.00 Per Person
Reservations are available by phone, email or by mail
Sponsorship Opportunities are available
Visit & Like us on Facebook for updated auction information
Brain Injury Center of Ventura County ~ P. O. Box 1477, Camarillo, CA 93011
Phone 805-482-1312 ~ Fax 805-437-4787 ~ Email: info@braininjurycenter.org
Brain Injury Center of Ventura County is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, public benefit organization
Tax ID # 77-0491413 www.braininjurycenter.org
Oxnard cyclist dedicated
his 2,500-mile journey to
support the Brain Injury
Center
Y
ou may have been following Tom Gassman’s
2,500-mile bike ride in his blog. He traveled from
Seattle through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota,
Minnesota, Wisconsin and into Canada before ending in
Michigan on July 2, 2014. Gassman dedicated the trip to
the Brain Injury Center (BIC) of Ventura County and raised
needed funds through donations.
“Thank you to all for supporting and following my adventure,” Gassman said. “It really made a difference to know
that I had so many people pulling for me. Also thanks to
everyone who donated to the Brain Injury Center.” BIC
helped his wife, Irene, make progress from a brain injury
after contracting bacterial meningitis in 2003. 
Tom Gassman’s 2,500-mile bike ride to raise funds for the Brain
Injury Center of Ventura County culminates in Michigan with a
big welcome.
You can still visit Gassman’s blog at
bikec2c.blogspot.com
Walk N’ Roll raises needed funds and awareness
At the starting line, Walk N’ Roll event on June 22, 2014.
The Brain Injury
Center of Ventura
County proudly
hosted its annual
Walk N’ Roll on
June 22 at Oxnard
High School. Nearly
100 community
members, including
survivors and
caregivers, came
out to raise nearly
$3,500 to benefit the
hundreds of families
BIC serves each year.
t was a great experience to be involved in this successful effort
that creates so much community awareness of brain injuries,”
said Glee Lewis, Event Chair and BIC Board Member. “It was a beautiful day!
I
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Programs Offered
Brain Injury Center
SKILL BUILDING
PROGRAMS OFFERED
P.O. Box 1477
Camarillo, CA 93011-1147
(805) 482-1312
www.BrainInjuryCenter.org
Skill Development:
Paid and Volunteer Community Involvement Opportunities
12 week series to be offered in Ventura and Camarillo
Space is limited to 8 people per location. Learn how to get
involved in the community through paid and unpaid opportunities.
of Ventura County
PRACTICAL PROBLEM
SOLVING SKILLS:
LEARN EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES
Weekly group sessions offered in Ventura and Camarillo
Bring in problems from your own life and
learn the skills to effectively solve them!
Please check website or phone office
for more information or registration.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization TIN: 77-0491413
Stay Connected
The Brain Injury Center of Ventura County offers
several ways to stay engaged and informed.
Connect with Brain Injury Center of Ventura County
www.braininjurycenter.org
www.facebook.com/eveningofmagicalmemories
www.facebook.com/BrainInjuryCenter
info@BrainInjuryCenter.org
Receive alerts, news, and events between newsletters
Join us for “Brain Injury Center” night at
Mission Oaks Café (MO’s) on Monday, August
18, 2014. MO’s will donate 20% of all sales if you
show a flyer or this newsletter at the door. In
fact, MO’s will donate 5% of each receipt to BIC
for any meal on any day. Just write “Brain Injury
Center” on your receipt and place it in the jar by
the door.
Join us at our monthly social at Harley
Camarillo Bowl the last Tuesday of each month
at 4:00 p.m. Games and shoes are $1 each.