Pediatric Brain Injury Conference

Our Making Connections Pediatric Brain Injury Conference connects families and provides resources and education for caregivers. Attendees will explore services and products and listen to presentations on a variety of relevant topics from industry specialists.

2025 Conference | Presenter Surveys

Surveys

Presenters:

Dr. Kenneth Proefrock, NMD
Dr. Brandon Crawford, DC FIBFN-CND
Dr. Paul Harch, MD
Stacey Gesinger, MA, LMFT
Dr. Mark Vandebraak
Dr. Tony Ebel
Ioannis Solos, MD, Ph.D, L.Ac
Nicole White
Abby Zachritz
Svetlana Masgutova, Ph.D.
Erin Finkelstein, GCFP, M.Mus
Ethan Cowan, GCFP
Taryn Townsend, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Janice Walker, OTR
Amanda Ryskowski, NMD, RMSK
Brian E. Kaufman, MD
Natalie Proshek, LCSW
Crystal Herrington
Dr. Tony Ebel (PX Docs)
Jean Hawney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC
Neta Shani
Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa, PhD, FACRM
Peter Hofer
Melaney Grenz, M.S, CCC-SLP, Project Manager at CBIRT
Kirstin White

Learn about our presenters by reading their bios!

Presenter Bios

Topics:

An Intro to RO-DBT: Key components to Improving Emotional Well-being
Awareness Through Movement ® Lessons & Movement for Me: Self-Care for Siblings
Beyond Botox: The Emerging Role of Shockwave Therapy for Pediatric Spasticity
Beyond Survival: Building Connection in the Midst of Challenge
Bonding Through Story, Play & Touch with Mistake and Friends
Caregiver Q&A: Feeding Challenges & Solutions
Couples Care Support
Creating Financial Security for a Loved One with Special Needs
Empowering Kids and Parents Through the Quality of Human Touch
Exploring Augmentative and Alternative Communication After a Brain Injury
From Crisis to Connection: Healing the Whole Child
Good Vibrations : Sound Healing for Your Child and YOU!
How MNRI® Reflex Neuromodulation Can Support Post-Trauma Stress Recovery for Children with Brain Injuries
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Acquired Pediatric Brain Injury: Proof in Cerebral Palsy as the Model for all Acquired Brain Injury
Management of Scoliosis and Spine Deformity after Brain Injury
Navigating Challenging Behaviors in the Home and Community
Restoring Hope Through Neuromodulation Acupuncture
Sound Bath
SupportNow Hands-On: Build Your Registry with Real-Time Help
Swallow the Challenge: A Caregiver's Role in Feeding Rehabilitation
Texas Medicaid Fair Hearings: How to Prepare and What to Expect
The Foundational First Step in Neurological Healing: Why Sequencing Matters Most
The Longing That Lingers: A Journey Through Ambiguous Grief
Transitioning Back to School After a Brain Injury
Unlocking Financial Resources Step by Step
Understanding Acquired Brain Injury Across the Pediatric Lifespan
And more to come!

Our past conferences are available to view under our Resources tab. Feel free to browse through! Below are our 2024 presentations.

2024 Conference

Your Gift Sends Families to the 2025 Pediatric Brain Injury Conference

Our goal is to make it possible for every family to attend our conference, so they can connect with others walking a similar path and discover the latest breakthroughs in treatment, care, and hope for their child’s healing.

Donate Now!

FAQs

General Information

When and where is the conference being held?
The conference will be held in Austin, TX on October 24th & 25th.

What is the address of the conference location?
The conference will take place at Woodlawn Baptist Church, 4600 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745.

If I am flying, which airport should I fly into?
You should fly into Austin Bergstrom Airport.

Is transportation provided to and from the airport?
No, transportation is not provided.

What transportation options are recommended from the airport to the hotel?
Lyft or Uber is encouraged for transportation to your hotel.

Hotel & Shuttle

Which hotels will conference attendees be staying at?
Attendees will be staying at Austin Marriott South and Springhill Suites.

Are the two hotels close to each other?
Yes, they are in the same parking lot and within walking distance of each other.

Will my hotel room be booked for me?
Yes, your hotel room will be booked for you by the conference organizers.

When will I receive my hotel confirmation email?
You will receive a confirmation a few weeks before the conference directly from the hotel.

Will there be a shuttle service to the conference?
Yes, shuttle service will be provided.

On which days will the shuttle be available?
The shuttle will run Friday and Saturday.

When will details about shuttle pickup times and locations be provided?
You will receive shuttle details in future emails as the conference date approaches.

Meals

What meals will be provided on Friday?
A light breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided on Friday.

What meals will be provided on Saturday?
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday.

Kids' Activities

Is there a costume dance party for the kids?
Yes, there will be a costume dance party on Saturday.

When will the costume party take place?
The costume party will be on Saturday at 3:30 during the conference.

Are Halloween costumes required?
No, costumes are optional.

Can my child participate in the party without a caregiver present?
No, a caregiver must be present for your child to participate in the party.

Reimbursement

Should I save receipts for reimbursement?
Yes, please save all receipts for anything you will need to be reimbursed for.

What kinds of expenses can be reimbursed?

Approved Transportation (Uber, Lyft, Rental Car) gas, airfare, meals (We will not reimburse for meals during times they are provided at the conference. We will have options for dietary restrictions)

Forms & Links

Have I registered for the conference?
If you haven’t registered yet, please click here.

Which type of registration ticket should I select?
If you will be attending both days, select the free family weekend ticket or free individual weekend ticket.

What should I do if I’m not sure whether I’ve registered?
Reach out to Chelsea@teamlukehopeforminds.org to confirm your registration status.

Have I filled out the child care form?
Please click the link to fill out the form if you plan to use child care.

Why is it important to complete the child care form?
It helps ensure the organizers have adequate child care staffing.

Can my child attend sessions without being in childcare?
Yes, children must stay with you during all sessions if not in childcare.

What happens if I do not use the provided childcare service?
Your child must remain with you at all times during the conference sessions. We cannot have children roaming the halls at any time.

Social Media & Communication

Have I joined the Facebook group for the conference?
Please join the “Team Luke Hope for Minds Making Connections Conference and Resource Fair” group.

What kind of information will be shared in the Facebook group?
The group will provide up-to-date conference information.

Is the Facebook group a good place to connect with other parents?
Yes, it’s a great place to connect, share tips and tricks, and get support from other families.