Our Mission and Contact Information

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois (BIA of IL) is a statewide non-profit organization providing an information & resource call center, education, programs and services to individuals who have sustained a brain injury (traumatic and acquired), family members/caregivers, rehabilitation professionals, and the community at large. The BIA of IL is part of a network of brain injury associations across the United States, and is an affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). The BIA of IL is the only statewide organization in Illinois serving individuals with Acquired Brain Injury, their families and professionals who treat them. The organization works with families and professionals to communicate in a way that improves relationships and cooperation, enhances teamwork and helps decrease potential issues that might arise. Due to decreased resources, lengths of stay, rehabilitation and care needs, and changing family structures, the BIA of IL believes collaboration is critical for effective service delivery. The Brain Injury Association of Illinois works with local, state and national organizations to consistently lead Illinois in providing quality, affordable and accessible services to people with brain injuries and their families. The BIA of Illinois is dedicated to providing information, resources, advocacy, and support.

This is accomplished through:

• Acting as an information and resource clearinghouse

• Providing brain injury education and hosting an annual educational conference

• Facilitation of statewide support groups

• Hosting adult and pediatric therapeutic recreational camps

• Promoting participation in statewide support groups

• Actively participating in legislative advocacy

• Providing injury prevention awareness programs

• Encouraging research

CONTACT INFO 

MAIL:
 Brain Injury Association of Illinois
 P.O. Box 70
 Palos Heights, IL 60463

E-Mail
 General Info: info@biail.org

PHONE:
 312-726-5699
 800-699-6443
 (available nationwide)

FAX:
 312-630-4011

OUR OFFICERS

Founder:

Irene Pedersen

Executive Director:

Philicia L. Deckard, BSW, LSW, CBIST

Board of Directors

Ginny Lazzara, BSN CRRN CBIST, Chair
Dawn Wentar-Henry, MHA CCC-SLP CBIST, Vice Chair
Mary Kay Reed, RN BSN MPA, Secretary/Treasurer

Diana Contreras, OTR/L
Mark Doyle, BA 
Diana Nawrocki, ATR MAAT M.Ed
Elizabeth Pieroth, Psy.D.
Thomas P. Routh, Esq.
Anjum Sayyad, MD
Alex Shelton, BS
Reggie Smith, BA
Michael J. Staab, JD LLM

Honorary Board Members

Whitney Arado, MA
James Cantelupe, BS
Michael Gelbort, Ph.D.
Mary Halper
Doug Koltun, MD
Bob Love, BS
Donald J. Nolan, J.D.
Marvel Vena
Roger Weitz, BA
James Young, MD
Larry Zachary, MD
Ginger Zee, BS