Brain Injury Canada is a national charitable organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with acquired brain injury (ABI), their families, and caregivers. The organization raises awareness, influences policy, and promotes best practices in brain injury prevention, care, and rehabilitation across Canada. Its work spans education, advocacy, engagement, and collaboration, creating a strong national voice for the brain injury community.
Mission
To empower and connect the brain injury community through education, advocacy and collaboration, creating lasting positive impacts.
Vision
A better quality of life for all people affected by brain injury in Canada.
Values
In all that we do, we will:
- Foster accessibility and inclusion for people affected by brain injury.
- Promote respect, empathy and compassion for different lived experiences.
- Cultivate knowledge and information sharing with integrity.
- Demonstrate responsibility and sustainability using evidence to inform policy and guide action.
Staff
Get to know Brain Injury Canada’s team.
Michelle McDonald—Chief Executive Officer
Garry Dillabough—Manager, Partnerships and Development
Rachel Newcombe—Manager, Education and Engagement
Emma Chiera—Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives
Jennifer Ibe—Marketing and Communications Coordinator
More information about the organization
Brain Injury Canada’s Board of Directors are committed to the mission and values of our organization and are accountable for competent, conscientious and effective management of the organization, as well as responsible for governing the affairs of the organization within relevant legislation and regulations.
Our current Board of Directors includes:
- Graham Todd – Chair
- Hafeeza Bassirullah
- Tanya DiPenta
- Tamiko (Tami) Hynes
- John McGowan
- Paul Rogers
Daniel Christopher Andreae
MSW, RSW, Ed.D. LL.D(Honouris Causa). LL.D. D.Litt. O.M.C.
Dan Andreae is an award-winning and distinguished professor at both the University of Guelph Humber and the University of Waterloo. Born in Toronto, Dr. Andreae holds a doctorate in Education from the University of Toronto and through non-formal education, holds a doctorate in neuroscience. He also holds an advanced diploma in stress management and a post graduate certificate in neuropsychophysiology. He has a passion for education and a dedication to lifelong learning.
Dr. Andreae is a distinguished community leader and has served as the first Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Toronto building it up and later as Chair of its Patrons Council. He was given the prestigious Trailblazer Award from the Society in essence a lifetime Achievement Award. This followed a Champion of Change Award presented by Yasmin Khan.
Among many honours and awards, Dr. Andreae received the prestigious Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Waterloo and is a two-time recipient of the Faculty of the Year Award from the University of Guelph Humber. In 2007 he received a Honourary Doctoracte of Laws and in 2011 he received the Christian Cultural Gold Medal. He was presented with the Fr. Eugene Carlisle LeBel, CSB Award for outstanding contributions to Assumption University and the community which it serves in 2014, making him only the 2nd person to hold this honour.
Dr. Andreae’s community involvement includes being the first Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Toronto and chair of the Patrons Council of the Society. He was the longest-serving president of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and leader of a successful 10 year campaign to secure statutory legislation recognizing social work as a profession. His dynamic leadership through three governments and seven ministers resulted in the regulation of this profession. He is the inaugural recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in social work from the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).
He has received the Governor General’s – Caring Canadian Award and is a recent recipient of the University Hospital Network– Medal for Leadership in Community Health. He is the Honourary Patron of Brain Injury Canada and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Brain Injury Canada in 2016. Dr. Andreae is a co- founder and sponsor of The National Eating Disorder Centre (NEDIC ), at the Toronto General Hospital.
In 2024, Dr. Andreae received the Honourary Doctorate of Letters from Laurentian University. With over twenty years of professional experience in the education sector, Dr. Andreae has established himself as a highly distinguished and esteemed expert in several areas, health, neuroscience, psychology advocacy and community organization. He has committed a considerable part of his career to studying, supporting and advocating for those with brain issues, especially Alzheimer’s serving as an insightful and dynamic leader.
Dr. Andreae received The Pinnacle Award as the driving force behind youth mental health with his unwavering dedication since its inception. Set against the backdrop of a critical need for proactive promotion of mental health, Dr. Andreae’s sponsorship of Strong Minds Strong Kids (formerly The Psychology Foundation) underscores a profound commitment to fostering resilient, empowered youth across Canada.
Brain Injury Canada’s team is growing. We’re looking for people dedicated to our mission of building advocacy, awareness, and education for and on behalf of the brain injury community. Currently we work as a remote organization, with team members across Canada working together to make a difference.
We do not currently have any positions available.
Our strategic plan lays out the path the organization is planning to take in the coming years.
