About our Keynote Speaker

Steve Charest is a lifelong climber, skier, educator, and community mentor who turned his passion for the outdoors into a career as Co-Owner of Petra Cliffs Climbing Center and Mountaineering School in Burlington, Vermont. Since 2000, Steve has guided rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and avalanche education across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, inspiring and mentoring adventurers of all ages. In 2018, he survived a serious ice-climbing accident and returned to the mountains with resilience and determination, continuing to guide while navigating his “new normal.” A certified Rock and Ski Guide with the American Mountain Guides Association and an AIARE Pro 2 Avalanche Practitioner, Steve remains dedicated to sharing his expertise, mentoring others, and pursuing his international mountain-guide certification.

Presentations:

Keynote: Exceeding Expectations

Session 1: Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation for Sleep & Emotional Well-being after Brain Injury

Session 2: I Have Been Changed...For Good

Session 3: Thriving After Brain Injury: Practical Tools for Life Skills and Independence

Session 4: Speak Up for Yourself: A Workshop on Self_Advocacy

Session 5: Media Through History

About the Event

9:00-9:30: Registration Open; Breakfast Buffet; Visit Exhibitors

9:30-9:45: Opening Remarks and Keynote Introduction

9:45-10:45: Keynote Speaker - Steve Charest – Co-Owner of Petra Cliffs Climbing Ctr and Mountaineering School

10:45-11:00: Break - Please Visit Exhibitors

11:00-12:00: Session 1 - Ellie Spriet - Love Your Brain

1200-12:50: Lunch - Please Visit Exhibitors

12:50-1:50: Session 2 - Nikki Juvan– Stroke Awareness Vermont; Vt Stroke Caregiver

1:50-2:00: Break - Please Visit Exhibitors

2:00-3:00: Session 3 - Elizabeth Reagle – BIAVT

3:00-3:10: Break - Please Visit Exhibitors

3:10-4:10: Max Barrows - GMSA

4:10 - 4:20: Break - Please Visit Exhibitors

4:20-5:00: Lawrence Seiler - Abled and On Air

Hotel Accommodations: If you would like to stay at the Best Western Windjammer, we have a block of hotel rooms at a discounted price of $119 + taxes and fees ($133.40 total). Please note that it automatically pulls in the day before the conference and the day after the conference. Please change to your preferred dates. You can book directly here at https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.46013.html?groupId=7F0GY5Z8

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

Vermonts 37th Annual Brain Injury Conference - Survivors, Families, Caregivers