Journaling a New Story After Brain Injury By Barbara Stahura, CJF

  The Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) is honored to present our latest guest blogger and one of our BEST friends. Certified Journal Facilitator, author and caregiver,Barbara Stahura, was previously featured on our exclusive blog series, Our BEST Stories,  for her valuable work on behalf of people with brain injuries and their families and caregivers. (more…)

A Message from BEST Founder Penny Condoll

  Hello everyone! My name is Penny Condoll and I am the proud founder and chief visionary officer of the nonprofit organization, the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST), headquartered in University Place, Washington. We are an organization that supports individuals with brain injuries, their families and caregivers. And at BEST, we like to take support (more…)

Caregiver’s Corner: On the Road with Maggie DePuye-Phillips

BEST Board Vice President, caregiver and guest blogger, Maggie DePuye-Phillips is back with another terrific installment of one of our featured blog columns, Caregiver’s Corner.  Today, Maggie takes us on the road with a recap of the recent annual caregiver’s conference in the Puget Sound region as well as some great tips, information and resources. (more…)

Our BEST Stories: Meet Natasha Pietila of the Brain Injury Caregivers Alliance of Seattle

For caregivers, connections are critical. While connections to resources, information and various forms of support are important, connecting with other caregivers who share a similar experience is life-changing. That’s what Natasha Pietila was looking for. Twenty-five years ago, when Pietila was baby, her father acquired a brain injury due to a cerebral aneurysm hemorrhage. Her (more…)

Camp with BEST: Important Travel Information

Mark your summer calendars, make your plans and start packing your bags! Our 2015 summer camping experiences are back and we think they’ll be the BEST ever.

With the natural beauty and splendor of two stunning locations in Washington State setting the scene, be prepared to be treated to some enriching experiences this summer.

From July 20 to 26, travel to Eastern Washington to gorgeous North Skookum Lake to join other campers for Brain Injury Camp 2015. Now in it’s eighth year of operation, this week-long camping opportunity features engaging activities, workshops, support circles and so much more. Check out this short video to get a little taste of what this camp adventure looks like!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1-WKqr8G6g?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=852&h=480]

To get more information about this camp, visit braininjurycamp.org.

In the month of August, we head westward to the BEST Dash Point State Park Camp 2015! This annual camp experience is set in beautiful and iconic Dash Point State Park. The camping experience begins at 2:30 p.m . August 9 and runs through 1 p.m. on August 15. Take in the glorious surroundings while relaxing and enjoying friends. Here’s a video to inspire you!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKcE2Flz_G8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=852&h=480]

For questions or more information about this camp, email BEST at admin@brainenergysupportteam.org.

To add to the fun, BEST Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Penny Condoll and BEST Executive Director, Gloria Kraegel, will be posting pictures and more throughout their excellent camping adventures. Join the campaign, “Penny and Gloria’s Excellent Adventures 2015” (#PGEA2015) to see the latest and the greatest from the road.

And now for something completely different (and delicious)! Read on.

BEST Presents: An Evening with Disabled Media Artist, Educator and Advocate, Cheryl Green in June

“Film can bring personal stories to life while challenging the stigma, isolation, and social inequities people with disabilities routinely experience.”  –Cheryl Green, StoryMinders Interested in seeing film and art in a new way? Looking to celebrate uniquely-told personal stories that uplift, motivate and inspire? Ready to laugh, smile and enjoy some great conversations? Well, the (more…)