Our Team
Honourary Patron - Dr. Charles Tator:
We are thrilled to have Dr. Charles Tator become an Honourary Patron of Heads Up! Durham. Dr. Tator is a world-renowned expert on brain injury and founder of ThinkFirst Canada.
aFFILIATIONS
- Board Member, Parachute Canada (our national injury prevention organization)
- Professor, Department of Surgery University of Toronto
- Senior Scientist Toronto Western Research Institute
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Former Chairman, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto
- Received the Order of Canada
- Inducted into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame
- Inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Steering Committee
committee members
- Amy Ellis: Community Engagement and Fundraising Coordinator, BIAD
- Dileep Bhalla: Health, Safety & Wellness Manager, Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)
- Dr. Michelle O'Brien: Neuropsychologist, Mental Health Program, Lakeridge Health
- Garrett Bell: Co-founder, Heads Up! Durham; Injury Prevention Advocate
- Heather Desta: Exec. Director, Brain Injury Association of Durham (BIAD)
- Jami Vandette: Executive Assistant, BIAD
- Kerry Corbett: Vice Chairperson, Heads Up! Durham; Sports TBI Prevention Advocate
- Linda Lowery: Chairperson; Co-Founder, Heads Up! Durham; Coordinator, Durham Region P.A.R.T.Y., Retired, Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Coordinator, Durham District School Board (DDSB)
- Meagan Patterson: Human Resources Specialist, Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS)
- Melissa Brabant: Transportation Safety Division, Ministry of Transportation
- Nicole Gilchrist: Advance Care Paramedic; Facilitator, Quality and Development. Region of Durham Paramedic Services
- Ted Dionne: Co-founder, Heads Up! Durham; Retired Staff Sgt., Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS); Retired Professor, Justice Studies, Durham College
Subcommittees
aWARENESS AND PROMOTION
Awareness and Promotion
This committee oversees promotion of Heads Up! Durham, including our Social Media.
Team members include:
This committee oversees promotion of Heads Up! Durham, including our Social Media.
Team members include:
- Kerry Corbett: Chairperson; Vice Chairperson, Heads Up! Durham; Sports TBI Prevention Advocate
- Linda Lowery: Chairperson; Co-Founder, Heads Up! Durham; Coordinator, Durham Region P.A.R.T.Y., Retired, Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Coordinator, Durham District School Board (DDSB)
- Nichole Davies: Liaison; Digital Media Coordinator, BIAD
June: Brain Injury Awareness MontH
This committee helps us shine a light on June: Brain Injury Awareness Month through creative social media posts, requests for Regional and Municipal declarations, presentations, displays etc. Click here to learn more.
Durham Region P.A.R.T.Y.
The P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth) Program is a one-day injury awareness and prevention program for students in grades 10-12. This committee oversees the program development and delivery.
Please refer to our P.A.R.T.Y. page for a list of team members.
Please refer to our P.A.R.T.Y. page for a list of team members.
Intimate Partner Violence
Given Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) often involves blows to the face, head, and neck, many suffer brain injuries as a result. Often times, these injuries result from repetitive episodes of IPV occurring over many months or years. This committee helps us shine a light on the impact of IPV on brain health, which is often overlooked.
Please refer to the IPV section of our website
Please refer to the IPV section of our website
Safety on Wheels
This subcommittee is focused on safety during all types of wheeled transportation (bicycle safety, long boards, skateboards, e-scooters, etc.)
The team consists of:
The team consists of:
- Linda Lowery: Chairperson; Co-Founder, Heads Up! Durham; Coordinator, Durham Region P.A.R.T.Y., Retired, Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Coordinator, Durham District School Board (DDSB)
- Ted Dionne: Co-founder, Heads Up! Durham; Retired Staff Sgt., Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS); Retired Professor, Justice Studies, Durham College
- Garrett Bell: Co-founder, Heads Up! Durham; Injury Prevention Advocate
SPORT CONCUSSIONS
Concussions in sport are Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) caused by direct or indirect force to the head, resulting in symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. Concussions are common in contact sports such as football, hockey, soccer and rugby but can also occur in non-contact sports. This committee focuses on awareness and prevention of Sport Concussions.
Team members include:
Team members include:
- Kerry Corbett (Chair): Vice Chairperson, Heads Up! Durham; Sports TBI Prevention Advocate
- Meagan Patterson: Human Resources Specialist, Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS); Sports TBI Prevention Advocate
- Linda Lowery: Chairperson; Co-Founder, Heads Up! Durham; Coordinator, Durham Region P.A.R.T.Y., Retired, Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Coordinator, Durham District School Board (DDSB)