Who We Are
At the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, we know that each person with a brain injury, stroke or concussion is unique – and that you may be facing challenges that others cannot see. Our team understands, and we provide the support, services, and programs you and your loved ones need to succeed.
The Brain Injury Association of Colorado is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
What We Believe
Our Vision
That all persons with a brain injury thrive in their community.
Our Mission
To provide the support, connections, and available resources that survivors and their support network need
Board of Directors
Executives
Chair
Amanda Pfeil Hood
Ogborn Mihm LLP
Co-chair
Rene Mills, M.S.,
CCC-SLP, CBIST
Treasurer
Doug Laird
Retired from Janus Henderson Group
Secretary
Tristen Smith
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Members
Mike Dichario
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Paul Herzog
Cresa Denver
Keith Fuicelli
Fuicelli & Lee P.C.
Janet Laning-Krug
Douglas County Schools
Summit Grant Studio
Linda (L) Draayers
Brain Care LLC
Albert Zweig
Attorney at Law
Doug Laird
Retired from Janus Henderson Group
Maria Martinez
Pueblo Brain Injury LLC
Arielle Reindeau
Craig Hospital
Dr. Shawn Kornfeld
Plasticity Centers
Delia Bakeman, DO
CU Anschutz- Neuropsychiatrist
Dr. Eric Spier
BIAC Medical Director
Kenny Hosack
BIAC Founder
Lifetime Honorary Board Member
Bill Levis
Lifetime Honorary Board Member
Staff
President/CEO
Kate Kerkmans, LCSW, CBIS
kate@BIAColorado.org
Kate Kerkmans, President/CEO
Education: Colorado College, Bachelor’s of Science, 2003.
Metropolitan State University, Master of Social Work, 2016
As President and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, Kate Kerkmans is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals affected by brain injuries. Under her leadership, the organization has made significant strides, including the creation of the nation’s first permanent supportive housing complex specifically designed for individuals experiencing both chronic homelessness and brain injuries. This groundbreaking initiative reflects Kate’s commitment to addressing the complex needs of this vulnerable population through innovative solutions.
Kate’s influence extends beyond her organization as she actively engages in national discussions, presenting at conferences across the United States to highlight the intersection of brain injury with broader social justice issues. Her presentations address critical topics such as homelessness, mental health, substance misuse, underemployment, intimate partner violence, and incarceration, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to these intertwined challenges.
With a strong educational background and professional experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kate brings a person-centered perspective to her leadership role. Her approach is rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those living with brain injuries, guiding her efforts to improve both individual outcomes and systemic responses.
Kate’s dedication and expertise continue to drive impactful change, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals navigating the complexities of brain injury.
Vice President of Operations
Mikalia Gray, CBIST
mikalia@BIAColorado.org
Mikalia Gray, Vice President of Operations
Education: University of Iowa, BA, Psychology and Minor in Human Relations/Rehabilitation, graduated in 05/2013
Mikalia first started working with survivors of a brain injury in the summer of 2016 as an Independent Living Skills Trainer in the Denver Metro Area and then joined the Brain Injury Association of Colorado team in February of 2020 and now serves as the Vice President of Operations. Mikalia’s held several roles at the Brain Injury Association of Colorado including Resource Facilitation, Outreach and Vice President of Professional Programs. During the last 7 years working in the field of brain injury, she has gained firsthand experience working with survivors of brain injury and has worked towards breaking down barriers that survivors may face while seeking support after sustaining a brain injury. Mikalia believes that spreading awareness about brain injury will help survivors get the proper support and services that they need to thrive in their communities. Mikalia enjoys gardening, camping, and spending time with her cats and chickens.
Positions and Honors
- Independent Living Skills Trainer, Argus Home Health 2016-2018
- Field Supervisor and Independent Life Skills Trainer, Argus Home Health Care 2018-2020
- Brain Injury Resource Navigator, Brain Injury Association of Colorado, 2020 – 2021
- Systems Outreach Program Manager, Brain Injury Association of Colorado, 2021-2023
- Vice President of Professional Programs, Brain Injury Association of Colorado, 2023- 2023
- Vice President of Operations, Brain Injury Association of Colorado, 2023-Present
- Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIST)
Director of Client Programs
Mikayla Florian, CBIS
mikayla@BIAColorado.org
Mikayla Florian, Director of Client Programs
Education: Colorado State University, BS, Psychology- Neuroscience Concentration
Mikayla began working with brain injury survivors in May 2015, initially assisting the stroke department at Parker Adventist Hospital in enhancing patient satisfaction. Over the years, she assumed various roles within the realm of brain injury support, including Independent Living Skills Trainer and Resource Navigator. In 2019, she obtained her Brain Injury Specialist Certification through the Brain Injury Association of America. Transitioning to the role of Program Manager for Resource Facilitation, she now holds the position of Director of Client Programs at BIAC (Brain Injury Association of Colorado). Mikayla’s career path exemplifies her passion to empower individuals impacted by brain injuries as well as their support system to connect with meaningful resources and services. During her leisure time, she indulges in hiking with her dogs, practicing embroidery, and being with family.
Positions
- Stroke Coordinator Assistant, Parker Adventist Hospital
- Colorado Neurological Institute Administrative Assistant
- Independent Living Skills Trainer, Argus Home Health
- Research Assistant, Colorado State University
- Resource Navigator, Brain Injury Association of Colorado
- Program Manager for Resource Facilitation, Brain Injury Association of Colorado
- Director of Client Programs, Brain Injury Association of Colorado
- Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)
Honors
- Brain Injury Association of Colorado BIAC Values Award – December 2020
Director of Development
Zach Hudson, CBIS
zach@BIAColorado.org
Zach Hudson, Director of Development
Education: State University of New York at Potsdam, BA, English and Communications, graduated 05/2014
Zach has been working with individuals with a brain injury and other disabilities since 2016. His commitment to the brain injury community deepened in 2021 when he joined the Brain Injury Association of Colorado (BIAC) as Program Manager for Peer Mentorship. Today, Zach proudly serves as BIAC’s Director of Development, where he thrives on building meaningful connections with professionals, survivors, caregivers, and organizations united by the goal of raising awareness for the brain injury survivor community. Outside of work, Zach enjoys riding bikes, cooking, camping, and playing board games.
Positions and Honors
- Program Facilitator, Green Chimneys School 2016-2020
- Assistant Manager and Independent Life Skills Trainer, Argus Home Health Care 2020-2021
- Program Manager- Peer Mentorship, Brain Injury Association of Colorado, 2021 – 2024
- Director of Development, Brain Injury Association of Colorado, 2024- Present
- Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)
Honors
- Member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society
- Brain Injury Association of Colorado BIAC Values Award – December 2022
Director of Human Resources
Claire Lang
claire@BIAColorado.org
Claire Lang, Director of Human Resources
Education:Creighton University, Bachelor of Social Work 1987, Western Governors University, MBA in Healthcare Management 2019.
Claire started her career as an Employment Advocate for people with disabilities. Through this work she gained a passion for working in the ‘people side’ of business and transitioned to work in Human Resources. In this space Claire worked for over ten years focused on recruiting and staffing. Transitioning to HR Manager and then, settling in at Eating Recovery Center as Director of Human Resources. Over a period of 10 years, she grew with the organization from 40 employees in 2008 at one location in Colorado to 1500 employees located in 7 states in 2019. After completing her MBA in 2019 Claire spent some time at Ardent Mills, with 2500 employees, as Team Member Experience Lead. Missing nonprofit work, Claire joined BIAC in March of 2023 as Director of Human Resources. Claire brought with her a passion for aligning business objectives with the employee experience, focusing on employee inclusivity and collaboration.
Director of Denver Reentry Services
Jack Storti, CBIS, CAS, ILST
jack@BIAColorado.org
Jack Storti, Director of Denver Reentry Services
Education: Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO. BS, Human Services – Addiction Studies. Graduated 05/2015
Jack Storti, began working within the brain injury community in 2018 as an Independent Living Skills Trainer. Previously, Jack was working as a court treatment counselor where he recognized that many of his clients were survivors of brain injury but not receiving the support they needed to achieve their requirements. In 2020, Jack began working at the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, serving survivors of injury who are experiencing the legal system through incarceration or specialty treatment courts. Through the Denver Reentry program, he provides support services to brain injury survivors and their families. As well as, offering assistance to professionals in developing and implementing reasonable and accessible accommodations to increase survivors’ chances in achieving their various legal requirements and restarting their lives. Jack has presented at a number of national conferences and has been on multiple state councils and task force groups for both national organizations and state government officials, including the Governor of Colorado.
Positions
- Competency Consultant and Trainer, Access Forward Consulting, LLC,. 2013 – 2020
- Assistant Director, Addiction Counselor, and Domestic Violence / Intimate Partner Abuse Victim’s Advocate Aurora Center for Treatment, 2014 – 2018
- Parental Visitation’s Supervisor, Running Creek Counseling, 2015 – 2016
- Independent Living Skills Trainer, Argus Home Health 2018-2019
- Field Supervisor and Independent Life Skills Trainer, Argus Home Health Care 2019-2020
- Brain Injury Re-Entry Specialist, Brain Injury Association of Colorado, 2020 – 2022
- Denver Brain Injury Reentry Grant Program Manager, Brain Injury Association of Colorado, 2022 – 2023
- Director of Denver Reentry, Brain Injury Association of Colorado, 2023 – Present
- Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS)
- Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIS)
Honors
- Savior of Life Award – Presented by South Metro Fire District – 2009
- Rockstar Awardee for the Tricialouise Gurley-Millard Youth Advocate of the Year Award honored by Youth MOVE National – 2017
- MSU National Honors Society – 2014
- Brain Injury Association of Colorado BIAC Values Award – December 2021
Director of Resident Services
Nicole Rice-Collins
nicole@BIAColorado.org
Nicole Rice-Collins, Director of Resident Services
Education: Community College of Denver, Associate of Applied Science, Human Services, 2015. Metropolitan State University, BS, Human Services/Social Work, Concentration at Risk Youth, 2016, Metropolitan State University, Master of Social Work, 2017-2020. Denver University, Masters of Social Work, Current 2024.
Nicole Rice-Collins began working within the brain injury community in 2022 as an Operations Manager at a 24-hour women’s shelter. They housed 85 women 24 hours a day and provided shelter, food, hygiene, counseling, and case management; among many other services and programs to help them thrive and gain permanent supportive housing. Previously, Nicole was working in Higher Education at the Community College of Denver for 15 years as Director of a Women’s Leadership Program. In 2023, Nicole began working at the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, as the Director of Residential Services at a new Permanent supportive housing unit with 72 units called Valor on the Fax. The housing complex is for people with brain injuries and most of them have been chronically homeless for a long time. We provide support services and resources to brain injury survivors and their families here at Valor on the Fax. As well as, offering mental health services, classes, workshops, and 24-hour staffing.
Honors
- Community College of Denver (CCD) National Honors Society – 2015
- Community College of Denver (CCD) President’s List Honors – 2015
- Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society- 2015
- Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) National Honors Society – 2016
- Tau Upsilon Alpha Honor Society- 2016
