Our Board

Supporting the BIAC staff is our Board of Directors — a diverse group whose individual strengths and collective hand guide all that we do. Here, too, you will find several brain injury survivors whose experience affords an especially valued perspective.

The 2008 BIAC Board of Directors includes:

Elaine Burns, President
Ms. Burns is both a real estate agent in the Storrs/Mansfield area and the mother of a TBI survivor. Prior to serving as the Board’s president, Ms. Burns chaired the Fund Development Committee. Her personal experience with brain injury has made her a tireless advocate for all brain injury survivors.

Paul A. Slager, Esq., Vice President
A partner in the Stamford-based law firm of Silver Golub & Teitell, Mr. Slager brings considerable legal expertise to his role on the Board, as well as a wealth of resources and information to our Community Advocates.

John Stanwood, Ph.D., Vice President
Dr. Stanwood is chief of Psychology at the Hospital for Special Care, where he provides neuropsychological assessment and treatment for persons with brain injury. Here at BIAC, Dr. Stanwood uses his considerable expertise to train ABI Waiver providers and BIAC staff on all aspects of brain injury.

David Bush, Esq., Treasurer
Mr. Bush has served on the Board for nine years, including terms as President and Treasurer. As he has been elected by the Board to serve as treasurer, he was nominated fro a special two-year term to serve in that position. He is a partner in the law firm of Brignole, Bush and Lewis with offices located in Hartford and Granby. Mr. Bush has served as chair of the Golf committee for ten years.

Mark Powers, Secretary
Mr. Powers serves as a physician’s assistant at Gaylord Hospital, where he has provided primary care to the Hospital’s patients for over 14 years. In addition to his role on the BIAC Board, Mr. Powers uses his expertise to instruct BIAC staff in the area of psychopharmacology and train ABI Waiver providers.

Michelle Brisman
Dr. Brisman is a clinical neurologist at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital and PATH Outpatient Services. She has 12 years of experience working in the field of brain injury, including working at Easter Seals of Greater Hartford.

Peter Congleton
Mr. Congleton is the Director of Planned Giving for the University of Hartford. With 13 years of experience in this area, he will provide invaluable knowledge to BIAC as we make long-range fund development plans.

Jennifer Hannah
As the survivor of a brain injury, Ms. Hannah is extremely dedicated to supporting others with brain injuries. Her efforts include leading a BIAC Support Group in Waterbury and speaking to community groups on the subject of brain injury.

Lillian Kosberg
Ms. Kosberg is the mother of a traumatic brain injury survivor and, as such, has been active in the disability rights community for many years. She is a long-time advocate and supporter of BIAC.

Thomas Miller
Dr. Miller is a Physiatrist and Director of the Brain Injury Program at Mount Sinai Hospital. He has been a presenter at BIAC's workshop series and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist by the American Academy of Brain Injury Specialists.

Philip Nemphos
Mr. Nemphos is a Certified Public Accountant with the firm of Montovani, Murray, Nemphos & Tierinni, LLC. Mr. Nemphos' skills and knowledge will be a welcome addition to the Board's Finance and Audit Committee.

Sharon Pope, Esq.
A partner in the law firm of Dillman & Pope, LLC, as well as a professor at the University of Hartford, Ms. Pope’s expertise in the areas of elder and disability law makes her an extremely valuable advisor to the BIAC staff, who often consult with her about legal issues of particular concern to brain injury survivors and their families.

Richard Shechtman, Esq.
As president of Giftcorp, Inc. and a former partner in the law firm of Robinson & Cole, Mr. Shechtman brings valuable business and legal expertise to our Board. His experience on numerous non-profit boards further enhances those capabilities, while his experience as the family member of a brain injury survivor further enhances his understanding of our mission.

Amy Sills
Amy Sills currently serves as the Secretary for the Board of Trustees at the Renbrook School and is the Assistant Treasurer for the Larrabee Fund Association of Greater Hartford. She also has volunteered since 1988 at Friends of the Family, a research and referral organization for teen parents. Ms. Sills is a Corporator at Hartford Hospital.

Mary Waitt
The mother of a traumatic brain injury survivor, Ms. Waitt also works with TBI clients as a private provider. A long-time advocate and community organizer dedicated to the meeting the needs of brain injury survivors, Ms. Waitt also volunteers her time to assist BIAC as a peer mentor.

Gerald Wilson
Mr. Wilson is a brain injury survivor who has retired from his work as an executive director for a national non-profit agency in Washington, DC. Previously active in brain injury support groups in Maryland, he brought his experience to Connecticut, where he volunteers for BIAC in many capacities, including assisting in our fundraising efforts.

Julie Peters (Ex Officio)
Executive Director, BIAC