BIA-MO Annual Statewide Conference

22nd Annual Statewide Conference

October 20 – 21, 2026
Marriott St. Louis West Hotel
660 Maryville Centre Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) Annual Statewide Professional Conference is the only conference in Missouri developed to specifically address issues relating to brain injury.

It is the premier educational opportunity for professionals who provide care for individuals with brain injury.

National and local experts share current research, innovative therapeutic strategies and best practice treatments to further develop knowledge and skills to improve the quality of life for survivors of brain injury.

2026 Sessions – Keynote Speakers:

  • Marijuana Use in Survivors of Brain Injury
    Percy Menzies, M Pharm
    President
    Assisted Recovery Centers of America, LLC

  • From Rehabilitation to Employment: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Successful Return to Work After Brain Injury
    Charity Shelton, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
    Speech Language Pathologist
    Mercy Springfield Outpatient Neuro/Speech Therapy Services

  • Survivor Success: My Recovery Journey
    James McGinnis
    Motivational Speaker
    Survivor of Traumatic Brain Injury

2026 Sessions Topics Include:

  • Navigating Brain Injury Resources
  • Feeding the Healing Brain: The Essential Role of Nutrition After Brain Injury
  • Pediatric Brain Injury: Best Practice Strategies to Maximize Long-term Potential
  • Transportation to Improve Community Reintegration: Know the Options
  • Strokes: Current Research
  • Trauma Awareness Training: How Trauma Impacts Social, Emotional, and Health Outcomes
  • Promoting Independence in the Home through Assistive Technology
  • Patient Reported Outcome Assessments – Memory and Mental Health
  • Missouri Budget and Effect on Disability Programs including Brain Injury Services
  • Visual Perceptual Dysfunction After Brain Injury – Falls and Balance
  • Navigating the Healthcare System
  • Long-Term Cognitive Impairment Strategies and Memory Techniques
  • Understanding Insurance Guidelines

Continuing Education Units for 2026

  • Behavioral Health Professionals – The University of Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH), Professional Training Center, will be responsible for this program and will maintain a record of your continuing education credits earned. MIMH awards up to 12 clock hour(s) or 14.4 contact hour(s) (1.44 CEUs), including 0 clock hour(s) towards ethics, 0 clock hour(s) towards suicide prevention, and 0 clock hour(s) towards cultural competency, for this program.
  • Case Managers – This program has been pre-approved by The Commission for Case Manager Certification to provide continuing education credit to CCM® board certified case managers. This course is approved for (pending) CE contact hour(s). To claim these CEs, log into your CCMC Dashboard at www.ccmcertifi cation.org Activity Code: (pending) Approval #: (pending) CCMC Approval Date(s): (pending)
  • CBIS – It is the responsibility of the Conference attendee to maintain records of attendance.
  • Clinical Social Work and Counselors – The University of Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH), Professional Training Center, will be responsible for this program and will maintain a record of your continuing education credits earned. MIMH awards up to 12 clock hour(s) or 14.4 contact hour(s) (1.44 CEUs), including 0 clock hour(s) towards ethics, 0 clock hour(s) towards suicide prevention, and 0 clock hour(s) towards cultural competency, for this program.
  • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) – Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6339. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identifi ed. MIMH is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. Participants completing this program may receive up to 12 NBCC clock hour(s). Occupational Therapists – It is the responsibility of the Conference attendee to submit the Certificate of Attendance and official Conference Program provided at the BIA-MO Conference to the accrediting agency to receive CEU credits for this educational event.
  • Physical Therapists – It is the responsibility of the Conference attendee to submit the Certificate of Attendance and official Conference Program provided at the BIA-MO Conference to the accrediting agency to receive CEU credits for this educational event.
  • Psychologists – The University of Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH), Professional Training Center, will be responsible for this program and will maintain a record of your continuing education credits earned. MIMH awards up to 12 clock hour(s) or 14.4 contact hour(s) (1.44 CEUs), including 0 clock hour(s) towards ethics, 0 clock hour(s) towards suicide prevention, and 0 clock hour(s) towards cultural competency, for this program.
  • Rehabilitation Service Providers and Vocational Counselors (CRCC) – The University of Missouri – St. Louis, Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH) is a CE Provider for the CRCC, will be responsible for this program, and will maintain a record of your continuing education credits earned. CRCC has approved this conference for up to (pending) clock hours. CRCC pre-approval number: (pending)

Sign in for CEUs on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 and Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Pick up your Certificate of Attendance before leaving on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. None will be mailed.

Marijuana Use in Survivors of Brain Injury
Percy Menzies, M Pharm
President
Assisted Recovery Centers of America, LLC

Percy Menzies is president of Assisted Recovery Centers of America, LLC. He founded the St. Louis-based center in 2001 for the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction. He has worked closely with drug courts and provided training on the use of anti-craving medications for addiction to reduce recidivism within the criminal justice system. Percy holds a master’s degree in pharmacy.

Percy has conducted workshops for audiences both in the US and overseas on evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders. Percy is a member of the Missouri Opioid State Targeted Response Team. He serves on the Missouri State Advisory Council for the Division of Behavioral Health and is a HUB Team Member for the Missouri Substance Use Disorder ECHO. Percy Menzies will present on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

From Rehabilitation to Employment: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Successful Return to Work After Brain Injury
Charity Shelton, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Speech Language Pathologist
Mercy Springfield Outpatient Neuro/Speech Therapy Services

Charity Shelton is a neuro-specialty speech-language pathologist with almost 30 years of experience evaluating and treating adolescents and adults with acquired brain injuries and neurological conditions. Charity is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America. She is currently conducting research examining auditory processing in adults post-concussion.

Charity was previously a member, Co-chair, and Chair of the Missouri Brain Injury Advisory Council for the state of Missouri. She is a longtime volunteer with the Brain Injury Association of Missouri and is regularly involved with planning committees, including the Annual Statewide Conference. Charity participates in state and local events that support survivors of brain injury and their families. Charity Shelton will present on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Survivor Success: My Recovery Journey
James McGinnis
Motivational Speaker
Survivor of Traumatic Brain Injury

James McGinnis started his second varsity football game of the season on September 12, 2014. During the third quarter, he made a routine tackle. One play later, he collapsed on the fi eld. He had an acute subdural hematoma, and his family was told he had no chance of survival. After a 5-day coma, James gave his parents the sign language symbol for “I Love You,” providing the fi rst signal of hope.

Over the past 12 years, James has relearned every aspect of daily life, including eating, walking, showering, and dressing himself. He continues to push his limits and shares his story of overcoming adversity while defying the medical outcome predictions. He ran his first full marathon in 2025. James has become an accomplished public speaker, sharing his “Jamesisms” for overcoming adversity. James McGinnis will present on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Refunds will only be allowed up to 14 days before the Conference.

CLOSED: Conference Scholarships 2026

Sign up for Annual Statewide Conference Scholarships Here

Scholarships are available for professionals to attend the BIA-MO Annual Statewide Conference. These scholarships cover the registration fee as well as applicable hotel accommodations and travel costs. Application does not guarantee assistance and it is a competitive scholarship process.

Deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Award notifications released around October 1, 2026.

Scholarship Selection Criteria:
• Financial need to be able to attend the BIA-MO Conference
• History of attending the BIA-MO Conference
• Experience of working with persons with brain injury in paid or volunteer positions
• Application Essay (500 words or less)

  • Why do you want to attend the BIA-MO Conference?
  • How will you use the information learned to serve persons with brain injury?
  • How will you share the knowledge and resources gained with colleagues?
  • What else would you like to share as part of your BIA-MO Conference Scholarship application?

The BIA-MO Annual Statewide Conference Scholarships 2026 are available through DHSS and the TBI Grant (90TBSG0061-05-00).

Closed: Hotel Accommodations 2026

Book your Group Rate HERE for the BIA-MO 22nd Annual Statewide Conference

The Marriott St. Louis West is offering a special rate of $159 per night during the BIA-MO 22nd Annual Statewide Conference. This discount is available for October 18 – 21, 2026. The Brain Injury Association of Missouri 22nd Annual Statewide Conference must be mentioned when making a room reservation to receive this special rate.

Reservations are to be made before Friday, October 2, 2026 by calling the Marriott St. Louis West at 1-800-352-1175. After the October 2, 2026 deadline date, room availability and special rates are not guaranteed.

The “BIA-MO 22nd Annual Statewide Conference” must be mentioned when calling to make a reservation.

Sponsors

Co-Host Sponsor

Emerging Technologies Track Sponsor

Rehabilitation Track Sponsor

Keynote Sponsors

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90TBSG0061-05-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

These materials are based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), United States Department of Agriculture, Under sponsored project number 2022-41590-38128.

PARTICIPATE NOW

Emily’s Story is BIA-MO Mission Moment #2. Please join us in recognizing a BIA-MO Mission
This is the only conference in Missouri established to specifically address issues relating to brain injury. Join us for the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) 22nd Annual Statewide
Don’t miss the opportunity to have your voice heard by new and returning state legislators. Complete the 2026 Legislative Priorities Poll by 5:00 p.m. on November

BIA-MO UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming Support Group Meetings
Columbia – October 8, 2026
Kansas City Downtown – October 8, 2026

St. Louis South Online – October 11, 2026

Kansas City Online – October 13, 2026
Joplin – October 13, 2026
Parents of Youth Survivors – October 13, 2026

Springfield Survivors – October 14, 2026
Warsaw – October 14, 2026

St. Joseph – October 15, 2026
Versailles – October 15, 2026

Kansas City Male Survivors – October 20, 2026

22nd Annual Statewide Conference
Join Us: October 20 – 21, 2026