Leadership
Meet The ThinkFirst Northern Nevada Leadership Team
Chapter Director of ThinkFirst Northern Nevada
Kathy O’Sullivan, PT, MSPT, CBIS
Kathy O’Sullivan, MS, PT, CBIS is the Chapter Director of ThinkFirst Northern Nevada. She is a physical therapist with Rehab Without Walls, a neurorehabilitation company specializing in the treatment of brain injury. Kathy received her master’s degree at Duke University and has been practicing physical therapy, specializing in neurorehabilitation since 1988. Her experience includes inpatient, outpatient and community based rehab as well providing physical therapy for students in Washoe County School District. Brain injury prevention and treatment are Kathy’s passions, both professionally and personally. She has a son with an acquired brain injury and lives with its consequences daily. She is very excited to be working with ThinkFirst Northern Nevada and bringing increased awareness to our community.
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Lali Sekhon, MD, PhD, MBA (Neurosurgeon, Reno Orthopedic Clinic)
VICE PRESIDENT
Joseph Uccelli, MD (Trauma Surgeon, Western Surgical Group)
SECRETARY
Sherise Smith, PT, MSPT, CBIS (Team Leader Northern Nevada, Rehab Without Walls)
TREASURER
Kevin Berge, CPA (President, Berge Company)
Mike de la Torre (Health Teacher, Athletic Trainer, WCSD)
Freida Hulka, MD, FACS (Trauma/Pediatric Surgeon, Western Surgical Group)
Benjamin Pence, DO (Chief of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Renown Health)
ThinkFirst Northern Nevada VIP Speakers
Voices for Injury Prevention (VIPs) are at the heart of our ThinkFirst programs. These individuals share how a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury changed their lives in an instant. Their upbeat yet poignant presentations offer audiences the opportunity to see and hear first-hand, live accounts of the consequences of poor choices (theirs or someone else’s)… like not wearing seat belts, choosing to drink and drive or playing with firearms.
- Drew Simpson
- Tayler Dahlberg
- Blaze Brucato
- Caitlyn Bray
Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Facts
500,000 INJURIES A YEAR
Each year an estimated 500,000 persons sustain permanent brain and spinal cord injuries in the United States.
BEST PROTECTION
Correct use of an approved helmet is the best way to protect your head and brain from sports related injuries.
DID YOU KNOW?
Approximately half of patients with a severe head injury will need surgery to remove or repair brain bleeding or bruising.