For Support: (504) 982-0685
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About biala

Staff Members

Kimberly Hill, MS, CTRS, CCT

Executive Director

Kimberly Hill, MS, CTRS, CCT, is the Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana/Louisiana Chapter of United Spinal Association. Additionally, Kimberly serves on the Board of Directors for United Spinal Association, and is the South Central Regional Coordinator and Louisiana Chapter Leader for United Spinal Association. Kimberly also represents Louisiana as the state's Chapter Leader for the Brain Injury Association of America and serves as a member of the education committee.

Kimberly brings a wealth of professional and personal experiences to her position. She provides a deeper understanding and personal perspective to her role as the mother of a child who survived a spinal cord injury and as a relative to a close family member who sustained a traumatic brain injury. Drawing from these experiences, Kimberly feels compelled to share hope, compassion and understanding with others who have experienced similar challenging situations in their lives.

After completing undergraduate school at Louisiana State University, Kimberly received her Masters of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of South Alabama. She is a nationally board Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist as well as a Certified Cognitive Therapist. Kimberly’s work experience includes inpatient rehabilitation where she worked with both neurologically and orthopedically impaired patients, private practice working with developmentally disabled children, inpatient geriatric psych hospital working with the elderly population and lastly, Kimberly worked for many years in outpatient and residential brain injury rehabilitation as a therapist and case manager.

Kimberly Hill, MS, CTRS, CCT

Executive Director

Dawn Vest is the Outreach and Resource Coordinator.Dawn has a background working in the non-profit world serving in the foster care community and supporting those that have been rescued from Human Trafficking. Additionally, she taught Life Skill classes to middle school students for several years. She has genuine compassion to help others feel connected and to provide tools and resources that are useful to improve their everyday lives.She is a Louisiana native and recently moved back after living in California and Texas. She has greatly enjoyed spending time with family and savoring all the New Orleans cuisine.One of her favorite quotes is by Mother Theresa, “Do small things with great Love”.

Painting a mask and showing how it feels to live with a brain injury was a lot of fun and also made me feel good and important. People don't understand so thank you for allowing me to share how I feel. I can't wait to see my mask on the art display. Thanks for making me smile and feel good about myself.

Ada Henderson

Individual with TBI

Participating in the virtual support groups has brightened my days and helps me feel less alone and depressed. Thank you for looking out for people with disabilities and making sure we stay connected to others.

Shannon Charleston

Individual with TBI

During an incredibly difficult time, when I called the BIALA hotline desperate for help, I was greeted by someone who showed that she truly cared, and I can't say thank you enough. She was a life support for me, and I don't know how I would have survived without her. She was there when I had no one else and brought me peace and comfort and understanding. There is no amount of money or thanks in the world that could repay her for her kindness and compassion. She was and continues to be such a blessing to me.

Catherine Genovese

Caregiver
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