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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”.

When I called the helpline, I was so happy to learn about the trust fund I could apply for. I had no clue about it but am glad I know now because living with a brain injury is expensive and hard. The lady I spoke with was so nice, took the time to answer all my questions, and made me laugh. She gave me some hope and that is pretty cool.

Harry Thomas

Individual with TBI

Working as an advocate with spinal cord injury individuals, I have found very useful information from BIALA. They are quick to respond to my inquiries, and we work well together to find the resources individuals and caregivers need. Life with spinal cord injuries can be challenging so it is wonderful to know I have an organization such as BIALA to work with to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Nick Kylo

SCI Advocate

My son sustained a spinal cord injury a few years ago, and I still rely on the resources BIALA has to offer to help us live our lives. When I am feeling down and need some encouragement, the BIALA hotline is the first place I reach out to. I feel a sense of relief after I call because of the kindness and compassion I am given. BIALA seems to really care about those they serve, and I am so thankful to have someone to talk to.

Berly Rose

Caregiver
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