Two Awardees Honored at 2024 Mind Matters Conference

Apr 11, 2024

The North Dakota Brain Injury Network (NDBIN) recognized two awardees at the 2024 Mind Matters Conference on March 22 in Fargo. Carissa Brownotter and Carly Endres were honored for their work with brain injury. Mind Matters is a two-day conference that highlights new research, systems of care, and practice strategies for individuals with brain injury, family members, caregivers, and professionals.

Carissa Brownotter

Carissa Brownotter, MPH, was honored as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Carissa, a brain injury survivor, assists with the Lunch and Learn programming at the Downtown Engagement Center in Fargo, held by NDBIN. She recognizes the need for unhoused individuals to get access to appropriate services and is always smiling and willing to sit down and listen. Carissa presented to staff at Gladys Ray on the correlation between brain injury and homelessness and screens Gladys Ray residents for brain injury.

Carly Endres

Carly Endres, MS, CBIST, was awarded as the 2024 Certified Brain Injury Specialist of the Year. Carly is a senior project coordinator for NDBIN at the Center for Rural Health where she works on developing, implementing, and managing program initiatives for NDBIN, as well as developing, promoting, and implementing NDBIN educational activities.

Within her role, Carly’s ability to empathize with the unique challenges faced by individuals with brain injuries sets her apart. Her genuine care and encouragement instill a sense of confidence and resilience with brain injury survivors and her guidance empowers survivors to embrace life with newfound optimism. Her unwavering dedication and exceptional support epitomize the qualities deserving of this prestigious accolade.