As the Neurotrauma Nurse Navigator at UC Health’s Department of Neurosurgery, I have the privilege of supporting individuals and families impacted by brain injuries. My work, including answering calls for the TBI Hotline, has deepened my understanding of the challenges survivors face and reinforced the importance of organizations like the Brain Injury Association of Ohio (BIAOH) in providing critical resources, advocacy, and community support.

What draws me to BIAOH is its unwavering commitment to empowering brain injury survivors and their families. The organization’s focus on education, advocacy, and building a supportive network aligns with my own values and professional experience. BIAOH plays an essential role in bridging the gaps in care and awareness that extend beyond clinical settings, offering life-changing assistance to those navigating the aftermath of brain injuries.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the BIAOH board, as it would allow me to leverage my expertise and passion to further the organization’s mission. I am eager to work alongside others who share my commitment to making a meaningful impact, and I am dedicated to helping BIAOH expand its reach and deepen its impact in supporting brain injury survivors and their families.

Leah graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy Assisting in 2012. After graduation, she worked in several different clinical settings including Cleveland Clinic's Heart and Lung transplant unit, as a clinical instructor and nurse preceptor for Aultman's Rehab Hospital and as the Director of Rehabilitation for a skilled nursing facility. 

Leah has worked in medical device sales and business development for the last five years most recently for Cleveland Clinic's Rehabilitation Hospitals. 

Natasha Mehta MD is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with both fellowship training and board certification in brain injury medicine. She serves as a brain injury physiatrist for OhioHealth Riverside and Grant hospitals in Columbus OH. This full-time clinical role positions her in front of people who have sustained brain injuries of various causes. She works on a multidisciplinary team to improve patient's outcomes and quality of life

My name is Emily Pateras, and I am a speech-language pathologist and certified brain injury specialist located in the Cleveland area working primarily with children with brain injuries.  I have worked at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation for 7 years, and I am a member of the inpatient rehabilitation team. Besides treatment of our inpatient population, I also participate in our ABI Clinic - which is a follow up clinic after our patients transition to home. 

MY WHY: 

I first got involved with BIAOH in March of this year at advocacy day, where I met some wonderful people that really got me excited about participating in BIAOH events. I attended the Brain Injury Walk at Bonnie Park and presented on return to school after hospitalization at the Brain Injury Summit. I am passionate about helping children get connected to the services they need after they discharge from rehab due to the chronic nature of brain injury. I am a strong advocate within my community and team, and I believe I can take my skills to the next level and reach more people through the BIAOH board of directors. I've always said my 10 year goal was to "bring BrainSTEPs to Ohio," and I can feel myself getting closer to actually making that happen.