LearningRx celebrates Brain Awareness week on Saturday, March 16, 2013 with free lectures from some area experts. March 11 – 17, 2013 marks the 17^th year for this annual week that promotes awareness and appreciation of brain research, founded and coordinated by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and European Dana Alliance for the Brain.

The Amazing Brain

Brain Awareness Week to be Celebrated with Day of Free Lectures

Richmond, Virginia – West End Location LearningRx is hosting The Amazing Brain, a day of free brain-related lectures on Saturday, March 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Tuckahoe Library in Henrico County.

The lectures are in affiliation with Brain Awareness Week, a public information campaign created in 1996 by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives to focus public attention on the importance of the brain and brain research.

Lectures will be provided by the following local brain and learning experts:

• 10:00 Healthy Brain Foods-Smart Choices for a Healthy Brain – presented by Sarah Thacker, MA, ATR-BC, CHHC, RYT-500. Ms. Thacker offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. She is a board certified art therapist, a registered yoga instructor, and a certified holistic health coach. She has had extensive experience working with both individuals and groups in a variety of clinical settings.

• 11:00   Art and Creativity to Overcome Trauma– presented by Mariko Saito, M.A., ATR-BC. Ms. Saito is a Therapist for United Methodist Family Services. Working in the Child & Family Healing Center of UMFS, she helps children and families overcome struggles through Art and other Therapies.

• 12:00 Sports Related Injuries & the Effects on the Brain– presented by John Aaron. Mr. Aaron is National Field Supervisor for the NFL Regional Combines and Super Regional Combine. He has assisted in the operation of over 200 pro football combines, including combines conducted for the NFL, CFL, XFL, and AAFL.

• 1:00   Rehabilitation of Brain Related Injuries – presented by Amber Devers, PT, DPT, NCS, and Cristin Beazely, PT, DPT. Ms. Devers and Ms. Beazely help individuals overcome and face their challenges with new energy and purpose at Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers. They will lecture on the state-of-the-art science for the rehabilitation of brain related injuries such as concussions, strokes, TBI, etc.

• 2:00 Human Brain Development & Neuroplasticity– presented by Dr. M. Omar Faison, Ph.D. Dr. Faison is an Associate Professor & Interim Chair in the Department of Biology at Virginia State University.