At its most basic, a collective is a group of individuals who work together toward a common goal. The term usually explains a group that doesn't have a strict hierarchy (more on that later), but that makes decisions, you guessed it, collectively. So, when the Brain Health Collective (BHC) gets together, that's exactly what they do. They bring in experts (those with lived experience, professionals, families, and friends of individuals who have experienced brain injuries) who all bring their wisdom, experience, and networks to better serve our community.
Leading the charge is Susan Davies, PhD.,, the Chair of the Department of Counselor Education and Human Services and Professor in the School of Psychology at UD. Dr. Davies created the Brain Health Collective in 2022, bringing together community partners, establishing funding, and creating a sustainable structure for the BHC to continue. She certainly leads the efforts, but her work to bring all voices to the table, listen to each one, and establish a community-focused strategic action plan is what truly makes the group a collective. As a collective, they listen to the stakeholders, figure out the greatest needs, and then pool together their resources to be of the best service to the community. This fall has been a season of doing just that. The Brain Health Collective proudly hosted two events designed to bring education and resources to the Miami Valley community and serve those who need it the most.
"Your Brain On Nature" Lunch and Learn
On October 17, Scott Hall, PhD., Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at UD, hosted a community lunch and learn called "Your Brain on Nature." This event brought a new spin to the typical BHC educational events, sharing how spending time outdoors can positively impact an individual's mental health. According to Dr. Hall, time in nature:
- Affects brain regions for stress and emotions.
- Restores attention and improves focus.
- Promotes creativity.
- Enhances mental well, and
- Supports physiological brain health.
- Dr. Hall also shared practical tips for engaging in nature, including mindful immersions like walking and grounding; active engagement with nature, such as gardening and outdoor exercise; engaging with animals; and indoor techniques, including bringing plants inside and using nature sounds and visuals.
The BHC recorded Dr. Hall's hour-long presentation, and it is available for all to view. We encourage you to check out this great conversation.
BHC Resource Fair
On October 21, the BHC brought together 27 local and statewide community partners at the Brain Health Collective Resource. Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley graciously hosted the group. Professionals, brain injury survivors, and family members all attended to gain valuable resources, network with community partners, and recruit new members of the BHC, further growing the BHC's impact.
Thank you to the 27 vendors that shared information at this year's fair!
- Air Force Wounded Warrior Program
- Brunner Literacy
- D2 Human Performance
- Disability Rights Ohio
- Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley
- Brain Health Collective
- Montgomery County ADAMHS
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Ohio Brain Injury Connection
- Brain Injury Assoc. of Ohio
- Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
- Play4Payne Foundation
- Premier Health
- The Access Center for Independent Living
- The Neuro Rehab & Balance Center - Kettering Health
- Premier Health Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation
- The Rehabilitation Institute of OhioUnited Rehabilitation Services
- VA Dayton, Ohio- Caregiver Support Program
- We Care Arts
- Integrate and Thrive
- Children's Brain Tumor Foundation
- Valor Therapeutics
- Help Me Grow Brighter Futures
- Project Genius Inc.
- Therapeutic Riding Institute
- Mayfield Brain & Spine
Get Involved
The Brain Health Collective is always looking for new people to join our team. The BHC operates with four core work groups – Professional Education, Continuum of Care, Communication and Advocacy, and Research – in which interested members can get further involved in executing the BHC's strategic plan. To join a work group, please contact brainhealth@udayton.edu.
Upcoming Events
Not ready to join a group? Mark your calendar for our upcoming events and see what the BHC is all about!
- January 23, 2026: Lunch and Learn with Dr. Brittany Collins, "Stronger Every Day, Sharper Every Play: Brain Health for Athletes"
- March 6, 2026: Brain Health Collective Symposium, "The Whole Picture: Integrating Care for Acquired Brain Injuries"