Bucks IU awarded inaugural BrainSTEPS Team Exceptional Performance Award

The Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) has been honored with the inaugural BrainSTEPS Team Exceptional Performance Award, distinguishing it as one of only four teams across Pennsylvania — and the sole recipient in the southeastern region of the commonwealth — to receive this prestigious recognition.

BrainSTEPS (Strategies Teaching Educators, Parents, and Students) is a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge education, healthcare, rehabilitation and families to support Pennsylvania students (K-12) who have experienced acquired brain injuries (ABIs). The program, funded through Pennsylvania’s Department of Education and Department of Health, delivers vital brain injury consultation and training to schools statewide. It addresses a range of injuries, including concussions, traumatic brain injuries and non-traumatic brain injuries.

“The Bucks IU BrainSTEPS team has become a trusted resource in the Bucks County community, consistently guiding educational teams as they work to reintegrate students with brain injuries back into the learning environment,” stated Gina Meissler, Bucks IU program director for related services. “This process is often complex and challenging for students, families and educators, and the Bucks IU’s BrainSTEPS team’s expertise and compassionate approach have been invaluable.”

Since its establishment, the Bucks IU BrainSTEPS program has supported over 1,100 students in Bucks County, with 79% of cases involving concussion-related injuries, 13% non-traumatic brain injuries, and 8% moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries.

Sarah Krusen, Bucks IU Speech-Language Pathologist and BrainSTEPS Lead, stated, “Our Bucks IU BrainSTEPS Team is comprised of highly experienced professionals and Certified Brain Injury Specialists with team members often asked to share their knowledge and experience with others throughout the state. The team also works closely with our district partners to build understanding and capacity within their own school teams so that we may all better serve the unique needs of students with brain injuries.”

In addition to Sarah Krusen, the Bucks IU BrainSTEPS Team includes Heather Karmazin, school counselor; Lesley Hirsh, occupational therapist; Marci Cianni, social worker; Kelly McElrath, behavior analyst; and Amy Francek, supervisor of special education-related services. The diverse expertise within the team provides a well-rounded approach to meeting each child’s unique needs related to their individual brain injury.