Our Year in Review
FY23 Annual Report
July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
What happens when we find inspiration in the healing process?
Belonging through community connection.
Healing through connection to self.
Personal growth through new perspectives.
Empowerment through research-backed tools.
“I found LoveYourBrain out of desperation at a time in my recovery where all I knew was that, while my doctors didn't have satisfying answers for me… LoveYourBrain made me feel seen and loved and empowered to support others in their own journeys of healing.”
- Allison C.
Inspiration reveals our full potential
By uncovering what inspires us, we discover our north star - a beacon to guide us forward, hope to nourish us along the way, and the energy to create positive change in our lives.
Yet, after traumatic brain injury (TBI), inspiration can be hard to find. TBI - including concussion - is complex and often invisible, and there is a lack of support for common physical, emotional, and social challenges. It’s far too easy to become isolated and lose sight of our worth and belonging.
LoveYourBrain offers the space to lean into these deep challenges and find inspiration from one another and within ourselves. Through community connection and tools to move through adversity, we find inspiration. This inspiration sets us free from hopelessness and allows us to move through adversity with meaning and purpose.
Adam Pearce (he/him) LoveYourBrain co-Founder Executive Director
Our Impact
Advancing our mission in FY23
7,896
people served
through evidence-based programs designed to improve the quality of life of people affected by TBI
$903,384
dollars raised
to keep our innovative programs and resources free
1,000,000+
people reached
raising global awareness and helping more people understand the importance of loving their brain
Life-changing programs
98% would highly recommend to a friend!
“Those 4 days helped to give me what felt like 15 years worth of healing and acceptance of my TBI. It’s given me a sense of freedom and peace that I didn’t know was possible.”
- Janet Z.
“I leave each session energized to face life and its challenges with a positive attitude and a deep sense of hope.”
- Imani J.
“The evidence behind the program, the care and thoughtfulness in how it is taught and the ongoing community support is what truly sets LoveYourBrain apart.”
- Kristen O.
Groundbreaking research
We’re advancing the scientific understanding of holistic health services for brain injury to shape how healthcare is delivered!
All LYB programs are now evidence-based, validating our holistic approach to:
Increase access to effective holistic rehabilitation services for brain injury
Improve cognitive, psychosocial & physical health for people with diverse TBI severity and symptoms
Innovate digital accessibility based on physical/social activity abilities and preferences
“Research into LoveYourBrain’s programs shows strong potential as a new model of resilience-focused rehabilitation services for personal growth and healing after TBI.”
- Dr. Kyla Pearce, Senior Director of Programs and Research
Three new studies published this year!
First-ever study on online mindfulness, yoga, and resilience-based education for TBI showed LoveYourBrain Mindset improved health outcomes & access! Read more here.
New study shows that LoveYourBrain Retreats significantly improved resilience, emotion regulation, and cognition after brain injury! Read more here.
First-ever clinical trial on LoveYourBrain Yoga with psychoeducation for Multiple Sclerosis found anxiety, fatigue, and other outcomes improved! Read more here.
Innovations for lasting impact
We're pioneering novel content to support the growth, healing, and well-being of our community.
First-ever Mindfulness Resources for the brain injury community:
Meditation & Yoga Library with 100+ practices
10-Day Meditation Immersion
Power of Awareness Mindfulness Course for TBI
"The Power of Awareness...has and will help me to treat myself and others with more kindness. It will help me deepen my understanding of emotions and self-control."
- ANN D.
NEW interactive workshops for our community to connect, learn, and thrive!
Relevant topics for immediate impact
- Emotion Regulation after TBI
- TBI and PTS(D)
- Mental Health after TBI
- Suicide Prevention
”This workshop reinforced practices that I have learned from LoveYourBrain yoga teacher training and combined it with clinical approaches to work with specific symptom sets and injury areas of the brain for deeper understanding and practical facilitation tips and methods.”
- Satya G
A Culture of Belonging
We believe it’s essential to commit to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) in our work and in our own bodies, minds, and hearts.
Diversity
- Onboarded 2 new Lead Teacher Trainers so all program leadership has BIPOC & TBI representation
- Offered BIPOC Affinity Groups in all quarters of programming
Equity
- New recruitment and hiring process increased transparency into compensation and benefits
- Established tiered, trust-based pricing for all offerings with a cost
Inclusion
- Established listening sessions for BIPOC Program Leaders and Participants to help set priorities for LYB’s racial equity goals and actions
- Expanded Gender Affirming Pronouns education and integration into our work
Accessibility
- Improved accessibility of language and design across all modes of digital communication
- New Advocacy and Accessibility volunteer role in largest campaign to center TBI accessibility
Belonging
- Onboarded new FT staff member to LYB’s Equity Team
Amplifying impact
In collaboration with Ben and Jerry’s, we raised significant awareness about the intersection of TBI and BIPOC communities, reaching and educating 13,000+ people, and gathering available research and data on BIPOC health disparities related to brain health.
Building affirming spaces for people with shared identities to meaningfully connect, learn, and grow together.
We expanded our Mindset Affinity Groups to bring deeper support to people with intersectional identities, including, LGBTQIA+; Chair Yoga; Caregivers; Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); Veterans; and Young Adults.
“Going through a TBI is so isolating, new, and scary; so it’s now a blessing to have a community from my same background that I can talk about these things with and finally feel like I fit in somewhere instead of feeling ostracized.”
- Phyllicia T.
"Nothing short of magical. It was a safe space where I didn't have to explain two huge aspects of my existence - brain injury and queer gender fluidity. When you don't have to explain, you are able to exist and when you are able to exist you can explore and heal."
- Cydni H.
Who we serve
Identity
73% Brain Injury
14% Caregiver
6% Yoga teacher
5% Clinician/advocate
2% Other
TBI Severity
38% Mild/concussion
31% Moderate
25% Severe
Gender
76% Female
16% Male
3% No response
2% Genderqueer
1% Trans woman
1% Trans man
1% Other
Race
82% White
6% Multiple
3% Black or African American
1% American Indian
or Alaska Native
3% Asian
4% Other
1% No response
LGBTQIA+
82% No
14% Yes
4% No response
Location
78% US
17% Canada
1% Australia
4% Other
Possible because of your support
Your dollars are an investment in healing.
TBI is one of the most expensive public health problems in the world, with costs in the US over $49 billion each year. Your donations keep our programs and resources effective, accessible, and free.
“I love the LoveYourBrain programs! Thanks so much for keeping them going and having them be free for everyone to make use of. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
- Cathy b.
Campaigns & events
October 10, 2022
Our 6th Annual Golf Tournament in Burlington, VT, presented by Bitter Bubble, was our most successful tournament to-date, raising over $78,000!
“LoveYourBrain has changed my life. I am feeling empowered to share my story. I continue to heal my brain and body through connection and mindfulness.”
- End of year 2022 Donor
March 2023
Our annual MindfulMarch campaign brought visibility to the invisible nature of TBI and brand new resources with our NEW Yoga and Meditation Library, 10-day Meditation Immersion, Power of Awareness Mindfulness Course! Donors and generous fundraisers helped us raise over $20,000
“Being able to ride a bicycle again has been good for my soul as well as my brain. Thank you for doing this program.”
- Ride for Resilience 2023 Donor
“Our team had a great time and we’re so happy to support such a great cause and be a part of the day.”
- Golf 2022 Sponsor
November 29 - December 31, 2022
Our community crowdfunded the world’s largest online yoga and meditation library for TBI through our Giving Tuesday + End of Year campaign, which raised over $70,000.
"It has been difficult to find reliable, science-based yoga and meditation support as I recover from my TBI. LoveYourBrain has created a curated one-stop shop and now my search is over. Thank you!"
- Meditation library user during MindfulMarch launch
May 2023
Our third annual Ride for Resilience was our biggest yet - over 190,000 humans were reached and $152,000+ was raised in support of our campaign goal to educate, engage, and empower the brain injury community and cyclists!
Champion fundraisers
Empowering us to reach new milestones, engage new communities, and provide more access to care, connection, and possibility.
Yoga on the Rocks hosted by The River
Since 2017, The River Yoga has raised $70,000+ to directly support our mission! Through their annual partnership with Yoga on the Rocks, they raise visibility about LYB to over 8,000 people each summer, and donate $1 of every ticket sold!
LYB Team Riders
We partnered with 11 elite and professional cyclists to bring awareness to brain injury in cycling, through meaningful storytelling and their own fundraising commitments, which powered our mission forward!
Simon Pearce
Simon Pearce spread a lot of ‘love’ with their 2022 holiday ornament, with 20% donated back to LoveYourBrain. This year, sales from the LoveYourBrain collection totaled 10% of our annual budget.
Igniting global brain injury awareness
Driven by passionate leaders and advocates.
Our Program Leaders support and uplift the brain injury community by utilizing their own lived experience, expertise, and passion.
“I have learned and understood more about my injury and all of the experiences that followed through LoveYourBrain than I ever did from my treating physicians. I am incredibly inspired to work with individuals who are seeking the tools and community to work through obstacles and find the resilience to move forward.”
- Wendy W.
Our Clinical Affiliates integrate a holistic health approach into the medical system through yoga and meditation at select facilities across the US and Canada.
“TBI is often known as the silent epidemic and many of those affected by TBI have challenges that are not ’visibly seen.’ We are grateful to become a Clinical Affiliate with LoveYourBrain, as it’s allowed our rehab hospital the opportunity to use a structured, research-based approach to provide yoga to our patients, their caregivers, and our local community. Engaging in these practices allows patients and their caregivers to focus on resiliency during their recovery and we are excited to provide this opportunity to them.”
- Paige C., Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital
Our volunteers share their hearts and expertise by supporting our Retreats, Events and Campaigns, and Outreach!
“I view my volunteerism with LoveYourBrain as paying it forward to my community that I so honor and connect to. Without "paying it forward" in all aspects, we cannot sustain the amazing gifts that LoveYourBrain provides.”
- Brian H.
Catalyzed by sponsors and partners.
Event Sponsors
Inspiring our events and campaigns through financial contributions and awareness.
Bringing visibility to brain injury.
March 2023 CNN Heroes
Adam Pearce was named a CNN Hero, which honors everyday people for their selfless, creative efforts to make the world a better place.
“To be named a CNN Hero is deeply humbling and an honor - and in that, it's a reflection of my community”
- Adam pearce
“As a family that has personally been impacted by TBI, we love the mission of LoveYourBrain and their pathways to healing for both patients and caregivers....What started out just as a fundraiser is really blossoming into something bigger for the studio, community, and family.”
- Krissy Danburg, fundraiser and owner of YogaSix South Hills
Summer 2022, USBIA Newsletter
Why Self-Compassion Matters after Brain Injury
“A large body of research shows that self-compassion interventions can improve a variety of health outcomes that are common among brain injury survivors, including rumination, self-criticism, anxiety, depression, and stress.”
- Dr. Kyla Pearce, LYB Senior Director of Programs and Research
March 2023 YogaSix
YogaSix South Hills MindfulMarch fundraising efforts were amplified through multiple local news outlets, bringing greater awareness to brain injury, LoveYourBrain’s work, and creative ways to fundraise.
Engaged new audiences through 35 social collaborations!
Including Therabody, Simon Pearce, Giant Bicycles, Veterans Yoga Project, Alison Tetrick, Ian Boswell, and more!
Our Team
We’re proud to recognize our team who supported us during FY23:
Our Staff
Our Advisory Team
Adam Pearce, co-Founder and Executive Director
Kevin Pearce, co-Founder
Abbey Whately, Development Coordinator
Alyssa Talbot, Systems Manager
Courtney Ruoff, Graphic Designer
Jackie Farrell, Clinical Affiliate Program Manager
Kyla Pearce, Sr. Director of Programs & Research
Laurel Crosby, Director of Development & Communications
Lauren Fiske, Program Coordinator
Libby Nicholaou, Yoga Program & Outreach Operations Manager
Melissa Pennington, Retreat Program Manager
Olivia Kesselhaut, Program Manager
Rachel Petri, Communications and Social Media Manager
Michael Jager
Doug Ulman
Nirali Chauhan, MD candidate
Chris Giza, MD
David De Rothschild
Duke Stump
Sarah Hubbard
Mary Brownsberger, Psy.D. ABPP
Board of Directors
Pia Pearce, President
Jay Benson, Treasurer
Geoffrey Vitt, Secretary
David Adler, Member
“As a woman of color living with TBI who is in the medical field, I hope to support our community through these perspectives: as a patient, future provider, student, daughter, friend, etc. My greatest hope is that I can support the incredible work LYB has been and continues to engage in so that even more people thrive in their lives post-brain injury just like how LYB helped me.”
Donor Report
$40,000+
Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation**
Simon Pearce INC***
$15,000-$39,999
Ben Frederick/The Small Monsters Project*
Phil & Louise Keoghan*
The Mill Foundation**
$10,000-$14,999
Anonymous*
Ann Diebel*
Brian Pollard*
Fischer Family Gift Fund*
Howard Lewin Charitable Gift Fund*
Marjorie McDonnell*
Steve and Carol Adler*
$5,000-$9,999
Anonymous
Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund
Bitter Bubble
Burton Corporation
Greg and Gwynne Steele
John Murphy
Mark and Michele Gainer
Sam Norris
The River
The Ryan Family Foundation
The Sam and Diane Stewart Family Foundation
$2,500-$4,999
Anonymous
Ben and Jerry's
Bilodeau Well & Company
Community Bank
David and Carol Adler
LN Consulting
Loudmouth
Lutz and Carr
NFP
Bob and Polly Flanigan
Prospect High School
ReArch
Select
The Professional Athletes Foundation
TIRR Foundation
YogaSix South Hills
$1,000-$2,499
Alejandro Bergad
Amelia Armitage +
Andrew Pearce Bowls
Andy Cline
Anonymous
Barrette Family Fund
Burlington Subaru
Cameron Lash
Carol Greenlaw
Chico Lager
Christy Swanson +
Cindy Higgins
Daphne Futerman
David Jevotovsky +
Dennis Carol Wilson
Gregory Hicks
Gustavo Franco
Heather Wilson
Jessica and James Eifler
Jessica Schultz
Jane McLaughlin
Jared Sandeen
John Hanson
Kathleen Ochab
Kathryn Murphy
Keith Jundanian +
Keith Quinton
Keitha and Harlan Rue
Kurt Schleicher
Laurel Amsel
Lindsey Jacobs
Margaret McGovern
Margaret O'Donnell
Marianna Frame
Marty MacDonnell
Mary Putnam
McLeod Family Gift Account
Morgan Stanley Gift Fund
National Life Group
NBT Bank
Raymond James Charitable
Richard Dowse
Run for the Troops MA Inc
Ruth West-Gorrin
Tamar Sery Amster
Team Evergreen Cycling
Tejinder Grewal Charitable Fund
Thad Trent
The Edmond N. & Virginia H. Moriarty Foundation, Inc
Theresa Croce
Underground Snax
Vafels, LLC
$500-$999
Andrew Brenner
Anonymous
Artie Trotter
Carolyn Garbo
Chris Davlantes
Christine Goldsmith
Crystal Gilmour
Curt Venditti
Daniel Camacho
David and Tracy Zirin Family Charitable Fund
David Burke
Debra Turk
Denise Longmoore
Erin Jones
Francis J Crandell
Geoffrey Vitt
Gordon J. Bernhardt Charitable Fund
Hyon Chough
Ikemefuna Udeze
James Beaudry
Jared Dumas
Jean Woodward
Jeremy Slater
Jesse Brunner
Joanne Gutierrez +
John Apruzzese
John Nye
John Rinard
Johnnie Chace
Johnson and Johnson Matching Gifts
Julie Fasick-Johnson
Julie Hall
Justin Taylor
Kathi Freaner
Kelly Family Charitable Giving Fund
Kenneth Kucera
Linda Hurdle
Linda Moran
Maurice Singer
Michael McCarthy
Michell Tatar
Newtype Cycling
Patty Ivey
Philip Schumacher
Randal Milch
Rebecca Brown +
Rose Fernandez
Salvatore Tranchina +
SANS Meal Bars
Schwab Charitable
Shelley Botchek
Steve and Adrienne Horn
Steve Cowherd +
Steven Stark
Susan Tordella
Susan Tredwell
Thomas Pasquarello
Todd Byrd
Wheelock Investment Partners Inc
$250-$499
Abigail Rinard
Allison MacCormick
Amy King
Amy Zellmer
Ana Broyles
Andrea Costello
Ann Baruch
Ann Sokoloski
Anonymous
Barbara Hadley
Barbara Lerner
Barbara Nelson
Beth Albright
Blair Hennessey
Blake Dwyer
Bonnie Mainiero
Brad and Ellen Hawley +
Brenda Reiss
Brett Hussey
Brian Cape
Bruce R. Rychlik
Bryan Meszaros
Caroline Persson
Carolyne Dobson
Catherine Marich
Catherine Waterworth
Charles Creighton
Charlie Hall
David Harvey
David Shapiro
David Sungelo
Dean Gray +
Deborah Shriver
Debra Lewis
Diane Sabo
Dylan Otero
$250-$499 Continued
Ed and Mindy Mann
Eli Futerman
Emily Styles +
Emma Hicks
Eric Olson
Erica Moe
Erin Wells
EverTrue Company
Flo Barricelli
Fred Loftin
Gerrit Crosby
Glen Barad
Greg Ressler
Gregg Zoarski
Gwendolyn Hyder
J McGinn
James Simmonds
Jay Shapiro
Jeff Straka
Jeffrey Fisher
Jennifer Beighle
Jennifer Holley
Jill Cook
Joe Steele
John Bykerk
Judy Cenkus
Karen E Hunter
Kathleen Didden
Kevin Smith
KickStand Coffee & Kitchen
KPHG LLC
Laura Cheng
Laura Warman
Lauren Haskin
Lena Woods
Linda Dickey-White
Lissa Schonhoft
Lorrie Arola
LuAnn Via
Lynne Paul
Margot Timbel
Mark Brown +
Mark Friese
Mark Kucera
Mark Pappas
Martha Bonnie
Mary Balfour Dunlap
Mary Catherine Jones
Mary Mersereau-Kempf
Mary O'Brien
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rinard
Megan & Clayt Kyle +
Melissa Kuhn
Michael Fahey
Murray Rubenzahl
Nelson Louis and Deborah Chan
Nicole Walker
Nyla Newman
Patricia Rush
Paul Travis
Peggy Levine
Peter Jermyn
Randal Kucera
Rebecca Lawrence +
Richard Mooney
Robert Davis
Robert Eng
Robert Swan
Robert Tommaselli
Ronald Raade
Ruby E. Daniels
Salesforce.com, Inc
Sally Papineau
Sarah Jones
Sharon Daugherty Davis
Stephen Engler
Steve Olmsted
Steven Grabowski +
Steven Leslie
Susan Beatini
Susan Craig
Susan Nowland
Susan Selph
The Jack and Debra Cronenwett Charitable Fund
Theresa Cavaliere
Thomas Bonnie
Tracee Hodges
Trevor Craig
Ventoza Prado Family Charitable Fund
Wendy Nguyen
Yossi Mintz
Zen Revolution
Champions Club
Recognizing champions who leverage their network and resources to fundraise $5,000+
Ben Frederick
Carol Adler
David Adler
David Jevotovsky
Ezekial O'Brien
Gabriella Tranchina
Justin Maddox
Steve Adler
YogaSix
South Hills
In-Kind Donations
Andrew Pearce
Burton
Hula Lakeside
Jake's One Market
K2
Runamok Maple
Sans Meal Bar
Simon Pearce
Stance Socks
Therabody
Tubbs
Underground Snax
Volcom
WhistlePig
Woodstock Inn & Resort
Yeti
***Leadership Circle Gift. LoveYourBrain's Leadership Circle recognizes those who support and sustain our strong growth and invest in our innovations through gifts of $100,000.
**KP's Club Gift. KP's Club honors Kevin’s legacy as a professional snowboarder and his leadership in the TBI space, and recognizes those who invest in our mission and our work with gives of $50,000 (over two years).
*Circle of Hope. The Circle of Hope celebrates those who are committed to providing more hope and possibility for the TBI community through annual gifts of $10,000.
(+)Building Resilience Project Member. LoveYourBrain honores our monthly donors who support our work with steadfast and recurring donations, which add up to make a real impact on our work.
Photography generously provided by: Kate & Keith Photography
FY23 Financials
Total Expenses
$924,365
Total Revenue
$949,921
38.3% Campaigns & Events
15.5% Individual Contributions
63.6% Programs
12.6% Partnerships & Grants
33.1% Fundraising
12% Programs
3.3% Management & General
7.3% Other Income
Thank you to our inspiring community!
Our work and impact are not possible without the thousands of people sharing our work and supporting it. We could not have done it without you. With full hearts - thank you.
