Summer Spotlight

Summer Spotlight Kacey Kroeger 
By Thomas Lehrich, President, Board of Directors  

Over the last few months our Summer Spotlight series highlighted board members and staff who are key to what makes Plus One Foundation a leader in programming for people experiencing the wide breadth of neurological conditions. We finish this sizzling summer with a spotlight on Plus One Foundation’s founder and executive director, Kacey Kroeger. 

In 2001, Kacey sustained a traumatic brain injury from a fall. The long term effects of her injury changed her life forever, and her recovery journey became a mission to help others with neurological conditions. Kacey has since dedicated herself to enriching opportunities for those experiencing the diverse range of neurological conditions and disorders. The daily individual challenges associated with these conditions can be invisible to others. Kacey understands this firsthand, and it helps drive our programming offerings and education. 

Known by the community for her inspiration, motivation, and positive outlook, Kacey brings spirit and education to the mission of Plus One Foundation. Kacey graduated from the University of San Diego with a bachelor’s in sociology within the American Humanics Program (the study of non-profit management). Additionally, she is a graduate of the University of Washington's Fundraising Management Program, and works to keep on top of the newest practices and innovations in the nonprofit sphere.

When asked about what inspires her about Plus One Foundation and her thoughts on the future horizons for the community we serve, Kacey explained: 

“I am making it my life's mission to provide enriching opportunities to everyone, regardless of their limitations. Each person should have the opportunity to see, feel, and enjoy all of life's experiences.”

When looking towards the future:

“Plus One is a leading outlet for education, and I believe one area that will improve the lives of those with neurological conditions is AI. It will require educating the community to leverage the potential therapeutic and life improvements AI can bring.”

Each of our staff and Board members have unique talents and perspectives that drive their commitment to Plus One Foundation; together we can learn from our shared experiences. Kacey‘s conception of Plus One to help in the recovery journey for those with TBIs underpins all that we do and has motivated us to support those with all kinds of neurological conditions. 

Summer Spotlight

By Thomas Lehrich, President, Board of Directors

In this summer spotlight, we highlight Kyle Bain, our Fundraising and Development Officer. Kyle is pioneering in a new role created this year by the Board. He provides support and leadership to our board and executive director to help raise resources for programing for those with neurological conditions.

Prior to joining the Plus One team, Kyle worked as a producer and copywriter. He's worked at museums, video production companies, small creative agencies, and big tech companies like Microsoft.

When recently asked about what makes Plus One Foundation special for him, Kyle explained:

As someone who grew up with a parent managing a neurological condition, I love what Plus One is doing: bringing people together for a common good, making a difference, and helping people lead joyful, fulfilling lives.

Each of our staff and Board members have unique talents and perspectives that drive their commitment to Plus One Foundation, and together we can learn from our shared experiences. Kyle’s creativity and energy helps us build greater resources to enhance the delivery of programming.

TBI 2025!

In 2024 our educational team completed the first year of the highly watched Think aBout It series. 

With brain research as one of the last frontiers in medical research our yearlong education campaign on neurological conditions and TBIs is exciting for the community. Each month we featured educational information and outreach on a contemporary neurological topic. 

We know that about 2.8 million Americans sustain brain injuries each year, and an estimated 5.3 million Americans are living with disabilities related to traumatic brain injury. That means, for many, the effects of TBIs are long lasting. 

We are announcing TBI25 Think aBout It. Each quarter we will continue to explore topics in traumatic brain injuries, music therapy and neurology, neurodegenerative diseases and resources for caregivers.  

In October we begin TBI25 with a segment on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The team will cover research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma.

Education is at the heart of what we do; our Think aBout It campaign aims to dig deeper into all aspects of TBIs and neurological conditions. Look for the upcoming segment on CTE this fall.

You can learn more about our education campaign here.

Thomas Lehrich, Plus One Foundation.

Summer Spotlight

By Thomas Lehrich, President, Board of Directors

In this summer spotlight, we highlight Chris Dolinski, our office manager. Chris is among our talented staff; they provide support and leadership to our board and executive director, helping them to deliver programs for those with neurological conditions.

Chris brings exceptional experience and talent to Plus One all while a full time student at the University of Washington. They are working towards a bachelor of science, double majoring in Human Evolutionary Biology alongside Medical Anthropology & Global Health, while also minoring in Writing.

During the Spring 2024 quarter Chris completed a study abroad program through UW's Rome in Residence The students lived in the Campo Di Fiori while attending classes held throughout the city of Rome. Chris learned about the classics and was grateful that their pugs back home were well cared for during their semester abroad.

When recently asked about what makes Plus One Foundation special for them, Chris explained:

I have the privilege of speaking directly to the people we serve. I get to hear their stories, learn about their struggles, and hopefully give them the good news that they've received a grant. I have learned so much about the vast array of neurological conditions people are experiencing, as well as the diverse range of treatments, therapies, and otherwise joyful activities that are helpful to those in need.

Each of our staff and Board members have unique talents and perspectives that drive their commitment to Plus One Foundation, and together we can learn from our shared experiences. Chris’s work is key to our smooth operations, high caliber products, and delivery of programming.

Summer Spotlight

By Thomas Lehrich, President, Board of Directors 

In this board member spotlight, we highlight director Karen Grady. Karen, as one of our longest tenured board members, leads the work we do with delivering programs for those with neurological conditions. 

Karen is a performer, a choreographer, a dance educator, and a mother. She earned her B.F.A. in Dance from Cornish College, and has taught contemporary dance technique, ballet, modern, yoga, and creative movement to students of all ages. She is the founder and owner of Pivot Movement Studio, which has locations in Seattle and Bellevue.

All of our Board members have a unique perspective that drives their commitment to Plus One Foundation, and together we can learn from our shared experiences. We are so thankful for Karen’s expertise and energy, and for her enthusiasm in movement therapy and dance to help those with neurological conditions.