Logo: TBISOS | Traumatic Brain Injury System of Support

making sustainable change

TBISOS - School, Awareness, Community, Digital

Supporting:

  • Families & Caregivers
  • Educators & School Staff
  • Children / Students (0-21)
  • Removing barriers to care
Collection of diverse youth

Mission Statement

The Center on Brain Injury Research and Training is excited to be launching TBI SOS 4 Kids! A digital hub-and-spoke model to boost TBI awareness and support among school staff and communities.

Objectives:

  1. Train school staff to identify and assist TBI students.
  2. Strengthen community knowledge of TBI while empowering families to care for and advocate for their child.
  3. Link schools, families and communities to TBI resources via a digital platform.

Our partners include: Toyota, Texas A&M, UT Austin.

When a parent is navigating a complex diagnosis, they often don't know where to turn. That's what makes C2C so powerful, it's peer-led, it's culturally grounded, and it meets families where they are. I've watched caregivers walk in feeling overwhelmed and leave feeling seen, heard, and ready to take action. This program fills a gap that nothing else is filling, especially for families in our communities who are too often left without the support they deserve.
Ana Valdez, Promotora
As a Promotora and a parent of a child with complex neurological needs, I know firsthand what these families are going through, the emotional weight, the medical maze, the fight to be heard. What I've seen through this project is that when caregivers connect with someone who truly gets it, everything shifts. Families start to feel less alone, more confident, and better equipped to advocate for their children.
Esmeralda Garcia, Promotora
Wow, that was fast! Matéo* is doing well, just advocating for his education and finding the right school that'll see past his diagnosis. Your advice last year about checking with our health insurance for school advocate services was a total game changer. I found an amazing advocate who bills through insurance. Thanks a million!
Parent participant
The things I have learned so far in our sessions has helped make me a better advocate for my child and be able to speak up to their school. The resources I have been able to review so far have change my way of thinking and have made me feel more supported as this world (the world of being a care taker) is brand new to me. I have also enjoyed doing the sessions with (B.S. Second parent in group 1) as she brings things up at times that I am a little too shy to ask about. I can definitely say that I am grateful for the program and the platform I am able to refer back to whenever I need to.
Parent participant
Hello! I just wanted to share & ask for prayers. Tadeo* will be having surgery tomorrow for a shunt revision to replace his valve. But I also wanted to thank you for all your insight on shunt malfunctions because you helped me realize there was something wrong with his shunt. And sure enough, doctors agreed to replace the shunt. So thank you so much! The work you're doing is truly making a difference & you're an amazing person!
Parent participant
John* is doing well, just advocating for his education and finding the right school that'll see past his diagnosis. Your advice last year about checking with our health insurance for school advocate services was a total game changer. I found an amazing advocate who bills through insurance. Thanks a million!
Parent participant
In my role as the Executive Director of AISD Health Services and Nursing, I was able to connect with Melaney and her team earlier this school year. It’s not everyday you meet such fantastic people. The resources regarding TBI has been outstanding, from her meeting with athletics and nursing, to the constant support. The Best Team has been an integral part of the school district understanding TBI and their implications. Melaney has worked tirelessly to ensure we had all the support and information we needed. I cannot thank them enough for making us more aware and knowledgeable about TBIs and improving student outcomes.
Alana Bejarano, Executive Director, Health Services, Austin ISD
event banner

2026 Houston WALK to End Hydrocephalus

Two of our team members will be at this event on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Esmeralda Garcia will serve as event chair, and Ana Valdez will represent CBIRT at our exhibitor booth.

symposium banner

Alamo Head Injury Association’s 25th Annual Brain Injury Symposium

On April 15, 2026, Berenice de la Cruz attended the Alamo Head Injury Association’s 25th Annual Brain Injury Symposium, a one-day conference in San Antonio focused on brain injury education, expert presentations, networking, and continuing education credits for professionals and community providers.  

Esmeralda Garcia and her nephew, Angel.

Exceptional for sure!

Team member Esmeralda Garcia was featured in Exceptional Kids magazine, sharing her experience caring for her nephew, Angel.