BrainSTEPS Teams Are Honored

May 28, 2026


Awards were presented to Intermediate Unit BrainSTEPS teams and to local school districts at the 2026 BrainSTEPS Spring Team Leader Retreat, which was held in Bedford, Pa., in April.

Exceptional Performance Awards
Seven Intermediate Unit BrainSTEPS teams across the state were recognized with the annual "Exceptional Performance Award" for the 2025–2026 school year. These BrainSTEPS teams demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving children in their local school districts who experienced an acquired brain injury during the past academic year.

Each honored team has met rigorous time and effort requirements and provided outstanding support to students, parents, and educators in their regions, consistently striving to meet BrainSTEPS best-practice standards.

The awardees are:

  • *Midwestern Intermediate Unit #4 (Butler, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties) led by Richael Fertig & Karen Chambers.
  • Appalachia Intermediate Unit #8 (Blair, Bedford, Somerset Counties) led by Dr. Kara Madara
  • Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12 (Adams, York, and Franklin Counties) led by Stephanie Cellucci and Catherine Davis
  • *Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18 (Luzerne County)* led by Tina Gelso and Patrick Dougherty
  • *Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 (Bucks County)* led by Sarah Krusen
  • Montgomery County Intermediate Unit #23 (Montgomery County) led by Jean Miksch and Amy Feldmann
  • The School District of Philadelphia/Intermediate Unit #26 (Philadelphia County) led by Dr. Jen Rusak and Michael Dettloff

(*Teams with an asterisk have received this award for the last 3 consecutive academic years.)

Recognition Banners
Additionally, eleven school districts in Pennsylvania were recognized for having the highest number of student referrals this year. Each district received a BrainSTEPS Recognition Banner from their local BrainSTEPS team leaders. This recognition reflects the dedicated time, effort, and commitment of local BrainSTEPS teams to identifying and supporting students in their local school districts with brain injury.

For the second consecutive year, the School District of Philadelphia had the highest number of referrals from a single district, with 30 students referred to BrainSTEPS.  The 11 recognized districts are:

  • The School District of Philadelphia
  • Allentown City School District
  • Council Rock School District
  • Eastern Lancaster County School District
  • Bensalem Township School District
  • Central Bucks School District
  • Pittston Area School District
  • Bethlehem Area School District
  • Gettysburg Area School District
  • North Allegheny School District
  • Wyoming Area School District

    Congratulations to all Award recipients, who are effectively serving Pennsylvania students who have experienced acquired brain injury.

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