Brain Injury Association of Red Deer
Meet Our Team!
BIARD holds every staff, board member, partner, and volunteer to the highest standard.
We firmly believe that engagement, participation, advocacy, teamwork, and ongoing education are integral to our mission:
ensuring no one faces brain injury alone.
Our Founders.
Meet the incredible founders of BIARD! With firsthand experience, a wealth of qualifications, and an unstoppable passion, they are set to make a significant impact!
Rachel Czarnecki
Co-founder & Executive Director
Daniel Mroz
Co-founder
Meet the Board of Directors.
Each member has been hand selected based on their education, experience, and passion for brain injury.
President & Director of Finance
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Daniel Mroz
Daniel immigrated to Canada from Poland as a child and grew up in British Columbia before moving to Alberta. He graduated from high school through the Business Career Prep Program and later earned a diploma in Marketing Management. Daniel has extensive experience in sales and management. He later transitioned into working in the oil and gas industry, where he honed a strong work ethic and practical problem-solving skills.​
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As the Director of Finance and President of the Board of Directors, Daniel is dedicated to fostering financial stability, driving strategic growth, and building a supportive community for brain injury survivors. His leadership is fuelled by a deep passion for creating meaningful change and ensuring that no one navigating the complexities of a brain injury has to do so alone.​​
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Director of Community Engagement and Support Services
Victoria O'Brien
Victoria has a bachelor's degree in Sociology and over 10 years of experience working with individuals facing challenges such as acquired brain injuries, homelessness, substance use, mental health, and other disabilities.
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Victoria understands the importance of brain injury prevention and has spent the last 13 years educating people from all walks of life about the importance of protecting the brain and effects of injury.
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Treasurer and Secretary
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Rachel Czarnecki
From nurse and college instructor to acquiring a traumatic brain injury and homeless for 3 years, Rachel's journey has been one of resilience.
Rachel self initiated her cognitive rehabilitation over the pandemic completing over 200 certificates and 5 diplomas to improve her cognitive skills and regain function. Rachel is a versatile and result driven professional with expertise in nursing, adult education, emergency preparedness, occupational health and safety and community engagement. Rachel specializes in program development, crisis response strategies, and team leadership, with a focus on supporting individuals with cognitive impairments.
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Chair Person
Sonyia Tower
With 10 years of combined education in psychology and social work, along with 20 years of professional experience in mental health, addictions, and brain injury, Sonyia Towers brings a wealth of expertise to supporting individuals through their recovery journeys. Her career spans roles such as teaching in prison systems, managing homeless outreach programs, working in detox facilities within corrections, and advocating for brain injury awareness and support.
Having personally sustained brain injuries in 2017 and 2020, Sonyia gained a profound, firsthand understanding of the challenges individuals face navigating recovery and support systems. This experience has deepened her empathy and commitment to helping others maneuver through the complexities of head injury recovery. Sonyia is dedicated to providing compassionate support and education, ensuring the recovery process is as accessible, kind, and comfortable as possible for those facing similar challenges.​​​​​​
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Chair Person
Heather Jay
Being in her 50’s, Heather brings decades of lived and professional experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse, caregiver to her son who is a Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor, and passionate advocate for human rights.
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Based in Red Deer Alberta, she has dedicated much of her life to fighting for mothers' rights, patient autonomy, and the dignity of those navigating the healthcare system—especially individuals with brain injuries and complex needs.
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Her journey is rooted in deep compassion and relentless advocacy. As the primary caregiver to a brain injury survivor, she knows firsthand the challenges families face and the systemic changes needed to support them. Her voice has become a beacon for others seeking justice, compassion, and reform in both the healthcare and social systems.
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Outside of advocacy, Heather finds joy in rescuing cats, diving into books, exploring new cultures through travel, and using public speaking as a tool to inspire and educate.
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Her message is simple yet powerful: every human being deserves the chance to live their best life—free from unnecessary struggle, and rich in autonomy and respect.
If she’s not on the frontlines of advocacy, you’ll likely find her with a rescued feline curled beside her, catching up on much-needed rest.