Welcome to the Homelessness Module

In Module 6, participants will learn about the relationship between brain injury and homelessness and strategies for working with this population. Homelessness resources and services in Massachusetts are also included in this module.

Module 6 Objectives

After completing this module, you will have acquired knowledge about:

  • Facts related to brain injury and homelessness including the risk factors and the impact to one’s ability to maintain housing, employment, and relationships
  • Possible physical, cognitive, and neuro-behavioral consequences of brain injury
  • Possible strategies for working with individuals including managing the resulting impairments of brain injury
  • Resources and services that are available to those who are homeless in Massachusetts

About the Authors

At the time of initial publication, module content was provided by Mary Roach. In 2023, this course content was revised by Dr. Brie Insalaco. The course content was updated to reflect current data, research, language, and best practices of the field.

Mary Roach is President and practicing case manager of the consulting firm Neuro-Rehab Management, Inc. (NRM). NRM provides case management, training and assessment services to neurologically and orthopedically impaired individuals. Mary’s responsibilities include direct client treatment, case management, counseling and functional assessment, training and consultation to providers, as well as overseeing staff of ten experienced professionals. Mary holds a Master’s degree from Assumption College in Rehabilitation Counseling, C.A.G.S. She completed a Counseling Psychology Special Program at Northeastern University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Fitchburg State College. Since 1980 Mary E. Roach has dedicated her professional life to working with individuals with disabilities. This experience as a social worker and rehabilitation counselor provided her with the essential knowledge and expertise to understand the target population of this conference and their special needs. As President and a practicing case manager, Ms. Roach has worked exclusively with both homeless and stabilized individuals with brain injury for almost thirteen years.

Dr. Brie Insalaco is the Clinical Director and consulting neuropsychologist for the ABI/MFP Waiver and Statewide Head Injury Programs of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. As part of this role, Dr. Insalaco oversees an interdisciplinary team of medical consultants and provides clinical consultation for individuals with brain injuries and co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions. She is also responsible for curriculum development for brain injury trainings to both state agencies and the public. Dr. Insalaco obtained her doctoral degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University and subsequently completed her internship and fellowship through the VA Boston Heathcare System/Harvard Medical School with dual specialization in geriatric neuropsychology and polytrauma services including TBI and PTSD. Specialty areas include sports concussions, stroke and vascular conditions, neurocognitive disorders and dual diagnoses including brain injury and behavioral health conditions.