Meet Our Team
Justin Taft
As the Executive Director at Brain Northwest, Justin's primary focus is strategic oversight and implementing initiatives that reinforce Brain NW's mission. Justin leads a team that collaborates to enhance support systems for individuals with brain injuries, drawing upon his expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and human resources. Justin holds a BAS in Health Promotion and Education and a Master's in Education, focusing on adult learning. Justin is also a professor at Bellevue College, teaching various courses, including health equity, epidemiology, social justice in healthcare, and practicum preparation.
Regee Costanzo
Regee Costanzo is the Resource Manager and Education Specialist at Brain Northwest. Her role focuses on fostering community connections by enhancing educational offerings, providing guidance on resources, and providing space for our community. She is certified as an occupational therapy assistant and a health and wellness coach. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the University of Washington. Regee employs a collaborative, strengths-based approach to meet clients and community members where they are, helping to co-create a path toward healing and empowerment.
Angelina Corona
Angelina Corona joined Brain Northwest as a Trust Administrator. She brings with her an extensive background in trust and estate administration, including a unique specialization in property and project management for ultra-high-net worth clients. Her acumen in administration and management allows her to contribute sound advice for our special needs pooled trust called P.A.C.T.; Pooled Alliance Community Trust. Angelina’s approach is efficient and conscientious. She is hands on with our special needs clients and enjoys providing a personalized experience for them as they navigate brain injuries and additional health challenges. While not at work, this Pacific Northwest native loves spending time along the sandy beaches of Lake Sammamish; and enjoys the wildlife it supports. She actively works with local agencies to be a voice for vulnerable adults, volunteers her time with cats who need forever homes, and assists wherever else she can be of help.
Board Members
Melissa Carter – President
Melissa Carter, Esq. is a dedicated attorney with over 25 years of trial experience, with a particular focus on cases involving traumatic brain injury. She frequently lectures within the legal community on topics surrounding medical-legal considerations in injury law, and how to effectively prepare and present cases involving complex brain injuries at trial. She is the current Managing Partner of the law firm of Adler Giersch, PS, a Pacific Northwest boutique law firm that is well known for its national legislative work in the area of brain injury prevention, advocating for safety in youth sports, and passionately advocating for brain injury survivors and their families in and out of the courtroom. Melissa’s legal expertise, combined with her personal experience of having a family member affected by a brain injury, brings a unique perspective to the board. She lives in Ballard with her husband and three children.
Mark Long – Treasurer
Mark Long is a CPA who specializes in individual and small business taxes as well as tax assistance for nonprofit organizations. Mark became involved with the organization initially to help straighten out tax matters but now has served on the board in a variety of roles including Treasurer several times and President. Mark’s involvement with the brain injured community was deepened with an injury to a now former employee as well as getting to know so many survivors. Mark also is very involved in the pooled special needs trusts (PACT) that the organization sponsors.
Mark loves activities with his partner and 2 Cardigan Welsh Corgis – especially enjoying agility with their younger dog, Bruce.
Dr. Ted Albrecht -Secretary
Dr. Ted Albrecht has dedicated his professional career to supporting individuals with brain injuries. His journey began with clinical training at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, UCLA, and Kaiser Permanente, culminating in a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Clinic, where he specialized in concussion treatment and management. Dr. Albrecht now directs the Sports Medicine Concussion Program at Northwest Return to Work.
A published author in leading scientific journals, Dr. Albrecht is actively engaged in research and initiatives aimed at advancing concussion care across Washington, Alaska, and the West Coast. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him on the golf course, playing basketball, or embracing his newfound Seattle sports fandom at local games.
Dana Lough
My connection to head injury is having a severe brain injury from a 1975 car crash, resulting in right side paralysis. I worked at Seattle’s VA hospital for 25 years. I am retired now and enjoying my time. I am a board member of the organization, & my initiation started in college. One can’t comprehend what a head injury does to a person unless they have experienced one. I am still with the organization because I want to give other head injured individuals all the support that I have gained to tell them, ” Just Don’t Give Up. Help is out there for you!”
Rebecca Schellings
Steve Broback
Steve Broback is the co-founder of Dent the Future, an organization that produces events and experiences focused on science, innovation, inspiration, and entrepreneurship. He is also the author of two books covering technology topics. Born in Seattle, Steve earned his degrees in economics and finance at the University of Washington.
Amara Bates
I have 15 years of experience in nonprofit development, supporting organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and ALS Association. With a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Bachelor’s in Anthropology, I am passionate about how systems and culture influence healthcare access and social equality. I use GIS and data tools to drive fundraising and service decisions in the Pacific Northwest, ensuring resources are allocated where needed. I also enjoy blogging about cooking and health, focusing on homemade vanilla extract and tinctures. In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, three kids, and two grandchildren, who taste-test my creations.
Alan Barronian and Sheri Barronian
Alan and Sheri are the parents of a brain injured man. They became a part of the brain injury community after their son’s accident in 2012. Impressed with the support their son received from this organization, and the friendships he has enjoyed throughout the years, they decided to seek a position on the Board of Directors to help move the organization forward after some challenging times. They enjoy hosting a monthly support group and are looking forward to a future of growth and development to help those in this community who feel isolated, confused and alone. A brain injury of any kind is a life changing event.