Speaking
Brainstorm has fueled my passion to help others overcome medical and life challenges, help the medical community better understand their patients, and educate the world about epilepsy, a common condition. Seizures can be scary to watch, but please remember that epilepsy is a medical condition just like anything else, only seizures are on full display because our brains control our actions.
Speaking engagements have included keynotes, medical, pharmaceutical, and non-profit presentations; panels, screenings, and training events; and radio and television interviews.
SPEAKING TOPICS
surviving storms
The Missing Component to “Don’t Give Up”
The phrase is used in every difficult circumstance we encounter—from health problems to career changes to family struggles to athletics. But our mindset needs to change to truly be motivated to change our circumstances. A seizure turned Stacia's life upside down, but she would later realize that low point would have an upside. It led to the documentary Brainstorm. Now she’s sharing her story of resiliency—how she battled epilepsy and got through the worst day of her life, to eventually make the best decision of her life.
The audience will learn:
• The missing component to “Don’t give up."
• Reframe difficult moments
• Embrace life-changing decisions
• Turn a major setback into a major comeback
The patient's perspective
Help Your Patients become Resilient Amidst Their Own Storms
How well do you understand your patients outside of the clinic? This program is perfect for the entire medical community to better understand how denial, fear, stubbornness, and serious side effects play into the daily patient/caregiver/family relationship. Stacia shares examples from Brainstorm.
The audience will leave with:
• A renewed sense of passion for their
important work
• Ideas to better understand their patients
and help them get optimal care.
“Stacia brings her inspirational journey up close and personal; she gave our community valuable insights on the power of perseverance and resilience. Stacia places a spotlight on the enduring hope needed when living with epilepsy.”
“Your presentation made the “idea” of the possibilities for the treatment come to life. One can speak and philosophize, but you are a living example of what can be done for those who suffer from seizures. I know that bearing all of what you have experienced is not always comfortable. We all heard the emotion in your voice as you told your story. You have used your situation as a tool to inspire others: patients to always seek better treatment and doctors to create pathways to greater breakthroughs.”
“Stacia’s emotion and power sparks a passion in all of those listening. As an epilepsy nurse practitioner I hear my patients’ journeys every day, but listening to Stacia brought a whole new perspective, voice, and power to those struggling with seizures.”
“It was a pleasure having Stacia speak at our Epilepsy Education Conference. Her story of resilience and grit was truly inspiring for all in attendance. ”
“Our audience was completely engaged in her story and left feeling inspired. Living with epilepsy can certainly have its challenges- but Stacia’s story provided purpose and hope for the epilepsy community.”
“As one who has a milder form of epilepsy than those portrayed in the film, the film moved me, inspired me and strengthened my commitment to help advance Ms. Kalinoski’s efforts to educate others with epilepsy, the general public and clinicians who might not be well versed about epilepsy… I recommend anyone with epilepsy, or afflicted with any challenging medical condition, to watch this film.”
“Very brave presenter. Outstanding presentation.”
“There is so much stigma attached to epilepsy, that even friends who have it, rarely talk about it. But Stacia is talking about it. Her remarks and documentary increased the awareness and empathy levels of all staff who attended our event.”
“Stacia’s story was inspirational … Everyone was moved to hear Stacia’s account of her battle with seizures and her perseverance to overcome them.”
“Stacia captivated the audience detailing her journey with epilepsy. Stacia’s speech (actually more of a conversation) was heartfelt, informative, engaging and well-received.”
Guest Speaker for Upsher-Smith internal staff to share my journey with epilepsy.
Guest Speaker for UCB internal staff to better understand the patient perspective.
“Stacia’s direct communication with tomorrow’s physicians is among the many contributions she makes to improving care for people with epilepsy and, by extension, other neurological conditions. We recognize the courage and effort required to make this contribution and are indebted to Stacia for her extraordinary commitment. Our students enthusiastically expressed their gratitude and indicated that this was among the most valuable single experiences in their medical education to date.”
Guest Speaker for the UCB Catalyst Cafe on understanding the patient perspective.
“The film provided powerful insight and an intimate and comprehensive look into the impact epilepsy has upon the family unit, employment, education, and everyday life.”
“Stacia’s compelling story helped to make our event a real success. Those in attendance were fascinated to hear about the devastating effects epilepsy can have on one’s career and how Stacia was able to overcome and deal with the consequences of being unfairly terminated from her job. ”
