The Team
Rachel Kleiman
Operations Manager and Board Liaison
Rachel is a lifelong Niagara resident and a proud Brock University and Mohawk College alumna, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Social Service Worker Diploma.
Rachel has extensive frontline and leadership experience in brain injury both in the non-profit and private sectors. Rachel brings her expertise in fundraising and brain injury rehabilitation to the Brain Injury Association of Niagara as their Operations Manager and Board Liaison. Rachel is dedicated to providing leadership to the organization to ensure its current and future success.
Rachel has a long history of volunteerism and is passionate about building community relationships and giving back to the community. Rachel formerly served as Vice-President of the YWCA Niagara Region Board of Directors and is currently the Vice-President of the National Chronic Pain Society Board of Directors.
Rachel is the proud recipient of the Hamilton (2021) and Niagara (2022) Top 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Awards.
Tamara Little
Program Coordinator
Tamara joined the Brain Injury Association of Niagara in September 2023 as the Program Coordinator, managing the daily operations of the Oasis Clubhouse as well as the delivery of programs and services offered at BIAN. She has an educational background in Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant and Brain Disorder Management which lead her to working as a Case Manager in the Motor Vehicle Industry andjoining the board of the directors for the Brain Injury Association of York Region prior to joining BIAN. Her passion lies in creating a supportive environment with meaningful activities and programs that foster recovery, growth, connection, creativity and the overall well-being of our members.
Katarina Boehringer
Fundraising Coordinator
Katarina has been working in the events and fundraising industry for the past 5 years. In 2017, she experienced a traumatic brain injury, which took many months to recover from. It was very challenging as she had to relearn to walk and structure sentences again. As a result of this experience, she has developed a strong interest in supporting others living with brain injuries. In 2021, she returned to school and obtained her graduate degree in Brain Disorders. She hopes to continue making a difference and raising more awareness about brain rehabilitation.
During her free time, Katarina enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves activities like camping, hiking, canoeing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Even though she is very active, she also enjoys relaxing at home with her partner and their two dogs.
905-646-2426 ext 6
Sarah Thomas
Community Engagement and Peer Support Coordinator
Sarah joined BIAN in August of 2023 as the new Community Engagement Coordinator, and as of May 2024 is BIAN's current Peer Support Coordinator with the OBIA Peer Support Program. With a background in Mental Health and Disability Sarah is passionate about bringing awareness and education to those directly affected by ABI as well as their family, friends and support systems. She works closely with our education and advocacy team to highlight resources and professionals in the region in the field of ABI.
Meka Matthews
Member Services Navigator
Meka is the Member Services Navigator at the Brain Injury Association of Niagara (BIAN), bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the role since joining the organization in 2017. Over the years, Meka has significantly contributed to BIAN in various capacities, including Program Coordinator, Peer Support Coordinator, and Program Manager. With a deep commitment to supporting individuals affected by acquired brain injury and concurrent mental health issues, she excels in guiding members through the services and resources offered by BIAN, ensuring they receive the comprehensive support they need. Meka’s extensive background and passion for the cause make her an invaluable asset to the BIAN team and the community she serves.
(416) 697-1271
Cindy Clark
Administrative and Finance Assistant
Cindy has held many roles and is currently BIAN’s Administrative and Finance Assistant. Cindy’s background in bookkeeping and management makes her an asset to the organization’s overall operation.