WE ARE TORONTO ACQUIRED BRAIN
INJURY REHAB SPECIALISTS (TABIRS)
Life-changing ABI support since 2005
Community First
Always reinvesting service fees back to the CHIRS Foundation
First-hand Expertise
Access to clinicians with over 35 years of industry experience
24/7, 365 Support
Handling the most complicated and catastrophic cases in Ontario
Highly Competitive Fees
Specialist rehabilitation and support at prices you can afford
Our Mission
To successfully transform the lives of individuals with acquired brain injuries, helping them to live fulfilling and rewarding lives.
Navigating the health care system and getting meaningful support after an acquired brain injury is difficult for individuals and their families. We understand. Loved ones should never have to feel alone. That’s why TABIRS exists. We’re on your side providing continuous assistance. Ultimately, we are here for you. We believe you can have a fulfilling life after ABI with the right support in place.
Established in 2005, Toronto ABI Rehab Specialists Limited (TABIRS) has been making a huge impact in people’s lives. Improving quality of life and providing safety, comfort and purpose, we can give families the reassurance they need when life gets tough.
Working solely in collaboration with Community Head Injury Resource Services of Toronto (CHIRS), we provide a broad range of life-changing services to the ABI community on a fee-for-service basis. CHIRS is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization primarily funded by the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
With TABIRS, individuals living with the effects of ABI are always in good hands. Compassion, dignity and care underpin everything we do. TABIRS benefits from the expertise and oversight of two professional neuropsychologists working with the most complicated and catastrophic brain injury cases in Ontario.
A gift to the CHIRS Foundation is a wonderful way to pay tribute or make a difference to those living with ABI and their families. Your donations help with undertaking more ABI research, consistently improving care facilities, and employing even more influential members of staff.
For The People, For The Community
Doing good twice is what we do. Your investment won’t simply rehabilitate the individual who sustained the ABI, but helps to continuously support fellow individuals one treatment at a time.
TABIRS operates for the people. This is the way it’s always been. That’s why funds generated for our services are continuously reinvested back to the CHIRS Foundation. This powerful vehicle exists to support community programs benefitting those with ABI. Working collaboratively in this way, we provide continuous support to those affected, because nobody should ever feel abandoned.
Every life matters. Transform one with TABIRS.
ABI is a subject requiring expert attention. Ultimately we want
everything to be ok. That’s why TABIRS provides life-changing
support, whatever your background.
Family Members
Every individual deserves quality continuous support. We’re committed to helping those who have sustained a brain injury live fulfilling and rewarding lives. You’re in good hands.
Hospital Discharge Planners
It’s daunting leaving hospital. A reassuring referral can make all the difference. Contact us for effective ABI rehabilitation and support when your clients need it most.
Insurance Companies
Our highly competitive services fees provide your clients effective ABI rehabilitation and support at rates you can afford.
Personal Injury Lawyers
Utilize the knowledge and experience of TABIRS to successfully protect your clients and their best interests. Contact us to discover how we can help.
Meet Our Team
Ph.D., C. Psych, ABPP-CN, C-CAT (MB)
Practice in Clinical Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology
Dr. Lemsky has over 25 years of experience in providing rehabilitation and assessment services in medical-legal, inpatient and community-based settings, serving people living with the effects of neurological disabilities. She is a registered Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist with TABIRS.
READ FULL BIO
MSW, RSW
Social Worker
Sarah is a Social Worker and Addictions Counsellor at TABIRS. Holding a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, she also has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Guelph. At TABIRS Sarah provides both individual and group counselling, including co-facilitating the substance use and brain injury group (SUBI).
READ FULL BIO
Psy.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist
Dr. Busse is a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist who has been working at CHIRS since 2014. She is primarily responsible for conducting neuropsychological assessments with patients who have acquired brain injuries across the spectrum, including concussion/ mTBI.
READ FULL BIO
Clinic Coordinator
Naneesh is currently the Clinic Coordinator at TABIRS and has held various roles with CHIRS since 2003. Previously holding positions of Residential Facilitator, Community Facilitator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Occupational Health and Safety Representative within CHIRS, she currently screens eligibility and coordinates referrals for TABIRS’ Neuropsych clinic.
READ FULL BIO
BScN, MSW, RSW
Social Worker
Diana is a registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Prior to her social work career, Diana worked as a registered nurse in both hospital and community health settings. Diana has been a Social Worker with TABIRS for the past 23 years. As part of the clinical team, she provides individual, family and...
READ FULL BIO
B.A. Psych., M.Ed.
Intake Referral Coordinator
Shobha Orlando is currently the Intake Referral Coordinator at TABIRS and brings a wealth of experience having held various roles with CHIRS since 1990. Previously holding positions of Residential and Apartment Support worker at Ashby House, Community Facilitator, Senior Intake Facilitator and Intake Coordinator with CHIRS, she currently manages...
READ FULL BIO
BA (Hons), MPA
Director of Programs and Services
Judy Moir is currently the Director of Programs and Services at TABIRS and has represented CHIRS in a number of roles down the years. Previously holding positions as Residential Facilitator, Service Coordinator and Intake Coordinator, she currently leads and directs the development and implementation of clinical and support services to meet TABIRS’ objectives.
READ FULL BIO
MPA, RSW
President
The founding President of TABIRS, Hedy has many years of experience in community rehabilitation for adults with acquired brain injuries. Hedy is a registered Social Worker and has received a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University. She is a graduate of the University Of Toronto Rotman School Of Management Advanced Health Leadership Program and has an...
READ FULL BIO
MSc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
As a registered Occupational Therapist, Sarah has many years of experience working with adults with acquired brain injuries. Sarah received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at York University. After several years working first as a Residential Facilitator at CHIRS, and then as a Community Facilitator, Sarah went on to pursue her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy...
READ FULL BIO
MSW
Social Worker
Sean is a registered Social Worker at TABIRS and also represents CHIRS as a Community Facilitator. Sean has been supporting individuals that have sustained a brain injury for over 15 years in a variety of roles across community-based and residential settings.
READ FULL BIO
MSc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
As a registered Occupational Therapist, Katherine has great experience working alongside individuals with acquired brain injuries. Katherine received her undergraduate degree in Sociology at York University, with a special interest in social determinants of health and critical disability studies.
READ FULL BIO
Meet Our Team
Ph.D., C. Psych, ABPP-CN, C-CAT (MB)
Practice in Clinical Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology
Dr. Lemsky has over 25 years of experience in providing rehabilitation and assessment services in medical-legal, inpatient and community-based settings, serving people living with the effects of neurological disabilities. She is a registered Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist with TABIRS.
READ FULL BIO
MSW, RSW
Social Worker
Sarah is a Social Worker and Addictions Counsellor at TABIRS. Holding a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, she also has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Guelph. At TABIRS Sarah provides both individual and group counselling, including co-facilitating the substance use and brain injury group (SUBI).
READ FULL BIO
Psy.D., C.Psych.
Clinical Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist
Dr. Busse is a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist who has been working at CHIRS since 2014. She is primarily responsible for conducting neuropsychological assessments with patients who have acquired brain injuries across the spectrum, including concussion/ mTBI.
READ FULL BIO
Clinic Coordinator
Naneesh is currently the Clinic Coordinator at TABIRS and has held various roles with CHIRS since 2003. Previously holding positions of Residential Facilitator, Community Facilitator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Occupational Health and Safety Representative within CHIRS, she currently screens eligibility and coordinates referrals for TABIRS’ Neuropsych clinic.
READ FULL BIO
BScN, MSW, RSW
Social Worker
Diana is a registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Prior to her social work career, Diana worked as a registered nurse in both hospital and community health settings. Diana has been a Social Worker with TABIRS for the past 23 years. As part of the clinical team, she provides individual, family and...
READ FULL BIO
B.A. Psych., M.Ed.
Intake Referral Coordinator
Shobha Orlando is currently the Intake Referral Coordinator at TABIRS and brings a wealth of experience having held various roles with CHIRS since 1990. Previously holding positions of Residential and Apartment Support worker at Ashby House, Community Facilitator, Senior Intake Facilitator and Intake Coordinator with CHIRS, she currently manages...
READ FULL BIO
BA (Hons), MPA
Director of Programs and Services
Judy Moir is currently the Director of Programs and Services at TABIRS and has represented CHIRS in a number of roles down the years. Previously holding positions as Residential Facilitator, Service Coordinator and Intake Coordinator, she currently leads and directs the development and implementation of clinical and support services to meet TABIRS’ objectives.
READ FULL BIO
MPA, RSW
President
The founding President of TABIRS, Hedy has many years of experience in community rehabilitation for adults with acquired brain injuries. Hedy is a registered Social Worker and has received a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University. She is a graduate of the University Of Toronto Rotman School Of Management Advanced Health Leadership Program and has an...
READ FULL BIO
MSc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
As a registered Occupational Therapist, Sarah has many years of experience working with adults with acquired brain injuries. Sarah received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at York University. After several years working first as a Residential Facilitator at CHIRS, and then as a Community Facilitator, Sarah went on to pursue her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy...
READ FULL BIO
MSW
Social Worker
Sean is a registered Social Worker at TABIRS and also represents CHIRS as a Community Facilitator. Sean has been supporting individuals that have sustained a brain injury for over 15 years in a variety of roles across community-based and residential settings.
READ FULL BIO
MSc. (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist
As a registered Occupational Therapist, Katherine has great experience working alongside individuals with acquired brain injuries. Katherine received her undergraduate degree in Sociology at York University, with a special interest in social determinants of health and critical disability studies.
READ FULL BIO
CHIRS has provided me with a greater sense of independence. Before CHIRS, and after my accident, I was living with my mother. Moving into a residence at CHIRS gave me a chance to step back into society. As well, I really love the music program at CHIRS; It gives me a chance to practice the harmonica and to join my friends in singing. I also like to mentor at the club. Doing laundry, serving coffee and washing dishes is a great way to feel productive and give back to CHIRS.
The quality of human beings in this building, from staff to volunteers to students to participants, is so far superior to what is found in the regular world. There is always someone here to lend a hand or provide a positive word when needed. There is always something to do at CHIRS. You will never be bored. Many people who attend have had their life change, going from working full time to having a lot of time on their hands. CHIRS gives us a place to go and meet people and have fun.
CHIRS is a good place to hang out. People are my ‘own type’ in that we all have brain injuries which means that we understand each other. It is good to know that at CHIRS people won’t dismiss me right away if they see that I walk funny or hear me talking in a peculiar fashion. I mentor at the club on Mondays and I do the work as needed. It keeps me busy and helps me feel needed. Plus the coffee is cheap which is a bonus!
My favourite thing about CHIRS is connecting with my peers and helping out. I prepare lunch at the club twice a week, run a Scrabble group on Tuesday and help with karaoke on Thursday. It helps to keep my brain stimulated and allows me to feel like I am doing something worthwhile with my life. I love the challenge of making the club a welcoming and positive place. It feels so good to turn frowns into smiles. If I didn’t have CHIRS I would feel isolated and would have far less to look forward to.
CHIRS has provided me with a greater sense of independence. Before CHIRS, and after my accident, I was living with my mother. Moving into a residence at CHIRS gave me a chance to step back into society. As well, I really love the music program at CHIRS; It gives me a chance to practice the harmonica and to join my friends in singing. I also like to mentor at the club. Doing laundry, serving coffee and washing dishes is a great way to feel productive and give back to CHIRS.
The quality of human beings in this building, from staff to volunteers to students to participants, is so far superior to what is found in the regular world. There is always someone here to lend a hand or provide a positive word when needed. There is always something to do at CHIRS. You will never be bored. Many people who attend have had their life change, going from working full time to having a lot of time on their hands. CHIRS gives us a place to go and meet people and have fun.
CHIRS is a good place to hang out. People are my ‘own type’ in that we all have brain injuries which means that we understand each other. It is good to know that at CHIRS people won’t dismiss me right away if they see that I walk funny or hear me talking in a peculiar fashion. I mentor at the club on Mondays and I do the work as needed. It keeps me busy and helps me feel needed. Plus the coffee is cheap which is a bonus!
My favourite thing about CHIRS is connecting with my peers and helping out. I prepare lunch at the club twice a week, run a Scrabble group on Tuesday and help with karaoke on Thursday. It helps to keep my brain stimulated and allows me to feel like I am doing something worthwhile with my life. I love the challenge of making the club a welcoming and positive place. It feels so good to turn frowns into smiles. If I didn’t have CHIRS I would feel isolated and would have far less to look forward to.
Latest News
Need holiday greeting cards? Buy CHIRS CardSharks+ today and support local artists
With holiday season just one month away, December’s festivities are the perfect excuse to purchase CHIRS CardSharks+ for your greeting needs. CHIRS CardSharks+ are original hand crafted works of art created by individuals whose life has been altered by brain injury. Established back in 1995, product lines have always included occasion cards but at this time of year, custom-designed holiday greeting cards are always a top seller. All money generated from the sale of CHIRS CardSharks+ helps cover the cost of materials with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the program.
TABIRS attending 2019 Provincial ABI Conference from November 6-8
We are proud and excited to announce that Toronto Acquired Brain Injury Rehab Specialists (TABIRS) will be attending the 2019 Provincial ABI Conference Niagara Falls from November 6-8. Taking place in the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, the conference is presented by The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) in collaboration with participating community associations, of which we are one. The theme of this year’s conference is forging new pathways, navigating challenges, and exploring breakthroughs with all spaces already filled for this eagerly anticipated event.
Health Standards Organization (HSO) accepts CHIRS’ Ethical Framework as a Leading Practice
We are delighted to reveal that our partner organization Community Head Injury Resource Services of Toronto (CHIRS) has seen their Ethical Framework accepted as a leading practice and published by Health Standards Organization (HSO). As documented in a recent letter of acceptance, it noted: “I am pleased to inform you that your Leading Practice submission “CHIRS Ethical Framework: Everyday Ethics in Acquired Brain Injury Community Support Services” has met all required criteria for acceptance as a Leading Practice.”
