Brian Mason Respite Weekend

Weekend of September 6th, 2024

Each year, the Annual Brian Mason Respite Weekend offers an incredible opportunity for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and their families to come together and create lasting memories at the picturesque Smith Mountain Lake. Surrounded by the lake’s tranquil beauty, participants embark on a journey of respite, rejuvenation, and connection.

The weekend is designed to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals affected by MS can connect with others who understand their unique challenges. A variety of educational programs are offered to inform and empower participants. These programs cover topics such as MS management, symptom relief, and the latest advancements in treatment.

Social opportunities abound, allowing participants to interact, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely boat ride, participating in a lakeside cook out, or engaging in lively discussions, opportunities for connection are abundant.

The Annual Brian Mason Respite Weekend is a testament to the transformative power of community and support. It is a time for individuals and families to recharge, find solace, and celebrate the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of MS. 

Meet Our Speakers

Tina Allis, MA, CCC-SLP, ASDCS, has been a dedicated speech-language pathologist since 1994. Her journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in speech & hearing/teacher specialization from Elmira College, where she worked with children in a specialized school setting. After moving to South Dakota, she continued her work with school-aged children in a public-school environment.

In 2004, Tina earned her Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the University of South Dakota, broadening her scope to include clients across the entire lifespan. Relocating to Virginia in 2005 marked a shift in her focus towards adults and geriatrics.

Today, Tina continues to serve both school-aged children and adults in need of rehabilitation. In January 2023, she founded Speechless No More, LLC, a testament to her commitment to helping individuals of all ages enhance their swallowing and communication skills.

Dr. Jill Cramer, MD, is a board-certified neurologist with a deep commitment to individuals affected by neurological conditions. She earned her B.S. in biological sciences from Virginia Tech/Cornell and her M.D. from Georgetown University in 1998. After completing her internship and residency in neurology at the University of Colorado in 2002, Dr. Cramer has dedicated her practice to working with patients living with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Rahul Davé is a specialty care physician board certified in neurology at Inova Health System. He joined Inova Neurology in 2017. He specializes in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica (NMO), optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, neuro-sarcoid, neurologic complications of rheumatologic diseases, autoimmune encephalitis, PML, inflammatory neuropathies, myasthenia gravis, paraneoplastic disorders, vasculitis and neuro-infectious diseases (including Lyme).

He is the Medical Director of the interdisciplinary Inova Multiple Sclerosis and Neuro-Immunology Center, which is recognized by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and is also a recipient of a “Partner” award by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

He lectures broadly about multiple sclerosis and related diseases, teaches students, conducts research and serves as an expert consultant for the development of novel therapeutics. Current research interests include anti-MOG syndrome and novel therapeutics for neuro-inflammatory disorders.

Prior to joining Inova, Dr. Davé worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he evaluated complicated multiple sclerosis patients and participated in the Undiagnosed Diseases Program, and conducted several clinical trials and laboratory research. He continues to maintain a Special Volunteer appointment at NIH where his research focus is Erdheim-Chester Disease.

Dr. Davé became interested in neurology because family members struggled with neurologic diseases. His goal is to allow his patients to lead active lives by helping them understand and treat their diseases. Having lived all over the United States of America, Dr. Davé and his wife fell in love with the Washington, DC metro region. They currently reside in Bethesda, MD. In his spare time he likes to hike, cook and garden.

With a diverse occupational therapy background spanning acute care, inpatient rehab, and home health, Ashley possesses a holistic insight into patient experiences. Demonstrating natural leadership abilities, she took on the role of director at an Assisted Living Facility to enhance patient care accessibility.

Drawing from personal encounters with chronic pain, Ashley recognizes the importance of mental health services. Consequently, she has integrated mental health practices with occupational therapy to provide comprehensive care.

Specializing in animal-assisted therapy Ashley offers therapeutic interventions that can incorporate animals when appropriate to help meet patients’ goals.

Ashley Ingram graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from Virginia Tech before pursuing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences.

Nina Kauder, Certified Dr. Sears Health Coach CIA, Cornell & Rouxbe Certified Plant-Based Chef-Educator, Therapeutic & Holistic Chef Solutions creator of customized health & wellness, using culinary, gardening and herbalism arts – As a lifelong chef and post-MS diagnosis chef-educator, Nina Kauder brings kitchen tips and tricks to help you eat tasty, healthy, and nutrient-dense dishes, all within a reasonable budget and timeline. Follow her at @wellnesswithninakauder to enjoy food demos, tips, tricks, recipes, and commentary, all plant-based. She believes that by changing the focus of our meals towards plant-based alternatives, each of us can make a difference in our own health, human health epidemics, climate change, and even our wallets.

Nina believes that optimal health is our birthright! She’s here to guide you on your journey towards achieving it.

Lauren Lawson is a passionate speech-language pathologist and vocologist dedicated to helping individuals unlock the full potential of their voices. With a Master of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Radford University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Elon University, Lauren brings a unique blend of expertise to her practice, Valley Voice.

As an SVI-trained vocologist and reflux-informed practitioner, Lauren offers a range of services, including singing lessons and personalized voice alignment training. Her goal is to empower clients to discover and utilize their optimal voice, whether speaking or singing, in any setting.

In addition to her clinical work, Lauren is a classically trained soprano available for performances at special events.

Dr. Lydia Lennox McNeary is a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). Dr. McNeary is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and holds subspecialty Board Certification in Brain Injury Medicine.

She earned her Doctor of Medicine Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Duke University.

Dr. McNeary servied as a Medical Director and attending physician for the acute inpatient rehabilitation unit at Carilion Clinic for 16 years. Throughout her career, Dr. McNeary has been actively involved in professional organizations including the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, participating in various committees and workgroups focused on advocating for her patients and the specialty of PM&R.

Dr. Arco Paul is a highly qualified physical therapist with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Radford University Carilion.

Dr. Paul’s research interests focus on the impact of exercise and task training on the brain’s neuroplasticity and how it can enhance motor recovery after neurological injuries. He is also keenly interested in exploring the potential of technology to revolutionize the field of neurorehabilitation.

Courtney Perkins is certified in Parkinson’s Disease as a PWR!Moves therapist and also holds credentials as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and as a Certified American Institute of Balance Provider, specializing in aiding individuals dealing with dizziness and concussions.

In her role as Lead Therapist within Carilion Clinic’s inpatient and outpatient brain injury physical therapy program, Courtney had a pivotal role in both patient care and research, notably as a primary investigator focusing on High Intensity Gait Training for individuals recovering from brain injuries.

Deeply involved in her community, Courtney has demonstrated leadership by founding and facilitating Head Strong, a support group dedicated to offering education and assistance to survivors of strokes, brain injuries, and brain tumors. Presently, she organizes Warrior Walk, a group aimed at encouraging physical activity among those facing mobility challenges.

Courtney, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, moved to Roanoke in 2017, where she attended Radford University and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Marty Shelton

With 15 years dedicated to the practice of Ving Tsun Kung Fu, Marty Shelton embodies the discipline and wisdom passed down through the Ip Man lineage – the very lineage that shaped the legendary Bruce Lee. Marty’s martial arts journey is a testament to his commitment to self-cultivation and the pursuit of excellence.

Beyond the dojo, Marty co-owns Living Abundance Farm with his brother Jason, where their fascination with the fungal kingdom has blossomed. Over the past few years, they have immersed themselves in the study and cultivation of mushrooms, exploring their culinary, medicinal, and ecological potential.

Sifu Urs Mueller

With an impressive 33 years of experience in Ving Tsun Kung Fu, Sifu Urs Mueller stands as a respected figure within the Ip Man lineage. His deep understanding of the art, coupled with his dedication to passing on its principles, makes him an invaluable mentor and guide.