Our Story
Brain Trauma Support & Resources
How it All Started
As they sat together over steaming cups of coffee in their favorite local spot, Peggy gently broached a topic close to her heart with Miriam: the idea of creating a haven for those impacted by acquired brain injuries. Both women, bonded by the shared experience of having children who suffered such injuries, understood the profound need for support. Miriam’s son had endured a severe blow to the head and neck during a downhill skateboard race in 2013, despite wearing what they thought was adequate protective gear. Peggy’s daughter, Ariana, faced a similar ordeal in 2016 when a cheerleading mishap resulted in a blow to her head and neck. While resources for concussions were available, they found these resources often fell short in addressing the complexities of care, treatment, and education, especially for adolescents grappling with post-concussion syndrome.
Their journey was one of relentless searching, countless sleepless nights scouring the internet for answers, days filled with pleading with doctors for guidance, and navigating a maze of treatments and therapies, both conventional and alternative, alongside the heavy burden of out-of-pocket costs. Yet, through it all, they found solace in each other’s understanding, sharing experiences, and facing challenges together.
2022 Update
Dear Friends,
As the demand for assistance continues to rise, Beyond Concussion remains steadfast in its mission to raise awareness about the profound effects of post-concussion syndrome.
One of the greatest challenges we face is the invisibility of this injury, which often impedes individuals from receiving the support and treatment they desperately need from the medical community. Too frequently, patients find themselves directed towards mental health resources when their symptoms cannot be neatly explained by traditional medical diagnoses.
The all-too-familiar narrative echoes the frustration and despair of countless individuals: “I have post-concussion syndrome. I suffered an accident years ago, diagnosed with a concussion, underwent numerous tests—CAT Scans, MRIs, X-Rays, EEGs. My doctors assured me I was in the clear. But I continued to experience symptoms: chronic headaches, cognitive fatigue, blurred vision, reading difficulties, memory loss, concentration problems, head pressure, light sensitivity… Despite my efforts, I find myself bouncing from one doctor to another, without relief.”
(Source: www.caringmedical.com/prolotherapy-news/post-concussion-syndrome)
It’s time to amplify positive narratives!
Beyond Concussion urges the medical community to take persistent concussion symptoms seriously. Let’s collaborate to establish a unified definition of Post-Concussion Syndrome across all medical specialties. Restricting it solely to Sports Medicine confines the scope of care for those who sustain concussions outside of athletic contexts.
Let’s join forces to educate school counselors, teachers, and principals, empowering them to better understand and support students grappling with persistent concussion symptoms and the need for special education services.
Together, let’s make this year one of heightened awareness for persistent concussion symptoms!
Our Team
Peggy Khayamian Vice President
Peggy Khayamian is co-founder of Beyond Concussion and a mother of two beautiful children who mean everything to her. Passionate about helping and caring for people, she strives to offer information and empowerment, so that everyone can look back on their accomplishments with pride and a deeper sense of their own true power. In the course of her own family dealing with her daughter’s concussion, she found peace and relaxation in helping others in similar situations and raising awareness. Peggy is delighted to have put together this support group for all families touched by the invisible pain.
Ariana Khayamian President
Meet Ariana Khayamian, a co-founder of Beyond Concussion, whose life took an unexpected turn when she encountered post-concussion syndrome in 2016. In the face of this challenge, Ariana felt the weight of her brain injury affecting every aspect of her life, convinced that no one truly comprehended the struggles she endured.
However, she refused to be defeated by her circumstances. Recognizing the urgent need for a safe haven where individuals with traumatic brain injuries could freely express their emotions, share their stories, and gain invaluable advice on treatments and therapies, Ariana embarked on a mission.
Thus, the inspiring journey of Beyond Concussion began to provide education and resources for all who seek solace and guidance. Ariana’s unwavering passion for her role enables her to forge profound connections with countless individuals who find support within Beyond Concussion’s community.
Ariana’s dedication goes beyond the digital realm as she actively engages in outreach and public speaking engagements to shed light on her experience with post-concussion syndrome. Through her impactful advocacy, she has become a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges, proving that life after a brain injury can be filled with resilience and empowerment.
In every way, Ariana Khayamian epitomizes the transformative power of turning adversity into purpose, making a lasting difference in the lives of those touched by traumatic brain injuries through the empowering platform she has helped create in Beyond Concussion.
Nusha Nouhi, PhD Board Member
Nusha Nouhi, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and contributor to Beyond Concussion, where she has co-facilitated support groups and provided clinical supervision in group facilitation. Her work with Ariana and the Beyond Concussion community reflects her deep belief in the healing power of connection and shared experience. Nusha’s dedication to this work began early, shaped by witnessing how health challenges affect not only the body, but also identity, motivation, and relationships.
In her California-based private practice, she offers virtual therapy focused on chronic illness, post-concussion recovery, and emotional burnout. Her mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that helps people feel seen, supported, and empowered to reclaim their well-being—even when symptoms are invisible to others.
Miriam Ravesloot Co-Founder
Miriam Ravesloot, co-founder of Beyond Concussion, has dedicated herself to serving others. Before establishing the nonprofit with Peggy, Miriam volunteered for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and raised funds for the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation. With Beyond Concussion, her focus has shifted to supporting those affected by post-concussion syndrome. Miriam intimately understands the challenges faced by parents of students with this condition, having personally cared for a teenager diagnosed at the age of 15. This firsthand experience fuels her dedication to reducing the impact of concussions through prevention and education. She strives to provide valuable information on treatments and therapies while offering compassionate support and resources to young patients and their families dealing with persistent symptoms. Through Beyond Concussion, Miriam aims to empower individuals and families to navigate the journey of concussion recovery with confidence and resilience.
Christine Bride Program Director
Christine Bride, Program Director for Beyond Concussion, suffered a traumatic brain injury in spring of 2024 and continues to deal with symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. Christine has over 25 years experience in the field of public health working to improve health and access to health resources for San Diegans and spent 7 years teaching the next generation of public health professionals. She also has a passionate interest in growing and strengthening resilience skills, not only for herself but in others as well. Christine believes that by sharing health information and resources, including sharing our experiences and stories with one another, we add tools to our toolbox for dealing with brain injuries and other chronic health conditions. Whether we experience these conditions ourselves or are supporting a love one, navigating health information and our health care systems is hard! Being equipped with information, options, and support is crucial for successfully journeying back to health. Having personally benefitted from Beyond Concussion’s resources and support, Christine is committed to sharing these resources with others.
Camille Le Saux Director of Communications
Camille Le Saux is the Communications Director at Beyond Concussion, where she creates and curates posts inspired by real conversations from the organization’s support groups and the latest research. Her mission is to make information about brain injury recovery accessible, inclusive, and empowering. A concussion survivor herself, Camille brings lived experience and a deep commitment to reshaping the conversation around healing. She believes in the power of community, storytelling, and science—and works every day to help others feel seen, supported, and informed.
Marsha R Drozdoff Caregiver Support Group Facilitator
Marsha R Drozdoff, MSW, RMT, is an Usui and Karuna®Reiki Master Teacher, and a support group facilitator. She worked at Banner UMC Tucson (formerly UAMC) in Tucson, Arizona for 36 1/2 years until 12/31/17 and successfully integrated Reiki into out-patient Oncology care. Besides providing counseling, she provided Reiki programs to staff at the hospital, used Reiki in radiation oncology, and facilitated a monthly Reiki share for patients, families, staff and the community. Marsha also facilitated many other support groups and programs including for family members and caregivers.
Marsha currently has a private Reiki practice, Desert Reiki Connection, in which she provides sessions, classes and mentoring. She also facilitates a Mindfulness & Meditation group on zoom which is free and open to the community, as well as volunteering at Rescue Me Marana providing Reiki and massage to furry babies (dogs and cats) in need of healing and comfort while awaiting adoption.
Family members, friends and loved ones are often the forgotten ones when healthcare teams are focusing on the needs of the ‘patient’ or ‘survivor’. Marsha’s long term experience working with the ‘co-survivors’ whether in Oncology or End State Renal Disease contributes to the skill and sensitivity that she brings to her present volunteer experience within the Beyond Concussion community. Her philosophy of supportive care involves helping individuals to experience deeper levels of healing, wellness, and connection.
Marsha personally experienced mTBI and PCS from an MVA in 2019.
Marsha can be contacted by email at DesertReikiConnection@gmail.com
https://biaaz.org/brain-waves/invitation-from-marsha-drozdoff/