Mimi Goldman, who was pivotal in the development of the Council for the Head-Injured Community (CHIC), passed away in 1997. She was the first person with a brain injury to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey. Mimi served as a role model for the brain injury community, sharing her talents and experiences on numerous committees and events, and always with a characteristic smile.

The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey established the Miriam (Mimi) Goldman Positive Achievement Award in the spring of 1997 to commemorate Mimi Goldman. This award is presented each year to an individual with a brain injury to honor his or her accomplishments.

2008 Recipient

Jane Concato
Mrs. Concato sustained a brain injury from a fall in March 2004. Her philosophjy since the injury has been to "take advantage of everything life has to offer knowing the new road...has many paths to explore."
The path Mrs. Concato chose was to begin training with her 5-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, Lucy, to prepare Lucy to become a therapy dog. They graduated from the training and have since been visiting individuals with brain injury in support groups, rehabilitation programs, and inpatient facilities. "Mrs. Concato and her husband have been dedicated members of the Brain Injury Association for quite some time now, and Jane has been an unbelieveable asset to the brain injury community," said Barbara Geiger-Parker, President & CEO of the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey.
Mrs. Concato describes the work she has done as priceless for herself, Lucy, and the individuals they visit. She attributes the success of her recovery and work to the "actions, love, support, thoughts, and prayers of family and friends, among others."

Past Recipients

2007 – Edwin Rivas
2006 – Katrina Majeski & David Showalter
2005 – Steve Benvenisti, Esq.
2004 – William Snook, Jr.
2003 – Patrick Giannetti
2002 – Marilyn Gelman
2001 – Bob Aaronson
2000 – Herb Kinnard
1999 – Michael J. Sherman
1998 – Kathryn Phillips
1997 – Michael Greenwald

Make A Nomination

If you know someone with a brain injury who has made positive achievements deserving of the Mimi Goldman Positive Achievement Award, please take the time to nominate them. The deadline is April 1 every year.