Speaking events

Brainstorm has fueled my passion to help others overcome medical and life challenges, help the medical community better understand their patients, and educate the world about epilepsy, a common condition. Speaking engagements have included keynotes, medical, pharmaceutical, and non-profit presentations; panels, screenings, and training events; and radio and television interviews.

Speaking topics

  • Every Setback has a Comeback

    How can we change our mindset to influence our circumstances?
    A seizure turned Stacia’s life upside down, but she flipped the script and now she’s sharing her story of resiliency – how she battled epilepsy and got through the worst day of her life, to eventually make the best decision of her life. Take a greater control of your circumstances.

    The audience will leave with:
    • Tools to reframe difficult moments
    • Insights on embracing life-changing decisions
    • Guidance on how to turn a major setback into a major comeback

  • The Patient's perspective

    Help your patient’s become resilient amongst their own storms.
    How well do you understand your patients outside of the clinic? This program is perfect for the entire medical community to better understand how denial, fear, stubbornness, and serious side effects play into the the daily patient/ caregiver/ family relationship.

    The audience will leave with:
    • A renewed sense of passion for their important work
    • A better understanding of their patients to provide even more optimal care
    • Greater insight into caregiver and family patient dynamics

Past speaking events

Past speaking events

“It was a pleasure having Stacia speak at our Epilepsy Education Conference. Her story of resilience and grit was truly inspiring for all in attendance.”

— Wendy Urushima-Conn, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County

Keynote SpeakER • Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County Epilepsy Education Conference

Your presentation made the “idea” of the possibilities for the treatment come to life. One can speak and philosophize, but you are a living example of what can be done for those who suffer from seizures. I know that bearing all of what you have experienced is not always comfortable. We all heard the emotion in your voice as you told your story. You have used your situation as a tool to inspire others: patients to always seek better treatment and doctors to create pathways to greater breakthroughs.”

— Marie Bell, President of the Blue Bird Circle at Texas Children's Hospital

Keynote SpeakER • Texas Children's Hospital's Blue Bird Circle Luncheon

“Stacia brings her inspirational journey up close and personal; she gave our community valuable insights on the power of perseverance and resilience. Stacia places a spotlight on the enduring hope needed when living with epilepsy.”

— Glen Lloyd, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

Keynote Speaker • Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota Gala

“Stacia’s emotion and power sparks a passion in all of those listening. As an epilepsy nurse practitioner I hear my patients’ journeys every day, but listening to Stacia brought a whole new perspective, voice, and power to those struggling with seizures.”

— Erin Fecske, DNP APRN CNRN CPNP-PC FAES, American Association of Neuroscience Nurses

SpeakER • American Association of Neuroscience Nurses Annual Meeting - Speaker

“Our audience was completely engaged in her story and left feeling inspired. Living with epilepsy can certainly have its challenges- but Stacia’s story provided purpose and hope for the epilepsy community.”

— Brianna Romines, MPA, President of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan

Keynote SpeakER • Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan Wellness and Epilepsy Conference

“As one who has a milder form of epilepsy than those portrayed in the film, the film moved me, inspired me and strengthened my commitment to help advance Ms. Kalinoski’s efforts to educate others with epilepsy, the general public and clinicians who might not be well versed about epilepsy… I recommend anyone with epilepsy, or afflicted with any challenging medical condition, to watch this film.”

— Dr. Ken Green, Commander (DC) US Navy, Retired; Senior Vice President of the Brain Mapping Foundation & VP of Strategic Initiatives for Government and Non-Profit Partnerships

Keynote SpeakER • Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics World Congress 2018

“Very brave presenter. Outstanding presentation.”

— Grand Rounds attendee, University of Minnesota Neurology Department

Keynote SpeakER • University of Minnesota Neurology Grand Rounds

“There is so much stigma attached to epilepsy, that even friends who have it, rarely talk about it. But Stacia is talking about it. Her remarks and documentary increased the awareness and empathy levels of all staff who attended our event.”

— Jane Ransom, Executive Director of the American Brain Foundation

Brainstorm Screening

“Stacia’s story was inspirational … Everyone was moved to hear Stacia’s account of her battle with seizures and her perseverance to overcome them.”

— Suzanne D. Matsumori, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona

“Stacia captivated the audience detailing her journey with epilepsy. Stacia’s speech (actually more of a conversation) was heartfelt, informative, engaging and well-received.”

UCB Phoenix

Keynote speaker • Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona Waves of Change Gala

brainstorm screening for upsher- smith

Guest Speaker for UCB internal staff to better understand the patient perspective.

guest speaker • UCB National Patient Impact Meeting

“Stacia’s direct communication with tomorrow’s physicians is among the many contributions she makes to improving care for people with epilepsy and, by extension, other neurological conditions. We recognize the courage and effort required to make this contribution and are indebted to Stacia for her extraordinary commitment. Our students enthusiastically expressed their gratitude and indicated that this was among the most valuable single experiences in their medical education to date.”

— University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Neurology

guest speaker • University of Minnesota Medical School

Guest Speaker for the UCB Catalyst Cafe on understanding the patient perspective.

guest speaker • American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting

“The film provided powerful insight and an intimate and comprehensive look into the impact epilepsy has upon the family unit, employment, education, and everyday life.”

— Heidi Fisher, Executive Director of Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

Panel • Twin Cities Public Television "Brainstorm Screening"

“Stacia’s compelling story helped to make our event a real success. Those in attendance were fascinated to hear about the devastating effects epilepsy can have on one’s career and how Stacia was able to overcome and deal with the consequences of being unfairly terminated from her job.”

— John Thompson, Executive Director of Epilepsy Advocacy & Employment Group

Guest Speaker • Seize the evening