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.

“The neurology residents are still talking about how

impactful your session was.”

— Ashley Lilly, MHA, CE Concepts Healthcare Education

National Resident Scholar Program

Speaking topics

  • When the finish line moves: resilience lessons from an unexpected journey

    After my career suddenly ended, I tapped into the determination and perseverance I developed as a reporter and marathoner, and now I’m helping audiences do the same. I learned that when one door closes, another one doesn't always just open. It requires risks, and taking them might just find you in front of the biggest door of your life. 


    In this inspiring keynote, your audience will learn how to:

    • Develop a resilient mindset

    • Turn setbacks into a comeback—one decision at a time

    • Choose not to give up on yourself, even when you have to start over

    A woman with red hair and light skin, smiling and holding a microphone, wearing a red sleeveless dress, at a public speaking event or conference.

  • Answering my call: A lesson in medical compassion

    The two most important phone calls of my life were to one of my epileptologists. Doctors are busy and can’t drop everything for a patient on the line. But he did. Twice. This program is for the entire medical community to better understand how your expertise mixed with empathy will have a lasting impression on a patient, both in and outside the hospital. Also, better understand how your patient’s denial, fear, stubbornness, and side effects play into the daily patient/ caregiver/ family relationship.


    In this inspiring keynote, the audience will leave with:

    • A patient's perspective on what the best doctors and nurses do well

    • A greater understanding of how a major life disruption can affect a patient

    • A renewed appreciation for the lasting impact that words and presence have

    A smiling female nurse in scrubs with a stethoscope around her neck sitting next to a young woman in a hospital bed with medical monitors and equipment in the background.

  • The Brain, the heart, and the Human Story Behind Innovation

    Connecting with patient experience can be incredibly impactful for people working in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. My first trip to the epilepsy monitoring unit started with scalp electrodes and ended unexpectedly with a cardiac pacemaker. From neuronavigation, to the 8×8 subdural grid that revealed a surprising diagnosis, to the medication I still take today, my journey back to good health is all thanks to innovation.


    In this inspiring keynote, the audience will leave with:

    • A firsthand perspective on resilience, recovery, and the lasting impact of medical innovation

    •A deeper understanding of the patient experience beyond the procedure or prescription

    • Insight into how patients define success

    A woman with stitches on her scalp in a hospital bed after surgery, with medical wires attached to her head, a healthcare provider in scrubs and gloves holding a device, in a hospital room.

“Stacia has a remarkable ability to turn her lived experience with epilepsy into something that resonates far beyond her own story. There’s an authenticity in how she shows up that welcomes people in, and a clarity in how she speaks that invites her listeners to think differently.”

— Sarah Klein, Chief Engagement Officer of the Epilepsy Foundation

Keynote SpeakER • Epilepsy Foundation Leadership Conference

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“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

A woman in a dark blue dress speaking into a microphone with an expressive gesture, standing in front of a beige wall with diamond pattern and a decorative wall sconce.

“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

Aerial view of a cityscape with a cluster of mid-rise and high-rise buildings, roads with cars, and a distant skyline.

“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

Logo with a clustering of purple and blue circles forming a brain shape, with text 'Rising Together Neuroscience Nurses' and 'AANN'

“Seeing Brainstorm on the IMAX screen was extraordinary. The film is beautifully made, and Stacia’s skill as a storyteller comes through in every frame. People with epilepsy, their families, and those who came simply to learn told us they left with a deeper understanding and, for many, a powerful sense of being less alone. Having Stacia there to share the experience with us made the evening all the more special.”

— Bette Lacino, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Agency of the Big Bend

brainstorm screening • Imax theater, Tallahassee, FL

“Very brave presenter. Outstanding presentation.”

— Grand Rounds attendee, University of Minnesota Neurology Department

Keynote SpeakER • University of Minnesota Neurology Grand Rounds

Logo of neurology department with a yellow and maroon circular background, featuring a maroon letter 'A' and the word 'Neurology' beneath it.

“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

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a sleeveless red dress, smiling and holding a microphone during a public event or speech.

“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

A woman with long brown hair smiling and wearing a black top and pendant necklace standing in front of a backdrop decorated with various official badges and logos.

“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

Logo of the American Brain Foundation featuring overlapping red circles above the text in black and red reading 'American Brain Foundation'.

“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

A woman speaking at a podium during a presentation or conference, with a large screen behind her displaying her image.

“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

Epiqlepsy Foundation Minnesota logo with a flame design in red, purple, and pink colors.

“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

Woman in a sparkly black dress holding an award on stage.

brainstorm screening for upsher- smith

A woman standing at a podium giving a presentation in front of a large screen displaying a complex graph or chart with multiple lines and data points.

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

guest speaker • UCB National Patient Impact Meeting

Stacia Kalinoski, a documentary filmmaker, standing at a podium on stage during a presentation or conference. Behind her is a large screen displaying her name, profession, and a series of small images of people.

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

guest speaker • American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting

Woman giving a presentation with a microphone, holding a remote, standing near a screen and a wall with a logo for UEC.

“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

Panel discussion at an Epilepsy Foundation event in Minnesota, with five people on stage and a large screen displaying the organization’s logo.

“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

A woman giving a presentation in a conference room with an audience, standing at a podium with a laptop while a large screen displays an image of a flower arrangement.