Committed to Making Brains Better

As we enter this new year we wanted to take this opportunity to reintroduce the Brain Center of Green Bay and explore what we bring to our community. However, before we jump into the post, I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce the staff and members of the Brain Center of Green Bay. 

Our team is comprised of Christine (Chris) Vanden Hoogen, Executive Director, Rolf S. Lulloff, MD, Co-Founder, and President, Board of Directors and myself, Kelsey O’Donnell-Mauthe, Communications, and Office Manager.

Last Friday, January 8th Chris & Dr. Lulloff had the wonderful opportunity to be featured on Local 5 Live to talk about all things Brain Center of Green Bay. And so I wanted to take this opportunity to continue that conversation with Dr. Lulloff and Chris on the progression of the Brain Center of Green Bay. And how it went from a small group of physicians who met weekly to discuss the advancement of scientific research to a center providing personalized coaching and navigation along with education to the Greater Green Bay Community. 

Dr. Lulloff, can you explain to our readers more about the Brain Center of Green Bay. And how you got involved?

Dr. Lulloff: The human brain is arguably the most important organ in the human body. It controls and coordinates actions and reactions, movement, allows us to think and feel, and enables us to have memories and feelings—all the things that give us our unique personality and make us, us.

And each of our 5 founders has had personal and professional connections to neurodegenerative disease. We have learned and lived so much by being physicians, caregivers, and in some cases having a family history of brain disease. We decided to start the Brain Center of Green Bay because we wanted to help people - lessen their burdens, improve their quality of life, and educate on prevention. 

Chris, tell us about the mission and work of the Brain Center?

The Brain Center is a not-for-profit organization serving as a resource to the community. Our work is guided by the 4-pronged approach of C.A.R.E.

• “C” We Collaborate – Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff and volunteers help individuals navigate community resources and programs offered right here in our community. This might mean connecting an individual with a memory care program, exercise class, support group, or therapy services on their path to better brain health.  

• The “A” in C.A.R.E. stands for Advocate – The Brain Center of Green Bay is a catalyst for change through advocacy. We advocate by 1) Raising awareness of the large number of people impacted by brain disease and conditions and by 2) Being a voice for those challenged with brain disease. Seeking understanding, acceptance, compassion, and the removal of social stigmas.

• Research is also key to our mission – Brain diseases are complex, progressive, and fatal. The Brain Center of Green Bay promotes research and the continued advancement of science in the search for cures.

• And finally, the “E” in our model is Education - Providing hope to individuals through sharing of knowledge to help them take back control. The Brain Center also looks to help advance public knowledge on brain health through presentations, talks, and direct resources so we are all equipped with information key to maximizing our brains.

We are very grateful to say that due to the generosity of the community and generous donors, the programs and services of the Brain Center are free of charge and accessible to all regardless of gender, age, or income.

What impact will the Brain Center have on the community?

Dr. Lulloff: The Brain Center of Green Bay is committed to making brains better. We promote brain health at any age and stage of life and across all generations. 

Our brains are the most important organ we have, and we often take advantage of them. And many don’t do a lot to specifically keep them healthy. But how we live and what we do has a huge impact on our brain health. There are things each of us can do to love and protect our brains: 

Loving Your Brain - What Our Brains Need

• Healthy Nutrition to Fuel and Energize

• Regular Exercise and Movement to Stimulate

• Cognitive Stimulation Through Mental Activity

• Quality Sleep, Rest, Meditation

• Supportive Social Interactions

• Avoidance of Physical Injury and Falls

• Reduce Exposure to Toxins 

What services and programs does the Brain Center of Green Bay provide the community?

Dr. Lulloff:  We offer personalized coaching. We are here to support individuals with information, understanding, guidance, and motivation. Our coaching is individualized to meet the unique needs of each person and their caregiver. We come to coaching with the understanding that everyone is different and each situation is different. We are their coach, not their doctor, or a substitution for their medical care. 

We are here to share information on lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, social engagement, and how all those things impact brain health. It is our goal to engage in a caring discussion on disease symptoms and concerns. To educate on safe living and falls prevention. And help individuals connect with resources and programs in the community that will be beneficial to them. 

Coaching and support are also important for the caregiver and family unit. Helping guide those caregivers on what they can do to best support their loved ones. 

So, Chris how can our readers and the community learn even more about the Brain Center and connect with us?

Chris: If you haven’t you can like us on our social media platforms; Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram. Call us directly at 920-393-4080 or email us at info@braincentegb.org to set up an appointment. 

Thank you so much to Dr. Lulloff and Chris, for taking the time to talk with me about all the wonderful offerings we at the Brain Center of Green Bay have to offer.