BRG Annual Meeting 2025: A Night Built Around Our Team
Each year, Buffalo Rehab Group brings the entire team together for our Annual Meeting. What began more than a decade ago as a small gathering has grown into a signature event teammates look forward to. This year’s meeting was our largest yet. The room was full, the energy was high, and the night felt like a celebration of our shared work.
A Tradition That Keeps Growing
Before the program begins, teammates make their way through our BRG Expo. This has become a highlight of the evening. The expo gives everyone a chance to try out upcoming treatment technology, explore tools that will support patient care, and preview innovations designed to strengthen clinic and team workflows. It also includes a try on area for new BRG apparel, which always brings excitement and plenty of laughs.
Because many teammates arrive after a full day of work, the evening stays relaxed. Food and drinks are available, and the program is designed to be meaningful without running long. The goal is simple. Create a welcoming, enjoyable night that feels worth the time.
Hearing From the Team
Another defining part of the Annual Meeting is hearing directly from teammates across BRG. Speakers from Clinical Excellence, Operations, Learning and Development, the Patient Service Center team, the Patient Care Representative team, and other support areas share updates and stories from their part of the organization. Their perspectives help everyone see how connected our work is and how each role contributes to our mission.
Celebrating Our Teammates
The Awards Ceremony is one of the most anticipated sections of the night. These honors recognize teammates who lift others up, support our culture, and make a meaningful impact throughout the year.
Best in Buffalo Award
The Best in Buffalo Award celebrates a support teammate who consistently represents our purpose and values. It is voted on by all BRG employees.
The 2025 winner was Chris Woodrich, Facilities. Chris is dependable, positive, and always ready to support any clinic or teammate. Being chosen by the entire organization reflects the appreciation and trust he has earned across BRG.
Brick Awards
The Brick Awards honor teammates who help build the future of BRG.
Innovation Brick Award: Alexa Lukaszonas, Marketing and Patient Experience
This award recognizes creative solutions that improve communication, workflows, and the experiences of teammates and patients.
Brick by Brick Award: Juanita Bauer, Patient Service Center and Patient Care Representative
This award honors a leader who develops others, builds confidence in her teams, and supports steady, lasting growth.
Golden Brick Award: Eric Fattey, Director of Clinical Excellence and Founder of the Advanced Clinical Development Collaborative
This award celebrates someone who strengthens BRG’s learning culture through mentorship, education, and a commitment to clinical excellence.
Impact Award Winner 2025
The Impact Award is the highest honor of the evening and is also voted on by the entire BRG team. It recognizes a teammate who makes a consistent, organization wide difference.
The 2025 Impact Award Winner was John Mayer, Director of Neurologic Care. John is known for his calm leadership, steady support of clinicians, and genuine belief in people. His influence reaches across service lines and departments, and teammates made that clear in their votes.
As part of this recognition, John receives a round trip flight and a five day, four night stay anywhere in the continental United States for himself and a guest.
Honoring Years of Service
The meeting also celebrated teammates reaching meaningful service milestones:
- 30 Years: Francy Callea
- 20 Years: Scott Tanski and Lindsay Bilson
- 10 Years: Melissa Bulas-Mercuri, Garnet Loveday, and Kathe Rickert
- 5 Years: Sue Cummings, Ryan Knolhoff, Angelica Driscoll, Tyler Pacer, Julia Sipowicz, Jessica Mitchell, and Cathy Bungo.
Looking Ahead
The Annual Meeting is always a moment to pause and appreciate the progress we have made together. It is also a chance to look forward with excitement. BRG continues to grow in the services we offer, the communities we serve, and the ways we support our team. What began as a small internal meeting has become a celebration of purpose, teamwork, and community.
Our mission stays the same. We help people get their lives back, and we do it together throughout Western New York.
Want to Be Part of What We Are Building?
Events like the Annual Meeting show what makes BRG special. It is a team of people who care about each other and care about the work we do for our community. If this feels like the kind of place you would want to grow, learn, and make an impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.
You can find current openings and reach out to our team on our careers page.