When the brain changes, so does everything else
I’ve lived it. Now I help others navigate it. Engaging talks and workshops for schools, sports teams, healthcare professionals, and community groups, delivered by someone who’s been through concussion recovery and come out the other side.
Larissa Marks
Hello, I'm Larissa
Hi, I’m Larissa — and I’ve spent most of my adult life in front of audiences.
Before my concussion, I spent nearly a decade in youth education and mentorship, followed by roles in communications at a private school and a public library, where I regularly spoke to and taught elementary and high school students. I’ve been a speaker at community events including International Women’s Day, and hold certificates in Journalism and Addiction Intervention.
Six years ago, a serious car accident changed everything. What followed was a long, complicated, and often isolating recovery — and it became the foundation for everything I now do with The Concussion Crew.
Nearly two years in, The Concussion Crew has reached over 105,000 viewers on YouTube with practical, experience-based content for people navigating brain injury and chronic illness. My talks bring that same approach into rooms — clear, relatable, and always grounded in what actually helps.
Vulnerable Sector Check available upon request.
Larissa was keynote speaker at the annual student government conference at Brother Andre, and also at the annual York Region Conference for student leaders.
Each time, she spoke with great confidence and ease, allowing for audience participation during her presentations. Larissa is an articulate and effective public speaker. I would highly recommend her as a speaker to other groups or organizations.
Your videos really do help. Thank you for reminding me that little wins are still wins — I tend to want to jump in and get a bunch of stuff done all at once, but then I get overwhelmed. Keep up the great work.
I do not know if you have any idea of how some of this helps me with my recovery.
Thank you!
You are indeed magnificent! Watching a screen to learn screen free activities is amusingly ironic. I’m liking the look of these games. Now wondering if I own a deck of cards. Thank you for this video.
How We Can Work Together
Whether you need a high-energy assembly, an interactive classroom workshop, or a half-day event, I offer flexible formats to fit your group and your schedule.
I speak to schools, sports organizations, libraries, healthcare teams, and community groups across Ontario. Every session is tailored to the audience in front of me.
For Teens & Students:
- Supporting Your Friend Through a Concussion — When a friend gets a concussion, it’s hard to know what to say or do. This talk gives students real, practical tools to show up with understanding — and without making things worse.
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The Brain That Won’t Quit — Setbacks are hard. Brain setbacks are harder. This session helps teens build genuine resilience strategies for the moments when their brain isn’t cooperating with their life.
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Managing Energy When Your Brain Says No — Focus is harder after a brain injury. This talk gives students concrete strategies for managing fatigue, staying on track, and getting through the day without burning out.
For Parents & Caregivers:
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The Parent’s Guide to Teen Concussions — You want to help, but you’re not sure what’s normal, what’s concerning, or how long this is supposed to last. This talk cuts through the confusion with clear, practical guidance for supporting your teen’s recovery.
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Life After Concussion: From Surviving to Thriving — Recovery isn’t linear — and it affects the whole family. This session covers the emotional and cognitive side of concussion recovery that doctors often don’t have time to explain.
For Athletes & Coaches:
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Ontario’s Rowan’s Law requires schools and sports organizations to review concussion awareness resources annually. I offer an engaging session that makes that review genuinely worthwhile — covering the required awareness material, your concussion code of conduct, and return-to-sport protocols in a way that actually sticks.
Not just a checkbox. A conversation your team will remember.
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Concussions 101: What Every Athlete Needs to Know — Concussions are common, misunderstood, and often undertreated. This talk gives athletes the awareness and language to recognize symptoms, speak up, and protect their long-term health.
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Concussion Awareness for Coaches & Teams — Coaches are often the first line of response — and the most important. This session covers how to recognize a concussion on the sideline, support a recovering athlete, and build a culture where sitting out is seen as strength.
Customizable / Interactive:
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Mindfulness for the Brain in Recovery — Stress and anxiety are common companions to brain injury. This session introduces simple, science-backed mindfulness tools that work even on the hardest days.
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Interactive Brain Recovery Workshop — Hands-on, engaging, and practical. This workshop guides participants through memory, energy, and problem-solving exercises they can actually use — not just think about.
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Turning Low-Energy Days Into Wins — Some days the brain just won’t cooperate. This session reframes what productivity looks like after a brain injury and sends everyone home with a toolkit for their toughest days.
Don’t see a topic that fits your audience? I can customize a session for your group!
All sessions are available in-person or virtually. Every attendee receives a free takeaway handout. Rates start at $150.
Keynote / Assembly
30–45 minutes
Perfect for schools, sports teams, and community events. High-energy and engaging — ideal when you need to reach a large group in a single session.
Lunch & Learn
45–60 minutes
Designed for medical offices, clinics, and workplace groups. I fit into your lunch hour — you handle the food, I handle everything else.
Workshop
60 minutes
Great for classrooms, parent nights, and team sessions. Interactive and practical, with time for questions and hands-on exercises.
Extended Workshop
90 minutes
Ideal for deeper skill-building and highly interactive groups. More time means more tools, more practice, and more takeaways.
Half Day
3–4 hours
Best for staff training days, multi-group events, or organizations wanting comprehensive coverage. Includes multiple segments and a full handout package.
Handouts and Resources
Every talk includes a free takeaway handout so attendees can put strategies into practice immediately.
For those who want more in-depth tools, I offer expanded worksheets and printables on my website – from energy planners to mindfulness worksheets and more brain recovery tools.
Ready to bring a talk to your group?
I’d love to work with you!
Fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you promptly with options and availability.
I'm Here to Help
How We Can Work Together
I know what it’s like to have your life suddenly change because of a brain injury or concussion. I also know how confusing, isolating, and overwhelming recovery can feel — especially for teens, parents, and caregivers trying to do the right thing.
I offer talks and workshops that are clear, engaging, and tailored to the audience in front of me — and are always designed to meet people where they are.
Larissa Marks
If you’re looking for a speaker who combines real-life experience with actionable tools and a warm, relatable delivery, I’d love to connect and see how we can create something meaningful for your group. (Vulnerable Sector Check available upon request.)
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Location
I’m based in Southern Ontario and available for in-person talks across the region — from Ottawa to Niagara and up to Barrie. If you’re outside this area, travel options and virtual sessions are also available.