Who We Are

Russha Knauer serves as Director of the MINDSOURCE Brain Injury Network, Colorado’s lead state agency on brain injury within the Colorado Department of Human Services. In this role, she leads efforts to improve systems of care and expand access to resources for people living with brain injury across the state.

Russha brings more than 20 years of experience across juvenile justice and criminal legal systems. Her work has focused on how unidentified brain injuries can affect behavior, rehabilitation and successful community transition. While working with the Colorado State Court Administrator’s Office, she partnered with a cross-agency team to study the prevalence of brain injury and develop practical tools for identification and support. This work led to the creation of the Online Brain Injury Screening & Support System (OBISSS) and the Colorado Brain Injury Model, which is now used in more than 14 states and internationally.

She also has extensive experience in implementation science and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).

Joined MINDSOURCE: November 2023
Title: Director, MINDSOURCE Brain Injury Network

Sarah Sheehan serves as Contracts and Grants Manager at MINDSOURCE, where she supports grant administration, contract management and program coordination to strengthen brain injury services across Colorado.

She brings experience across the nonprofit, education, research and government sectors, with a focus on improving outcomes for underserved communities. Her work has supported initiatives related to special education, food access, housing stability and substance use services.

Before joining MINDSOURCE, Sarah led an IT operations support team and compliance efforts at Capital One. She later worked as a Data Manager at the University of Colorado, where she partnered with grant-funded programs to provide technical and regulatory support. Sarah is committed to advancing equitable, person-centered systems and supporting work that connects people to the resources they need.

Joined MINDSOURCE: June 2025
Title: Contracts and Grants Manager

Heather Kamper, LSW, serves as Program Manager at MINDSOURCE, where she facilitates the Colorado Advisory Council on Brain Injuries and supports implementation of the State Plan to improve access to brain injury services across Colorado. Her work focuses on community engagement and ensuring statewide efforts remain practical, accessible and responsive to the needs of people living with brain injury.

Heather has a strong background in disability services and independent living. She previously served as Director of Core Services at a Center for Independent Living, where she managed grant programs and improved service delivery. Her experience also includes work with an Area Agency on Aging, intensive case management and clinical training with the Veterans Health Administration.

She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver and is a Licensed Social Worker in Colorado.

Joined MINDSOURCE: October 2024
Title: Program Manager, MINDSOURCE Brain Injury Network