Living Well with a Neurological Diagnosis
Relationships, Resilience, and Real-World Tools
November 17, 2026
8:30AM – 4:30PM
Vestavia Hills Civic Center
Vestavia Hills, AL
A neurological diagnosis can change life in an instant – bringing uncertainty, difficult decisions, shifting relationships, and new challenges for individuals, families, and those supporting their care.
The Tanner Foundation Annual Neurological Symposium is designed to equip people living with neurological disease, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with trusted education, practical resources, and expert insight to help them move forward with confidence.
This year’s theme, Living Well with a Neurological Diagnosis: Relationships, Resilience, and Real-World Tools, reflects our commitment to providing practical, person-centered education that supports quality of life across the disease journey.
The 2026 symposium will feature:
- Joint plenary sessions with nationally respected speakers
- Two dedicated breakout learning tracks:
- People Living with Neurological Disease & Caregivers
- Healthcare Professionals
- Continuing education opportunities for professionals
- Exhibitor engagement and community resource connections
Tickets
Dr. Beverly Thorn
Beverly E. Thorn, PhD, ABPP, is Professor Emerita of Psychology at the University of Alabama, where she was on the faculty for 30 years, including serving as Director of the Clinical Psychology PhD program for 15 years and Department Chair for 5 years. She is board certified in clinical health psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology.
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She is the recipient of the 2018 Wilbert E. Fordyce Clinical Investigator Award from the American Pain Society, the 2020 Ronald Melzack Lecture Award from the International Association for the Study of Pain, and is a Fellow of the Society for Health Psychology (Division 38 of the American Psychological Association – APA), the Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12 of the APA), and the Society of Behavioral Medicine. More recently, Dr. Thorn has been speaking and writing on the subjects of aging, dementia care, and end-of-life issues.
Dr. Emily Riser
Founder, The Tanner Foundation | Director, Tanner Center for Multiple Sclerosis
Dr. Riser is a board-certified neurologist and one of Alabama’s leading experts in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.
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She founded the Tanner Foundation in 2003 and directs the Tanner Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Alabama Neurology Associates, a Comprehensive Center for Excellence recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE
| TIME | PROGRAM |
|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Registration / Continental Breakfast / Exhibitor Networking |
| 9:00 – 9:15 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks Foundation Welcome: housekeeping / CE notes / sponsor acknowledgment |
| 9:15 – 10:15 AM | Plenary Session I — Dr. Emily Riser (clinical innovation / practical neurological care / partnership lens) |
| 10:15 – 10:45 AM | Refreshment Break / Exhibitor Engagement |
| 10:45 – 11:45 AM | Plenary Session II — Dr. Beverly Thorn (resilience / caregiving / coping / emotional wellness / practical tools) |
| 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM | Networking Lunch / Exhibitor Engagement (This is where the lunch sponsor fits beautifully) |
| 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Breakout Session Block I Track A: People Living with Neurological Disease + Care Partners (practical tools / communication / shared decision-making / resources) Track B: Healthcare Professionals (CE-focused clinical/professional content) |
| 2:00 – 2:15 PM | Transition / Refreshment Break / Exhibitor Engagement |
| 2:15 – 3:15 PM | Breakout Session Block II Track A: Track B: |
| 3:15 – 3:30 PM | Transition Break |
| 3:30 – 4:15 PM | Joint Closing Conversation Panel Potential Topics: • Physician Innovation • What Excites Us in Neurological Care • Patient/Provider Partnership Discussion • Cross-Track Reconvening |
| 4:15 – 4:30 PM | Closing Remarks / CE Instructions / Sponsor Thanks |
Tickets
