Irene Pennington
Intake Coordinator
Irene Pennington serves as Intake Coordinator for the Avalon Action Alliance. Irene is responsible for managing the intra-alliance referral system, establishing initial contact with prospective clients and referral sources from website inquiries and connecting clients to care through one of Avalon’s TBI centers, posttraumatic growth delivery sites, or substance abuse treatment centers.
Irene has over 20 years of brain injury rehabilitation experience including 16 years of working with military service members and veterans as a case manager for the SHARE Military Initiative brain injury program at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. At SHARE, Irene was actively involved in the development of the program, initiating and overseeing treatment plans and providing intensive case management services to hundreds of veterans and service members.
In May 2024 Irene founded Team America Care Coordination (TACC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for the post-military career operator community facing medical and psychological injuries associated with years of service, delivering long-term healthcare coordination and advocacy.
Prior to joining the Avalon Action Alliance, Irene gained valuable experience in addressing the challenges faced by individuals in recovery from substance use disorder at UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown, NY, where she linked clients to appropriate services, benefits and resources as senior discharge plan manager for the inpatient chemical dependence unit.
Irene holds an MSc in Cognitive Neuropsychology from Birkbeck College, University of London as well as CCM certification. As the spouse of an Air Force veteran diagnosed with TBI and PTS her advocacy for service members, veterans, and first responders affected by neurological and psychological disorders is deeply personal and closely aligns with Avalon Action Alliance’s dedication to eliminating barriers to care and ensuring seamless training and treatment for this population.
Irene grew up in Berlin, Germany and resides in western New York with her spouse where she enjoys gardening and outdoor recreational activities throughout all seasons.