Brain Base
FKA Watershed Jackson Hole
Our History
Brain Base was born from a need that couldn’t be ignored.
In 2014, Watershed Jackson was established in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, after founder Hayden Hilke recognized a critical gap in resources, education, and support for athletes recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI)—especially within the high-risk world of mountain sports.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission began with a simple but urgent purpose: to bring clinical support, educational tools, and community awareness to athletes navigating life after a serious injury. What started as a local response has grown into a movement rooted in research, prevention, and rehabilitation—always grounded in respect, empathy, and action.
The name “Watershed” came from the idea of a turning point—a pivotal moment that changes everything. For many of the athletes we work with, a TBI or SCI is exactly that. And it was for us, too.
Today, under our new name—Brain Base—we carry that same watershed spirit forward. We remain deeply connected to our roots in Jackson Hole, continuing to grow programs that support athletes through:
Cutting-edge clinical assessments
Long-term concussion tracking and data collection
Community education initiatives
Preventative care and recovery-focused research
We strive to build a space where athletes and their families feel supported, informed, and empowered. A base. A starting point. A place to heal and grow—together.
Brain Base is more than a new name. It’s a renewed commitment to education, science, and compassionate care for those facing life-changing injuries.
Our BASE Pillars:
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Brain Injury Navigation
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Access & Support
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Sponsorship & Funding
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Education & Prevention
Meet the Team
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CHRIS SMITHWICK
DIRECTOR
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KATE WIENMAN
DIRECTOR
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HAYDEN HILKE, MSR, DPT
FOUNDER & ADVISOR
Hayden Hilke owns and practices at Peak Physical Therapy and Kilter Physical Therapy and Sport Performance, outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinics in Jackson, WY. She also works with the US Snowboard Halfpipe Team.
Through both her career and her non-profit organization, Hayden has helped educate the Jackson community on traumatic brain injury management and worked to foster a more accessible local environment.
Due to her own personal experience with a back injury, and seeing a lack of resources and accessibility in Jackson, she started Watershed Jackson, a non-profit that benefits athletes with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Since then, she has attended numerous courses and seminars that specialize in progressive education and rehabilitation in current concussion management and provides optimal pre- and post-concussion screening and rehabilitation.
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VOLUNTEERS
We couldn’t do any of this without an incredible team of volunteers.
We are grateful for all the help we receive from the supportive community of Jackson Hole.
From those who assist with our annual gala, to the team behind the scenes who keep our program current and balanced, to our incredible board members, the community members who join us at the pre-season baseline screenings, and the volunteer athletes who take time to sync their mouthguards during our data collection project — you all are just so dang awesome!
Continue the Momentum
All donations, whether sent privately or through a fundraiser, are the primary way we advance our education and community awareness programs. We are grateful for any and all support we receive.
Watershed JH Archive
This video offers a look back at Watershed JH, the early foundation of what is now known as Brain Base. It highlights the roots of our mission, community engagement, and the evolution of our work in education and brain health awareness.