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Concussion Center Care Team

At Ƶ’s Concussion Center, you are treated by experts in concussion care and rehabilitation. Members of your care team may include occupational therapists, who can help you regain your independence after a concussion; psychologists, who can address cognitive changes due to concussion; physical therapists, who treat musculoskeletal injuries related to concussion; social workers, who address any concerns related to the emotional and physical impact of a concussion; speech–language pathologists, who offer therapies to maximize written, verbal language, memory, and attention skills; vestibular therapists, who can help improve dizziness and balance issues related to concussion; and pediatric specialists, who are dedicated to treating children and young adults with concussion.

    • Dina Pagnotta

      Dina Pagnotta, PT, MPT, MPH

      Director of Strategic Initiatives

      Ms. Pagnotta is responsible for daily operations at the Concussion Center, including policy development and implementation, educational endeavors, marketing, research, and center expansion. As director of strategic initiatives, Ms. Pagnotta supports the development of new projects and programming within Ƶ’s Rusk Rehabilitation and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. She received a master of physical therapy degree from Hahnemann University (which has since merged into Drexel University) and a master of public health degree from Columbia University.

    • Mara Sproul

      Mara F. Sproul, MPA, RN-BC, CRRN

      Program Manager

      Ms. Sproul is a registered nurse with extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and cardiac rehabilitation and nursing administration. She has a master’s degree in public administration from NYU and is certified in rehabilitation nursing and geriatric nursing. In her role, she is responsible for day-to-day interactions with patients and facilitates various aspects of their clinical care, as well as helps with the overall development of the Concussion Center.

    • Victoria Juanito

      Victoria Juanito, RN, BSN

      Clinical Coordinator

      Ms. Juanito is a registered nurse who has experience in clinical and managerial roles, including as a training officer in a military hospital. She has worked as a school nurse, in a facility for adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, and, most recently, in several neurology clinics in an academic hospital. She is responsible for day-to-day patient interactions and assists in various aspects of their clinical care.

    • Matt Manu

      Matt Manu, MPA, ATC

      Senior Program Coordinator

      Mr. Manu is a certified athletic trainer with experience in the secondary school and professional setting. As the Concussion Center, he works to advance clinical programming, support ongoing research, and expand professional and community education including local academic institutions, youth leagues, and professional athletic leagues. He serves as the liaison to our school and community partners and as well as our athletic training program.

  • Occupational Therapy

    • Kellianne Arnella

      Kellianne Arnella, MS, OTR/L, CSRS, CDRS

      Neurological Clinical Specialist-Occupational Therapy

      Ms. Arnella specializes in treating patients who have vision issues following traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussion. She works to determine and individualized treatment plan for each patient. Through skill remediation and individual strategy use, she helps patients successfully return to their pre-injury habits, routines, and roles.

    • Holly Cohen

      Holly Cohen, OTR/L, SCEM, ATP, CDRS

      Occupational Therapist

      Ms. Cohen specializes in the use assistive technology to improve an individual’s access of a computer or smart device, increase their functional independence, and safety in all environments.

    • Elizabeth J. Martori, OTR/L, Occupational Therapy

      Vision Clinical Specialist | Occupational Therapy

      Based on Long Island, Ms. Martori specializes in vision rehabilitation for people who have concussion and traumatic brain injury. She helps improve visual perceptual and motor skills, including reading, writing, computer use, and other work- and school-related activities.

    • Margaret A. Waskiewicz, OTR/L, OTD, Occupational Therapy, Neurologic Occupational Therapy

      Unit Supervisor | Occupational Therapy, Neurologic Occupational Therapy

      Ms. Waskiewicz specializes in vision rehabilitation, helping people who have concussion and traumatic brain injury resume their usual routines, including self-care, home management, and work and school activities.

  • Neuropsychology and Psychology

    • Elizabeth A. Bistrong, PhD, Pediatric Neuropsychology

      Pediatric Neuropsychology

      Dr. Bistrong specializes in the assessment of traumatic brain injury, concussion, and other neurological conditions at Ƶ Orthopedic Hospital. She offers comprehensive neuropsychological assessments to children, adolescents, and young adults, providing evidence- based and personalized treatment plans that are tailored to each person’s unique needs. Dr. Bistrong obtained her PhD at the University of Virginia and completed an internship and postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan.

    • Amanda Childs

      Amanda Childs, PhD

      Senior Psychologist

      Dr. Childs specializes in rehabilitation and health psychology with a focus on the treatment of concussion, traumatic brain injury, and oncology. She provides neuropsychological assessments, cognitive rehabilitation, and individual and group psychotherapy. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (AART) at Rusk Rehabilitation.

    • Ilana S. Grunwald, PhD, Rehabilitation Psychology

      Rehabilitation Psychology

      Dr. Grunwald provides neuropsychological and psychological evaluations and treatment for individuals who have a wide variety of medical issues including concussion, TBI, and stroke. She works to help people improve their adjustment, acceptance, and coping with complicated issues to live better lives. She specializes in working with individuals who have vocal disorders.

    • Kenneth D. Hartline, PsyD, Psychology

      Psychology

      Dr. Hartline is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and supervisor of psychology at Rusk Rehabilitation at Ƶ Orthopedic Hospital. He specializes in the assessment of traumatic brain injury, concussion, and other neurological conditions in children, adolescents and young adults. Dr. Hartline received his Doctor of Psychology degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. He completed an APA-accredited internship at Rusk Rehabilitation and a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric clinical neuropsychology at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where he trained in pediatric and young adult concussion, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy. Prior to returning to Ƶ, he was a clinical neuropsychologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.

    • DL

      Coordinator, Outpatient Psychology Services | Rehabilitation Psychology

      Dr. Langenbahn provides neuropsychological assessment and treatment to people dealing with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues related to brain injury and concussion. She has received the John G. Gianutsos Award for Special Educational Contributions from Rusk Rehabilitation and was named a distinguished member of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, which awarded her the Elizabeth and Sidney Licht Award in recognition of excellence in scientific writing in rehabilitation medicine in 2012.

    • Yuen Shan C. Lee, PhD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

      Senior Psychologist | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

      Dr. Lee specializes in the treatment of concussion and traumatic brain injury. She provides neuropsychological assessments, cognitive rehabilitation, and individual and group psychotherapy. She received the Dr. Lee and Linda Rosenbaum Family Award through Yeshiva University for excellence in clinical health and served as an Asian American Psychological Association leadership fellow.

    • William Lu, PsyD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Psychology

      Senior Psychologist | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Psychology

      Dr. Lu’s special interests include traumatic brain injury, sleep and memory processing, mindfulness, neuropsychological testing, and cognitive remediation. Dr. Lu has published in the areas of traumatic brain injury and sleep and memory processing. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in rehabilitation research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

    • Bonnie Marks

      Bonnie Marks, PsyD

      Senior Psychologist

      Dr. Marks specializes in rehabilitation psychology, traumatic brain injury, concussion, sports psychology, and mindfulness for stress management. She works in the Brain Injury Day Treatment program and performs concussion evaluations. She has received the Dr. Alfred H. Schwartz and Iris Nelson-Schwartz Humanitarian Award from the National Rehabilitation Association, Metropolitan Chapter.

    • David McCabe

      David McCabe, PhD

      Senior Psychologist

      Dr. McCabe provides neuropsychological assessment and treatment for people who have TBI and other neurological conditions impacting cognitive, behavioral, and psychological functioning. He provides cognitive remediation and psychotherapy, in individual and group formats. Dr. McCabe completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan.

  • Physical Therapy

    • Jamie Cepeda

      Jamie Cepeda, DPT

      Senior Physical Therapist

      Dr. Cepeda treats people who have concussions and other types of brain injuries. He evaluates their needs, helps develop a treatment plan, and assists people as they learn the skills they need to live independently and return to their normal activities.

    • Bretton K. Eisenhardt, PT, DPT, Physical Therapy, Sports Physical Therapy

      Staff Physical Therapist | Physical Therapy, Sports Physical Therapy

      Dr. Eisenhardt is a board-certified orthopedic specialist with a passion for exercise and fitness. He completed an orthopedic residency program through New York University and enjoys guiding patients to their best possible health. He utilizes his knowledge in integrative lifestyle management and special interest in yoga to assist patients in their recovery process from concussion-related injuries.

    • TI

      Teresa Iodice-Dadin, MA, PT, CCTT

      Senior Physical Therapist

      Ms. Iodice-Dadin is a certified craniofacial and cervical therapist. She specializes in treating disorders of the head and neck, including headache and temporomandibular joint disorders, related to concussion and other injuries. She performs advanced manual therapy with osteopathic training.

    • Mira T. Kaufman, PT, DPT, Physical Therapy, Sports Physical Therapy

      Physical Therapy, Sports Physical Therapy

      Dr. Kaufman is a board-certified orthopedic specialist. She has a special interest in working with people recovering from concussion-related injuries and limitations. She helps them get back to their normal activities and responsibilities, as well as sports and exercise.

    • Daniel A. Peredo, PT, DPT, Physical Therapy, Sports Physical Therapy

      Senior Physical Therapist | Physical Therapy, Sports Physical Therapy

      Dr. Peredo is a board-certified orthopedic specialist. He has a special interest in the management and treatment of post-concussion symptoms and related injuries. He enjoys assisting those with post-concussion symptoms return to their daily activities and passions, including sports and exercise.

    • Eric Ross, PT, DPT, Physical Therapy, Sports Physical Therapy

      Clinical Specialist | Physical Therapy, Sports Physical Therapy

      Dr. Ross is a board-certified orthopedic specialist and a physical therapy clinical specialist. He is committed to helping individuals recover from post-concussion symptoms and has a special interest in athletes seeking to return to their sport.

    • Mark Schulingkamp

      Mark Schulingkamp, DPT, OCS

      Senior Physical Therapist

      Dr. Schulingkamp is a board-certified orthopedic specialist. He helps people who have experienced concussion return to work, school, sports, and other activities.

  • Social Work

    • Pamela Singer

      Pamela Singer, MSW, LCSW

      Senior Social Worker

      Ms. Singer has a master’s degree in social work from NYU. Ms. Singer has spoken extensively about the emotional issues inherent to brain injury and concussion, as well as the importance of groups in rehabilitation.

  • Speech–Language Pathology

    • Elizabeth Galletta

      Elizabeth E. Galletta, PhD

      Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

      Dr. Galletta focuses on patient-reported symptoms in the evaluation of individuals with acquired speech–language and cognitive–communication disorders. As a certified brain injury specialist trainer (CBIST) she contributes to a team of neurogenic speech–language pathologists treating patients who have persistant post-concussion symptoms. She mentors clinicians, students, and volunteer interns on topics including group treatment/community groups, aphasia, and cognitive rehabilitation. Her research focuses on combining methods that promote neuroplasticity with behavioral treatment.

    • Karen Gendal

      Karen Gendal, MA, CCC-SLP

      Clinical Specialist

      Ms. Gendal’s expertise is in the evaluation and treatment of people with a variety of motor, speech, language, and cognitive communication impairments, including those with concussion.

    • Shap Shadravan

      Shap Shadravan, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS

      Clinical Specialist

      Ms. Shadravan is a clinical specialist on Rusk Rehabilitation’s speech–language Pathology team in both the inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation setting. Her clinical experience includes the evaluation and treatment of patients with neurogenic communication impairments as well as patients with medically complex and cardiopulmonary diagnoses.

  • Vestibular Therapy

    • Joseph T. Adams, DPT, Physical Therapy, Neurologic Physical Therapy, Vestibular Therapy

      Physical Therapy, Neurologic Physical Therapy, Vestibular Therapy

      Dr. Adams is a board-certified specialist in neurologic rehabilitation with advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation and has been working with patients with dizziness and vertigo due to head injuries for over 10 years. He is actively involved in clinical research on brain injury rehabilitation, vestibular outcome measures, reactive balance, post-concussion syndrome, and early mobilization for patients after brain tumor resection. He is the author of Vestibular Rehabilitation for the NCS Exam, and lectures regularly as an adjunct professor.

    • Natalie Catterall, PT, DPT, Physical Therapy, Vestibular Therapy

      Senior II Physical Therapist | Physical Therapy, Vestibular Therapy

      Dr. Catterall treats vestibular dysfunctions following concussions as well as other brain injuries. Her individualized treatment approach aims to improve dizziness and balance. She is dedicated to assisting her patients in improving towards previous level of function through her patient- centered care.

    • KC

      Katie Ann Connors, PT, DPT

      Senior Physical Therapist

      Dr. Connors treats people who have a variety of neurological injuries, including neck pain, and helps them return to activity after concussion. She practices in the outpatient department at Rusk Rehabilitation.

    • Tara Denham

      Tara Denham, MA, PT

      Outpatient Program Manager

      Ms. Denham specializes in vestibular therapy for people with concussions. In addition, she supervises therapists who treat people in need of vestibular therapy and developed the vestibular concussion program at Ƶ. She is involved in research about concussions and vestibular dysfunction and lectures nationally and internationally on the topic of vestibular rehabilitation.

    • Jennifer L. Fay, DPT, Physical Therapy, Vestibular Therapy

      Clinical Specialist | Physical Therapy, Vestibular Therapy

      Dr. Fay specializes in treating people who have concussions and other types of brain injuries. She works with patients and families, educating them about the condition and assisting patients with their return to work, school, or sports. She is the lead clinician on a research project related to concussions and vestibular dysfunction.

    • Nicolina Keneipp

      Nicolina Keneipp, PT, DPT, NCS

      Senior Physical Therapist

      Dr. Keneipp is a board-certified neurologic clinical specialist and has advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation. She treats vestibular dysfunctions following concussions as well as other brain injuries. She is dedicated to assisting her patients improve function and return to meaningful activities with an individualized, patient-centered treatment approach.

    • Artmis D. Youssefnia, PT, Physical Therapy, Vestibular Therapy

      Senior Physical Therapist | Physical Therapy, Vestibular Therapy

      Ms. Youssefnia treats people experiencing vestibular dysfunction after concussions and other types of brain injuries. She is a board-certified geriatric specialist and has advanced training in working with older adults. She helps people return to normal activities and evaluates, treats, and educates patients and families about the condition.

  • Athletic Trainers

    • Akirrah Cooper

      Akirrah Cooper, DACM, ATC

      Athletic Trainer

      Dr. Cooper received a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Dominican College and is a registered and licensed athletic trainer. She has worked in many different clinical settings, helping to expand her knowledge of various methods and treatment plans used in sports rehabilitation programs. Ms. Cooper is also licensed in acupuncture and herbal medicine by the State of New York and is recognized as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She also graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and is skilled in all primary Chinese medicine modalities, including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal formulas, cupping, gua sha, and tui na. In her role as an athletic trainer, she provides community outreach concerning the prevention, evaluation, management, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.

    • Anthony Jones

      Anthony Jones, ATC, CSCS

      Athletic Trainer

      Mr. Jones is a certified athletic trainer with a degree from Stony Brook University and certification as a strength and conditioning specialist. Before working at Ƶ, he worked with the athletic training program at Ƶ Hopsital—Long Island. Anthony has experience with various high school programs and at the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III level. In his role as an athletic trainer, he is responsible for managing injury prevention, acute care, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries in conjunction with other members of the sports health team. He also supports outreach opportunities as well as sports health and Concussion Center initiatives.

    • Timothy Muse

      Timothy Muse, ATC

      Athletic Trainer

      Mr. Muse is a certified athletic trainer with a degree from the University of New Hampshire. Before working for Ƶ, he worked as the head athletic trainer at the secondary school level. In his role as an athletic trainer, he is responsible for managing injury prevention, acute care, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries in conjunction with other members of the Sports Health team. He also supports outreach opportunities and Sports Health and Concussion Center initiatives.

  • Pediatric Care Team

    • Molly Bucciero

      Molly Bucciero, MS, OTL/L

      Pediatric Occupational Therapist

      Ms. Bucciero is a registered and licensed occupational therapist with advanced training in visual rehabilitation. She evaluates and treats children from birth to age 21 who have visual conditions and visual symptoms related to both traumatic and nontraumatic brain injuries.

    • Megan  Conklin

      Megan Conklin, PT, DPT

      Program Manager, Pedatric Therapy Services

      Dr. Conklin is a board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy and is the pediatric physical therapy supervisor at Ƶ Orthopedic Hospital. She has advanced training in pediatric vestibular rehabilitation, and evaluates and treats children and teenagers who have vestibular symptoms and TBI.

    • Iona D’Sa

      Iona D’Sa, CCC-SLP

      Speech–Language Pathology Supervisor

      Ms. D’Sa has extensive pediatric experience, particularly in the area of childhood brain injury. She is responsible for program development, goal setting, and education of speech–language pathologists and other team members on the topics of pediatric brain injury occurrence, speech and language symptoms, assessment and intervention, and outcome measures.

    • Jessica Hubert

      Jessica Hubert, PT, DPT, NCS, CSCS

      Clinical Specialist

      Dr. Hubert is a board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric and neurologic physical therapy. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and is a certified brain injury specialist. She evaluates and treats children and teenagers who have vestibular symptoms and traumatic and nontraumatic brain injury.

    • Allison Lam

      Allison U. Lam, PT, DPT

      Physical Therapy Supervisor

      Dr. Lam is a board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy. She oversees clinical programming for pediatric concussion at Ƶ Orthopedic Hospital. She has advanced training in both adult and pediatric vestibular rehabilitation. She evaluates and treats children and teenagers who have vestibular symptoms and traumatic and nontraumatic brain injury.

    • Carol Rosen

      Carol Rosen, PhD

      Senior Psychologist

      Dr. Rosen provides neuropsychological evaluations and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults with various medical conditions. She also consults with schools to help her patients return to the classroom after a concussion. Dr. Rosen has published in the areas of self-concept and emotional–behavioral functioning of children with brachial plexus birth injury as well as the effects of chemotherapy on cognitive functioning.