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Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program

Upstate Regional Rehabilitation Centers at University Hospital
Upstate University Hospital
Rm. N2104
750 East Adams Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
Google Maps & Directions
Phone: 315 464-6543
Fax: 315 464-4753
Hours:Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-4:30pm
Join the Brain Injury Support Group

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at University Hospital offers inpatient and outpatient services to patients of all ages who have sustained a brain injury. Our multidisciplinary team has experience working with patients who have had a traumatic brain injury, stroke, tumor and other kinds of brain injuries.

Treatment goals include:

  • Patient and family education
  • Improving everyday life skills
  • Assisting if needed with return to driving, work, or school

Acute Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation begins as soon as possible after brain injury. Our physicians, therapists and case managers are ready to begin working with patients throughout University Hospital as soon as requested. Patients are seen in their rooms or brought to our rehabilitation gym on the 2nd floor. Treatment goals include patient and family education, identifying problems in everyday functioning that might affect the patient's ability to care for them, and preparing for discharge.

Inpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Comprehensive inpatient brain injury rehabilitation is offered at the Rehabilitation Center on the 2nd floor of University Hospital. This service is for children and adults who require inpatient rehabilitation after illness or injury, and who still have significant medical concerns requiring hospital-based treatment. Patients are evaluated for admission by our consultation service. If they qualify for services, they can be brought to the inpatient unit on the 2nd floor when a bed is available and recieve care from experts in their field with specialized equipment. Individualized treatment and discharge plans are developed for each patient.

Outpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Our comprehensive Outpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program offers individualized treatment to patients who are struggling with changes in their functioning due to brain injury. The multidisciplinary team includes occupational, physical, and speech therapists as well as physicians, psychologists, a vocational rehabilitation counselor and a case manager. Patients are seen by one or more of these specialists depending on their needs. We also help patients and families identify community-based support services they can use.

A physician's referral is required for examination and treatment within this program.

Providers

Jessica N Boulia, OTR/L
Jessica N Boulia, OTR/L
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • OTR: Ithaca College, 2016

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Medicine; Concussion; Trauma; Acute Pain; Adult Trauma and Critical Care; Amputee Rehabilitation; more

Tanya L Burnett, MS, CTRS,CBIS
Tanya L Burnett, MS, CTRS,CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MA: SUNY College at Cortland, 2009, Therapeutic Recreation
  • BA: SUNY Binghamton, 2006, Psychology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Pediatric Brain Trauma; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; more

Joy V Centra, Masters
Joy V Centra, Masters
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Utica College, 2011, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Brain Injury; Burns (Severe); Falls; Hip Fracture; more

Clinical Interests

  • Brain injury. Burns. Stroke. 


Patricia M Clark, PT, DPT, CBIS
Patricia M Clark, PT, DPT, CBIS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: Russell Sage College, 2015
  • BS: SUNY Albany, 2012

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Amputation; Brain Injury; Stroke; Trauma; Amputee Rehabilitation; more

Clinical Interests

  • Neurology - stroke, TBI


Nicole M Conese, PT, DPT, NCS
Nicole M Conese, PT, DPT, NCS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: University of Maryland at Baltimore, 2015, Physical Therapy
  • BS: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2012, Exercise Science

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Neurology; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; more

Research Interests

  • Research Physical Therapist involved in SLeep Effects on Post-Stroke Rehabilitation (SLEEPR) Study

Clinical Interests

  • Stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, vestibular rehabilitation

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Neurology Section

Emily J Costello, CSRS
Emily J Costello, CSRS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • Additional Training: SUNY Upstate Medical Center, 2017, CBIS

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Adolescent Medicine; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Adolescent Medicine; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Neuromuscular Disease; more

Education Interests

  • Completed Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist course and exam in 2015,  Renewed Cerification 

Clinical Interests

  • Neurology,  Stroke,  TBI,  Neurosurgery


Kayla N Critser, PT, DPT, NCS
Kayla N Critser, PT, DPT, NCS
315 464-2282

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Neurology; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; more

Reis E Cunningham, MS OTR/L, CBIS
Reis E Cunningham, MS OTR/L, CBIS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Keuka University, 2014, Occupational Therapy
  • BS: Keuka University, 2013, Occupational Science

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Medicine; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Amputation; Brain Injury; Concussion; more

Research Interests

  • Concussion in Youth Sports
  • Effects of Concussion post trauma on recovery
  • Brain Injury
  • Trauma
  • Vestibular Disorders and Dizziness

Education Interests

  • Occupational Therapy Education

Clinical Interests

  • Neurorehabilitation
  • Orthopedics
  • Surgery/Trauma
  • Concussion/Cognition
  • Vestbular/Dizziness

Carrie E Garcia, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Carrie E Garcia, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: West Virginia University School of Medicine, 2001, Speech-Language Pathology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Speech Pathology; Brain Injury; Cognitive Disorders; Communication Disorders; Concussion; Dysphagia; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association

Olivia S Jamieson, MS, CF-SLP
Olivia S Jamieson, MS, CF-SLP
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Vanderbilt University, 2023, Speech-Language Pathology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Brain Injury; Cognitive Disorders; Communication Disorders; Dysphagia; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association

Kaelynn E Kocsis
Kaelynn E Kocsis
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Utica College, 2011, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Therapy - Adult; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Amputation; Brain Cancer; Brain Injury; more

Education Interests

  • Stroke treatment

    Vision treatment

     

Clinical Interests

  • neuro rehab, stroke, TBI


Kacie L Legg
Kacie L Legg
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Therapy

Julie A Lombardi, PT, DPT, NCS
Julie A Lombardi, PT, DPT, NCS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2008

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Neurology; Brain Injury; Dizziness and Vertigo; Parkinson's Disease; Stroke; Neurological Rehabilitation; more

Clinical Interests

  • LSVT BIG therapy for Neurological Disorders
    Rock Steady Boxing Certified

    Vestibular therapy

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Carly M Mann
Carly M Mann
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Occupational Therapy - Adult; Amputation; Blurred Vision; Brachial Plexus Injury; Brain Aneurysm; more

Samantha L Morin, PT, DPT
Samantha L Morin, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: Ithaca College, 2009

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Medicine and Rehab; Physical Therapy; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Brain Aneurysm; Brain and Spine Tumors; Cognitive Disorders; more

Ami Myers, MS, OTR/L, CBIS
Ami Myers, MS, OTR/L, CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2017, Occupational Therapy
  • BS: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2016, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Occupational Therapy - Pediatrics; Occupational Therapy - Adult; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; All Cancers and Hematological Conditions; more

Clinical Interests

  • Neurology and Pediatrics


Kimberly A Nemi, OTR/L, CBIS
Kimberly A Nemi, OTR/L, CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: SUNY Buffalo, 1993, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Common Vision Problems; Concussion; more

Research Interests

  • Concussion Management

    Visual and Vestibular disorders

Education Interests

  • Visual dysfunction and low vision services- occupational therapy

Clinical Interests

  • Concussion Care, Brain Injury

    Aquired visual disorders

    Low vision

    Cognitive dysfunction


Kristin A Overend, PT
Kristin A Overend, PT
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • PT: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2008, Master's of Physical Therapy
  • BS: St. John Fisher College, 2005, Biology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Amputation; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Guillain Barre Syndrome; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); more

Research Interests

  • Research Physical Therapist in SLEep Effects on

    Post-Stroke Rehabilitation (Sleepr) Study.


Justine C Playford, MS, OTR/L
Justine C Playford, MS, OTR/L
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2018, Occupational Science
  • MS: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2018, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Medicine; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Amputation; Brain Injury; Concussion; Fracture; more

Maria J Podbelski, DPT
Maria J Podbelski, DPT
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2016

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Physical Therapy; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Brain Injury; Dizziness and Vertigo; Falls; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Tara L Price, BS in Occupation Therapy Science
Tara L Price, BS in Occupation Therapy Science
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: Utica College, 1996, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Dementia Practioner; Certified Geriatric Care Professional; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Aging Issues; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Geriatrics; more

Nicole A Ramos, PT, DPT
Nicole A Ramos, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: Upstate University Hospital, 2015

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Body Weight Support Treadmill Training, Physical Therapy; Pediatric Physical Therapy

Denali Remonda, PT, DPT
Denali Remonda, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Buffalo, 2009

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Amputation; Brain Injury; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); Muscular Dystrophies; Spinal Cord Injury; more

Beth Rolland, OTR, CDRS, CBIS
Beth Rolland, OTR, CDRS, CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Columbia University, 1997, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Concussion; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); more

Lisa E Rothwell, PT
Lisa E Rothwell, PT
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: SUNY Buffalo, 1988, Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Dizziness and Vertigo; Body Weight Support Treadmill Training, Physical Therapy; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Chronic Disease Management; more

Education Interests

  • Health and wellness, Aging and longevity

Clinical Interests

  • Burns, SCI, neurological disorders, balance, seating and positioning, TBI


Kelly Ryan, OTR,CSRS,CBIS
Kelly Ryan, OTR,CSRS,CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: SUNY Buffalo, 1992, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; Amputation; Brain Injury; Stroke; more

Joanne Scandale, PhD, CRC, CCM, LMHC, CBIST, CCTP, CCATP
Joanne Scandale, PhD, CRC, CCM, LMHC, CBIST, CCTP, CCATP
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • PhD: Syracuse University, 2004, Rehabilitation Counseling

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Vocational Rehabilitation

Donna I Sims, CTRS
Donna I Sims, CTRS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: SUNY Brockport, 1988

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Dementia Practioner; Dementia

Clinical Interests

  • Animal Assisted Therapy / Activities


Janice L Singer-Wagner, MS, CCC/SLP
Janice L Singer-Wagner, MS, CCC/SLP
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Columbia University, 1979, speech/language pathology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Speech Pathology; Dysphagia; Head and Neck Cancer; Stroke; Fiberopic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES); Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association

Lindsey E Solamon, MS, CCC-SLP
Lindsey E Solamon, MS, CCC-SLP
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Syracuse University, 2009, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders; Speech Pathology; Brain Injury; Stroke; Swallowing Difficulty or Dysphagia; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association

Jennifer I Spieker, OTR/L
Jennifer I Spieker, OTR/L
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • OTR: Keuka University, 2001

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Stroke; Occupational Therapy

Emily E Talbot, MS, CCC-SLP
Emily E Talbot, MS, CCC-SLP
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Ithaca College, 2011

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Speech Pathology; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Dysphagia; more

Clinical Interests

  • Evaluation and treatment of dysphagia, stroke, TBI, cognitive communication disorders, aphasia, apraxia.

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association, Ccc-Slp

Kayla Vanbrocklin, OTR
Kayla Vanbrocklin, OTR
315 464-2282

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Therapy

Erin S VerDow, PT, DPT

Lauren N Westby, MS,CCC-SLP, CBIS
Lauren N Westby, MS,CCC-SLP, CBIS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Syracuse University, 2008, Speech Language Pathology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Speech Pathology; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Cognitive Disorders; Communication Disorders; Dysphagia; more

Clinical Interests

  • Cognitive Communication Disorders

    Dysphagia

    Aphasia

    Apraxia

    Dysarthria

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association
  • Brain Injury Association USA

Danielle J Wheeler-Vickery, PT, DPT, GCS
Danielle J Wheeler-Vickery, PT, DPT, GCS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: University Hospital, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 2014, Physical Therapy
  • BS: Russell Sage College, 1996, Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Geriatric Physical Therapy; Physical Therapy; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Geriatrics; Inpatient Physical Therapy; more

Research Interests

  • Sleeper Study

Clinical Interests

  • Geriatrics, Stroke Rehab, Neuro and Brain Injury, General Surgery and medicine, Ortho Trauma

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

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