Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury
Fall/Winter 2016 Meet NeuroRestorative’s Q4 Heroes..................................2 & 3 New & Expanded Programs........4 NeuroRestorative Opens Specialized School in Chicagoland.............................................5 NeuroRestorative North Carolina Dedicates Home in Raleigh In Honor of Employee Tina Berger..................................5 Neuro Institute Educational Offerings......................................7 Pay It Forward Recipients............8 NeuroRestorative Florida Participates in Charity Event to Benefit Wounded Warriors.......................8 A Service Coordinator’s Thank You Letter....................................9
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Neuro News A newsletter from NeuroRestorative NeuroRestorative Participant Honored With Award For Community Service For the past four years Todd Gregory, a participant in NeuroRestorative’s Georgetown, Kentucky program, has teamed up with the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky (BIAK) to host the “Helmet Give-A-Way” to benefit central Kentucky communities. Todd raises funds via donations and then gives the money to BIAK to purchase helmets for the giveaway. This year alone, Todd has raised more than $3,000 and distributed more than 315 helmets. “Being a TBI survivor, I hate seeing kids out riding a bike without protection on. It’s just one small extra step to take that can prevent so much,” said Todd. In addition to the helmet giveaway, Todd has also partnered with the Georgetown, KY police department to stress the importance of bicycle helmet use. He has arranged to ride along with police officers to give out “You Were Caught Wearing Your Helmet” coupons. The recipient can Todd Gregory accepting the Todd Gregory Aim Award then exchange the coupon for a free ice cream cone at Dairy Queen. Todd says that he really enjoys seeing the smile on a child’s face when they realize they were “caught” doing something good. He notes that the free ice cream is a nice bonus for the kids. Inspired by his effort and generosity, the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky honored Todd at their 2016 Annual Meeting and Awards Program on July 13, 2016. Todd received the first annual Todd Gregory AIM Award for Outstanding Attitude and Initiative in Promoting the Mission of BIAK. “The standards for this award are very high. The person must be a survivor of a brain injury and must take the initiative to perform a task in the community where they live without any outside influence. Initiative is a rare commodity among any group of people and that alone makes Todd a very unique person,” said Eddie Reynolds, Program Director, Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky. Todd survived a traumatic brain injury caused by the removal of multiple brain tumors many years ago. He credits the staff at NeuroRestorative with helping him regain his independence. Todd was once a residential participant, but now lives in his own apartment and drives himself to outpatient therapies.
Meet NeuroRestorative’s FY16 Q4 Heroes Each quarter, NeuroRestorative Heroes recognizes four employees for going above and beyond on behalf of the participants we serve. No matter the role—whether in direct care, program leadership or a support function—everyone in the NeuroRestorative family plays an important part in ensuring the delivery of quality of life enhancing services for our participants on the road to recovery from brain or spinal cord injury.
Renee Green, Referral Coordinator
NeuroRestorative, Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee 9 years of service with NeuroRestorative Renee is a tireless worker who goes above and beyond the scope of her job on a daily basis. Her dedication often shows in her relentless pursuit of funding and services for those she serves. The extra mile is familiar territory to Renee, and she has gone as far as packing a bag and staying at the office during inclement weather when she had several admissions the following day. It is Renee’s dedication, quality of work, and fantastic attitude that make her a NeuroRestorative Hero. “Renee is dedicated to the company and completes her work with a smile,” said Gary Graham, Clinical Evaluator, NeuroRestorative Timber Ridge.
Christian Oropeo, Life Skills Trainer and Team Lead NeuroRestorative National Capitol 1.5 years of service with NeuroRestorative
Christian is a tremendous asset to NeuroRestorative National Capitol as a Life Skills Trainer and Team Lead. She is an early adopter of new techniques and voluntarily takes the time to show the benefits to her co-workers. Christian recently took the initiative to create a new interactive, internet-based scheduling system for her peers. Rather than waiting to be asked, she volunteers her skills and knowledge to the betterment of her co-workers, participants, and supervisors. “She is a natural leader, with integrity and a caring heart. The program is better for her efforts,” said Carolyn MancusoSeagraff, Program Director, NeuroRestorative Maryland.
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Meet NeuroRestorative’s Q4 Heroes (Continued) Jennifer and Elizabeth are being recognized for their joint act of heroism when they bravely rushed to save a co-worker who suffered cardiac arrest. Jennifer Kubiak, Avocational Assistant NeuroRestorative Pennsylvania 7 years of service with NeuroRestorative
Jennifer truly exemplifies what it means to be a Hero. One of her co-workers recently suffered cardiac arrest while at work. Without hesitation, Jennifer immediately came to his aid, assessed the situation, and called for assistance. She then gave life-saving rescue breaths while Beth provided chest compressions for over 10 minutes until emergency medical staff arrived. Jennifer’s selfless act of courage and level-headed decision making are an inspiring example to those around her. “She is AMAZING, and always so nice,” said Mariah Brizuela, Life Skills Trainer, NeuroRestorative Pennsylvania. “Jennifer and Beth performed with a calm professionalism despite the emotional turmoil of trying to save a friend and colleague,” said Wayne Gardner, Team Lead, NeuroRestorative Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth Spriegel, Clinical Director
NeuroRestorative Pennsylvania 7 months of service with NeuroRestorative Beth epitomizes leadership in all that she does. When one of her co-workers recently suffered cardiac arrest, she calmly provided direction to all in the room. She then gave chest compressions for over 10 minutes and utilized an automated external defibrillator until emergency personnel arrived on-site. Beth accompanied her co-worker to the hospital and stayed several hours to provide support and assistance to the family. Her heroic actions contributed to saving her co-worker’s life. “Elizabeth helped not only to save her co-worker’s life that day, but she also gained the utmost respect from her staff,” said Danielle Spencer, Team Lead, NeuroRestorative Pennsylvania.
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New & Expanded Programs At NeuroRestorative, we understand how important it is for participants to have the support of their loved ones during rehabilitation. That’s why we continue to expand our programs to ensure that more people have access to the rehabilitation they need close to home. The programs listed below either recently started offering or will offer new services within the next six months.
New Hampshire
Maine
Massachusetts Michigan
Rhode Island Pennsylvania
Iowa
New Jersey
Ohio
Nevada
Illinois
Maryland
Colorado
California
Virginia Kentucky North Carolina
Tennessee Arizona
Arkansas Georgia
NeuroRestorative CareMerdian
Texas
New or Expanded Program
Louisiana
Florida
NeuroRestorative Kentucky—Lexington Increased residential capacity.
NeuroRestorative Louisiana—Hammond Increased residential capacity.
NeuroRestorative Nevada—Las Vegas Now offering Neurorehabilitation and Supported Living.
NeuroRestorative Illinois—Mount Prospect Now offering a Specialized School for students ages 14-22.
NeuroRestorative Texas—San Antonio Increased residential capacity.
NeuroRestorative Texas—Austin Now offering Day Treatment Services.
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NeuroRestorative Florida – Brandon Now offering Autism Services.
NeuroRestorative Iowa – Cedar Rapids Increased residential capacity.
NeuroRestorative Pennsylvania – Lake City Increased residential capacity.
NeuroRestorative Massachusetts – Billerica Increased residential capacity.
NeuroRestorative Maine – Standish Now offering Day Treatment Services.
NeuroRestorative Maine – Kennebunk Increased residential capacity.
NeuroRestorative Opens Specialized School in Chicagoland for Students Ages 14-22 Who Have Experienced Brain Injury NeuroRestorative Illinois recently celebrated the opening of the NeuroRestorative Academy, a specialized school providing education and therapeutic services designed to make learning accessible to students ages 14-22 who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the secondary conditions that accompany those who experience head trauma. Located in Mount Prospect, IL, NeuroRestorative Academy provides a full academic curriculum along with an array of related services – Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Assistive Technology, and Behavior Analysis – for up to 20 young students who have sustained a brain injury. Class sizes are kept to no larger than 10 and have a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 teacher along with another credentialed staff member (SLP, OT, PT, Aide) present at all times to provide maximum support. The goal of The Academy is to provide a supportive academic environment in which students feel included, proud and comfortable with who they are, preparing them for who they will become. NeuroRestorative Academy Mascot “The NeuroRestorative Academy is intended to aid students in retaining the “The Black Knights” knowledge and skills learned while in school and regaining those lost as a result of a brain injury. The goal is to prepare each student to return to their own school with the best opportunity for continued success towards their graduation and beyond,” said Jim Para-Cremer, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Executive Director for the Northern Region of NeuroRestorative.
NeuroRestorative North Carolina Dedicates Raleigh Home in Honor of Employee Tina Berger On July 26, 2016, NeuroRestorative North Carolina dedicated a home in Raleigh in honor of Tina Berger. Tina served as Program Director of the Raleigh program from 2013-2016 and was instrumental in opening the first NeuroRestorative program in North Carolina. Tina passed away in April 2016 after a nearly year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She continued to serve as program director until her final weeks. Her passion and commitment to NeuroRestorative and those impacted by traumatic brain injury was inspiring. Her legacy will live on in this home named in her memory. “Some people don’t need to dedicate millions of dollars to have a building named for them, all they need to do is love what they do and impact those around them. I couldn’t be more proud of my The Tina Berger Home in Raleigh, North Carolina mother, Tina Boyer Berger, than I am today. It was heartwarming to hear how much she was loved and missed and how she has changed the lives of so many people. Thank you NeuroRestorative for dedicating the house she was so passionate about to her. She would be annoyed and secretly honored,” said Krystal Berger-Bourque via Facebook.
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NeuroRestorative Employee Recognized with The MENTOR Network’s Ripple of Hope Award In 2005, The Mentor Network — of which NeuroRestorative is a partner — established the Ripple of Hope Award to recognize the most outstanding among us—employees, Mentors and other independent contractors—whose passion, energy and skill have created a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether they work in direct care, operations or supporting business roles, these outstanding employees, foster parents and Host Home providers create a “ripple of hope,” and a legacy of compassion and caring for others to follow.
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NeuroRestorative’s 2016 Ripple Of Hope recipient is Michelle Faulk, Admissions Coordinator in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Michelle has been with NeuroRestorative for over 20 years in various roles. She says her favorite part of her job is, “being a client advocate so the clients can receive funding for the therapy services needed in order to return to the best quality of life as possible. I love being able to work with the families and help them become more comfortable with the next step in their loved one’s brain injury recovery. It’s an awesome feeling when I’m able to contact the family to let them know their loved one has been approved for admission.” Michelle’s colleagues describe her as extremely dedicated, caring, and always smiling. “Michelle works tirelessly with families, funders, referral sources and internal staff to coordinate the admission process for the individuals we serve. Her compassion and understanding are often highlighted by those she touches as they are dealing with extremely difficult and emotional decisions. Michelle is a powerful example to her coworkers of dedication to and empathy toward the persons we serve,” said Kenley Freeman, Director of Contracting and Payor Engagement. “Michelle consistently works on behalf of individuals and their families recovering from brain injury to remove funding barriers and get them the treatment needed to move on with their lives. Michelle knows these families’ stories, their struggles and their hopes for recovery. Every day she uses these stories as fuel to seek out benefits hidden in an insurance policy; to ask questions which may point her in a new funding direction and to tell these families’ stories to funders in a way that allows them to understand that this is a person who deserves an opportunity to recover well from a devastating injury. Everyone who Michelle touches remembers her kindness and her fierce advocacy,” said Victoria Harding, Vice President of Development. See video of Michelle’s award presentation at: http://thementornetwork.com/ripple-of-hope-award/michelle-faulk/
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For the sixth year, NeuroRestorative participated in the 2016 RunWalk to Home Base on July 23 in Boston, an event which raises funds to support Veterans and their families. Employees from NeuroRestorative participated in the race and provided information at an exhibition booth. The unique event takes place through scenic Boston and culminates by crossing home plate at historic Fenway Park.
Continuing Education for Rehabilitation Professionals
The Neuro Institute offers monthly, one hour online CEU opportunities for brain injury rehabilitation professionals. Once every month from 12-1 p.m. EST, our expert faculty members deliver engaging, innovative presentations spanning a variety of topics related to rehabilitation services. After the initial presentation, video recordings are available on our website to view for CEU credit. Opportunities are updated often, so make sure to check back for future presentation topics.
To learn more visit: www.neurorestorative.com/institute Meet some of NeuroRestorative’s experts and knowledgeable faculty members who provide monthly online learning opportunities and CEUs for brain injury rehabilitation professionals.
Lilly Brussow, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS Speech-Language Pathologist, NeuroRestorative Avalon Park
Presentation Title: “Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) after TBI”
Now Available Online!
Gordon J. Horn, Ph.D.
National Deputy Director of Clinical Outcome Services, NeuroRestorative Presentation Title: “Understanding the Impact of Functional Deficits Following Brain Injury”
Now Available Online!
Frank Lewis, Ph.D.
Robin McInnis, MA
National Director of Clinical Outcome Services, NeuroRestorative
Case Manager, NeuroRestorative Avalon Park
Presentation Title: “Neuroplasticity and Brain Injury Recovery”
Presentation Title: “Family Dynamics and Adjustment Following Brain Injury”
Now Available Online! A.J. Zolten, Ph.D.
Director of Neuropsychology and Psychology Services, NeuroRestorative TimberRidge Presentation Title: “Brain Injury Psychopharmacology”
Now Available Online!
Now Available Online! Janice Osborne Dowdy, MS, CCC/SLP, CBIS Lead Speech-Language Pathologist, NeuroRestorative Kentucky
Presentation Title: “Functional Approaches to Managing Memory and Cognitive Deficits in Individuals with Brain Injury”
Now Available Online! 7
NeuroRestorative’s Pay It Forward Recipients Each year, The MENTOR Network—the parent organization of NeuroRestorative—offers the Pay It Forward Education and Enrichment Program to employees who seek to continue their education and professional development through higher education. Applicants complete an essay to explain how a grant towards tuition and other expenses will assist them in their current role, and how they will share the information with others. In other words, how they will “Pay It Forward.”
The 2016 recipients from NeuroRestorative are: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Jodi Hendrickson, Occupational Therapy Assistant, NeuroRestorative TX Maritza Dominguez, Physical Therapist, NeuroRestorative AR Karina Banda, Life Skills Trainer, NeuroRestorative TX Myke Slinker, Residential Supervisor, NeuroRestorative LA Casey Humphrey, Occupational Therapist, NeuroRestorative KY Julie Pritchett, Residential Operations Manager, NeuroRestorative KY Mary Jo Scannell, Speech-Language Pathologist, NeuroRestorative KY William Bollinger, Physical Therapy Team Lead, NeuroRestorative IL Danny Cornett, Program Director, NeuroRestorative KY Allison Vaughan, Quality Improvement Manager, NeuroRestorative NJ Heather Dunn, LPN, NeuroRestorative KY Beth Gorkisch, Program Director, NeuroRestorative MI Kristie Rolape, Speech-Language Pathologist, NeuroRestorative KY Harry Ukpebor, Life Skills Trainer, NeuroRestorative MA Perry Blair, Counselor, NeuroRestorative KY Robert Russell, Quality Improvement Analyst, NeuroRestorative IL Victoria Pindur, Life Skills Trainer, NeuroRestorative PA Kristin Reyes, Clinical Director, NeuroRestorative NJ
““Pay It Forward” allowed me to attend a seminar in my own city for VitalStim (neuromuscular electrical stimulation to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing). This included an intensive two-week online course and a weekend seminar. Not only am I now competent with the VitalStim protocols and device but also I feel refreshed and renewed in the physiology of the swallow. This, in turn, boosted my confidence as an SLP administering treatment and strategies for dysphagia.” - Kristie Rolape, Speech-Language Pathologist, NeuroRestorative Kentucky
NeuroRestorative Florida Participates in Charity Event to Benefit Wounded Warriors On September 1, 2016, NeuroRestorative Florida participants and Veterans Shane Holley and David Atkins participated in a 10-Mile charity bike ride alongside Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Stacy Flanagan to benefit the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch. Funds raised from the event are being used to build a fully accessible park for Wounded Warriors, Veterans, and caregivers. The park will feature American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant fitness stations, a large multi-sport court designed for wheelchair sports, walking and hiking trails, a dog park, and a pavilion to host events. The Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch also plans to offer fishing trips, kayaking, sailing, and accessible transportation to Tampa Bay area attractions. “Shane and David were surprised to see many Wounded Warriors with varying abilities, types of equipment and positive attitudes. Cars were honking and spectators were waving along the route. The community support was amazing,” said Stacy Flanagan. “One of the coolest things I’ve done since I’ve been at the NeuroRestorative Clearwater campus,” said Shane Holley. To learn more about the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch, visit https://www.woundedwarriorsabilitiesranch.org
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Stacy, Shane and David gear up and review safety protocols prior to the 10-mile ride.
A Service Coordinator’s Thank You Letter NeuroRestorative is honored to serve individuals recovering from brain and spinal cord injuries. We recently received a letter from one of the many outside service coordinators we are privileged to work with on a daily basis.
The following letter was written by Lon Tega “Lonnie” Morris, Service Coordinator for Hathorne, Massachusetts. Good Morning, I’m emailing to share some positive feedback. When I went out to visit at Greg Lane last week, I left with a warm feeling. As always, I was welcomed with smiles and positive energy when I walked in. Carly and Danielle were engaged with staff, Amy was getting settled from Day Program, and Linda was relaxing in the living room. There was a bumble bee issue, and your staff worked together to catch them, keeping the ladies out of harm’s way, while on guard of having Danielle’s Epi-pen ready just in case. It was great teamwork! When talking with the ladies, they really love living at the house. Both Danielle and Carly shared they absolutely love Justine, and would not know what they would do without her. They also mentioned feeling confident with how medical care is addressed. While Linda was relaxing, she began smiling from ear to ear when Polly said the magic words “Are you ready to go to the library?” It was nice to see her light up, with such emotion. I’ve also chatted with Amy’s mom on a few occasions, and she had expressed being pleased with the move, and Amy seemed happy. I want to thank you and the NeuroRestorative staff for all your dedication. I can see your team works hard for the overall person-centered experience. Have a great day, Lonnie Lon Tega “Lonnie” Morris, LSW ABI/MFP Service Coordinator Department of Developmental Services - Northeast Region *Names in this article have been changed to protect confidentiality.
NeuroRestorative participates in 4th National Volunteer Day Nearly 500 NeuroRestorative employees, participants, friends, and family members volunteered to make a difference in their communities for The MENTOR Network’s 4th National Volunteer Day on April 16, 2016. Volunteer projects were completed in Florida, George, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia. Projects included painting a gazebo, cleaning up a nonprofit horse farm, raking leaves, serving meals, and more. 9
Do you have a story idea that you want to share? Tell us about it. Email us at neuronews@neurorestorative.com We want to hear from you!
NeuroRestorative is a leading provider of post-acute rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain and spinal cord injuries and other neurological challenges. In a variety of locations and settings, we offer a continuum of care and rehabilitation options, including specialized services for children, adolescents, and Military Service Members and Veterans. NeuroRestorative is a partner of The MENTOR Network, a national network of local providers offering an array of quality, community-based services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain and spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic injuries and illnesses, and to youth with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges as well as their families.
Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury
For more information, to schedule a tour or to make a referral: Call 800-743-6802 Email neuroinfo@neurorestorative.com Visit NeuroRestorative.com
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