Education at your fingertips.
BIANJ hosts a series of webinars throughout the year and maintains a library relevant to survivors, caregivers, service providers, and everyone in between. View the list below to register for upcoming webinars, or view past presentations. If you’re in need of further assistance, please give our helpline a call at 1-800-669-4323.
Sports Concussion Update
September 12th, 10 AM – 11 AM
Presenter: Dave Gealt, DO, FAOASM
Description:
In this webinar, we will:
– Provide an update from the most recent International Conference on Concussion in Sport
– Review evaluation and management of sports concussion
– Review most up to date return to learn and return to play guidelines for Sports Concussion
– Discuss recent research in sports related concussion
Presenter Title and Bio:
David B. Gealt, DO, FAOASM, a South Jersey native, is the Assistant Director of Sports Medicine and Director of the Sports Concussion Program at Cooper Bone and Joint Institute. He educates and mentors medical students as an Associate Professor of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and an Associate Professor of Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. He received his fellowship training in Primary Care Sports Medicine at the University Hospitals Health System in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Gealt completed his residency in Family Medicine at UMDNJ-SOM/Lady of Lourdes Medical Center. He received his medical degree from UMDNJ-SOM newly named Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and is board-certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine.
Dr. Gealt specializes in medical orthopaedics, sports medicine, regenerative medicine using ultrasound guided procedures, and concussion management. He strives to provide accurate diagnoses and takes pride in suggesting preventative strategies to ensure injuries do not re-occur.
Dr. Gealt lectures nationally and regionally on various sports medicine topics. He has both authored publications in peer reviewed journals and has contributed to sports medicine textbooks. He serves as team physician for Rowan University, Rutgers University Camden, and various high schools throughout southern New Jersey. He has served as the team physician for the Philadelphia Wings Professional Indoor Lacrosse team. He had the opportunity to be a team physician for USA Olympics at the Olympic training facility in Colorado Springs, CO.
Dr. Gealt is an active member of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and American Osteopathic Association, as well as various state and local medical societies. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees and the Sports Concussion Committee for the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey. He has been named Top Doc and Top Doc for Kids in Sports Medicine in numerous publications including Philadelphia Magazine, South Jersey Magazine, and SJ Magazine on a yearly basis since 2010. He is an avid runner who participates in multiple road races each year. Dr. Gealt resides in Voorhees, NJ with his wife, son, and daughter.
Decreasing Your Risk for Falls After Brain Injury
September 24th, 2 PM- 3 PM
Presenter: Dr. Marvelyn Tiziani PT, DPT, NCS
Description:
Falls can pose a serious risk to brain injury survivors. In this webinar, we will
- Review statistics of falls in those with a brain injury and the importance of reducing one’s fall risk
- Evaluate the home set up and ways to decrease tripping hazards around one’s home
- Identify a few exercises to decrease fall risk in the safety of one’s home
Presenter Bios:
Dr. Marvelyn Tiziani PT, DPT, NCS
Dr. Tiziani’s passion for physical therapy began at a young age. After suffering multiple ACL tears, ultimately ending her ballerina career, she was inspired to pursue a career in rehabilitation. Marvelyn earned her Bachelors of Science in Health Science at Monmouth University graduating Cum Lade in 2017 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Kean University graduating Cum Lade in May 2021. Dr. Tiziani then went on to become a Boards Certified Specialist in Neurology Physical Therapy in March 2023. She has earned multiple certifications, including NASM Personal Trainer, NASM Corrective Exercise, NASM Behavioral Change Specialist, MOSSA cycle, Rock Steady Boxing, PWR!, LSVT Big Cert., 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, Love Your Brain, TRX, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Marvelyn loves anything that has to do with exercise. Her goal to improve quality of life and prevent injury for the most amount of people she can. Marvelyn enjoys working with those with neurological diagnosis including those that suffered with brain injuries.
Trust Systems and Trusting the System: Estate Planning and Brain Injury
October 1st, 12 PM – 1 PM
Presenter: Ryan A. Krocker, Esq.
Description:
In this webinar, we will:
- Provide an overview of foundational estate planning documents with examples of common pitfalls for each.
- Assist attendees in spotting when special needs trust planning is required, and review its advantages and disadvantages.
- Outline the importance of an estate plan for caring for those close to you after your passing and the roles detailed legal documents can and cannot play.
Presenter Bios:
Ryan Krocker, Esq.
Ryan Krocker received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Chicago with a minor in Spanish and he received his Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School. He is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Ryan is fluent in Spanish. Ryan began his career as a litigator working on matters in federal and state courts, as well as proceedings before the Department of Labor. He gained several years of experience in estate planning, estate administration, and Medicaid planning working for an estate planning and elder law firm in central New Jersey before joining Rothkoff Law Group. Ryan is a member of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey State Bar Associations, and the Bucks County Bar Association. When he is not working, Ryan enjoys reading of all genres and kinds, learning trivia via Wikipedia, and spending time with his wife, young son, and middle-aged cat.
The Use of Virtual Reality in the Brain Injury Population
October 24th, 12 PM – 1 PM
Presenter: Christie Levatino, PT, DPT, CSRS, Ilana Beitscher, PhD, OTR
Description:
Physical, cognitive, psychological, and behavioral impairments may result following a brain injury (BI) and significantly impact survivor functioning. To provide efficient care, clinicians must embrace treatment methods that address multi-faceted impairments. While many treatment methods exist, one method gaining attention is the use of virtual reality (Brasse et al., 2021). Available literature targeting the effectiveness of virtual reality in the brain injury population is
growing. Studies have focused on executive functioning, attention, memory, balance, functional mobility, stress, and anxiety (Brasse et al., 2021; Porras et al., 2019). Positive outcomes in areas including balance, functional mobility, executive functioning, cognition, and attention have been reported (Alashram, 2019; De Luca et al., Grealy, 1999; 2023; Porras et al., 2019). As technology continues to grow and become crucial to daily life and rehabilitation, it is imperative that clinicians be aware of the potential for its use, its limitations, and need for continued research.
Objectives:
1. To summarize the current literature focused on the use of virtual reality and the brain
injury population.
2. To recognize current guidelines and recommendations regarding the use of virtual reality
and brain injury.
3. To identify gaps in the available literature and corresponding treatment
recommendations.
4. To analyze a case series of the use of virtual reality in long-term survivors of brain injury.
Presenter Title and Bio:
Christie Levatino, PT, DPT, CSRS is a Physical Therapist at Rehabilitation Specialists, since 2019 working with the brain injury population. She graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Scranton in 2013. Christie recently presented at BIANJ’s 42nd annual seminar with Ilana. Ilana Beitscher, PhD, OTR earned a PhD in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in Health Professions from the University of the Cumberlands in 2024, and a Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Elizabethtown College in 2006. Ilana worked at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, NJ from 2006 until joining Rehabilitation Specialists in October 2013. Ilana has experience in a variety of diagnoses including spinal cord injury, joint replacements, amputees, and ultimately, found her specialty in the area of brain injury. She has written and published articles, as well as presented both nationally and locally on a variety of
topics related to brain injury rehabilitation.
Disorders of Consciousness
December 18th, 12 PM – 1 PM
Presenter: Brian Greenwald
Description:
This lecture will review the current literature regarding the evaluation and treatment of patients with traumatically induced disorders of consciousness (DOC). The lecture starts with a discussion of the definitions and evaluation of the spectrum of DOC. Common complications that can slow or arrest recovery are considered. Updated practice guidelines and recommendations for diagnoses and care are reviewed. The lecture ends with treatment strategies for DOC.
Objectives:
- Participants will be able to discuss definitions of the spectrum of disorders of consciousness (DOC).
- Participants will be able to discuss outcomes after DOC.
- Participants will be able to discuss the updated practice guidelines for the management of patients with disorders of consciousness.
- Participants will be able to discuss recommendations for programs caring for patients with DOC.
Presenter Title and Bio:
Dr. Brian D. Greenwald is the Medical Director of Rehabilitation Specialists. He is the Associate Fellowship Director for JFK Johnson’s Brain Injury Medicine fellowship. He is a Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
Dr. Greenwald completed his residency training in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He was fellowship-trained in brain injury rehabilitation at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is board certified in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Brain Injury Medicine.
Dr. Greenwald has served on the Board of Trustees for the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey since 2002 and is currently the Vice President. Dr. Greenwald has been the recipient of multiple awards for his clinical work, research and teaching. Since 2009 he has been recognized by his peers through the Castle Connolly surveys as one of the Top Doctors in the New York Metro Area. Dr. Greenwald has been extensively published in both peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in the area of brain injury rehabilitation. Currently he is involved in research studies to improve the care of brain injury survivors.
Brain Injury Caregiving: Navigating Challenges and Helpful Tips
February 19th, 12 PM – 1 PM
Presenter: Elizabeth Van Roten
Description:
This presentation explores the multifaceted role of a caregiver. In this presentation, we will address common challenges such as burnout, stress, apathy, and behavioral issues. We will explore potential strategies for self-care and time management, which are essential for maintaining personal well-being and preventing burnout. Additionally, we will cover practical issues such as medical and financial decision-making and planning ahead. Caregivers will be equipped with practical tools and insights to enhance their caregiving experience and sustain their own health and wellbeing.
Presenter Bios:
Elizabeth Van Roten, MSW, LCSW
Elizabeth Van Roten joined the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey as the Director of Support Servies in March of 2023. Elizabeth completed her Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Pace University and earned her Master’s degree in Social work from Columbia University. She got her start in the field of neurology as a movement disorders social worker and Center of Excellence Coordinator at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) Movement Disorders where she spent 6 years assisting individuals with movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, and their families. She also spent time as the Outpatient Neurology Social Work manager at CUIMC, overseeing a team of 5 social workers covering various other specialties in neurology (aging/dementia, ALS, epilepsy, etc.). In her current role as Director, Elizabeth oversees the supportive programs offered by BIANJ, including the CARES free resource facilitation services, brain injury support group network, Peer Mentor Program, and helpline. She has a particular interest in the intersection of health and mental health, health disparities, and community education.