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.
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.
Navigating Dating & Relationships After Brain Injury
March 4th, 12 PM – 1 PM
Presenter: Kathryn Murray, Psy. D
Description:
In this presentation, we will discuss the potential for changes in physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning after brain injury and how these impact current and new relationships. We will highlight the importance of communication in expressing wants, needs, and expectations to navigate new or existing relationships. Individuals can be conflicted about what to say or whether to share information about their brain injury when meeting new people. We will explore this personal decision about how much to disclose. Health care providers will learn ways to sensitively open the conversation about relationships and intimacy after brain injury. Survivors and families will learn strategies to ask their providers for help and information on intimate relationships.
Presenter Bio:
Kathryn Murray, Psy.D.
Dr. Kathryn Murray is a licensed clinical psychologist who completed her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at Widener University. She is certified in Biofeedback Therapy. She completed an APA-accredited internship through Widener University with rotations at Widener Neuropsychology Assessment Center and Jefferson University Hospitals. Dr. Murray completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship and then continued working as a licensed psychologist at RSM Psychology Center/Sports Concussion Center of NJ. At Bancroft NeuroRehab, Dr. Murray provides psychological services to residential individuals and outpatients with a history of brain injury or other neurological conditions. She manages the graduate student training program (practicum) and the neuropsychological evaluations for the residential individuals at Bancroft NeuroRehab.