Conferences

Submit your CEUs by March 27, 2020 to https://www.njsha.org/ce-center/#/

Catherine (Cate) Crowley is professor of practice and program director at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she founded and directs the bilingual/multicultural program focus at the Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology Extension Institute. Dr. Crowley’s work focuses on enhancing the quality of services that our children and adolescents receive particularly those bilingual and minority students and students from lower socioeconomic status. An experienced attorney, she works with state education departments and school districts nationwide consulting on language and assessment. Her website, leadersproject.org, offers hundreds of videos and resources on how to provide quality services to bilingual and multicultural children and adolescents. An ASHA Fellow, Dr. Crowley is active at the national level and has won several national awards including ASHA’s awards for Special Contributions to Multicultural Affairs, Significant Contributions to International Issues and Outstanding Contributions to the Schools. She received the 2012 Humanitarian Award from the National Coalition of Ghanaian Associations, 2018 Citation for Exemplary Work from Ghana’s Ministry of Education and 2015 Honors of the Association from the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is also a member of the Smile Train Medical Advisory Board and works internationally building speech therapy capacity for cleft lip and palate teams.

In this Conference, participants will learn of current research on language and literacy development of English Language Learners (ELLs) with a focus on how to provide support for those students having difficulties in the classroom. With a broader focus on ELLs and other students from bilingual homes, participants will learn of appropriate pre-referral interventions and when necessary appropriate assessment procedures to distinguish a true disability from “something else” including normal processes of second language acquisition and gaps in prior linguistic and academic experiences.

At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

• Describe three aspects of current research on language and literacy development of ELLs.
• Identify three ways to provide support for ELLs having academic challenges including pre-referral intervention.
• Identify three evidence-based assessment approaches to distinguish a language/literacy disorder from second language acquisition and gaps in prior experiences.

The presenter has provided her handouts in two formats:

• One slide per page (this handout is 140+ pages)
• Three slides per page (this handout is 45+ pages)
• Six slides per page

	8:00 am	Registration/Continental Breakfast
	8:45 am	Welcome Alison Pankowski, MEd, LDTC Robynne Kratchman, ABD, CCC-SLP, President, NJSHA Incoming President, NJIDA Introduction of Mae Balaban Scholarship Winners Georgette Dickman, LDTC, OG-ThT Introduction of Speaker Sue A. Goldman, MA, CCC-SLP
	9:00 am	Background of Language and Literacy Development of ELLs
	10:30 am	Break
	10:45 am	Addressing Academic Challenges Through Classroom-Based Support and Pre-Referral Intervention
	12:00 pm	Lunch provided
	1:00 pm	Assessing for Language and Literacy Skills of Students From Bilingual Homes Including ELLs
	2:15 pm	Break
	2:30 pm	Appropriate Assessment/Intervention With Video Case Studies
	3:30 pm	Adjourn

Early Registration Rate:
To receive the special early registration rate, register by January 24, 2020. After January 24, 2020, late fees will apply.

• NJSHA/NJIDA Members: $180
• Non-Members: $205
• Students: $65

Payment Options:

• Checks payable to NJSHA and mail to 174 Nassau Street, Suite 337, Princeton, NJ 08542.
• Credit card services are available. (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX).
• Purchase Orders: Purchase orders are only accepted with the approved purchase order paperwork and attendee registration form. No registration forms will be accepted without an approved Purchase Order. Space will not be held unless all completed paperwork is received.

Registrants must be a current NJSHA or NJIDA member to register at the member rate.

Online Registration has closed. Contact the NJSHA Office at 888-906-5742 to register.

Printable Registration Form

Group Discount:
School districts can send five teachers for the price of four. Please submit the five registration forms together. Must adhere to member/non-member qualifications. For additional information or membership applications, please call:
NJSHA at 888-906-5742
NJIDA at 908-876-1179

Refund Policy:
A refund less $50 processing fee will be issued if received prior to February 14, 2020. No refunds will be issued after February 14, 2020. Send written cancellation requests to info@njsha.org or fax 888-729-3489. Cancellations will not be accepted by phone.

Cameras, Photography and Photo Release Policy:
Members of NJSHA will be designated at each NJSHA sponsored event to take photos for NJSHA-related publications (i.e., VOICES), NJSHA website, NJSHA social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) or in other Association materials. By registering and/or participating in any NJSHA sponsored event, you agree to allow NJSHA to use your photograph in any the noted media outlets as mentioned above. These photographs will not be solicited for outside use; they will only be used by NJSHA for marketing and promotion purposes. Personal photography is permitted, however, such photographs cannot be posted through NJSHA social media outlets unless sent to and pre-approved by NJSHA. To request approval, send photo(s) along with event description and photographer name to info@njsha.org.

This course is offered for 0.5 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level, Professional Area).

Eligible for IMSLEC and IDA Certification CEUs.

Presenter Disclosure:
Relevant Financial Relationships: Catherine Crowley will be receiving an honorarium and travel support from NJSHA for her presentation. She is also an employee of Teachers College Columbia and will be referencing her place of employment during her presentation.

Relevant Non-Financial Disclosure: Catherine Crowley will reference materials found on her website, www.leadersproject.org, where the materials are free to download.

The Westwood
438 North Avenue
Garwood, NJ 07027

If you would like lodging the night prior to the conference, contact The Best Western Westfield Inn in Westfield, NJ, at 908-654-5600 or the Holiday Inn in Clark, NJ, at 877-786-9480.

Traveling New Jersey Turnpike North:
Exit 11. Follow signs to Garden State Parkway North. Follow Directions as in Traveling Garden State Parkway North.

Traveling New Jersey Turnpike South:
Take NJ Turnpike South to Exit 14. Follow signs to I-78 west toward US-22/US9/US1. Merge onto 1-78W. Take The Garden State Parkway Exit 52. Keep right at the fork, follow signs to Garden State Parkway and merge onto Garden State Parkway South. Take Exit 137 and bear right for State Highway 28 toward Cranford. The Westwood is 2.2 miles on the right side.

Traveling Route 22 East:
Take Route 22 East to Scotch Plains Fanwood Exit in Scotch Plains. You will be on Park Avenue. Follow Park Avenue to Midway Avenue. Make a left onto Midway Avenue (the name changes to North Avenue). The Westwood is 5 miles on the left.

Traveling Route 22 West:
Take Route 22 West to Union. Follow signs to Parkway South. Follow directions as in Traveling Garden State Parkway South.

Traveling Garden State Parkway North:
Parkway North to Exit 135. Bear left and proceed straight through first traffic light. Make a left at a second traffic light. Stay in right lane through tunnel, proceeding straight thru the next traffic light. You will be on Central Avenue. Follow Central Avenue for approximately 3.5 miles to North Avenue. Turn right onto North Avenue (the intersection after you’ve gone under the railroad tracks). The Westwood is approximately .5 miles on the left.

Traveling Garden State Parkway South:
Take Parkway South to Exit 137. Bear right onto Westfield Avenue (also called route 28 West and North Avenue). The Westwood is located 2.2 miles on the right. Traveling the Outerbridge Crossing: Take Outerbridge crossing to Rt. 440 South. Follow signs to Garden State Parkway North and follow directions as in Traveling Garden State Parkway North.

Parking at The Westwood:
Parking is limited – We suggest you consider carpooling with other attendees.
Guests may park on the street but not by the yellow curb.

This interprofessional conference for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and physical therapist focuses on promoting neuroplasticity and recovery after traumatic brain injury. The sessions will include discipline-specific instruction, opportunities for interprofessional discussion and exchanges with individuals who have experienced rehabilitation from traumatic brain injury.

At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Define the pathophysiology, including psychologic and medical complications of traumatic brain injury
• Review and discuss concepts of neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in traumatic brain injury
• Identify caregiver education needs and resources available
• Describe innovative treatment strategies for traumatic brain injury, including:
  • Effective intervention techniques to optimize principles of neuroplasticity in movement strategies
  • Model practice standards including behavioral and activity patterns in community re-entry
  • Cognitive-communication disorders
  • Visual deficits

Marilyn Abrahamson, MA, CCC-SLP, has been a New Jersey Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist since 1987. She is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and is an Amen Clinics Certified Brain Health Coach. In 2016, Marilyn created a brain-health education and coaching program specially designed for adults over 40 who want to optimize brain-health and function. This program, called Minds in Motion, was initiated at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ.Now, Marilyn offers her brain-health education as part of an online program called Long Live Your Brain. This preventive program is designed to teach people how to optimize memory and thinking skills and stave off symptoms of age-related cognitive changes, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia through adjustment of modifiable lifestyle choices and functional memory strategies. In her practice as a speech-language pathologist, Marilyn has specialized in working with patients with both congenital and acquired brain injuries as well as neurodegenerative conditions. Marilyn’s passion for learning about the brain and how to keep it vital and healthy are a direct result of her love for her profession and especially, for her patients.

Jill Brooks, PhD, is a clinical neuropsychologist who maintains a private practice, Head to Head Consultants in Gladstone, New Jersey. Dr. Brooks received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in speech and language pathology from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in Madison, Wisconsin, respectively. She obtained her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Dr. Brooks completed an internship in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Florida-Shands Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at the Center for Head Injuries at JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey.

Dr. Brooks worked as the chief of Speech and Language Pathology at the University of Miami Jackson Memorial Medical Center in Miami, Florida for 13 years. She remains a certified speech-language pathologist to date. Dr. Brooks worked at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School for 14 years, first in the Division of Neurosurgery and then in the Department of Neurology for nine years as a clinical neuropsychologist and an Associate Professor of Neurology.

Dr. Brooks has authored numerous articles and book chapters in the areas of neurogenic speech and language disorders, executive dysfunction, and concussion in sports. She has a particular interest in prevention of concussion in sports and sex and gender issues and concussion. Dr. Brooks’ primary research and clinical practice relates to education and surveillance of concussion in sports at both the high school and college levels. Dr. Brooks received a grant from the State of New Jersey 15 years ago to place a pilot program for preseason concussion baseline testing in three high schools in New Jersey. Dr. Brooks was appointed by then Governor Christie Whitman to serve on the New Jersey Advisory Council on Traumatic Brain Injury. She is the professional member for the State Traumatic Brain Injury Fund and remains on both of these committees to date. Dr. Brooks was instrumental in developing a statewide grant program for high schools in New Jersey in cooperation with the Department of Health and Human Services, creating a concussion preseason baseline testing and surveillance program. Dr. Brooks is a member of the Medical Advisory Board for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) and helped create the guidelines for management of concussion in New Jersey high schools. She appeared before the New Jersey State House Education Subcommittee providing testimony regarding management of concussion in sports endorsing the passage of a state concussion law. Dr. Brooks was then instrumental in the creation of the New Jersey State Law for management of concussion in sports. With the passage of the state concussion law, Dr. Brooks was appointed to the State panel charged with creating a Model Policy for management of concussion (to be used by all public and private schools).

Dr. Brooks’ research in the area of concussion in female student-athletes has been featured in ESPN magazine, on ESPN “Outside the Lines” and Good Morning America as well as locally on multiple TV and radio shows. She has presented at many professional meetings and most recently presented “The Female Athlete and Concussion” at the University of Minnesota Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport. The collaboration with Drs. Mary Jo Kane and Nicole LaVoi at the Tucker Center was a direct result of networking at the ESPNW 2010 retreat. It culminated in the production of “Concussions and Female Athletes: The Untold Story” by Twin Cities Public Television, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, which appeared on The Big Ten Network in April, 2012. Dr. Brooks was named one of the “Top Women Who Will Change the Way Sports are Played” by ESPN Magazine in August of 2012. Dr. Brooks has served as a consultant in the area of concussion at the high school, college and professional sports levels.

Dr. Brooks’ private practice work focuses on evaluation and treatment of neurologic issues such as ADHD, learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), concussion and epilepsy. Mindfulness and yoga techniques along with cognitive-behavioral strategies serve to balance anxiety and depression. Dr. Brooks is certified in Chair Yoga, Reiki Level I and with Ashrams for Autism Level I. She has also completed her 200 hour yoga certification with Sumadhi Sun. Dr. Brooks has participated in the weeklong Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Professional Education and Training through the Center for Mindfulness, University of Massachusetts-Amherst Medical School.

Jacquelyn Candaras, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, graduated from Quinnipiac University with her doctorate in physical therapy and has been working at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation with a focus in neurologic physical therapy for the past 4 years. Jacquelyn completed Kessler’s Residency in Neurologic Physical Therapy in 2017 and received her Neurologic Clinical Specialist certification. Jacquelyn continues to work at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation as a senior physical therapist and has provided presentations to various local universities and hospitals within the area.

 

Caitlin Denzer-Weiler, PT, DPT, Board-certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, is a board-certified clinical specialist in the practice of neurologic physical therapy. She has been practicing at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in Chester, NJ for 8 years and currently serves as the Director of Rehabilitation. Caitlin specializes in treatment of individuals post-stroke and brain injury with a passion for behavior management. Caitlin has provided presentations nationally on topics in stroke and brain injury management.

 

Rebecca Gagliano, MS, OTR/L graduated from New York University in 2015 with her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy. Prior to that, she completed her undergraduate degree at New York University with a concentration in Rehabilitation and Disability. She has worked at the Johnson Rehabilitation Institute for four years as a rotating therapist, and has experience in acute care, outpatient, and general acute rehab. She is currently on the brain injury unit working with individuals with disorders of consciousness, traumatic and non-traumatic injuries, and other neurological conditions.

Brian D. Greenwald, MD, did his residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Kessler Institute/ NJ Medical School. He did his fellowship training in Brain Injury Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is currently the Medical Director of Center for Brain Injuries and the Associate Medical Director of JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. He is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Hackensack-Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University. He is the Director for the Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. He is the Medical Director for the JFK Johnson Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems of care grant funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. Dr. Greenwald has been the recipient of multiple awards for his clinical work, research work, and teaching. Dr. Greenwald has published multiple articles and book chapters in the areas of brain injury rehabilitation. Currently he is involved in several research studies to improve the care of brain injury survivors.

Steven Holefelder, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist at Remed’s Community Outpatient Services (COS) program. Steve began his career in Occupational Therapy in 1988 choosing to work in the field of mental health for the state hospital system. He primarily worked with an inpatient population however he was also involved in various community mental health initiatives including “Quarter-way” and “Half-way” houses throughout the community in the state of Delaware. In 1991 Steve switched his focus to TBI and has worked with clients in nearly all facets of the TBI recovery process from coma emergent to many decades post-injury. After spending 3 years working with a largely acute TBI population Steve began treating clients at Remed’s Cognitive and also Cognitive-Behavioral community-based residential programs. These programs were heavily focused on using the community as the clinic. Since 1998 his focus has been on working with TBI clients in their homes and communities throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey through Remed’s Community Outpatient Services [COS] program. Although Steve works as part of a comprehensive treatment team he spends most of his time working with clients and their families in their respective homes and communities. Steve’s treatment focus is consistently on community reintegration, client and family education, and building individualized treatment programs with the goal of developing a stable activity pattern tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Alana Jogan, OTR/L attended West Virginia University prior to completing her Masters degree at Kean University in Occupational Therapy. Throughout her practice she has gained knowledge in head injury within the inpatient, outpatient and subacute settings. Currently working as an outpatient therapist with patients living with TBI, concussion and other neurological disorders.

 

 

Frances Maleh, OTR/L, obtained her BS in Psychology from Syracuse University, after which she graduated from The University of St. Augustine with her masters in Occupational Therapy. Currently Frances is an occupational therapist at the Center for Head Injuries at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. She began her career in both brain and spinal cord injury at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and continues to practice in both acute and sub-acute rehabilitation settings at this time. Frances enjoys treating across the brain injury spectrum including patients with disorders of consciousness and behavioral disorders among a variety of other neurological deficits. Frances is passionate about utilizing a comprehensive approach to maximize functional return to independence for the brain injured patient.

GENERAL SESSION – MORNING

Traumatic Brain Injury: Where We’ve Been and Where Are We Going

Presented by Brian D. Greenwald, MD

Across the spectrum of severity, traumatic brain injury often leaves patients with a complex web of medical, cognitive and psychologic impairments. These can lead to functional impairment and social failure. Given the unique complexity of the problems faced, survivors require a knowledgeable interdisciplinary team to maximize their chance of recovery and return to full function. This lecture will review the complexity of traumatic brain injury as well as innovative techniques to better diagnose and treat the spectrum of problems seen after traumatic brain injury.

Learner Outcomes: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Define the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury
• Summarize the common psychologic and medical complications of traumatic brain injury
• Describe innovative treatment strategies for traumatic brain injury

Level of Education: Intermediate

 

GENERAL SESSION – AFTERNOON

Thriving After Traumatic Brain Injury: Post-Rehabilitation Perspectives

Presented by Jill Brooks, PhD

This panel discussion is designed to tell the stories of three individuals following their traumatic brain injuries. Each of the participants has experienced their own specific set of challenges and have utilized speech and language, occupational and physical treatment modalities in different ways and to different degrees. The discussion will focus on personal triumphs, insights and pearls of wisdom garnered during the process of treatment and recovery.

Learner Outcomes: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify the varied roads to recovery following traumatic brain injury
• Summarize the client/patient perspective
• Define tools related to the client/patient – therapist relationship

Level of Education: Intermediate

 

SPEECH THERAPY TRACK – MORNING

Harnessing the Power of Neuroplasticity to Regain Cognitive-Communication Skills in Adult TBI

Presented by Marilyn Abrahamson, MA, CCC-SLP

Neuroplasticity can be defined as: The ability of the nervous system to respond to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, function and connections. I prefer to define it more simply as: The brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to new learning and experiences. It is important to define this term because understanding the nature of neuroplasticity is essential for the speech-language pathologist who is tasked with maximizing rehabilitative strategies and optimizing functional outcomes in cognitive-communication for patients with traumatic brain injury. Research has shown that the central nervous system can alter itself through neuroplastic changes well beyond the critical period of spontaneous recovery. These alterations can be positive or negative, depending upon whether the learned behaviors result in the re-establishment or improvement of functional skills or if they result in loss of function or further injury. Spontaneous recovery has been shown in studies to occur most likely within a critical period of 3-6 months after traumatic brain injury. However, even well after neurological insult, the brain demonstrates the ability to undergo neuroplastic changes due to a well-distributed, redundant connective network and because of its ability to remap, reorganize and remodel itself. This presentation will focus on the role of neuroplasticity in adults with traumatic brain injury who have moved beyond the critical period reserved for spontaneous recovery and the role of the speech-language pathologist in harnessing the power of neuroplasticity to regain cognitive – communication skills in this population. The basic tenets of neuroplasticity will be explained and discussed with the focus of the presentation being the discussion of functional therapeutic strategies for facilitation of positive neuroplastic changes in the therapeutic setting for adults with TBI.

Learner Outcomes: At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Explain and discuss at least two concepts surrounding neuroplasticity in adults with TBI
• Explain and discuss at least two factors that facilitate neurogenesis and neuroplasticity in adults with TBI
• Explain and discuss at least two aspects of cognitive-communication function and skills commonly adversely affected in adults with TBI
• Explain and discuss at least two techniques to re-establish and improve cognitive-communication skills to encourage neurogenesis and facilitate neuroplasticity in adults with TBI

Level of Education: Intermediate

 

SPEECH THERAPY TRACK – AFTERNOON

Management and Treatment of the Traumatically Brain Injured Child and Adolescent: The Speech and Language Pathologists’ Integral Role

Presented by Jill Brooks, PhD

The purpose of this session is to discuss neuroplasticity and current research trends in the area of traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents. A review of contemporary management and treatment modalities will be presented with special consideration towards the importance of the speech-language pathologists’ role.

Learner Outcomes: At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Discuss neuroplasticity in this population
• Identify psychological and neuropsychological issues associated with TBI
• Ascertain the expanding role of the speech-language pathologist in TBI management and treatment

Level of Education: Intermediate

 

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TRACK – MORNING

Home and Community Based Treatment: Addressing Client Goals and Family Education Needs

Presented by Steven Holefelder, OTR/L

This session will describe significant activity, behavioral and problem solving issues which present barriers to community re-entry for brain injured clients and their families. A model of home and community based treatment will be described which supports meaningful goal achievement even years after brain injury. Issues and trends related to funding for services will be addressed. Specific interventions which support client safety and satisfaction will be reviewed. Approaches related to medical management, substance use, sexuality and depression will be highlighted. Important issues related to family education and support will also be outlined. A variety of case studies will also be provided to highlight functional application of presented materials.

Learner Outcomes: At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Describe behavioral and activity pattern issues which present challenges to community re-entry
• Describe a model of home and community based treatment which supports goal achievement and development of a stable activity plant
• Identify approaches to family education and specific resources

Level of Education: Intermediate

*ASHA CEUs not available for this session.

 

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TRACK – AFTERNOON

FYI on TBI  Current evaluation and Treatment Strategies for Adults Living With Brain Injuries

Presented by Rebecca Gagliano, MS, OTR, Alana Jogan, MS, OTR and Frances Maleh, MS, OTR

As clinicians, we strive to optimize the level of care and treatment for our clients living with brain injuries. It is imperative to provide these individuals and their families and caregivers with the appropriate tools and education from day one of therapy. Throughout the continuum of care, there are appropriate evaluations and interventions to implement that are unique to this population. This session focus is to address visual, cognitive and behavioral dysfunction and treatment. The end goal is to educate occupational therapists on how to recognize and manage these dysfunctions, so that their clients and families can live safely and understand their functional deficits as they return to their daily roles and routines.

Learner Outcomes: At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Describe the evaluation and treatment for patients with disorders of consciousness
• Define vision evaluation and interventions across the continuum for adults with TBI
• Describe implementing caregiver and family education regarding patients who are recovering from cognitive impairments

Level of Education: Intermediate

*ASHA CEUs not available for this session.

 

PHYSICAL THERAPY TRACK – MORNING

Maximizing Neuroplasticity to Improve Function and Participation After Brain Injury – Part 1

Presented by Jacquelyn Candaras, PT, DPT , Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, and Caitlin Denzer-Weiler, PT, DPT, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

In this session, participants will have the opportunity to review the science and anatomy of neuroplasticity and explore its impact on recovery within the brain injury population. We will discuss the history of neuroplasticity research and recent advances within this field. Varying factors that impact recovery and neuroplasticity will be discussed and applied to case examples throughout multiple treatment settings and with differing clinical presentations. The Ranchos Los Amigos Scale will be reviewed and utilized in the identification of recovery stages. Lastly, intervention strategies will be reviewed in relation to optimizing functional outcomes and participation in patients post-brain injury. This presentation will take your knowledge of neuroplasticity to the next level through the review of current research, critical thinking, and clinical discussions.

Learner Outcomes: At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the science of neuroplasticity of the brain by citing at least one supporting related research
• Identify at least two factors influencing neuroplasticity and their impact on recovery after brain injury
• Identify at least two effective intervention techniques to optimize principles of neuroplasticity
• Apply the principles of neuroplasticity to case examples

Level of Education: Intermediate

*ASHA CEUs not available for this session.

 

PHYSICAL THERAPY TRACK – AFTERNOON

Maximizing Neuroplasticity to Improve Function and Participation After Brain Injury – Part 2

Presented by Jacquelyn Candaras, PT, DPT , Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, and Caitlin Denzer-Weiler, PT, DPT, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

In this session, participants will have the opportunity to review the science and anatomy of neuroplasticity and explore its impact on recovery within the brain injury population. We will discuss the history of neuroplasticity research and recent advances within this field. Varying factors that impact recovery and neuroplasticity will be discussed and applied to case examples throughout multiple treatment settings and with differing clinical presentations. The Ranchos Los Amigos Scale will be reviewed and utilized in the identification of recovery stages. Lastly, intervention strategies will be reviewed in relation to optimizing functional outcomes and participation in patients post-brain injury. This presentation will take your knowledge of neuroplasticity to the next level through the review of current research, critical thinking, and clinical discussions.

Learner Outcomes: At the conclusion of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the science of neuroplasticity of the brain by citing at least one supporting related research
• Identify at least two factors influencing neuroplasticity and their impact on recovery after brain injury
• Identify at least two effective intervention techniques to optimize principles of neuroplasticity
• Apply the principles of neuroplasticity to case examples

Level of Education: Intermediate

*ASHA CEUs not available for this session.

Printable Conference Flyer

Printable Session Flyer

	8:00 am – 8:30 am	Registration
	8:30 am – 8:45 am	Welcome
	8:45 am – 10:15 am	GENERAL SESSION Traumatic Brain Injury: Where We’ve Been and Where are We Going
	10:15 am – 10:30 am	Break
	10:30 am – 12:00 pm	BREAKOUT SESSIONS ST Track: Harnessing the Power of Neuroplasticity to Regain Cognitive-Communication Skills in Adult TBI OT Track: Home and Community Based Treatment: Addressing Client Goals and Family Education Needs PT Track: Maximizing Neuroplasticity to Improve Function and Participation after Brain Injury- Part 1
	12:00 pm – 1:00 pm	Lunch
	1:00 pm – 2:30 pm	GENERAL SESSION Thriving After Traumatic Brain Injury: Post-Rehabilitation Perspectives
	2:30 pm – 2:45 pm	Break
	2:45 pm – 4:15 pm	BREAKOUT SESSIONS ST Track: Management and Treatment of the Traumatically Brain Injured Child and Adolescent: The Speech and Language Pathologists’ Integral Role OT Track: FYI on TBI  Current evaluation and Treatment Strategies for Adults Living With Brain Injuries PT Track: Maximizing Neuroplasticity to Improve Function and Participation after Brain Injury – Part 2
	4:15 pm	Adjourn

Rates:

• Members of NJSHA, NJOTA, APTANJ: $200
• Non-Members: $225
• Students/Clinical Fellows: $75

Register Today

Cameras, Photography and Photo Release Policy
Members of NJSHA will be designated at each NJSHA sponsored event to take photos for NJSHA-related publications (i.e., VOICES), NJSHA website, NJSHA social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) or in other Association materials. By registering and/or participating in any NJSHA sponsored event, you agree to allow NJSHA to use your photograph in any the noted media outlets as mentioned above. These photographs will not be solicited for outside use; they will only be used by NJSHA for marketing and promotion purposes. Personal photography is permitted, however, such photographs cannot be posted through NJSHA social media outlets unless sent to and pre-approved by NJSHA. To request approval, send photo(s) along with event description and photographer name to info@njsha.org.

This course is offered for 0.6 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level, Professional Area)

Presenter Disclosures

• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Educators
• Board Certified Behavior Analysts
• Audiologists
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Teachers
• Parents

The staggering increase of autism has led clinicians, special educators and parents to rapidly seek the latest evidence-based interventions and acquire the complex specialized skills required to address the unique learning and behavioral challenges facing individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (CDC, 2014; Christensen et al., 2016). Healthcare providers, clinicians (i.e., speech-language/occupational/physical therapists, behavior analysts, audiologists), educators and parents are challenged with the task of learning and implementing the specialized strategies, while promoting the transfer and generalization of the skills taught across settings (e.g., home, school, community), to achieve positive and functional outcomes in the lives of individuals diagnosed with autism. Professionals from different disciplines are bound to work together on a team to address the challenges they are faced with. Barriers and challenges may lead to stress related behaviors which may interfere with smooth transitions and may delay progress or interrupt the learner’s intervention program.

This Conference brings together distinguished professionals from different disciplines to inform on effective and evidence-based strategies to address and manage stress related conditions that clinicians and parents/families may experience when engaging in interprofessional collaborative practices. The Conference will highlight critical components required to address and manage stress related behaviors to enhance positive effective collaboration.

At the conclusion of this Conference, participants will be able to:

• Identify the variables and conditions that contribute to stress behaviors
• Identify effective strategies to address and manage stress inducing conditions
• Describe effective strategies that prevent burnout and improve self-care

7:30 am – 7:55 am	Registration
7:55 am – 8:00 am	Opening Address
8:00 am – 9:00 am	Judith Lucas, MD	Prepare for Launch: Benefits to an Interprofessional Approach Throughout Childhood to Facilitate Transition to Adulthood for Individuals With Autism (Not eligible for BACB CEU)
9:00 am – 10:00 am	Rebecca Tagg, PsyD, MSCP, NCSP, BCBA-D	Bouncing Back From Burnout: Taking Care of Ourselves in Order to Take Care of Others (1 BACB Type 2 CEU)
10:00 am – 10:10 am	BREAK
10:10 am – 11:40 am	Tracie Lindblad, MSc, SLP, MEd, BCBA Nikia Dower, MS, CCC-SLP/L, BCBA, LBA	Utilizing a Decision-Making Framework for Teaching Functional Communication Using SGDs When Working With Individuals With Autism (1.5 BACB Type 2 CEU )
11:40 am – 12:40 pm	LUNCH (provided)
12:40 pm – 1:55 pm	Deirdre Muldoon, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCBA-D Jacqueline Dobres, MS, OT, R/L, BCBA	Working Together to Reduce Stress During Mealtime Intervention Planning: Parent Implemented Interventions in Feeding (1.5 BACB Type 2 CEU)
1:55 pm – 2:10 pm	BREAK
2:10 pm – 3:10 pm	Tamara Kasper, MS, CCC-SLP, BCBA	Designing Behavior Intervention Plans That Minimize Stress for Clients, Staff and Significant Others: Case Studies ( 1 BACB Type 2 CEU)
3:10 pm – 4:00 pm	Lina Slim-Topdjian, PhD, BCBA-D, CCC-SLP  (Moderator)	Partnering in Collaborative Conversations to Addressing and Managing Stress That Interprofessional Teams May Encounter (1 BACB Type 2 CEU)
4:00 pm	ADJOURN

Early Registration Rates available until May 6, 2020.

Rates:

• NJSHA Members: $150 ($175 after May 6)
• Non-Members: $175 ($200 after May 6)
• Parents: $75 ($100 after May 6)
• NJSHA Student Members: $50 ($75 after May 6)
• Student Non-Members: $75 ($100 after May 6)

Payment Methods:

• Checks payable to NJSHA and mail to 174 Nassau Street, Suite 337, Princeton, NJ 08542.
• Credit card services are available. (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX).
• Purchase Orders: Purchase orders are only accepted with the approved purchase order paperwork and attendee registration form. No registration forms will be accepted without an approved Purchase Order. Space will not be held unless all completed paperwork is received.

Registrants must be a current NJSHA member to register at the member rate.

Online Registration: (with credit card payment only)

• NJSHA Members, click here to register.
• NJIDA Members and Non-Members, click here to register.

Printable Registration Form

All registrants will receive confirmation by email.

Requests for refunds must be made in writing by emailing info@njsha.org and received by May 6, 2020. A $25 administration charge will be deducted from your refund.

Cameras, Photography and Photo Release Policy
Members of NJSHA will be designated at each NJSHA sponsored event to take photos for NJSHA-related publications (i.e., VOICES), NJSHA website, NJSHA social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) or in other Association materials. By registering and/or participating in any NJSHA sponsored event, you agree to allow NJSHA to use your photograph in any the noted media outlets as mentioned above. These photographs will not be solicited for outside use; they will only be used by NJSHA for marketing and promotion purposes. Personal photography is permitted, however, such photographs cannot be posted through NJSHA social media outlets unless sent to and pre-approved by NJSHA. To request approval, send photo(s) along with event description and photographer name to info@njsha.org.

This course is offered for 0.65 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level, Professional Area)
Must attend entire day. No partial credit.

BACB Type 2 CEUs provided by Seton Hall University. Seton Hall University is an Approved Provider of BACB Continuing Education.

 

 

Presenter Disclosures will be posted in April 2020.