Meet our PESI Advisors
PESI is proud to have a team of over sixty distinguished experts from a wide range of mental health, healthcare, and rehabilitation fields.
These professionals play a vital role in helping us design and develop top-tier continuing education activities.
Our content consultants, like the experts featured below, collaborate closely with our planning committee to ensure that each program reflects the latest advancements and best practices within their respective areas of expertise.
Their invaluable guidance ensures that PESI’s offerings remain relevant, impactful, and of the highest quality for all attendees.
Loretta M. Acquaah, LCSW
Loretta M. Acquaah, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of clinical, community organizing/social planning, policy, group work, and supervising experience in New York and New Jersey. As a clinician, she believes that every facet of one’s personhood matters. Loretta works from a strengths-based, human-centered approach that is rooted in a culturally responsive, restorative justice, and trauma-informed lens to support all identities, particularly individuals and communities with marginalized voices and intersecting identities. With compassion, openness, and gratitude, she supports others in exploring all facets of their identity while processing the challenges that affect one’s sense of self and state of being and works with clients and communities to develop tools to respond to life experiences in an equitable, inclusive, safe, and sustainable way.
Loretta serves as a clinician for the Counseling and Psychological Service at Princeton University, where she provides direct, evidenced-informed, quality clinical, prevention, and community-based solutions to address the health issues and promote the wellness of the undergraduate and graduate student population, as well as their dependents. Loretta has also engaged in organizing, social planning, and policy work to promote equity and access for unrepresented communities at various agencies/institutions in New York City.
Shaun Ali, MSW, RSW
Shaun Ali, MSW, RSW, is a registered social worker with over 16 years of experience working with military personnel at the Department of National Defence. He also works in private practice, supporting individuals and couples navigating life challenges. He earned Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. He then earned a post-graduate advanced assessment and diagnosis certificate from New York University. Shaun is the recipient of the Hazeldine Smith Bishop Fellowship, the Lauréat de la Bourse La Personnelle from the Quebec Ordre of Social Workers, the Sadie Aronoff Leadership Award, the Golden Key International Honour Society, and the Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Interprofessional Education at the Centre for Interprofessional Education at the University of Toronto.
Shaun has been a facilitator for the last nine years at the Centre for Advancing Collaborative Healthcare and Education at the University of Toronto, facilitating interdisciplinary discussion and knowledge amongst various faculties of undergraduate healthcare students. Shaun has co-authored articles in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the Journal of Military, Veteran, and Family Health, and the Journal of Community Organising. He is also proud to be part of the multidisciplinary professional team to receive a research grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to study the therapeutic efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, the first one of only three to be granted in Canada.
Jordana M. Ballinger, M.S., CAADC, ICAADC, C-DBT
Jordana M. Ballinger, M.S., CAADC, ICAADC, C-DBT, is an accomplished private practice clinician with an impressive decade-long track record of delivering highly specialized clinical counseling services, primarily specializing in addiction treatment. Her extensive experience has allowed her to hone her expertise in providing guidance and support to individuals seeking transformative change in their lives. Jordana develops and curates didactic materials tailored to the Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) levels of care, ensuring that clients receive the most comprehensive and effective treatment possible. Jordana extends her compassionate and holistic approach to a diverse clientele within her private practice. Whether individuals are embarking on a journey of personal growth, overcoming obstacles, or striving to live their best lives, she is committed to providing them with the guidance, insight, and support they need to thrive. Beyond her clinical work, Jordana also serves as a consultant to businesses seeking to enhance their operations, drawing from her wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. Her consultancy services are sought-after for their depth and practicality and have contributed to the success of numerous enterprises.
Danny Barringer, DAT, LAT, ATC
Danny Barringer, DAT, LAT, ATC has been a practicing clinician for over ten years with experience in a wide range of settings, including public service, secondary school, private practice, and collegiate rec sports. Danny earned his Doctorate in Athletic Training degree in 2020 after earning his Bachelor's degree in kinesiology from The University of Texas-Austin and his Master's Degree in Sport Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest California). He served as a subject matter expert on the Community Outreach Committee for the Council on Practice Advancement for the National Athletic Trainers Association, assisting in the creation of documents and templates for athletic trainers who work in applicable settings. He is a lifelong learner who is passionate about the profession of athletic training.
Dr. Akemi Brewer, Psy.D.
Dr. Akemi Brewer, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist at Child Focus, a community mental health agency in Cincinnati, OH. She has been licensed since 2014 and provides individual and family therapy, psychological evaluations, crisis intervention, and triage for psychological evaluations, in addition to supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Dr. Brewer was promoted as the Coordinator of Diagnostics at Child Focus, and she currently serves various populations for therapy and psychological evaluations, ranging from children to adults with different SES and diagnoses, including ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, parenting, adjustment, stress management, bipolar disorder, and others. While Dr. Brewer uses integrated treatments to fit each client, her theoretical orientation represents the importance of attachment, meaning-based communication process, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as DBT, ACT, and Mindfulness. Dr. Brewer completed her graduate training in clinical psychology in the field of health psychology at Spalding University, in Louisville, KY. Her internship training was at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine: Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences in Louisville, KY. The training included provision of individual/family therapy and group therapy to children, adolescents, and their families. The internship consisted of rotations including inpatient pediatric consultation-liaison services, psychiatric day treatment services, inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry and outpatient clinic services, and emergency room assessment as well as psychological testing. Dr. Brewer was originally born and raised in Japan and moved to the US to become a psychologist. She is fluent in Japanese and English and has been helping many people in the community over the past 15 years.
Andrea M. Constandis PT, DPT, MHA, EdD
Andrea M. Constandis PT, DPT, MHA, is a licensed physical therapist who has practiced in a variety of settings, including acute care, transitional care, and outpatient orthopedics. In the acute care setting, she has extensive knowledge in cardiovascular, pulmonary disorders, and burns. She began teaching in higher education in 2014 and currently is the director of clinical education at a PTA program in Florida. She is also a current item writer for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and has been inducted into the Academy of Advanced Item Writers. Andrea is currently pursuing her EdD at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Sports Studies from Rutgers University and her doctorate in physical therapy from Seton Hall University. In addition, she has also earned a master’s degree in health administration from Seton Hall University.
Beth Daniels, Psy.D.
Beth Daniels, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working as a correctional psychologist for the past 20 years. During this time, she has treated clients with a wide range of mental illnesses. While working at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia, she managed the mental health unit for 9 years and was responsible for the treatment of severely mentally ill inmates. Dr. Daniels became the Internship Program Coordinator in 2022 and continues to develop and manage the Internship and Practicum Programs. Dr. Daniels is a member of the Regional Correctional Support Team, a peer support team that supports staff during crises and provides wellness activities for staff, and was the leader of FDC Philadelphia’s Correctional Support Team from 2016-2024, and continues to be the psychologist for that team. Throughout her career, she has provided training for staff on topics including mental illness, suicide prevention, and staff wellness. When she is not at work she serves as a mentor for a local running club, and enjoys weightlifting, traveling, and dining out with friends.
Laura da Silva, LCMHC, RPT-S
Laura da Silva, LCMHC, RPT-S, has been a mental health clinician since 2006 and is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. She has served on the board of the Utah Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy for over ten years. Her passion is helping children learn to control their emotions and process through difficult experiences, and she also loves teaching budding Play Therapists in this amazing field! Laura has been a presenter in the states of Utah, New Mexico, and Idaho, as well as been a guest speaker at university classes. She is an author of several publications, including self-help books for children titled When I feel Sad, When I Feel Mad, and When I Feel Scared.
Megan Elmore, MS, LAT, ATC
Megan Elmore is a certified and licensed athletic trainer. She started her career at Hutto High School as the assistant athletic trainer, where she was named the Athletic Department Employee of the Year for 2020-2021. Currently, she is the head athletic trainer for Brenham Independent School District, where she works collaboratively with three other staff athletic trainers. She has been a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association since 2016. Megan also serves on the SWATA Secondary School committee. She received her Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Texas Tech University and her Masters of Science in athletic training from Texas A&M University. At Texas A&M university, she focused her research on the development of a seated balance test for equestrian athletes for baseline concussion testing.
Alicia Fisher, LMFT
Alicia Fisher is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a background in family systems theory. Alicia has experience providing direct therapy services to individuals, families, couples, and children in clinic and school-based settings. Alicia has guest lectured on the topic of therapy with African-Americans. Her work with disadvantaged youth includes creating support groups for families in transition, anger management support groups for teens, teen grief and loss support groups, and family support groups to improve relationships between parents and teens. Alicia has a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is certified in the Prepare/Enrich Couples Inventory, has advanced training in Mindfulness, and is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. Alicia works as an Advisory Board Consultant for PESI.
Andrea Fox Boardman, PhD
Dr. Boardman is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of professional experience. Most recently, Dr. Boardman served as a member of the Mental Health/Suicide Prevention Team for the United States Department of Justice/Federal Bureau of Prisons. She also conducted national training for psychologists on the use of evidence-based assessment tools and interventions for suicidal and mentally ill offenders. Dr. Boardman served as a consultant to agency administrators on the treatment and management of high-risk, complex, and difficult cases. Before joining the Federal Bureau of Prisons Central Office, Dr. Boardman served as the Chief Psychologist at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia for 16 years. Dr. Boardman coordinated the facility’s Prison Rape Elimination Act protocols, participated in the accreditation process with the American Correctional Association, and served as the leader of the facility’s Employee Assistance Program and Crisis Support Team. In her role as a member of the agency’s regional Crisis Support Team, Dr. Boardman assisted agency staff and their families in Manhattan in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Norristown State Hospital, her primary rotation being on the maximum security forensic unit. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Kent State University in 1995.
After her retirement from the Bureau of Prisons in 2018, Dr. Boardman served an adjunct faculty member at both Cabrini University and Delaware Valley University, teaching courses in their Departments of Sociology & Criminology and Criminal Justice, respectively. She also volunteered on her county’s Suicide Prevention Taskforce and trained members of the community in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) techniques. Dr. Boardman is an avid knitter and enjoys hiking, cooking and baking, and spending time with her husband, college-age children, and 14-year-old miniature goldendoodle Rosie.
Ansley Gasque-Carter, LISW-CP, CS, LAC, AADC
Ansley Gasque-Carter, LISW-CP, CS, LAC, AADC is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor. She started her career as a substance abuse counselor and continues to qualify as a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) to contribute to the field. She has provided training and supervision on many different levels since 2016. Ansley has created curriculums and programs to increase positive patient outcomes with evidence-based foundations in both substance misuse programs for adolescents and adults. Most recently Ansley has assisted with the implementation of a new mental health treatment program for early onset psychosis. Ansley currently provides therapy in a community mental health center with a main focus on patients with PTSD, early onset psychosis and disorders with psychosis, co-occurring disorders, and providing clinical supervision to LMSWs and other staff.
Mitch Hauschildt, MA, ATC, CSCS
Mitch Hauschildt serves as the prevention, rehab, and physical performance coordinator at Missouri State University, making him the leading expert on staff in the areas of injury prevention and rehabilitation. At MSU, he utilizes his knowledge of performance enhancement and sports medicine to coordinate the rehab and injury prevention programs for all 17 varsity sports. In his 16th year at MSU, he has also served as the athletic trainer for baseball, track and cross country, as well as strength and conditioning coach for men’s basketball and volleyball.
Mitch is the founder and president of Maximum Training Solutions, LLC, a full-service sports medicine consultancy that he created to help coaches, trainers, therapists, and other health professionals and athletes to reach their full potential in their athletic-related endeavors.
Over the years, Mitch has consulted with a variety of clients including universities, private physical therapy clinics, large market health systems, personal training studios, and high schools. Mitch has personally worked with thousands of athletes throughout his career. His clients have won world series rings, played in the NFL, NBA and MLS, and competed in the Olympics, but most importantly, they have achieved great personal success in local competitive events and leagues. Mitch is a noted speaker on both a regional and national level and has been published multiple times in professional journals and coaching websites.
Dr. Starlyn Hawes, PhD
Dr. Hawes is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with specialties in health and rehabilitation psychology who has clinical and research experience in both major academic medical and community-based settings. Her career has centered around holistic wellness through culturally-sensitive clinical intervention, research, and clinical education. Through her private practice, Mindfully Balancing Wellness, Dr. Hawes supports people facing health challenges, mental health diagnoses within the context of health conditions, caregiver and provider adjustment, and multicultural considerations. She has developed a special interest in supporting women throughout the menopause transition. Her clinical training involved working within multidisciplinary teams to treat both common and unique medical conditions and health-related experiences. Dr. Hawes conducted research focused on health disparities and health promotion, using community-based participatory research frameworks to translate clinical research into practical applications for diverse communities. She developed prevention and health promotion programs and conducted mixed-methods research on improving quality of life for individuals. Her approach emphasized equity, ensuring research was conducted with communities as partners and reflected their needs and perspectives. Dr. Hawes advances her profession through education, mentorship, and leadership roles. She serves as a board member of HaRT3S, a social purpose corporation providing evidence-based harm reduction training to treatment providers. Since 2017, she has facilitated a Women's Psychologists group and co-established a health and rehabilitation psychology consultation group in 2020. These diverse groups address critical professional topics including practice challenges, current events impacting the profession, self-care, professional development, and empowerment.
Dr. Howard Gershenfeld, MD, Ph.D.
Howard Gershenfeld, M.D., Ph.D. is a Stanford-trained, Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience, now in Private Practice. He was a faculty member and clinician-scientist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School for 13 years, where he conducted basic molecular genetics and clinical research, treated clients, supervised residents and students, and taught. He has experience working in an underserved community mental health clinic. For over ten years, he worked overseas as a Regional Psychiatrist in the US Department of State. Dr. Gershenfeld was posted in Ghana, India, Greece, and Austria and covered a surrounding region of countries. During this decade, he responded to and treated a full spectrum of issues, working with disasters/emergencies (terrorist incidents, civil wars, frozen conflicts, infectious disease epidemics, financial crises, coups, earthquakes, violent protests, etc.), sudden unexpected deaths, workplace morale issues, transition stress, interpersonal conflicts, anger issues, marital issues, insomnia, demoralizations, parenting issues, student anxiety, anxiety disorders, depression, vocational choices, leadership/management concerns (Executive Coaching), PTSD, and substance misuse. He brings these years of academic and clinical experience to reviewing PESI CME programs. His taste emphasizes high-yield programs with evidence-based content and clinical utility. Dr. Gershenfeld’s goal is to help provide clinical audiences with an enriching experience that enhances skills, knowledge, and competencies for the benefit your clients. For more information, please see:
Stacy Hubbard, LMFT
Stacy Hubbard, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has worked in the field of counseling for the past 25 years as a case worker, recreation therapist, and rock climbing and adventure guide. She has been certified in the Gottman Method for ten years and has been a Master Trainer with the Gottman Institute since 2016. This is a mark of distinction as there are only approximately 30 master trainers in the world. Stacy frequently writes for the Gottman blog, and she is on the list of Gottman speakers and experts for press inquiries and requests. Stacy now teaches and provides consultation for therapists seeking to become Gottman certified. In her therapy practice, Stacy helps couples who are recovering from affairs and dealing with addiction and trauma. She also conducts intensive marathon therapy with couples who are in high levels of distress. She has a home on 10 acres in a small town in Oregon, where she lives with her husband and 4 dogs. She loves hiking, kayaking, going to see live music and traveling.
Peggy Lamb, MA, BCTMB, LMT
Peggy is the founder of Massage Publications/The Abundant Bodyworker. Peggy is a leader in her field, and she’s created multiple curricula for both on-line and live workshops. She is the author of the best-selling books and training videos Stretch Your Clients, Releasing the Rotator Cuff, Releasing the Iliopsoas and the Quadratus Lumborum and Stabilizing the Core and SI Joint. In addition to her extensive training in massage therapy, Peggy holds a master’s degree in Dance from American University in Washington, D.C. She has volunteered for over 10 years with “Truth be Told,” teaching creative movement and writing to incarcerated women. Peggy believes in empowering bodyworkers so abundance and prosperity flows into their lives, which she does through her continuing education courses, books, videos and her coaching practice. Peggy brings her eclectic and extensive background into her teaching for an interesting, enjoyable and enlightening learning experience. When she’s not working, Peggy can be found dancing, swimming in Austin’s Barton Springs, hiking or even dog sledding.
Dr. Adriana Martí, Psy.D.
Dr. Adriana Martí is a Health Psychologist and was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. From an early age, Dr. Martí experienced the challenges of poverty and lack of freedom of speech. That's when she realized that she wanted to use her voice and skills to make a profound impact in the world. Dr. Martí left Cuba at the age of 12 and embarked on her journey to make a difference by choosing a career in the healthcare field. Coming from a family of physicians, Dr. Martí learned the importance of addressing physical components to heal the body. She also noticed the weaknesses of the biomedical approaches and recognized the need of integrative models to help individuals shift from disease into ease. Dr. Martí has used her bilingual and bicultural assets to positively influence various medical settings, program development, management, underserved populations, and has mentored a myriad of students and medical personnel on the value of mind body approaches. Dr. Martí is very passionate about making a difference in the community and spends her free time learning about the latest advances in the field of chronic pain and contributing to research.
Dr. Jon McCaine
Dr. Jon McCaine is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 35 years of experience who has provided clinical consultation, didactic lectures and direct training for the core behavioral health staff of various clinical teams in the Phoenix metro areas addressing the needs of High Risk teenage youth with a wide array of disruptive behavioral disorders, mood disorders, and substance related dependency and addictions as well as being responsible for the training of master’s degree interns and doctoral level practicum students in Social Work, Counseling, and Clinical Psychology. Dr. McCaine has also the clinical director of Geriatric residential facilities providing oversight and clinical intervention for residents addressing progressive dementias and degenerative neuro-cognitive disorders posing threats to their medical and emotional health and wellbeing. As an identified expert witness in the forensic arena, Dr. McCaine provides courtroom training and testimony on antecedents of intimate partner violence and homicide. Dr. McCaine was recognized with the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award for his work in the area of family violence prevention and education. Dr. McCaine has served on the Tucson Domestic Violence Commission as Chair of the Children’s Rights Committee, Co-Chair of the State of Arizona’s Protocol Panel for the Assessment and Treatment of Sex Offenders, as well as on the Board of the Arizona Sexual Assault Network. Dr. McCaine has served on the advisory board of the federal government’s Human Resource Services Administration Domestic Violence Prevention and Education project. Dr. McCaine has been identified as a subject matter expert in the area of Domestic Violence and Homicide by the Arizona Psychological Association who have sponsored training sessions conducted by Dr. McCaine attended by hundreds of licensed psychologists in Arizona and adjoining states. Dr. McCaine served as the Vice President and Clinical Director for Youth Services International based in Sarasota Florida providing clinical oversight, program monitoring and development, and staff training for residential programs and community based services for high risk juvenile offenders located across the country. Prior to joining YSI Inc., Dr. McCaine served as Clinical Director of the state of Arizona’s Department of Juvenile Corrections, Clinical Director of La Frontera Community Mental Health Center and Clinical Director of Psychological Services at the Marana and Catalina Health Centers during which time he also provided adolescent group therapy at H.C.A Sonora Desert and P.I.A. Tucson Psychiatric Hospitals. Dr. McCaine is the author of “Moments of Truth: The Discovery and Restoration of Selfhood” examining the nature and impact of emotional trauma and pathways to restoring healthy perspective on life and living.
Colleen Morgan PT, MSPT, CSCS
Colleen Morgan PT, MSPT, CSCS is a Board Certified, Licensed Physical Therapist in the State of California and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. After 10 years in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, she started her own business providing injury prevention and performance enhancement training programs to youth female athletes. Now a mother of small children, she works part-time as a PESI program reviewer and materials developer, a managing editor of a magazine, and a Latin dance instructor.
Dr. Arianna Pescatore, Psy.D.
Arianna Pescatore, Psy.D. has been a licensed clinical psychologist in the federal prison system for 18 years and has treated a wide range of mental illnesses and personality disorders using mostly CBT and DBT approaches. She has been a Drug Abuse Program Coordinator for the past 14 years and also leads the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program. In her career, she has conducted countless suicide risk assessments, made independent decisions regarding suicide watch placement and removal, used various clinical interventions to reduce future suicide risk, and has provided training to staff on suicide prevention and other topics.
In 2021, Dr. Pescatore received the Northeast Regional Directors Award for Psychology Supervisor, and she was a panel member for the Pre-Entry Preparation Program through Pre-Trial Services in Philadelphia, PA for 5 years. Dr. Pescatore has been the team leader and mental health consultant for two hostage negotiation teams within the prison system and was promoted as a National Cadre Crisis Negotiation Trainer. In addition, she was an Adjunct Professor at Drexel University for 8 years. She is excited to use her skills to help strengthen training for other psychologists.
Dr. Alexandra (Arena) Perkinson Ed.D, CCC-SLP, BCBA
Dr. Ali Arena is passionate about social cognition, language processing, executive functioning, and creating meaningful friendships & relationships. This is why she refers to herself as an interpersonal detective who searches for patterns to increase connection either in romantic relationships, friendships, or parent-child dynamics. She is both a Speech-Language Pathologist & Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership and is becoming a licensed educational psychologist. She uses a Neurodiversity-Affirming and Tramaua-Informed lens while working with all clients. Her doctorate focus was unique, to say the least as it addressed the dating intricacies of Autistics which led her to develop her private practice for anyone who wants help socially navigating in their workplace or relationships. Lastly, she truly feels social support is a biological necessity and wants to help all neurodivergent individuals to reach holistic communication.
Dr. Terra L. Rea, Psy.D.
Dr. Terra Rea graduated from the University of Denver in 2008, following a Medical Psychology internship at the Phoenix VAMC. She completed a psychosocial oncology post-doctoral fellowship at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center in 2009 and has completed several project management training programs, including a Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Throughout her training and employment, Dr. Rea has practiced extensively in integrated Behavioral Health/medical settings, specialty medical settings, private practice, and in supervisory, teaching, and consultative roles. Dr. Rea currently works in quality improvement in the King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division in Seattle, Washington. She assists agencies in improving the efficiency and quality of their Behavioral Health services, including both inpatient and outpatient care, SUD treatment, and community-based services. Dr. Rea believes that while person-centered evidence-based practices and multidisciplinary integrated care are crucial in treating Behavioral Health conditions, it is only through systemic change that people can receive the maximum benefits of psychological care. She enjoys her role as a PESI Advisor because it allows her to stay aware of the continual changes in the field and informs her work in both the clinical and policy realms.
Dr. Barbara Sieck
Dr. Barbara Sieck is a licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). She serves as the Associate Program Director and Director of Psychotherapy at MCW's Tosa Center Behavioral Health Clinic. Dr. Sieck received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa and completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Women's Mental Health and Trauma at the San Francisco VA Medical Center.
Jane Sizemore, MS, OTR/L
Jane Sizemore, MS, OTR/L obtained her Masters in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University. She has practiced occupational therapy in various settings including acute care, rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient settings with a focus on neurological conditions and hand therapy. Throughout her career, she led numerous patient care initiatives including early progressive mobility in the intensive care unit. As Education Chair, Jane developed and implemented annual competencies and patient education materials. In addition to direct patient care, she provides aging in place assessments for those in her community. Jane is a lifelong learner and has earned additional certifications including an Executive Certificate in Home Modification from University of Southern California, Fall Prevention Specialist, and Certified Environmental Access Consultant. Jane has also completed Low Vision Badges I and II and a Home Modifications Badge from the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, FAPTA
Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, FAPTA, practices at and founded Northwest Rehabilitation Associates in Oregon. He has served as the vice-president of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy of the APTA and has been the chair and vice-chair of several special interest groups at both state and national levels. Dr. Studer has presented courses and published articles on topics of neurology, geriatrics, stroke, cognition, PD and preventative care. Mike is a regular guest lecturer on a national and international basis at several universities and national meetings on topics of dual task rehabilitation, concussion, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, balance, motor control, motor learning in rehabilitation and sport performance, cognitive impairment, and case management. He was awarded the 2011 Clinician of the Year by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and again in 2014 by the Academy of Geriatric PT. In 2021, Mike received the Mercedes Weiss Service award from APTA Oregon. Mike achieved fellowship status through the Mercedes Weiss Service award from APTA Oregon. Mike achieved fellowship status through the APTA in 2020 for achievements in clinical practice, research, education and leadership.
Carissa Springer
Carissa Springer is an accomplished clinical social worker and psychotherapist with over two decades of experience, primarily dedicated to supporting military personnel facing complex psychosocial and emotional challenges. Skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychosocial Development Theory and Crisis Intervention, she approaches her work from a strengths-based and humanistic perspective. With a Master of Social Work from McGill University and certifications in CBT and Suicide Assessment & Intervention, Carissa remains at the forefront of therapeutic techniques and best practices to ensure her interventions are informed by the latest research and insights in the field. Considering her experience working in a male-dominated environment, Carissa has become an advocate for destigmatizing men's mental health. This passion has recently led her to switch her clinical focus to working with young boys and men in a school-based setting. She is now focused on introducing social-emotional learning at all levels through in-class programming, group interventions and one-on-one counselling. By incorporating her extensive experience and deep empathy into her practice, Carissa has succeeded in creating safe spaces where boys and men can explore their feelings and develop healthy coping strategies.