Presenters

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Amutha De Silva PT, DPT, MS, NCS, GCS, CEEAA

Amu De Silva, PT, MS, DPT, NCS, GCS, CEEAA, embodies a profound dedication to neuro-geriatric physical therapy, education, and continuous growth. Her journey from India to the US reflects a pursuit of excellence, culminating in expertise across diverse clinical settings. As a board-certified specialist in geriatric and neurologic physical therapy, she champions the cause of those with conditions like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, stroke, FND, and dementia. Currently, as an Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati, Department of Physical Therapy, Dr. De Silva inspires others with her teachings in neurorehabilitation and neuroscience. Pursuing a Ph.D. in experimental psychology, her research focus on interpersonal coordination in neurologic rehabilitation underscores her commitment to advancing the field. Dr. De Silva's dedication to empowering those affected by brain disorders, coupled with her blend of expertise, passion, and transformative insights captivates and educates audiences, driving advancements in this critical field.

 

Leigha B. Ochsner M.A. CCC-SLP

Leigha Ochsner, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of Kentucky, graduated as a non-traditional student with a Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Cincinnati in 2017. Leigha has professional experience as a SLP across various settings and populations including, adult in-and-outpatient rehabilitation, education, and pediatrics, with an overwhelming focus and passion for working with the adults that have sustained traumatic brain injury. Currently, Leigha works with individuals across a continuum of strengths who have sustained TBI within the community reintegration environment. In addition, Leigha is also the proudest mother to the coolest and most talented eight-year-old artist there is. Rehabilitation at all stages of brain injury has become a passion, not only professionally but personally as Leigha’s life partner is a severe TBI survivor who inspires and motivates her own research and therapy practices daily.

 

Kelly L. Taylor, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CBIS

Dr. Kelly Taylor is Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in the Occupational Therapy Program at Murray State University. She received her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in 2016. She also earned a Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kentucky in 2013. Prior to her current position, Dr. Taylor’s clinical experience included working with adults with various neurological conditions across the continuum of care in St. Louis, MO and Atlanta, GA. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and previously worked at the nationally renowned Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Her special research interests focus on enhancing independence, performance, and participation of people with acquired neurological injuries through evidence-based practices, exercise and health promotion, and community-based programming. In 2023, she received the Murray State University Emerging Scholar Award and the Outstanding Collegiate Researcher for the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

 

 

Loraine Grueter, stroke survivor

Loraine Grueter is a 60-year-old female who experienced a left thalamic stroke on May 21, 2023. Her stroke caused right-sided hemiparesis, with no function of her right upper and lower extremity. She went through inpatient rehab at Gateway Rehabilitation Hospital following her stroke and then returned home. She has been going through outpatient physical and occupational therapy at St. Elizabeth since June of 2023. Loraine experienced many obstacles throughout her journey, but through dedication and perseverance, she regained her independence. 

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Danielle Albin, PT, DPT, CSRS, LSVT BIG

Danielle Albin has been a physical therapist for 11 years and specializes in outpatient neurological rehabilitation. She graduated from University of Kentucky’s physical therapy program in 2013. She worked at Gateway Rehabilitation Hospital for 6 years and has been at St. Elizabeth (Florence) for the past 5 years. She earned her stroke certifications in 2014 and her LSVT BIG certification in 2015. She is passionate about serving our neuro population and has been working with Loraine in outpatient PT since June of 2023.

 

Danny Meyer, PT, DPT

Dr. Meyer, PT, DPT is a pediatric physical therapist and a member of the Outpatient Neurorehabilitation Team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). His clinical experience includes treating a wide variety of orthopedic and neuroglial conditions with a focus in post-traumatic injury rehabilitation. In striving to maintain physical activity levels following discharge from therapy services, he has assisted in developing multiple wellness opportunities in the Cincinnati area to help bridge the gap between the clinic and the community. He is the co-lead of the Be Well Program at CCHMC, which provides monthly adaptive sport opportunities intended to foster interest in daily physical activity in community settings. He is a Certified Adaptive Recreation & Sports Specialist as well as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.

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Amanda Balser, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP/SMS​

Amanda Balser has been an occupational therapist for twenty-three years and specialized in hospital-based outpatient neurorehabilitation. She holds Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation through the American Occupational Therapy Association and is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and Seating and Mobility Specialist. She has extensive experience working with individuals with traumatic brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury, and worked in the interdisciplinary Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms Clinic at Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montana. Amanda is now Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. 

 

Cassie Ginn, OTD, MS, OTR/L

Cassie Ginn is an occupational therapist with over a decade of experience working in inpatient rehabilitation with adult patients with traumatic brain injuries, stroke and other neurological conditions. Further she is an assistant professor at Eastern Kentucky University in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy teaching courses in neurological assessment and intervention.

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Survivor Tracks

 

Paul Erway, Rehab Products Consultant

Paul Erway is proof that what some may define as a disability can become a reminder of your endless abilities and life’s possibilities. A life-changing accident transformed the accomplished equestrian who was headed toward a successful career. He was left paralyzed from chest down and found himself at a pivotal crossroad, faced with the choice to let his disability stop him or help him harness the abilities he still had within his grasp. Even though he could no longer ride horses, he decided to forge a new path that took him across the nation and around the world competing as a wheelchair marathoner and helping others with along the way.

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Natalie Deering, MS LPP​

Natalie Deering, MS is a licensed mental health provider at her private practice, ND Wellness Psychological Services in Fort Thomas KY. She specializes in working with people who have complex trauma, anxiety, and stress using internal family systems therapy (IFS).Natalie helps clients build resilience by gaining access to their inner healing potential. She incorporates internal family systems therapy with psychotherapy, consultation, meditation, and movement. Natalie is also a certified meditation instructor and yoga teacher providing wellness workshops, guided meditations, and restorative yoga opportunities for individuals, groups, and businesses. Natalie is the host and producer of the IFS informed wellness podcast, That Wellness Podcast with Natalie Deering: Internal Family Systems with a Twist, where she interviews experts within the wellness field and IFS community.

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Stephen Mott​

Stephen has been with the FBI Cincinnati Division for 13 years, and currently works on the Division’s white collar and public corruption squad. As part of his duties, he investigates financial crimes, including romance scams, elder abuse, and other digitally based fraud schemes. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, has an MBA from Xavier University, and is a CPA. He has also worked as a Certified Financial Planner, Investment Advisor and Business Consultant.

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