Neuroplasticity for Rehab Professionals:
Rewiring the Brain to Enhance Recovery

Karen Pryor, Ph.D., PT, DPT, has a doctorate in physical therapy and has practiced for over 40 years in the field. Involved with early intervention in the birth-three population for over 30 years, she has developed neuroplasticity techniques that are used in a wide variety of settings, including homes, childcare centers, and school systems, to advance pediatric therapy programs. Dr. Pryor serves on several boards, including the Leadership Interagency Council for Early Intervention, (2014-2024), a position to which she was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Governor Bill Lee. In 2010, she received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her contributions to the advanced treatment of children from President Barack Obama. In addition to her work with children, Dr. Pryor has served as an adjunct professor at the Tennessee State University Occupational Therapy School, and in the Volunteer State Community College Physical Therapy Assistant program. She is a clinical instructor for several universities and colleges. With her years of experience and passion for complete wellness, Dr. Pryor advances a more expansive view of how to integrate therapy throughout the lifespan by using COMPASS neuroplasticity techniques.

Shelly Denes, PT, CFPS, C/NDT, is an expert in fall prevention and neuro-rehab with more than 25 years of experience treating patients with hemiplegia, neuromuscular disorders, TBI, and SCI. She has a special interest in advanced technology and has been involved extensively with neuroprosthetic devices, lower extremity orthotics, and exoskeleton robotics. Shelly earned her certification in Neurodevelopmental Treatment for Adult Hemiplegia (NDT) from the Rehab Institute of Chicago and earned certification as a Fall Prevention Specialist with the International Association of Aging Specialists and sits on their advisory board.

Clyde Boiston, PT, OCS, CMF, TCHI is a licensed Physical Therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience who has worked in multiple therapy settings including acute care, outpatient orthopedics, and home health. Mr. Boiston is a mindfulness teacher and meditation instructor offering retreats, workshops, and mindful living classes. He received his certification as a Mindfulness Facilitator (CMF) from UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) in 2017 after completing their yearlong teacher training program. Mr. Boiston graduated with a BS in PT from California State University Long Beach in 1997 and has been Board Certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) since 2004. He is also a certified Tai Chi for Rehabilitation instructor through the Tai Chi for Health Institute.

Trent Brown, MOT, OTR/L, ATP, BCG, is a practicing therapist in Utah. He completed his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Utah where he is also an adjunct professor. He is employed by the Department of Health (UDOH) to develop, implement, and operate healthcare quality improvement programs and has authored multiple laws to legislate improved patient care. Mr. Brown also reviews clinical documentation for UDOH as an expert witness in reviewing cases. Mr. Brown has over 15 years of clinical experience in skilled nursing, transitional care, acute, and home health. Recently, he served as the VP for the UOTA where he co-authored SB 131 advancing OT practice in the state of Utah and has received multiple awards for his clinical, academic, and legislative work. Through his expertise in advocating for therapy services authoring law and rule he has evolved into an expert presenter on ethical and legal issues facing therapy.