Neuro Specialist Certificate Course:
Functional Neuroscience & Rehabilitation Simplified

Mike Studer, PT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, FAPTA, is board-certified as a Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and has been designated a Certified Exercise Expert in the Aging Adult (CEEAA) by the Academy of Geriatric PT. Dr. Studer 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 the national level in each of the Academies of Neurologic and Geriatric PT, including Balance and Falls, Stroke, and the Practice Committee in neurology. He practices at and founded Northwest Rehabilitation Associates, in Oregon. Mr. Studer has presented courses and published articles on neurologic and geriatric rehabilitation since 1995 and has authored and co-authored over 30 articles on topics of neurology and geriatrics, as well as several book chapters on 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 sports 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 - the first to receive this national distinction from each entity. In 2021, Mike received 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.

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Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, ND, CH, CFPS, is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, an integrative therapy clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. 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 center, and school systems, to advance pediatric therapy programs. Dr. Pryor serves on several boards, including the Leadership Interagency Council for Early Intervention, (2014-2019), a position to which she was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. 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 Assistant program. She is a clinical instructor for several universities and colleges.

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Michelle Mioduszewski, MS, OTR/L, has experience in a variety of settings including acute, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient. Visual rehabilitation following neurological events has been an area of focus. Michelle owns and operates Niagara Therapy, LLC, a team-oriented practice based in Erie, PA that offers OT, PT, and SLP to adults and children with neurological concerns. She also consults for legal, educational, and professional situations.

Michelle is the AOTA Administration and Management Chairperson for the Rehabilitation and Disability Special Interest Section, National MS Society Board of Trustees, and is a National MS Society Partner in Care Designation. She was trained in NDT and Neuro-IFRAH (NDTC), Bioness Certified, REO Certified, SAEBO Certified, and specialized in vision and cognitive rehabilitation. A published writer by AOTA Press, she also teaches on topics such as IASTM, Neuro-Rehab/Neuro-Handling, vision, cognition, spasticity, ergonomics, and complex wheelchair evaluations.

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Mica Foster, DC, is a chiropractor and is also a licensed Craniosacral therapist, Reiki Master, HeartMath practitioner, and Artist. She has a private practice in Hood River, Oregon. She treats a wide array of musculoskeletal disorders with a focus on finding ease and promoting stress reduction. She enjoys teaching "The art of Meditation: Drawing Mandalas" to all ages. She has created "community coloring collaboration" walls to invite community involvement and communication. She has created "custom color pages for the classroom" to decrease stress and increase focus. Her art therapy has been distributed nationwide. Her illustrations have been featured in the book Ten Fingers Ten Toes Twenty Things Everyone Needs to Know in 2019.

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Cathy Ciolek, PT, DPT, FAPTA, has been a physical therapist for over 30 years and provided geriatric care across the healthcare continuum including acute care, home health, outpatient, and SNF/rehab. She holds Board Certification as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist and has multiple certifications in aging and dementia care. She has been recognized as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of APTA, Lucy Blair Service Award, and the Joan M Mills awardee and serves as President of APTA Geriatrics. Currently, Cathy is President of Living Well With Dementia®, LLC, providing education and consultation to promote well-being and create positive expectations for aging adults. Additionally, Dr. Ciolek serves as a speaker and expert witness supporting person-centered care practices.

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Dr. Theresa Schmidt, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, LMT, CEAS, CHy, is an orthopedic physical therapy specialist and massage therapist integrating traditional and alternative medicine with an emphasis on manual therapy, precision exercise, wellness, Reiki, hypnosis, and mindfulness. She presented for NASA/Inomedic, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt Med, Wake Med, and professional associations. She received her doctorate at UNE and served as faculty at Touro PT Programs and CUNY Queens Colleges in NY. She is a published author, Expert Consultant, Reiki Master Instructor, and hypnotherapist in private practice at Educise® in New Hampshire.

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Jerome Quellier MS, CCC-SLP, is a specialist in traumatic brain injury and communication disorders at a 500+ bed Level 1 Trauma hospital in Saint Paul, MN. He has accumulated 25+ years of acute, residential, and outpatient rehabilitation experience. During his tenure at the hospital, he has focused on neuro-based diagnostics and intervention for cognitive-linguistic deficits, dysphagia, head and neck cancer management, and patient advocacy. Mr. Quellier has completed advanced training in brain dissection at Marquette University, recently joined a surgery team to preserve language function during tumor resections, and has shared his expertise with interdisciplinary audiences around the country.

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Shelly Denes, PT, CFPS, C/NDT, CGCP, 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 COVID-19 'Long Haulers' and advanced technology. She had been involved extensively with neuroprosthetic devices, lower extremity orthotics, and exoskeletons at the Rehab Institute of Michigan

Ms. Denes travels nationally to present seminars on fall prevention and geriatric rehabilitation. Additionally, she provides expert witness work, both nationally and locally. Ms. Denes completed a certification in Neurodevelopmental Treatment for Adult Hemiplegia (NDT) at The Rehab Institute of Chicago. She helped create the certifications of 'Fall Prevention Specialist' and a 'Geriatric Care Professional' with Evergreen Certifications and sits on their advisory board.

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