Clinical Team
Bancroft NeuroRehab clinical staff has the most Board Certified specialists in the region, addressing specific challenges associated with neurological brain injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Our world class roster of neuropsychologists, therapists and case managers work with families and social workers to develop the most appropriate treatment plan and levels of support needed for success.
Karen Lindgren, Ph.D.
Chief Clinical Officer, Bancroft & Bancroft NeuroRehab
Karen Lindgren, Ph.D., is the Chief Clinical Officer at Bancroft. She oversees Healthcare and Nursing Services, the Applied Behavior Analysis Center of Excellence, and quality assurance across the organization.
A licensed psychologist, Dr. Lindgren has more than 25 years’ experience in neuropsychological assessment and treatment of brain injury and neurological impairment. She joined Bancroft in 1997, as a senior neuropsychologist at Bancroft NeuroRehab, and served most recently as the program’s senior director, supervising rehabilitation therapies in Central and Southern New Jersey, managing clinical staff and maintaining several university partnerships.
Dr. Lindgren has clinical affiliations with the graduate programs at Drexel University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Immaculata University, is well published in her field, and has presented information in the area of neurological development, neuropsychological assessment, neurotoxic exposure, and interdisciplinary treatment of brain injury.
Dr. Lindgren received her Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical/Community Psychology from the University of Maryland and her B.A. from Loyola College.
Jane Femia Baider
Senior Vice President, Bancroft NeuroRehab
Jane Femia Baider joined Bancroft NeuroRehab as Senior Vice President in September 2019. She brings to the organization more than 30 years of healthcare experience.
Femia Baider oversees Bancroft NeuroRehab operations including day, outpatient and residential services and supports, with a focus on growth and expansion of services.
Femia Baider was most recently Assistant Vice President of Oncology, Post-Acute and Patient Support Services at Lourdes Health System. Prior to that, she was Assistant Vice President of Post-Acute and Patient Support Services for Lourdes Health System and St. Francis Medical Center.
An occupational therapist by training, Femia Baider spent nearly 20 years working in rehabilitation settings before moving into healthcare administration, holding positions at Magee Rehabilitation, Lourdes Rehabilitation Services and Underwood Memorial Hospital. She has a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Temple University and an MBA in Health and Medical Services Administration from Widener University.
Arleen DeStefano
Senior Director
Arleen DeStefano is responsible for the Bancroft NeuroRehab programs located in South Jersey programs where she oversees day program and community residential neurorehabilitation services for the organization.
Arleen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. She has worked for Bancroft since 1993.
Kathleen Law, BA, CBIST
Janine Yvette Gardner, M.A., CBIS
Program Director, Bancroft NeuroRehab Residential Program
Janine Gardner came to Bancroft in 2008 as a Clinical Case Manager. At the time, she was beginning a Master of Urban Studies (Concentration in Community Development) program and was new to brain injury. Her career path included positions within the mental health field as a counselor for a partial care facility serving people with severe and persistent mental illness and working as a case manager for youth in the juvenile court system. She obtained her master’s degree in 2010 and has remained dedicated to neurorehabilitation.
Grace Cline
Program Director, Bancroft NeuroRehab Residential Program
Kristin Lukianovich
Director of Case Management and Day Services
Kristin Lukianovich oversees the Case Managers and Outpatient Day Services in Bancroft NeuroRehab’s South Jersey Programs. Kristin came to Bancroft in 2006 as a Case Manager and has had experience in Clinical Management, Finance, and Senior Case Management. Kristin is actively involved in committees and work groups. Kristin earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from West Chester University.
Jennifer Portee, CBIS
Program Director
Anne Semkowycz
Program Director
Claire McGrath, Ph.D., ABPP
Senior Neuropsychologist
Dr. McGrath is a senior neuropsychologist and co-director of postdoctoral training at Bancroft NeuroRehab. She is a Site Training Director for the Immaculata University Consortium Clinical Psychology Internship. Dr. McGrath is board certified in clinical neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. In her role at Bancroft NeuroRehab, she conducts neuropsychological evaluations of individuals with traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia and other neurologic conditions. Additionally, Dr. McGrath leads program development within the psychology department to advance neuropsychological assessment and psychological treatment for individuals in Bancroft NeuroRehab’s outpatient, residential and day program services. Prior to joining Bancroft NeuroRehab, Dr. McGrath was neuropsychology supervisor for the Stroke and Neurologic Disorders Program, Spinal Cord Injury Unit, Amputee Unit, and General Rehabilitation Unit at MossRehab in Philadelphia.
Dr. McGrath completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Arizona State University, followed by a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at The University of Pennsylvania. Dr. McGrath’s clinical work has focused on the assessment and treatment of individuals with neurologic conditions including traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, anoxic brain injury, encephalopathy, and brain cancer. She has presented at local, national and international conferences on the evaluation of cognition, agitation management, and the importance of social support in recovery from neurologic injury.
Sheryl Berardinelli, Psy.D., ABPP
Senior Neuropsychologist
Dr. Berardinelli is a licensed neuropsychologist who completed her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Widener University. Her dissertation examined the relationship between dementia and depressive symptoms and its effects on verbal memory. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the Sports Concussion Center of New Jersey, providing assessment and interventions to individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Prior to joining Bancroft, Dr. Berardinelli served as the primary psychologist at Moss Rehab’s Neuro Mental Health Clinic. Dr. Berardinelli is a board-certified Rehabilitation Psychologist. She is a board member to the Pennsylvania and Delaware Directors of Training organization, and teaches a graduate psychology course at Widener University. Dr. Berardinelli coordinates the graduate psychology practicum training at Bancroft NeuroRehab.
Sarah E. West, Ph.D.
Neuropsychologist
Dr. West is an experienced Neuropsychologist who earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. She completed her internship at the University of Alabama Birmingham and her postdoctoral fellowship at JFK-Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison, NJ, where she conducted in-patient and outpatient neuropsychological assessments and therapy. Dr. West is a board-certified Neuropsychologist. She brings to Bancroft NeuroRehab a wide-reaching clinical background and specializes in Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stroke and brain trauma. Dr. West’s research has been published in various trade journals, including The Encyclopedia of Neuropsychological Disorders and Brain Injury, among others. She has taught graduate courses in neuropsychology and is the co-director of the postdoctoral fellowship program at Bancroft NeuroRehab.
Danielle Ager, Psy.D.
Neuropsychologist
Dr. Ager is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist who completed Master’s and Doctoral degrees at Widener University. She completed an APA-accredited internship through Widener University with rotations at Lankenau Hospital within the private practices of Drs. Bergman, Caplan, and Shechter. Dr. Ager completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, where she provided inpatient and outpatient neuropsychological evaluations in a subacute rehabilitation hospital setting. Prior to joining Bancroft, Dr. Ager worked as a lifespan neuropsychologist for 7 years at Clinical Neuropsychology Associates, providing neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy for individuals with concussions, learning disabilities, ADHD, and other neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. At Bancroft NeuroRehab, Dr. Ager conducts evaluations and provides treatment to individuals with a wide range of neurological conditions. Dr. Ager also acts as co-director of the Bancroft NeuroRehab site within the Immaculata University Consortium Clinical Psychology Internship program.
Carl E. Bradford, Ph.D., ABN, CBIS
Senior Neuropsychologist
Dr. Bradford is a board-certified neuropsychologist and brain injury specialist serving clients at Bancroft NeuroRehab. In addition to providing neuropsychological evaluations, psychotherapy and consultations, Dr. Bradford supervises master’s-level clinical staff, a postdoctoral fellow, and graduate students. His is a member of the American Psychological Association and various other professional organizations. He is a former adjunct professor at Widener University and a past president of the Philadelphia Neuropsychology Society.
Dr. Bradford completed his Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia.
Kathryn Murray, Psy.D.
Rehabilitation/ Health Psychologist
Dr. Murray is a licensed clinical psychologist who completed her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at Widener University. She is certified in Biofeedback Therapy. She completed an APA-accredited internship through Widener University with rotations at Widener Neuropsychology Assessment Center and Jefferson University Hospitals. Dr. Murray completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship and then continued working as a licensed psychologist at RSM Psychology Center/Sports Concussion Center of NJ where she provided outpatient neuropsychological evaluations, concussion screening and management, and biofeedback psychotherapy to children and adults with TBI, concussion, dementia, learning disabilities, ADHD, depression, and anxiety, as well as other neurodevelopmental and neurologic disorders. At Bancroft NeuroRehab, Dr. Murray provides psychological services to residential persons served and outpatients with a history of TBI or other neurological conditions.
Jeremy Schwarzbaum, Psy.D.
Neuropsychologist
Ciara Weatherbee
Psychometrician
Ashlee Battle, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ms. Ashlee Battle is a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey. Ms. Battle received her MSW from Rutgers University, Camden and completed her clinical training with adults with SPMI, cognitive impairments and children with moderate to severe psychiatric concerns. Ms. Battle is fueled by her passion to help individuals recognize their strength to overcome obstacles and work through past trauma. Ms. Battle has served as a Director in a community based mental health facility where she was employed for over ten years and received Leader of the Year distinction. She has also held clinical and case management positions at Inspira Health Network and Jefferson University Hospital. She is active in her community working with the local Red Cross Chapter, member of NASW and a Board Member of Daughters of Destiny, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to providing support to disadvantaged women in Philadelphia. At Bancroft, Ms. Battle supervises the cognitive rehabilitation clinicians and provides psychotherapy for individuals with a history of neurological conditions.
Tiffany Channing, Psy.D.
Practicing Psychologist
Dr. Channing is a licensed practicing psychologist who completed her Master’s and Doctoral degrees at Regent University. She completed an APA-accredited internship at the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at Bancroft NeuroRehab, where she conducted neuropsychological evaluations and provided outpatient and residential psychotherapy. Following the completion of her fellowship, Dr. Channing joined the psychology team at Bancroft NeuroRehab, where she continues to conduct neuropsychological evaluations and provide treatment to individuals with a wide range of neurological conditions. She is also involved in providing supervision and training to psychology practicum students at Bancroft NeuroRehab.
Theresa Fitzgerald, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ms. Fitzgerald is a licensed clinical social worker who received her bachelor’s degrees in psychology from the University of Delaware and her Masters in Social Work from Monmouth University. She obtained her clinical license while working with the pediatric population and eventually serving as a department head at a special needs elementary school in New York for fifteen years. In addition to working closely with children and families, Ms. Fitzgerald gained experience counseling women at a domestic violence shelter. At Bancroft NeuroRehab, Ms. Fitzgerald provides outpatient psychotherapy services for individuals with a history of brain injury or other neurological conditions, as well as their caregivers.
Carolyn Tassini, PT, DPT, CBIS
Rehabilitation Supervisor
Dr. Tassini is a board-certified physical therapist in neurologic physical therapy. She completed her board certification in 2007 and was re-credentialed in 2017. Dr. Tassini received her bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1999 and then completed her masters in physical therapy at Thomas Jefferson University in 2002. She completed her Doctorate in physical therapy in 2005 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. In 2006 Dr. Tassini completed her residency in neurologic physical therapy at MossRehab in Elkins Park, PA. She remained on staff at MossRehab and was the PT team leader of the Drucker Brain Injury program unit until December 2014 when left to join Bancroft NeuroRehab as the Rehabilitation Supervisor. Dr. Tassini has extensive experience in neurologic rehabilitation and utilizes a high intensity approach to her practice. She works to empower her clients to take the the lead and ownership in their rehabilitation process. Dr. Tassini teaches TBI rehabilitation at Thomas Jefferson University and presents nationally and internationally on topics related to traumatic brain injury and anoxic brain injury. Dr. Tassini specializes in vestibular rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury and stroke rehabilitation and Parkinson’s disease.
Michelle Valente, M.A., CCC-SLP
Outpatient Program Director
Michelle Valente has worked in the field of neurologic communication disorders for over 20 years, specializing in traumatic brain injury and stroke rehabilitation. Her expertise spans both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and home care services. Michelle is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, an affiliate of the National Aphasia Association and a member of the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences. She has a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from St. John’s University.
Yvonne van Bochove, PT, DPT, MA, CBIS
Rehabilitation Supervisor
Yvonne van Bochove is the Rehabilitation Supervisor for Bancroft NeuroRehab in Central Jersey. Currently, she is responsible for day-to-day operations for physical-occupational and speech therapies related to residential- and out-patients.
In addition to supervisory duties, van Bochove provides treatment to adults who were diagnosed with a brain injury as well as individuals with complex neurological diagnoses. Treatments are provided at the Day Program as well as in home environment.
Van Bochove’s career in rehabilitation spans over 30 years and a wide variety of settings and roles as a clinician and management. She has spent time in acute rehab, sub-acute, skilled nursing facilities, home care, as well as school based therapy. Van Bochove also spent time in her own private practice.
Van Bochove received her Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy from the Institute of Physical Therapy in the Netherlands; a Master’s degree in Human Services Administration from Rider University and a Doctorate degree of Physical Therapy from Rutgers Medical School (formerly UMDNJ). She is currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program in Applied Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis at Rider University and plans to graduate in 2022. van Bochove is affiliated with Mercer County Community College as adjunct faculty, in their PTA program and is a credentialed clinical instructor for PT and PTA students. She is a certified brain injury specialist trainer, a brain injury fundamentals teacher and certified Pilates instructor.
Kimberly Baradei, MA-CCC, SLP, CBIS
Speech Therapist
Kimberly Baradei received her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from The College of New Jersey. She is a Certified Vital Stimulation Provider, a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), and a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). She has been working as a Speech Language Pathologist for 12 years, providing intervention to adults with Brain Injury, Stroke, and a variety of Neurological disorders. She has worked in Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation, Long Term Care, Residential, and Outpatient settings.
Katie Bartholomew, OTR/L, CSRS, CBIS
Occupational Therapist
Katie Bartholomew is a licensed and NBCOT certified Occupational Therapist working at Bancroft NeuroRehab’s Resnick Center in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Katie graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in 2012, after completing a combined program, awarding a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. She began her career at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital with a focus in Acute Rehabilitation and Acute Spinal Cord Injury. Katie spent much of the time developing her skills in Vision Rehabilitation following an Acquired Brain Injury and in 2018, Katie became a Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist through the National Stroke Association. Katie also completed her certification as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America
Katie works primarily with the outpatient population. She has maintained her commitment to improving her expertise in, and providing effective vision therapy services, specifically following concussion, stroke, and brain injury. Katie is pursuing a certificate program through Salus University to become a certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist.
Tracey Bejsiuk, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Tracey Bejsiuk is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with over 20 years experience with brain injury and other neurological conditions. Tracey has her B.A. in general science from Rutgers University and her A.A.S. / Physical Therapist Assistant from Atlantic Community College.
Maureen Bonnani, MSPT, CBIS
Physical Therapist
Maureen Bonnani is a Senior Physical Therapist at Bancroft Neurorehab. Maureen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Temple University in 1988 and later went on to receive her Master’s of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from Temple University in 1994. She has over 30 years of experience working in a variety of settings with a focus on neurologic rehabilitation. She has provided service to individuals in acute, subacute, outpatient and home care settings. Over the years she has worked at Mediplex Rehabilitation, Independence Rehab, Fox Rehab and Bayada. She is NDT-certified and recently received her certification in PWR Moves, a Parkinson-specific exercise program to address the motor and cognitive issues seen in those with Parkinson’s Disease.
Laura Britton
Career Development Specialist
Laura Britton is a certified employment specialist dedicated to helping adults with brain injury, stroke and other neurological impairments find their way back to competitive employment in the community. She works closely with New Jersey’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation across several counties to ensure that adults with disabilities are receiving the services they need to return to work. Laura provides Pre-Vocational Evaluations, as well as Pre-Placement, Job Coaching and Long-Term Follow-Along services for her clients. Laura graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rowan University in May 2017, and began her career at Bancroft NeuroRehab as a direct support professional and group room supervisor. She assumed the role of Career Development Specialist upon receiving her Employment Specialist Certification from The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at Rutgers University in 2018. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree from Rutgers in Rehabilitation Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Track.
Lois Burke
Physical Therapist
Lois Burke received her BS in Biology from King’s College, and graduate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked in various medical settings ( acute care, acute inpatient hospitals , home care, schools and outpatient departments) throughout her extensive career, but has always had a particular interest in neurologically involved patients, both children and adults. This interest moved her to become NDT certified, which enhanced treatments for stroke and brain injury patients alike. She additionally received her LSVT BIG certification to support the treatment of Parkinson’s patients, as well as her certification as a Brain Injury Specialist.
Alicia Cooley, EMOT, OTR/L, CBIS
Occupational Therapist
Alicia Cooley is a licensed and Board-certified Occupational Therapist working at Bancroft NeuroRehab’s Resnick Center in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Alicia graduated from Stockton State College (now Stockton University) with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1994, followed by a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University- College of Health Professions in December 2003. She is a member of both the American Occupational Therapy Association and the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association, and became a Certified Brain Injury Specialist in 2017. Alicia is also AOTA certified as an Academic Fieldwork Educator, taking students from Thomas Jefferson University.
She has been a treating Occupational Therapist since 2004, with over ten years of experience in acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation at Magee Rehabilitation in Philadelphia, and four years of subacute rehabilitation and long term care throughout the South Jersey area. Previous experience includes treating clients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and neurologic conditions as well as general rehabilitation. Her areas of interest include the well elderly, stroke and traumatic brain injury treatment, and dementia care.
Kari Davidowitz, COTA, CBIS
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Kari Davidowitz is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in Central New Jersey. She currently sees clients in both Occupational and Cognitive Therapy. Davidowitz has an Associate’s degree in Health Science from Rutgers University SHRP and is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.
Katrina Dodson
Occupational Therapist
Katrina Dodson is a board certified and NBCOT certified Occupational Therapist with 12 years experience working in adult rehabilitation. Katrina graduated from The University of Scranton in 2005 with a degree in Psychology. She received her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University in 2007. Before joining Bancroft in 2017, Katrina worked in the areas of inpatient neuro rehabilitation at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as in acute care, driver rehabilitation, homecare and outpatient neurological/orthopedic rehab in the Virtua Health System. Katrina maintains a special interest in all neurological rehabilitation including Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Parkinson’s Disease and other Neurological Disorders. She is currently studying in preparation to sit for the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists examination in August 2020.
Vanessa Edwards, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Vanessa Edwards earned her bachelors of science in Communication Disorders from Bloomsburg University in 2007 and her masters of science in Speech-Language Pathology from Bloomsburg University in 2009. She completed her clinical fellowship year at Berks Heim county skilled nursing facility in 2010 and transitioned to a subacute rehab in Glenside, PA. Within the subacute rehab, she was the primary speech-language pathologist, treating patients of varying diagnoses and severity levels while also completing managerial duties as needed. During this time, Vanessa became VitalStim certified, allowing her to utilize neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) modality to assist with dysphagia rehabilitation. With an increased interest in neurological deficits, Vanessa furthered her career at Moss Rehab, providing therapeutic intervention, primarily, to acute inpatient and outpatient traumatic brain injury patients and within the acute care department. She was able to improve upon her clinical skills within this population by gaining experience with minimally responsive patient’s in acute rehab due to severe brain injuries to post-concussive syndrome in a transitional outpatient setting. Vanessa is currently employed by Bancroft NeuroRehab since 2016, providing services to residential and community outpatient neurological population. She received her certification brain injury specialist in 2016. Vanessa provides mentorship and supervision to graduate students during their affiliations from various Universities including Temple University, LaSalle University, and Penn State University. Annually, she presents at Bloomsburg University to graduate students on therapeutic interventions related to spinal cord injuries and use of NMES for dysphagia rehabilitation. Other presentations include concussion management/interventions (SLP and neuropsychology approach), discipline specific case studies, dysphagia management on nursing units, and video-fluoroscopic swallowing competency measures.
Gertrud Ferst, PT, CBIS
Physical Therapist
Gertrud Ferst is a licensed Physical Therapist with Bancroft NeuroRehab in Plainsboro and Toms River New Jersey, working with brain injured individuals for the past five years. Gertrud is a certified Brain Injury specialist and is also certified in LSVT-BIG, specializing in treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease. Gertrud graduated from New York University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Physical Therapy. She has over thirty-six years experience and has had extensive experience in the treatment of patients in acute care, outpatient and long term care settings. Gertrud worked in subacute rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities for fourteen years, evaluating and treating short-term rehabilitation and long term care patients with diverse diagnoses such as joint replacements and various orthopedic diagnoses, amputees, dementia, stroke and other neurological diagnoses, cardiac, and respiratory conditions. She worked in acute care for sixteen and a half years, evaluating and treating inpatients and outpatients with assorted diagnoses and conditions. Throughout her thirty-six years as a physical therapist, she has served as a clinical instructor, supervising students in a variety of clinical settings.
Diane Georgetti
PT, Board Certified in Neurologic Rehabilitation
Diane received her bachelor’s degree in health science and her master’s of physical therapy at The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now University of the Sciences) in 1989. She earned her board certification in neurological physical therapy in 1994, and was re-certified in 2004 and 2014. She has spent most of her career at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia in both inpatient and outpatient settings, where she gained extensive experience in spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, vestibular rehab, and locomotor training. In 2020 she earned her certification in PWR Moves which is a Parkinson specific exercise program to address the motor and cognitive issues seen in those with Parkinson’s Disease. Diane also has experience in the home health setting. Diane continues to find working with people with neurological issues to be challenging, fun, and very worthwhile.
Jennifer Girgenti, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS
Speech-Language Pathologist
Jennifer Girgenti is a New York and New Jersey certified speech-language pathologist. She earned her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY and is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Prior to starting at Bancroft in 2015, she worked for twelve years with adults with various developmental disabilities including autism and those with TBI in both day program and residential settings. Ms. Girgenti provides evidence-based speech and language therapy as well as cognitive therapy to promote functional communication and independence in the clients she serves.
Lisa Golod, OTR/L, CBIS
Occupational Therapist
Lisa Golod has 28 years of experience in occupational therapy. Prior to Bancroft, Lisa worked in an elementary school for children with special needs for 9 years, skilled nursing and long term care facilities for 4 years, home care for 1 year, and a day treatment program / residential for adults with cerebral palsy for 6 years. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist since 2013 and is currently completing Saebo certification. Lisa spends her days in the Plainsboro office working with adults in the day treatment program, outpatient services, and residential programs.
Jillian Gordon MS, OTR/L, CBIS
Occupational Therapist
Jillian Gordon is a licensed and NBCOT registered occupational therapist working at Bancroft NeuroRehab’s Resnick Center. Jillian attended Rider University for her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, minor in Psychology, prior to completing Stockton University’s Masters of Science Occupational Therapy program. Jillian has practiced brain injury rehabilitation for over 8 years in inpatient acute rehabilitation, residential, and outpatient settings. In addition to being a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), Jillian acquired an LSVT BIG certification to expand her practice with individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Jillian currently works mainly with Bancroft NeuroRehab’s South Jersey residential team to support resident participation in desired and necessary activities in their home, at day program, and in the community. In addition to working with adults, Jillian has experience in school, community, and clinic-based pediatric occupational therapy.
Rhonda Harpster
Cognitive Therapist
Cerise Karmondy, M.A. CCC-SLP, CBIS
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cerise Karmondy is a speech-language pathologist, joining Bancroft NeuroRehab in 2017. She is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association and is certified as a brain injury specialist by the Brain Injury Association of America.
At Bancroft NeuroRehab in Toms River, she provides clinical services to patients who have sustained brain injuries or have other neurological conditions in both day and outpatient programs. As a graduate of Montclair State University, she received both her Bachelor’s degree in linguistics and Master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. It was while she was a student clinician that she discovered her passion for working with adults recovering from acquired brain injuries. Following her graduate studies she worked in the in-patient rehabilitation and skilled nursing setting.
Poornima Katakam
Physical Therapist
Poornima Katakam has worked as a Physical Therapist since 1995, with experience in various settings, including acute care, acute rehab, subacute rehab, outpatient and home care. She completed her Bachelor of Physical Therapy while living in India, and earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.
She enjoys staying up-to-date on developments in physical therapy research and applying that knowledge to treat patients using an evidence-based approach. Her experience includes treatment of geriatric patients with various Neurologic, Orthopedic and Cardiovascular diagnoses. She has taken specialized courses on stroke rehabilitation, the NIH Stroke Scale, low vision rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation, and received her LSVT BIG certification.
Amy Kramer
Occupational Therapist
Amy Kramer graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in 1994 with a post baccalaureate certificate in Occupational Therapy. She worked at Thomas Jefferson University hospital from 1994-1997 and then became a stay at home mother for 7 years while raising her 5 children. She returned to working as an occupational therapist in 2004 and has been working with stroke and brain injury patients ever since, first at Independence Rehab and then with Bancroft Neuro Rehab (since 2016). She became Saebo certified in 2005 and obtained certification as a brain injury specialist (CBIS) in August, 2020. She is also certified in using physical agent modalities.
Amy has a strong commitment to helping individuals and families affected by mental illness. She is a board member of NAMI Camden County and co-teaches a family-to-family support class.
Linda Paul, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Linda Paul is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist. She also holds a Speech Language Specialist certificate from the New Jersey Department of Education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Sciences and Disorders from Montclair State College and earned her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Rutgers University. She completed her Clinical Fellowship at New Lisbon Developmental Center a long-term care facility. During her time at this facility she acted as a Speech Specialist I and eventually became Department Supervisor of the Speech/Language/Hearing Department. Here, she gained experience in evaluating and treating residents from a wide range of impairments including cognitive, communicative, and swallowing disorders. Linda participated as a member of the Physical/Nutritional Management team to proactively prevent debilitating health issues. In 2013, she began her employment with Bancroft NeuroRehab, providing speech therapy services for individuals with neurological disorders as well as traumatic and acquired brain injury.
Emily Lertzman, M.A. CCC-SLP, CBIS
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Emily Letzman is a licensed and NBCOT certified occupational therapy assistant. She graduated from Rutgers University in 2012 to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Sport Studies with a minor in psychology. She then attended Philadelphia University and graduated summa cum laude in 2017 to become an occupational therapy assistant. Prior to working at Bancroft NeuroRehab’s Resnick Center, Emily worked in a skilled nursing facility for one year. Emily is also a certified brain injury specialist.
Katie Love, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Katie Love is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2009 from St. Vincent College. In 2014, Katie earned her Master’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University. She completed her Clinical Fellowship at Lutheran Crossings, Genesis Rehab, a sub-acute and long-term care facility. Here, she gained experience in evaluating and treating residents for a wide range of impairments including cognitive, communicative, and swallowing disorders. In 2015, she began her employment with Bancroft NeuroRehab, providing speech therapy services for individuals with neurological disorders as well as traumatic and acquired brain injury. Katie received training and certification in 2016 for LSVT LOUD in order to treat individuals with voice disorders due to Parkinson’s disease.
Sari Mintz, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Sari Mintz is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist. She earned her Bachelors of Arts degree from Ithaca College and her Masters of Science Degree from George Washington University in 1981. Ms. Mintz has been working in the field of adult neuro-rehabilitation since that time. She has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient clinics. Her areas of interest and specialties include stroke and traumatic brain injuries in adults.
Jeffrey Noonan
Cognitive Therapist
Jeffrey Noonan is a cognitive therapist at Bancroft NeuroRehab’s south jersey day program. Jeff earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Widener University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Wilmington College. He is also a certified brain injury specialist. Jeff has 18 years of experience providing therapy for adults with traumatic brain injuries.
Rose Orichowskyj
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cassandra Pietrus, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Cassandra Pietrus has been a speech-language pathologist since 2011. She received her undergraduate degree from The College of New Jersey in 2009 and her master’s degree from Kean University in 2011. She has worked in sub-acute rehabilitation, acute rehabilitation, outpatient, long-term care, and assisted living settings. Cassandra is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association. She is certified in LSVT LOUD, Myofascial Release, and VitalStim. She provides supervision to graduate students during their externships from a variety of universities including Stockton University and Nova Southeastern University.
Alicia Roselli MA, MT-BC, NMT, CBIS
Cognitive Therapist, Music Therapist
Alicia Roselli is a board certified music therapist who completed her graduate studies in music therapy at Berklee College of Music, and her undergraduate program at Immaculata University. In 2011, Alicia obtained certification in Neurologic Music Therapy at Colorado State University, an evidence-based practice that specializes in evidence based treatment of music perception, production, and cognition intended towards rehabilitative and developmental goals. Within her graduate program, Alicia conducted research regarding sensory integration in music therapy as a form of self-regulation for youth with disabilities.
Throughout the past five years of practice, Alicia has worked extensively with individuals with disabilities, including adults with severe neurodegenerative disabilities, traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, as well as youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through her cumulative experience, Alicia adamantly believes that music therapy begins with meeting the client where he or she is at, and utilizes a holistic, evidence-based approach to promote health and wellness for the clients she has the honor to work with.
Jennifer Sabo, OTR/L, CBIST
Occupational Therapist
Jennifer received her degree in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University in 1995. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer, a brain injury fundamentals teacher and certified Saebo provider. Jennifer is also AOTA certified as an Academic Fieldwork Educator. Jennifer has over 25 years of experience in a wide variety of settings, including acute psychiatric, sub-acute, skilled nursing facilities and home care. She has been with BancroftNeuro Rehab since 2011, and works in the Central Jersey program.
Nicole Schwartz, OTR/L, OTD, CBIST
Occupational Therapist
Nicole Schwartz is a licensed and NBCOT registered occupational therapist working at Bancroft NeuroRehab’s Toms River location. She is also a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. In addition to being a Certified Brain Injury Specialist by the Brain Injury Association of America, Nicole acquired an LSVT BIG certification which specializes in the treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease.
As a graduate of Misericordia University, Nicole received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology along with both her Master’s and clinical Doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy. Nicole also has experience in sub-acute rehab, memory care assisted living, and outpatient pediatrics. Nicole finds that working with those with neurological injuries encourages her to continue to stay educated on the variety of treatment opportunities that present for those with brain injuries along with being a very fun and challenging area in which to work.
Megan Smith, PTA, CBIS
Physical Therapy Assistant and Rehab Aide
Megan Smith is a licensed physical therapist assistant in Plainsboro and Toms River. She received her associates degree in PTA at Mercer County Community College. She is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.
Amanda Tubic
Cognitive Therapist
Amanda Tubic is a Cognitive Activities Specialist who facilitates groups that focus on orientation, memory, and social engagement. She transitioned to a Cognitive Rehabilitation Specialist in 2017, providing individual as well as group therapy sessions. She provides cognitive therapy services to both residential and outpatient clients which includes targeting executive functioning skills, social engagement, and community integration skills to increase independence.
Amanda Wu, PT, DPT, CBIS, Board Certified in Neurologic Rehabilitation
Physical Therapist
Dr. Wu is a physical therapist with board certification in neurologic physical therapy. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 followed by a doctor of physical therapy degree from University of Delaware in 2010. She then specialized in treating individuals following neurologic injury in both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings at MossRehab until 2015, gaining experience in brain injury, stroke, vestibular rehab, and spinal cord injury. In 2015 she left MossRehab to join Bancroft NeuroRehab. She acquired an LSVT BIG certification in 2015 to expand her practice with individuals with Parkinson’s Disease as well her brain injury specialist certification in 2016. Over the past year, she has taken special interest in providing care to those following concussion and assisted in development of a post concussive treatment protocol. She has also now become a certified yoga teacher to expand her knowledge and expertise with use of alternative practices to improve outcomes with the neurologic population.
Jamie Young PT, DPT
Staff Physical Therapist
Dr. Young graduated from the University of Montana’s School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science in May of 2015. Dr. Young worked for 2 years in the inpatient rehabilitation unit at Benefis Health System in Great Falls, Montana then completed the MossRehab Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania where she received advanced training for physical therapy for individuals with neurologic diagnosis. She became ABPTS Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy in March, 2019.
Natalia Morales
Rehabilitation Aide
Natalia works as a rehabilitation aide at Bancroft Neurorehab in Plainsboro, NJ. She graduated in 2019 with a Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences and a minor in Behavioral Neuroscience. She plans to pursue a M.S degree in Occupational therapy in the near future. She loves working with person served and coworkers here at Bancroft and forming a great relationship with each and every individual. She hopes to continue working closely with person served and learning new things.