Presenters

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 Dr. Carrie Solomon, OTD, MSc, OTR/L

Carrie is an assistant professor and the doctoral capstone coordinator in the occupational therapy program at the University of Cincinnati. Carrie has several years of clinical experience in rehabilitation settings, primarily working with oncology and neurology populations. She is interested global health practices, holistic clinical care, and expanding occupational therapy roles in emerging settings. Current areas of research include fostering meaningful engagement and trauma processing in populations recovering from illness and injury; exploring the impact of infertility on roles, relationships, and occupations; and integrating inclusive, culturally responsive care into higher education. Carrie can be reached by email at solomocm@ucmail.uc.edu.

 

Marissa Visse, MS OTR/L, CBIS

Marissa Visse graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in August 2019 with her Master’s degree in

Occupational Therapy. She began her career in inpatient rehabilitation and also has experience in the long

term acute care setting. She currently works full time as an occupational therapist at Encompass Health

Rehabilitation Hospital of Cincinnati. She is a certified brain injury specialist and recently took the Certified

Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist Course.

 

Dr. Daniel Bowersox

Dr. Bowersox, originally from Iowa, graduated from Drake University with a degree in biology. He then attended the University of Missouri – St. Louis for his doctorate, (O.D.) degree. Dr. Bowersox has practices in Shelbyville and Louisville, KY. Dr Bowersox has served as both an examiner and a senior examiner for the Nation Board of Examiners in Optometry. (NBEO) He is a frequent lecturer to community and professional groups on binocular vision, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, helping students perform better, eye care and disease.  He has done claims reviews for insurance companies and has served as an expert witness in court proceedings. His primary areas of practice are the treatment of pediatric / binocular vision and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. Dr. Bowersox is an adjunct professor for Indiana University and a postdoctoral Residency Supervisor for Southern College of Optometry. He is a Fellow of the College of Optometrist in Vision Development, as well as a member of both the Optometric Extension Program and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.

 

 

Wendie Fauerbach, stroke survivor

Danielle Albin, PT, DPT, CSRS, LSVT BIG

 Wendie Fauerbach had a stroke in June of 2020. Her stroke affected the distal left ACA, causing hemiparesis of her right side. She is the mother to 3 daughters, wife of a former pilot, and a current dog loving mom. She went through inpatient rehab at Gateway and has had ongoing outpatient physical therapy at Saint Elizabeth.

 

Danielle Albin has been a physical therapist for 10 years and specializes in outpatient neuro. 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 Saint Elizabeth (Florence) for the past 4 years. She earned her stroke certification in 2014 and her LSVT BIG certification in 2015. She is passionate about serving our neuro population and has been working with Wendie in outpatient PT for the past 2.5 years.

 

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

Amu De Silva, PT, MS, DPT, NCS, GCS, CEEAA, is a passionate neuro-geriatric physical therapist, educator, mentor, and learner. She is a board certified clinical specialist in geriatric and neurologic physical therapy, certified exercise expert for aging adults, certified vestibular and concussion therapist, and LSVT Big Certified Therapist for people with Parkinson disease. Originally from India, Dr. De Silva immigrated to USA in 2008 to study exercise science at Miami University. After she graduated in 2009, she began working as a licensed physical therapist in sub-acute care setting. She obtained further degree in the doctor of physical therapy program from Shenandoah University in 2014.  Her area of expertise is in adult neurologic rehabilitation including working with people with Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Brain injury, Stroke, Spinal cord injury, and Dementia. She is well trained in vestibular diagnostic testing and vestibular rehabilitation. She has extensive clinical experience having worked in acute care, inpatient, skilled nursing facility, home health, and outpatient therapy settings.  She is currently an assistant professor at University of Cincinnati, Department of Physical Therapy, where she teaches adult neuro-rehabilitation and neuroscience courses. Her research interests include interpersonal coordination and joint action and its clinical application in neurogeriatric rehabilitation. She is currently getting her PhD in experimental psychology at University of Cincinnati. Besides playing the role of a teacher, student, and therapist, she is also a mother of two little humans.  

 

 

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

 Amanda Balser has been an occupational therapist for twenty-two 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.

 

Nick Wallace, ChSNC, RICP serves as co-guardian and trustee for his brother, Aaron, who has disabilities as
the result of a brain injury. Nick is the Founder and Financial Advisor of Wallace Financial, whose mission to
create more secure outcomes for families and their loved ones with disabilities. In the presentation, we will cover Nick’s Personal Experience, ABLE Accounts, Special Needs Trusts, Financial
Planning Strategies, and open Q & A.

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Survivor and Caregiver Breakout sessions:

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Saima Ritchie MS, OTR/L, CBIS and Erica Shelley PT, DPT

Saima has 8 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in the field of adult brain injury rehab. She is also the Central District Co-Chair for the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association. Erica has been a physical therapist for 4 years, with 3 years working specifically in the field of acquired brain injury rehab.

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Kristie Rolape MS-CCC/SLP and Katie Jones, MS, LPA

Kristie has been a speech-language pathologist for over 12 years.  The majority of her career has been spent treating adults with Traumatic Brain Injuries at NeuroRestorative. Her clinical experience also includes treatment for functional and organic voice disorders and intellectual disorders.  Kristie has had the honor assisting aspiring SLP’s as a Clinical Fellowship Mentor and as a graduate clinical supervisor. Her further experience as an acting/ directing tour artist has also been incorporated into fun and unique treatment sessions. Katie has been working as a counselor and behavior therapist at NeuroRestorative for almost three years. She is working towards her doctorate with a research emphasis on traumatic brain injury. Katie utilizes a variety of psychological interventions in her counseling sessions. She also develops behavioral support plans and provides education of their implementation.