Kessler Foundation Disability Rehabilitation Research And Employment

Mindful Meditation Ep. 2 Extended - 10-MInute Awareness of Breath Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will offer a short and extended version without music, voice only. What is mindful meditation? Mindfulness is the caring, compassionate, nonjudgmental awareness of our own experience and everything going on around us. Meditation involves the practices we do to develop the skill and capacity to develop mindful awareness. The instructor in this series is Siobhan Gibbons, EdD, a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. Since 2010 she has been teaching stress management, mindfulness meditation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She completed her EdD in counseling psychology at Rutgers University Graduate School of

Mindful Meditation Ep. 1 - Welcome Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will offer a short and extended version without music, voice only. What is mindful meditation? Mindfulness is the caring, compassionate, nonjudgmental awareness of our own experience and everything going on around us. Meditation involves the practices we do to develop the skill and capacity to develop mindful awareness. The instructor in this series is Siobhan Gibbons, EdD, a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. Since 2010 she has been teaching stress management, mindfulness meditation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She completed her EdD in counseling psychology at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. She also completed

Mindful Meditation Ep. 2 - 5-MInute Awareness of Breath Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will offer a short and extended version without music, voice only. What is mindful meditation? Mindfulness is the caring, compassionate, nonjudgmental awareness of our own experience and everything going on around us. Meditation involves the practices we do to develop the skill and capacity to develop mindful awareness. The instructor in this series is Siobhan Gibbons, EdD, a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. Since 2010 she has been teaching stress management, mindfulness meditation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She completed her EdD in counseling psychology at Rutgers University Graduate School of Education

Mindful Meditation Ep. 5 - 5-Minute Silence with Bell Tones Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will offer a short and extended version without music, voice only. What is mindful meditation? Mindfulness is the caring, compassionate, nonjudgmental awareness of our own experience and everything going on around us. Meditation involves the practices we do to develop the skill and capacity to develop mindful awareness. The instructor in this series is Siobhan Gibbons, EdD, a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. Since 2010 she has been teaching stress management, mindfulness meditation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She completed her EdD in counseling psychology at Rutgers University Graduate School of Educat

Most Likely to Survive: Matt Faulkner Read the transcript: https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/KesslerFoundation-2023%20Winter%20Brainstorm_Most%20Likely%20to%20Survive%20-%20Matt%20Faulkner.pdf At age 18, Matt Faulkner’s entire life changed in an instant. In this powerful podcast, the co-author of the book Most Likely to Survive and subject of the documentary "Recovery," recounted his journey from near death to remarkable recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). After spending almost two months in a coma, he underwent intensive neurological rehabilitation and managed to walk across the stage at his high school graduation just 103 days after his accident. He discusses how intense rehabilitation, support of friends and family, and personal fortitude helped him accept his situation, stressing that because of neuroplasticity, the brain can always change and adapt to new challenges. This podcast was presented as part of the Winter 2023 BrainStorm speaker series recorded on February 23,

Life at Kessler Foundation - Episode 7 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/ray%20ruben-recruiting-and-motivating-participants-for-tbi-and-ms-research-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Ray Ruben, a research assistant in the center for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Research, discusses their dedication to recruiting and interacting with study participants to further the Foundation’s research in TBI and multiple sclerosis (MS). Listen to what encourages and motivates them to continue working on the long-term study called "Understanding and Creating New Memories." https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/studies/understanding-and-creating-new-memories Learn more about Ray, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/ray-ruben the Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury Interested in participating in the study mentioned in this podcast? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/studies/understanding-

Life at Kessler Foundation - Episode 8 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/Life%20at%20Kessler%20Foundation-Returning%20for%20a%20New%20Job_Title_and%20Responsibilities-Stephanie%20Jamenez-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Stephanie Jimenez, a senior research coordinator in the Center for Outcomes and Assessment Research at Kessler Foundation, began her career here as a research assistant. Since then, she went back to school for her master’s degree in social work at New York University and returned to the Foundation a few years later. Now, she implements her superior management sense and engages research study recruits, focus groups, and clinicians for the scientists in her Center. She is also a mentor for research assistants moving up through the system like she did. Hear more of her story in an interview with Creative Producer Joan Banks-Smith. Learn more about: Stephanie Jimenez, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/stephanie-jimenez Center for Outcomes an

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/Using%20nerve%20transfer%20to%20restore%20hand%20and%20arm%20function%20after%20spinal%20cord%20injury-Dr-Ida-Fox-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Welcome to the 2022 Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System Lecture Series. This podcast features Ida Fox, MD, FACS, professor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MS. In this series, Dr. Fox discussed advancements in upper extremity reconstruction in cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) that have provided the opportunity to improve function and quality of life in people living with SCI. She described current approaches to restoring hand and upper extremity function in people with cervical SCI. Dr. Fox then reviewed the physiology of nerve transfer procedures (early

Fast Takes – Episode 47 Welcome to a Fast Takes #WomenInScience podcast honoring the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrated on February 11, 2023. This United Nations initiative recognizes the critical role of women and girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields and calls for strengthening their participation. Kessler Foundation’s staff includes 70 percent female employees (compared with 30 percent national average in STEM) making significant contributions to rehabilitation research advances. Producer Joan Banks-Smith interviewed Dr. Ada X. Chen, PhD, MPH, postdoctoral fellow, Center for Employment and Disability Research, about leaving China to study in Scotland and the U.S., her work at the Foundation, and how mentors have influenced her career choices. Learn more about: Ada X. Chen, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/ada-x-chen-phd Kessler Foundation Learning Center, https://www.kflearn.org Center for Employment and Disabi

Speaker Glenn Bott relayed his personal journey on starting over after traumatic brain injury (TBI). He shared many proven recovery tactics with other individuals with TBI. Some of his "undaunted resiliency" tips included remain confident, expect success, and reinvent yourself and your vision for the future. This was presented as part of a speaker series on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. This series is supported by Kessler Foundation, the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System, and by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), Grant #90DPTB0003. View the presentation slides at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-12/2022%20Fall%20BrainStorm_Undaunted%20Resiliency-Falling%207%20Times%2C%20Getting%20up%208%20by%20Glenn%20Bott.pdf Interested in joining a study? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/studies/traumatic-brain-injury

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/Impacts%20of%20Prism%20Adaptation%20Treatment%20on%20Spatial%20Neglect%20and%20Rehabilitation%20Outcome%20-%20Dosage%20Matters-Ep46.pdf In this episode, Peii (Peggy) Chen, PhD, senior research scientist in the Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research at Kessler Foundation, talks about her journal article, “Impacts of Prism Adaptation Treatment on Spatial Neglect and Rehabilitation Outcome: Dosage Matters,” e-published on June 8, 2022, in the journal Annals of Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. Dr. Chen discusses whether the number of prism adaptation treatment (PAT) sessions in regular clinical practice would predict spatial neglect (SN) improvement and rehabilitation outcomes.  Funding source: This work was supported by Kessler Foundation, Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement, and the Charles and Ann Serraino Foundation. Learn more about: Dr. Peii Chen, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Peii%20

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/managing-your-memory_by-sarah-a-raskin-phd-2022-summer-brainstorm-TRANSCRIPT.pdf There are dozens of techniques people with brain injury can apply in their daily lives to help them learn and retain memories. Listen to Sarah A. Raskin, PhD, Charles A. Dana Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Trinity College, Hartford, CT, detail various approaches to improve cognitive functioning after brain injury in “Managing Your Memory,” presented as part of a speaker series on July 28, 2022.     This series is supported by Kessler Foundation, the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System, and by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), Grant #90DPTB0003. View the presentation slides at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/Summer-2022-BrainStorm-Presentation-Slides-with-Notes_Managing%20Your%20Memory%20-%20Sarah%20A.%20Raskin_0.pdf VIew

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-08/neuroimaging-study-reveals-fatigue-related-differences-by-age-and-gender-ep45%2025AUG22.pdf In this episode, Glenn Wylie, DPhil, director of the Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center at Kessler Foundation talks about his peer-reviewed article, “Fatigue across the lifespan in men and women: State vs Trait,” published on May 9, 2022, in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.   Dr. Wylie explained his findings, which included while older adults reported themselves to have the same fatigue “burden” (trait fatigue) as younger adults, they nevertheless reported experiencing less fatigue while they were performing a task (state fatigue). 
Funding source: This work was supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,  the New Jersey Commission for Brain Injury Research, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Kessler Foundation.    Learn more about:  Dr.  Glenn Wylie, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Glenn%20Wylie   

Fast Takes – Episode 44 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/Dr.%20Helen%20Genova%20leads%20new%20center%20for%20autism%20research-Ep44.pdf In this episode, Helen Genova, PhD, head of Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research established this year, discusses how she has implemented innovative studies, technological advances, and community involvement to address the complex issues affecting individuals on the autism spectrum. Dr. Genova details some of the Center’s work including identifying strengths and improving job interview skills of transition-aged youth, investigating the science behind brain networks, and directly engaging the autism community to ensure the research is meaningful and accessible. Learn more about: Dr. Helen Genova, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen-Genova Center for Autism Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/autism-research Join a study - https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/studies/autism ====================

Fast Takes - Episode 43 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/Neuroprotective%20effects%20of%20exercise%20for%20multiple%20sclerosis%20warrant%20thorough%20investigation-Ep43-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this episode, Dr. Brian Sandroff, senior research scientist in our Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, talks about his peer-reviewed article, “Exercise training in multiple sclerosis” published in April 2022, in the journal The Lancet Neurology. Co-authors: Brian M. Sandroff, Robert W. Motl, V. Wee Yong, Gary R. Cutter, Gavin Giovannoni Learn more about: Dr. Brian Sandroff, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/brian-m-sandroff-phd Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/center-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research The peer-reviewed article at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147444222200045X Tuned into our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries

Fast Takes - Episode 40 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/Dr.%20B.%20Sandroff%20on%20cognition%2C%20fitness%20and%20physical%20activity%20in%20progressive%20multiple%20sclerosis-Ep40-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this episode, Brian Sandroff, PhD, senior research scientist in the Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, talks about his peer-reviewed article, “Cardiorespiratory fitness and free-living physical activity are not associated with cognition in persons with progressive multiple sclerosis: Baseline analyses from the CogEx study,” published on October 1, 2021, in the journal Multiple Sclerosis. Funding source: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (grant no. #EGID3185) Learn more about: Dr. Brian Sandroff at  https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/brian-m-sandroff-phd Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research - https://kesslerfoundation.org/center-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research The pee

Fast Takes - Episode 42 In this episode, Brian Sandroff, PhD, senior research scientist in the Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, talks about his peer-reviewed article, “Developing the Rationale for Including Virtual Reality in Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exercise Training Approaches for Managing Cognitive Dysfunction in MS,” published in April 2022, in the journal NeuroSci. He discusses how virtual reality could increase sensory input and promote multisensory integration and processing during rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis. Learn more about: 
Dr. Brian Sandroff, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/brian-m-sandroff-phd Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/center-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research The peer-reviewed article at www.mdpi.com/2673-4087/3/2/15 Co-authors: Carly L. A. Wender, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/carly-wender, John DeLuca, https://kesslerf

Fast Takes - Episode 41 In this episode, Dr. Lauren Strober, senior research scientist in our Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, talks about her peer-reviewed article, “Keeping it together: The role of social integration on health and psychological well-being among individuals with multiple sclerosis ” published on March 24, 2022, in the journal Health and Social Care in the Community. Funding Source: National Institutes of Health (grant number: K23HD069494) and the Robert E. Leet & Clara Guthrie Patterson Trust Learn more about: Dr. Lauren Strober, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Lauren%20Strober Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/center-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research The peer-reviewed article at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/hsc.13800 Co-authors: Elena M. Latinsky-Ortiz Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundat

Fast Takes - Ep39 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-05/Researching%20novel%20approaches%20for%20treating%20neuropathic%20pain%20and%20chronic%20fatigue%20-%20Ep39-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Historically, it was believed that the brain stopped growing after childhood. We now know the contrary to be true. Neuroscience has confirmed that our brains change throughout our lives, from birth to death. The brain’s ability to rewire its circuitry and make adaptive changes, known as neuroplasticity, is why recovery after injury is possible. But much about neuroplasticity is not well understood. Our researchers are using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and real-time neurofeedback capabilities to conduct several novel pilot studies. Their goal is to correlate changes in the brain to changes in behavior and function. In this episode, Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation, spoke with three researchers about their latest studies (see specific list below

Fast Takes - Ep 38 Read the transcript - https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-05/Dr.%20Brian%20Sandroff%20on%20improving%20cognition%20in%20multiple%20sclerosis%20with%20treadmill%20exercise%20training%20-%20Ep38-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this episode, Brian Sandroff, PhD, senior research scientist in the Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation talks about his peer-reviewed article, “Effects of walking exercise training on learning and memory and hippocampal neuroimaging outcomes in MS: A targeted, pilot randomized controlled trial,” published in November 2021, in the journal Contemporary Clinical Trials. The study’s goal was to evaluate whether aerobic exercise training, specifically walking exercise, was associated in improvements in learning and memory in people with MS who have objective impairment in learning and memory. Funding Source: EMD Serono Learn more about: Dr. Brian Sandroff,  https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/brian-m-sandr