Education at your fingertips.
BIANJ hosts a series of webinars throughout the year and maintains a library relevant to survivors, caregivers, service providers, and everyone in between. View the list below to register for upcoming webinars, or view past presentations. If you’re in need of further assistance, please give our helpline a call at 1-800-669-4323.
Cultivating Mental Health After Brain Injury: Strategies for Emotional Well-being and Recovery
January 7th, 12PM – 1PM
Presenter: Joshua Cohen, PhD
Description:
In this webinar, we will discuss the various challenges individuals with mild, moderate, or severe brain injuries may encounter, and how tailored approaches can address each person’s unique needs. This presentation will also provide an opportunity for open discussion on the mental health difficulties that can arise after brain injury, along with strategies and techniques that may offer support and improvement.
Presenter Bios:
Joshua Cohen, PhD
After graduating with a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Cohen went on to earn a PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Michigan. He then completed a two year post-doctoral fellowship in rehabilitation psychology and neuropsychology at the University of Michigan Hospital. Much of Dr. Cohen’s work as a neuropsychologist has included helping patients in hospital settings, including the JFK Center for Brain Injuries and Children’s Specialized Hospital.
Dr. Cohen currently serves as faculty at Rutgers University where he teaches graduate students about various topics related to neuropsychology. He also appreciates the opportunity to provide clinical services to individuals and their families through Two Rivers Behavioral Health and Neuropsychology located in Oceanport, NJ.
Brain Injury Caregiving: Navigating Challenges and Helpful Tips
February 19th, 12 PM – 1 PM
Presenter: Elizabeth Van Roten
Description:
This presentation explores the multifaceted role of a caregiver. In this presentation, we will address common challenges such as burnout, stress, apathy, and behavioral issues. We will explore potential strategies for self-care and time management, which are essential for maintaining personal well-being and preventing burnout. Additionally, we will cover practical issues such as medical and financial decision-making and planning ahead. Caregivers will be equipped with practical tools and insights to enhance their caregiving experience and sustain their own health and wellbeing.
Presenter Bios:
Elizabeth Van Roten, MSW, LCSW
Elizabeth Van Roten joined the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey as the Director of Support Servies in March of 2023. Elizabeth completed her Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Pace University and earned her Master’s degree in Social work from Columbia University. She got her start in the field of neurology as a movement disorders social worker and Center of Excellence Coordinator at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) Movement Disorders where she spent 6 years assisting individuals with movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, and their families. She also spent time as the Outpatient Neurology Social Work manager at CUIMC, overseeing a team of 5 social workers covering various other specialties in neurology (aging/dementia, ALS, epilepsy, etc.). In her current role as Director, Elizabeth oversees the supportive programs offered by BIANJ, including the CARES free resource facilitation services, brain injury support group network, Peer Mentor Program, and helpline. She has a particular interest in the intersection of health and mental health, health disparities, and community education.
Navigating Dating & Relationships After Brain Injury
March 4th, 12 PM – 1 PM
Presenter: Kathryn Murray, Psy. D
Description:
In this presentation, we will discuss the potential for changes in physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning after brain injury and how these impact current and new relationships. We will highlight the importance of communication in expressing wants, needs, and expectations to navigate new or existing relationships. Individuals can be conflicted about what to say or whether to share information about their brain injury when meeting new people. We will explore this personal decision about how much to disclose. Health care providers will learn ways to sensitively open the conversation about relationships and intimacy after brain injury. Survivors and families will learn strategies to ask their providers for help and information on intimate relationships.
Presenter Bio:
Kathryn Murray, Psy.D.
Dr. Kathryn 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. At Bancroft NeuroRehab, Dr. Murray provides psychological services to residential individuals and outpatients with a history of brain injury or other neurological conditions. She manages the graduate student training program (practicum) and the neuropsychological evaluations for the residential individuals at Bancroft NeuroRehab.
Traumatic Brain Injury in Service Members and Veterans: Symptoms, Support, Advocacy, and Wellness
May 19th, 12 PM – 1 PM
Presenter: Jenieve Guevarra, MD
Description:
In this webinar, we will discuss:
· Prevalence of traumatic brain injury in service members and veterans.
· Current screening methods and guidelines regarding return to duty for active service members.
· Acute, subacute, and chronic symptoms that may arise from injury
· Current guidelines for management and wellness and available resources for service members/veterans and their caregivers.
Presenter Bio:
Jenieve Guevarra, MD
Dr. Jenieve Guevarra is currently in her last year as a resident physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers University/ The Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation. She is actively interviewing for fellowship positions in brain injury medicine, her area of interest. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Neuroscience from Columbia University in the City of New York, a Masters in Biomedical Science in Neuroscience from the Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Science, and a Doctor of Medicine from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. She completed her preliminary year of Internal Medicine at Morristown Medical Center. Prior to medical school she performed research in neuroscience, immunology, and in traumatic brain injury laboratory groups from which she has authored and co-authored a number of peer-reviewed scientific articles. Finally, in addition to her work as a resident physician she has been an active service member of the United States Military as part of the New Jersey Army National Guard Medical Command (MEDCOM) Unit. She holds the rank of Captain and works primarily with service members injured in the line of duty as they rehabilitate to return to duty or to be medically discharged from the United States Military.