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Neuropsychology Residency Handbook
Neuropsychology Residency Handbook
Table of Contents (Click or tap below to view)
Philosophy of the Residency Program 1
Structure of the Residency Program 1
Tracks 2
Rotations 3
Training Objectives 6
Didactics 6
Research 6
Application Process 7
Faculty Members / Department of Clinical Neuropsychology 9
Faculty Members / Center for Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation 16
Adjunct Faculty Members 20
Seminar/Conference Schedule 2021-2022 23
Campus Map 24
iBACK TO CONTENTS PAGE Philosophy of the Residency Program After completing doctoral studies in clinical psychology and/or clinical neuropsychology, extended clinical and research experience is expected for those wishing to pursue a career in clinical neuropsychology. The residency program at Barrow Neurological Institute is an APPCN member and meets the Houston guidelines for postdoctoral fellowship training in clinical neuropsychology. Graduates of this program are expected to be eligible for (and are encouraged to complete) specialty certification by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. At Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, individuals have the opportunity to be exposed to an exceptional variety of patients with neurological and neurosurgical conditions. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center among the best hospitals in the United States for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Barrow Neurological Institute, the neurological division at St. Joseph’s, has long been recognized for providing state-of-the-art care for people with brain and spine diseases and injuries. BNI has over 20 neurosurgeons on site, the largest neurosurgery residency program, and performs more neurosurgeries, than any other hospital worldwide. There is a Gamma Knife Center and the institute is also home to the Neuromodulation Center, which includes one of the nation’s busiest deep brain stimulation programs. The neuroradiology program is recognized as one of the best in the nation. BNI has a large neurology department that is home to an accredited epilepsy center, the Muhammad Ali Movement Disorders Clinic (which includes both a Parkinson’s Foundation and a Huntington’s Disease Society of America Center of Excellence), and the Fulton ALS Center, which is another one of our six Centers of Excellence. Barrow is home to one of the busiest brain tumor treatment centers in the U.S., which offers Phase 0 trials for glioblastomas, provides care to more stroke patients than any other center in the southwestern U.S., and is the only hospital in the nation that is triple certified by The Joint Commission in Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and Stroke. Barrow participates in the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium and has an Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Clinic. In addition, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center and has an inpatient neurorehabilitation unit with 46 beds. There are active residency programs in neurosurgery, neurology, and neuroradiology, in addition to the postdoctoral training program that we offer for advanced clinical work and studies in human neuropsychology. Our setting is primarily dedicated to person-focused, compassionate, empirically-based patient care, with heavy clinical demands placed on the resident. However, there is strong interest and support for research and education, and one day per week is dedicated to educational seminars and research. We believe this provides an excellent training setting and good balance of activities for aspiring clinician educators and clinician scientists. In addition to the solid clinical training program that exposes residents to a wide variety of patients with neurological conditions, the faculty neuropsychologists and rehabilitation psychologists in the Department of Clinical Neuropsychology provide clinical supervision, teaching seminars, and research opportunities. Please note that the BNI/SJHMC residency program does not include a pediatric neuropsychology program. BNI has a branch at Phoenix Children’s Hospital which has its own residency program for candidates primarily interested in pediatric neuropsychology. Structure of the Residency Program Barrow’s Postdoctoral Residency Program in Clinical Neuropsychology is a two-year program during which clinical, teaching, and research activities typically require a 50-hour work week. Residents in clinical neuropsychology are involved in direct patient care on several services in various settings at Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (SJHMC) that may include:
BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE • Outpatient Neuropsychological Consultation Service • Inpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit • Neurology/Neurosurgery Specialty Clinics • Muhammad Ali Movement Disorders Clinic • BNI-SJHMC Epilepsy Monitoring Unit • Center for Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation • SJHMC Inpatient Neuropsychological Consultation Service In addition, Barrow offers a growing number of clinic services within the hospital, including those pertaining to movement disorders, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and involvement in the busy lung and liver transplant programs. The Department of Clinical Neuropsychology also participates in a number of ongoing clinical research trials, especially as regards deep brain stimulation. Tracks Barrow offers two tracks of training within the Residency Program in Clinical Neuropsychology: • General clinical neuropsychology • Neurorehabilitation with a specialty in neuropsychological rehabilitation Residents must specify which track they are applying to. In general, application to both tracks is discouraged because it is highly unlikely that the alternate track would adequately meet the career interests of the person interested in a given track. Track 1: General Clinical Neuropsychology Individuals who seek training in general clinical neuropsychology obtain extensive clinical supervision in the neuropsychological evaluation of a wide range of patients at different age ranges (adolescence through late life). This track includes supervised training in appropriate record review, clinical interviewing, administration of neuropsychological tests, interpretation of test results and their integration with other medical and psychosocial information to arrive at defensible differential diagnoses and treatment plan and report writing. Residents also receive training in providing feedback to the patient regarding their findings in a manner that is clinically-sensitive and helpful to patients and their families. Within the context of this track, individuals spend their training time equally in each of the four rotations (in the general outpatient neuropsychology clinic and clinical neuroscience/research rotations in Year 1 and in the epilepsy and geriatric/movement disorders rotations in Year 2). A key component of the training program is supervision by multiple clinical neuropsychologists who have varying degrees of experience with different patient populations. The goal is to expose the resident to a wide variety of neurological and neurosurgical disorders and to familiarize them with the most meaningful way of assessing these patients and of coming up with practical and meaningful treatment programs or recommendations. In doing so, the resident learns to convert assessment information into practical healthcare decisions for the patient. This track also involves training in communicating with physicians in a manner that clarifies our neuropsychological understanding of the patient. Residents also obtain exposure to psychiatric co- morbidities in neurological and medical patient populations and receive training in how pre-existing psychiatric conditions can influence assessment results.
BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE As a part of this training program, residents may receive supervision in individual psychotherapy for selected patients. Residents in this track are given opportunities to participate in a wide variety of clinical research projects. Track 2: Neurorehabilitation with a specialty in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation The second track of training focuses on neurorehabilitation with a specialty in neuropsychological rehabilitation. Individuals who seek this training path frequently plan a career in the field of brain injury rehabilitation. They receive extensive training in the assessment of cognitive and personality disorders of brain-dysfunctional patients who are in acute and post-acute rehabilitation programs. Their primary focus is on learning methods of neuropsychological rehabilitation intervention to help patients become independent and return to a productive lifestyle. This track helps train clinical neuropsychologists to work within the context of an interdisciplinary team and to develop a positive working alliance with the patient as well as family members. Individuals who seek this track receive extensive training during their full year at the Center for Transitional Neuro- Rehabilitation (CTN) and 6 month rotation on the Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit (NRU) Neuropsychology Service settings. They also obtain some experience in cases of differential diagnosis through a 6 month rotation on the General Outpatient Neuropsychological Consultation Service. In addition, residents participate in research projects related to neurorehabilitation. Rotations The department is organized into four divisions and the general track resident will spend 6 months rotating in each of the four divisions over the two years; namely in the general outpatient neuropsychology and clinical neuroscience/research rotations in Year 1, and in the epilepsy and geriatric/movement disorders rotations in Year 2. The clinical neuroscience/research rotation in Year 1 consists of three months training on the inpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit, two months on neurology/neurosurgery, and one month of dedicated research time (this research time is in addition to a half day of protected research time per week throughout the entire program). Neurorehabilitation track residents usually spend their entire first year at the Center for Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation (CTN), and their second year rotating 6 months in each of the general outpatient neuropsychology clinic and in- and outpatient rehabilitation services. Outpatient Neuropsychological Consultation Service (General Outpatient Neuropsychology Rotation; Neurorehabilitation and General Track Residents) This rotation includes experiences on the adult outpatient neuropsychological consultation service. Residents working in the general outpatient service will assist in interviewing, assessing, providing feedback, and writing reports for patients with a wide variety of neurological conditions. Common diagnoses include dementias, epilepsy, movement disorders, concussions, other traumatic brain injuries, cerebrovascular accidents, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and other intracranial and neurodegenerative pathologies. Some patients are being considered for neurosurgical procedures or are being followed post- surgically. The majority of patients are adults, though a limited number of adolescents are also seen. Patients are typically referred by neurologists and neurosurgeons. Residents on this rotation will learn to quickly conceptualize cases, as we typically provide feedback to patients at the conclusion of each appointment. The Department of Clinical Neuropsychology is also involved in various clinical research drug and outcome studies.
BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE Inpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit (NRU; Neurorehabilitation and General Track Residents) Residents spend a major rotation developing skills for both acute inpatient and post-acute outpatient neuropsychological consultation for patients with CNS conditions seen in the rehabilitation setting. Patient populations include persons with traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumor, spinal cord injury, and a variety of CNS injuries and illnesses. The rotation primarily serves adults, but some adolescents (ages 15 and up) are also seen. Residents provide neuropsychological consultation to the 46-bed CARF-accredited inpatient NRU at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and the Barrow BRIDGE Neuro-Rehabilitation Program. Inpatient and outpatient consultation services include brief neuropsychological assessment, intervention including behavior management, psychoeducation, staff education, and interdisciplinary team collaboration. Residents serve in a consultant role to the NRU as part of a large interdisciplinary team that includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Recreation Therapy, Nursing, Rehabilitation Psychology/Neuropsychology, Physicians, and Care Managers. Neurorehabilitation track residents will spend 6 months on this rotation. General track residents will spend 3 months on this rotation during the Clinical Neuroscience/Research Rotation. Neurology/Neurosurgery Specialty Clinics (Clinical Neuroscience/Research Rotation; General Track Residents) The neurology/neurosurgery clinics portion of this rotation offers general track residents the opportunity to spend two months training with the neurology and neurosurgery fellows, residents, and medical students during each of the five sub-rotations as they see patients with attending neurologists or neurosurgeons as well as fellows and residents. Neuropsychology residents attend the same lectures and seminars as the other medical trainees while spending a week and a half rotating through Movement Disorders clinics and the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders program, and one week rotating through the Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, and Neuro-oncology Brain Tumor programs. The neurosurgery portion of this sub-rotation consists of a two-week shadowing and formal lecture educational experience which includes observing neurological surgery. Neuropsychology Research (Clinical Neuroscience/Research Rotation; General Track Residents) General track residents will spend one-month during the Clinical Neuroscience/Research rotation on developing, conducting, or completing their neuropsychology residency research project. Outpatient Geriatric Neuropsychological Consultation Service (Geriatric/Movement Disorders Rotation; General Track Residents) On the outpatient geriatric neuropsychology rotation, the resident will be able to participate in the care of older adults with suspected neurodegenerative diseases and dementias including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia, as well as mild cognitive impairment and normal aging. Older adults with other neurological conditions such as tumors, aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, and stroke are also evaluated in this clinic. Additionally, residents will be involved in the assessment and care of patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus both pre- and post-shunting. The Movement Disorders neuropsychology portion of the rotation offers the resident the opportunity to participate in the care of patients with a variety of movement and neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, atypical parkinsonism, psychogenic movement disorders, dystonia, Tourette syndrome, and Huntington’s disease. A strong emphasis of the rotation includes evaluation for candidacy and outcome after deep brain stimulation surgery and the evaluation of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. An opportunity exists for the resident to attend multidisciplinary case conferences, to participate in community outreach activities (e.g., lectures on coping and neurobehavioral dysfunction in movement disorders), and to observe surgery. The majority of patients are seen in
BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE consultation at the request of physicians at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center and the Center for Neuromodulation, but patients are referred from across the state and country. Opportunity exists for a resident to become involved in research in a defined role and to prepare publishable literature reviews. Epilepsy Consultation Service (Epilepsy and Epilepsy Surgery Rotation; General Track Residents) Residents working on the Epilepsy rotation participate in the care of patients with seizures, including epilepsy patients being considered for neurosurgical interventions. Some patients are found to have non- epileptic seizures or a combination of seizure types. Some of the patients evaluated are adults staying in inpatient rooms with 24-hour continuous video-EEG monitoring. Residents assist with interviewing, assessing, providing feedback, and writing reports. Additionally, residents on this rotation learn to administer Wada testing (both ICA and selective PCA), which occurs on an almost weekly basis. A particular strength of this rotation is the interdisciplinary approach to patient care, as the resident will regularly consult with epileptologists and neurology fellows, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and nursing staff. Residents will present cases in a weekly multidisciplinary consensus conference. Center for Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation (CTN Rotation; Neurorehabilitation Track Residents) CTN offers intensive, day-long treatment for older adolescents and adults with brain dysfunction (e.g., traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accident, arteriovenous malformation, epilepsy, anoxic injury, brain tumor). The program features holistic milieu-oriented outpatient treatment of cognitive, language, communication, physical, functional, emotional, interpersonal, spiritual, and quality of life needs. Family involvement is also an integral component to CTN’s treatment model. Treatment occurs in an interdisciplinary team setting (e.g., Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Dietician, Psychiatrist, Physiatrist, Social Worker, and a Recreational Therapist). CTN focuses on independence in the home and community and on productivity when patients return to work or school. Family members receive emotional support and learn about the patient’s strengths and limitations and how to assist the patient in functioning in the home and community. The resident is able to participate in a variety of activities including neuropsychological assessment, cognitive retraining, individual and group psychotherapy, job placement, a therapeutic milieu, family therapy, psychoeducation and skills groups, interdisciplinary team collaboration, and research. CTN offers six rehabilitation-oriented programs: • Home Independence Program • Work Re-Entry Program • School Re-Entry Program • Transitional Program • Fast Track Program • Refresher Program Acute Inpatient Consultation Service In addition to their assigned rotations, residents may obtain experience with the on-call faculty in inpatient consultation. Thus, this experience can be obtained during any rotation. This is not a stand-alone rotation; rather it is a general neuropsychology service provided in the hospital across a variety of inpatient departments including medical, surgical, cardiac, and neuroscience ICUs. Short evaluations to assist with differential diagnosis or transfer/discharge planning, including those that may go to inpatient rehabilitation, are the main goal of these consultations.
BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE Training Objectives Trainees will demonstrate that they can carry out the necessary assessment activities in order to qualify for various clinical neuropsychology job positions. Core to the work of clinical neuropsychology is the ability to conduct neuropsychological assessments of a wide variety of patients (e.g., those with TBI, CVA, epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, malignant and non-malignant brain tumors). Successful completion of either track offered at Barrow would meet this training objective. To facilitate assessment of progress in meeting educational objectives, residents take the written APPCN examination after each year of training. Residents also take a comprehensive mock oral exam and complete quarterly evaluations to assess their progress during the course of their training. Psychologists who finish residency programs typically seek state licensure and hospital privileges. Those agencies request from the Director of Clinical Training a statement about whether or not the individual is competent to carry out various services in order to obtain privileges. Residents who successfully complete either track are encouraged to seek board certification (ABPP) in clinical neuropsychology. Didactics All residents participate in six major teaching activities within the Department of Clinical Neuropsychology: • Residents Seminar • Neuroanatomy/Neuroimaging Seminar • Neuroscience Rounds (Neurology, Neurosurgery, and related Clinical Neurosciences) • Board Certification Seminar • Professional Issues Seminar • Residents Journal Club Other available teaching conferences will be negotiated with each resident depending on rotation (e.g., EMU Conference, Neurophysiology Conference, Brain Cutting, and DBS Conference). A calendar of the current didactics program can be found at the end of this document. Research Each resident is expected to produce a poster or oral presentation by the end of the first year of the program. By the end of the second year, a peer-reviewed manuscript, based on their work at BNI that is suitable for publication, will be completed. The paper or chapter may be a review, theoretical, or empirical contribution depending on the background and interest of the resident. This work may be related to the clinical work settings listed above. Many of the attending faculty are involved in ongoing research projects and are open to student involvement in those projects. Opportunities for the development of other research projects are also present. Previous residents have submitted grant proposals and presented at national conferences related to their work within the residency program. Subject to annual availability of funds, the program provides partial financial assistance for residents to attend one scientific conference each year. Currently the department provides $1,000.00 for residents presenting research completed at BNI, and $500.00 for residents attending a meeting or presenting work completed elsewhere (the expectation being that the home institution will also support the resident’s presentation).
BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE Application Process The program currently participates in the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN) match (note that the general and neurorehabilitation tracks have separate match identification codes). Individuals who are considered preferred candidates for this residency program must have obtained a doctorate degree in clinical psychology and/or clinical neuropsychology from an APA accredited program and an APA-accredited clinical internship. Candidates with doctoral degrees in counseling psychology, medical psychology, or behavioral medicine with education and experience in neuropsychology may also be considered. Applications from individuals whose training programs are not accredited at the time of application will not be reviewed. Because this is a postdoctoral program, we also do not accept applications from persons who would be “ABD” (all but dissertation) candidates at the time the fellowship begins. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must have unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. for the two-year duration of the residency before their application can be accepted. Applicants must confirm their citizenship/visa status in their letter of application. We are an equal opportunity program and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, disability or other minority status. Please send a letter outlining your interests and the track you are applying to, background experience, training goals, statement of citizenship/visa status, and the opportunities you seek during your postdoctoral residency, along with a current curriculum vitae and unofficial transcript of all graduate work to Krista D. Hanson, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Director of the Postdoctoral Residency Program, BNINeuropsychologyResidency@DignityHealth.org by December 10, 2021. Three letters of recommendation should also be submitted, as well as the APPCN Verification of Completion of Doctorate Form from the training director of the doctoral program (http://www.appcn.org/doctoral-training-verification), indicating that all requirements for graduation, including dissertation, will have been completed prior to September 1st and/or the start date of the residency for the following year. Application materials may be sent electronically or by mail. Applicants will be notified by early January 2022 if they will be invited for an interview. All interviews will be conducted remotely this year via Zoom. The general track interviews will occur on January 14 and January 21, 2022. Interviews for the neurorehabilitation track will begin the second week of January. Residents selected for training will be notified on the date designated by the Association for Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN). Please note that if information were to come to light after the match that would have precluded us from selecting you as a candidate, we reserve the right to withdraw our offer. Employment Information All residents are employees of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona and affiliated with Barrow Neurological Institute. The first year salary is competitive (currently $49,731.55 per annum) compared with other residency programs. There is a small salary increase for the second year of the program. In addition, as hospital employees, residents are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. Residents earn 24 days per year of PTO/Vacation/Sick Leave which is accrued at a rate of 7.38 hours every two weeks with additional leave benefits for extended illness. Residents also receive up to a maximum of five professional development/educational leave days per year pending approval from the training director.
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Certificate of Completion
After successfully completing a two-year residency program, the individual will receive a Certificate of
Completion diploma recognizing their accomplishments as a resident in Clinical Neuropsychology at
Barrow Neurological Institute.
Standards and Accreditation for the Residency
Presently, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association for Postdoctoral Programs in
Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN) have provided guidelines for appropriate training for postdoctoral
residents in clinical neuropsychology, which are consistent with the Houston conference guidelines. Our
residency program has developed policies and procedures to meet the requirements of those guidelines.
The BNI residency program is officially recognized as meeting all standards of the APPCN. This residency
site agrees to abide by the APPCN policy that no person at this facility will solicit, accept, or use any
ranking-related information prior to the release of the Match results from any residency applicant.
For further information or questions, please direct inquiries to:
Krista Hanson, Ph.D., ABPP-CN
Director of Clinical Training, Post-Doctoral Residency Programs
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology
Barrow Neurological Institute
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
222 West Thomas Road, Suite 315
Phoenix, AZ 85013
You may also contact Sheri Rowen, Residency Program Coordinator at 602-406-7771, or email us at
BNINeuropsychologyResidency@DignityHealth.org.
Faculty Members
Department of Clinical NeuropsychologyBACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Alexander I. Tröster
Professor and Chair, Department of Clinical
Neuropsychology
Director of Neuropsychology Research, Barrow
Neuromodulation Center
Ph.D. (University of California, San Diego & San Diego State
University)
ABPP – Clinical Neuropsychology
Dr. Tröster’s primary clinical interests are in the neuropsychology of movement disorders (especially
Parkinson’s disease and atypical Parkinsonism), dementia, amnesia, and neuropsychological assessment
in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery. His research interests lie in the assessment, definition, and
neural bases of mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease, and in the evaluation and prediction of
neurobehavioral and quality of life outcomes of deep brain stimulation for a variety of neurologic and
psychiatric conditions. Dr. Tröster has edited two books and published more than 220 peer-reviewed
articles and chapters. A past-president of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, Dr. Tröster also
serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society and on the
editorial boards of four other neuropsychology/neuroscience journals. He has served on NIH grant review
panels, on advisory panels to NINDS and Michael J Fox Foundation among others, on advisory board to
several medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies, on INS and Society for Clinical
Neuropsychology (APA) committees, and on task forces/study groups of the International Parkinson and
Movement Disorders Society (MDS). He is a past examiner for the American Board of Clinical
Neuropsychology. Dr. Tröster is a recipient of several awards from the National Academy of
Neuropsychology and his work has been recognized with fellowships in the National Academy of
Neuropsychology and the American Psychological Association. He enjoys mentoring, particularly residents
interested in careers as clinician-scientists or in non-traditional careers. Compassionate and excellent,
empirically-based patient care are his clinical aims.
Krista D. Hanson
Associate Professor, Department of Clinical
Neuropsychology
Training Director, Neuropsychology Residency Program
Ph.D. (University of Arizona)
ABPP – Clinical Neuropsychology
Dr. Hanson’s primary clinical interests are in geriatric neuropsychology and neurodegenerative disorders
including the assessment of mild cognitive impairment, differential diagnosis of dementia, and providing
meaningful, evidence-based recommendations for patients and their families. Movement disorders and
pre/post-surgical evaluations of deep brain stimulation candidates and individuals with normal pressure
hydrocephalus are additional areas of clinical practice. Dr. Hanson is board certified by the American
Board of Professional Psychology in the specialty of clinical neuropsychology. She is a member of the
American Psychological Association (Division 40), American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology,BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
National Academy of Neuropsychology, and International Neuropsychological Society. Dr. Hanson
received her doctorate and completed her internship in clinical neuropsychology at the University of
Arizona. Her postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology was completed at Barrow Neurological
Institute. Dr. Hanson’s research focuses on investigating the differences between pathological and non-
pathological cognitive aging, with an emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease, pre-Alzheimer’s cognitive decline,
and healthy cognitive aging. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease and other movement
disorders are areas of research interest as well.
Elsa Baena
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Department of Clinical
Neuropsychology
Ph.D. (University of Arizona)
Dr. Baena’s expertise includes the neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with a
variety of neurological diagnoses, including neurodegenerative conditions, acquired brain injuries,
cardiovascular diseases, and brain tumors. She also conducts pre- and postsurgical evaluations for deep
brain stimulation (DBS) and epilepsy surgery. She is fluent in English and Spanish. Dr. Baena earned her
doctorate in neuropsychology from the University of Arizona. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in
Spanish/cross-cultural adult neuropsychology at Baylor College of Medicine. Her research interests include
the neuropsychological assessment of Spanish-speaking individuals; cultural neuroscience of cognitive
aging, healthy aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer’s disease among Hispanic and Latin
American peoples; culturally appropriate cognitive rehabilitation interventions for treatment of MCI and
Alzheimer’s disease, and effective training strategies to work with underserved and linguistically diverse
communities.
Danielle Eagan
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Department of Clinical
Neuropsychology
Ph.D. (University of Texas at Austin)
ABPP – Clinical Neuropsychology
Dr. Eagan’s clinical interests emphasize neuropsychological evaluation of adults with a range of
neurodegenerative and immunological conditions. Her research interests include the effects of chronic
inflammation, autoimmune disease, and infectious disease on brain health and cognitive functioning. Dr.
Eagan received her doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. She completed her neuropsychology
internship at Emory University School of Medicine and her post-doctoral fellowship at McLean Hospital,
through the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Eagan is board certified by the
American Board of Professional Psychology in the specialty of Clinical Neuropsychology.BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Cynthia Funes
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Department of Clinical
Neuropsychology
Ph.D. (Georgia State University)
Dr. Funes is fluent in English and Spanish. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of patients
with various neurological diagnoses. She has expertise in neurodegenerative conditions, cardiovascular
disease, cognitive training and strategy-building, as well as psychotherapy. Dr. Funes conducts pre- and
postsurgical evaluations for patients considering epilepsy surgery or deep brain stimulation (DBS)
`procedures. She is a founding member of the Phoenix Hispanic Neuropsychological Society. She is a
member of the Arizona Psychological Association, the Hispanic Neuropsychological Society, the
International Neuropsychology Society, and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Dr. Funes earned
her doctoral degree in clinical neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience from Georgia State University
in Atlanta. She earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology from California State University—
Northridge in Los Angeles. Dr. Funes completed her clinical psychology internship at the Veterans
Administration Northern California Health Care System. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in
geropsychology and neuropsychology at the University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA) Semel Institute
for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Dr. Funes’ research interests include cognitive aging, cultural
neuropsychology, examining the validity of neuropsychological measures among diverse people, and the
neuropsychological assessment and treatment of Hispanic or Latinx patients.
Karine Hageboutros
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Department of Clinical
Neuropsychology
Psy.D. (Widener University, Institute for Graduate Clinical
Psychology)
Dr. Hageboutros’ expertise includes the neuropsychological assessment of adults who experience
cognitive changes from cancer and cancer treatment. She also sees patients with mild cognitive
impairment, dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders. She is a member of the International
Neuropsychological Society, the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, and the Society of
Neuro-Oncology. Dr. Hageboutros received her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Widener
University Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology. She
completed her postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr.
Hageboutros’ research interests include how different genetic tumor markers and cancer treatments may
impact cognition and quality of life.BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Jessica M. Potvin
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Department of Clinical
Neuropsychology and Inpatient Neurorehabilitation Unit
Ph.D. (Drexel University)
ABN
Dr. Potvin's primary areas of interest and expertise include adult neuropsychology and neurorehabilitation.
Patient populations include traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accidents, brain tumors, as well as other
neurological conditions (e.g., dementia, multiple sclerosis, hydrocephalus, meningitis, encephalitis). She is
board certified by the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology and a member of both the National
Academy of Neuropsychology and the American Psychological Association. Dr. Potvin received her Master
of Arts in Clinical Psychology from MCP Hahnemann University and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from
Drexel University, both with a concentration in Clinical Neuropsychology. She completed a pre-doctoral
internship at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson, AZ, with training focused in adult
neuropsychology. She completed a postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology at Barrow
Neurological Institute. Following completion of her residency she was hired on as a faculty
neuropsychologist. She briefly left Arizona and worked as a clinical neuropsychologist in Raleigh, NC at
WakeMed Health & Hospitals. She has since returned to Arizona and Barrow Neurological Institute in
2015.
William Travis McCuddy
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Department of Clinical
Neuropsychology
Ph.D. (Marquette University)
Dr. McCuddy’s expertise includes neuropsychological assessment and advanced neuroimaging
techniques. He provides neuropsychological evaluations for individuals with various neurological
diagnoses, including neurodegenerative conditions, acquired brain injuries, brain tumors, and epilepsy. He
also uses functional MRI and diffusion tractography to create maps of cognitive function, which help guide
surgical resections during brain surgeries. Dr. McCuddy is a member of the American Academy of Clinical
Neuropsychology, the American Society of Functional Neuroradiology, and the International
Neuropsychological Society. Dr. McCuddy received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Marquette
University in Milwaukee. He completed his pre-doctoral internship and a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical
neuropsychology at West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown. Dr. McCuddy’s research
interests include using neuropsychology and neuroimaging to investigate brain structure and function
changes resulting from brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer’s disease.BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Tiffany M. Meites
Rehabilitation Psychologist, Inpatient
Neurorehabilitation Unit
Ph.D. (University of Kansas)
ABPP – Rehabilitation Psychology
Dr. Meites is a rehabilitation psychologist in the acute inpatient neurorehabilitation unit at Barrow
Neurological Institute. Dr. Meites is board certified in rehabilitation psychology through the American Board
of Professional Psychology. She is also a member of APA’s Division 22: Rehabilitation Psychology. Dr.
Meites’ primary clinical interests are in adjustment to disability and recovery from injury, particularly with
individuals during the acute phase of their rehabilitation. She welcomes mentoring residents, especially
those who may be interested in exploring a career in rehabilitation. Dr. Meites obtained her doctorate from
the University of Kansas, completing her internship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences
Center/OKC VA Consortium and her fellowship at the VA Puget Sound.
Jessica M. Schneider
Rehabilitation Psychologist, Inpatient
Neurorehabilitation Unit and Barrow Bridge
Neurorehabilitation
Psy.D. (Georgia School of Professional Psychology)
Jessica M. Schneider, Psy.D. is a Rehabilitation Psychologist in the Inpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit as
well as Barrow Bridge Neurorehabilitation, a comprehensive outpatient partial day treatment program, at
Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr. Schneider’s expertise includes promoting adjustment to changes in
functioning and disability after injury for patients and their families across various phases of recovery,
guiding team members from other disciplines in best approaches to optimize patient engagement and
overall clinical care, and program development within the neurorehabilitation setting. She is a member of
Rehabilitation Psychology Division 22 of the American Psychological Association, American Congress of
Rehabilitation Medicine, and Society for Neuro-Oncology. Dr. Schneider received her doctorate from the
Georgia School of Professional Psychology in clinical psychology. She completed her internship at
Missouri Health Sciences Psychology Consortium and completed her fellowship in rehabilitation
psychology and neuropsychology at the University of Michigan Health Care System in Ann Arbor,
Michigan. Dr. Schneider’s research interests include evaluating the relationship between health-related
quality of life and cognitive functioning in medical populations, with particular emphasis on neuro-oncology.BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Wil Schultz
Associate Professor, Department of Clinical
Neuropsychology
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Ph.D. (Fuller Graduate School of Psychology)
Dr. Schultz enjoys working with patients ranging broadly in age and diagnosis, and he has specialized
interest and experience in epilepsy, sports concussion, and geriatrics. In addition to seeing patients in the
general outpatient clinic, he also works with patients on the inpatient Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, including
those being considered for neurosurgery. Dr. Schultz is consulting neuropsychologist to the NHL Arizona
Coyotes, and he provides cognitive assessment for patients who have sustained concussions and are
being treated in the Barrow Concussion Clinic. He enjoys supervising postdoctoral residents pursuing
clinical practice in neuropsychology.
George P. Prigatano
Emeritus Chair, Department of Clinical Neuropsychology
Ph.D. (Bowling Green State University)
ABPP – Clinical Neuropsychology
George P. Prigatano, Ph.D. is board-certified in Clinical Neuropsychology by the American Board of
Professional Psychology and holds fellowship status in Division 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology) and Division
22 (Rehabilitation Psychology) of the American Psychological Association. In 1980, he established a
neuropsychological rehabilitation program for adults at the Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City, which
resulted in the publication of his book: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation after Brain Injury (1986). In May
of 1985, he established the Section of Clinical Neuropsychology at Barrow Neurological Institute at St.
Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Prigatano’s interest in and research on impaired self-awareness
after various brain disorders resulted in the edited text with Daniel Schacter entitled: Awareness of Deficit
after Brain Injury: Theoretical and Clinical Issues (1991) and the edited text: The Study of Anosognosia
(2010). In 1999, he published Principles of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation which summarized research
and clinical observations dealing with the nature of various symptoms associated with brain injury and how
to guide neuropsychological rehabilitation efforts. In 1998 he was the President of the National Academy of
Neuropsychology (NAN) and worked with Neil Pliskin in editing the book: Clinical Neuropsychology and
Cost Outcomes Research: A Beginning (2003). In 2001 he received the Distinguished Neuropsychologist
Award from NAN. In 2003, he received the Jim Thorpe Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation Services and
Research and during the same year was named Distinguished Lecturer of the Year by the Swedish
Neuropsychological Society. He is an honorary member of several professional organizations including the
Swedish Neuropsychological Society and the Finnish Neuropsychological Society and has served on the
Board of the International Neuropsychological Society. His clinical work has focused on both
neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation, including the psychological care for adults and children
with known or suspected brain dysfunction. His most recent book: Clinical Neuropsychology and the
Psychological Care of Persons with Brain Disorders (2020) highlights these points and encourages clinical
neuropsychologists to expand their practice to include both neuropsychological assessment and
psychotherapy.BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Faculty Members
Center for Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation
Pamela Klonoff
Clinical Director, Center for Transitional Neuro-
Rehabilitation
Ph.D. (University of Victoria)
ABPP – Clinical Neuropsychology
Dr. Klonoff’s primary clinical interests are in holistic milieu-oriented neurorehabilitation, especially
psychotherapy for patients and their families. Patient populations include those with traumatic brain injuries
and cerebrovascular accidents as well as other neurological entities (e.g., anoxia, seizure disorders, and
brain tumors). She is the Clinical Director for the Center for Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation, which
houses about 40 interdisciplinary therapists. Dr. Klonoff has participated in over 50 publications and has
written two books, Psychotherapy after Brain Injury: Principles and Techniques (2010) and Psychotherapy
for Families after Brain Injury (2014). Research interests have focused primarily on the efficacy of milieu-
oriented neurorehabilitation, with particular focus on contributing factors to returning to driving, work, and
school. Dr. Klonoff greatly enjoys mentoring postdoctoral residents and the interdisciplinary team interested
in the field of neurorehabilitation.
Heather Caples
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Center for Transitional
Neuro-Rehabilitation
Ph.D. (Arizona State University)
Dr. Caples provides clinical care to patients adjusting to traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumor, spinal
cord injury, and other neurological conditions. Dr. Caples’ clinical interests include rehabilitation
neuropsychology, psychosocial adjustment to illness and injury, patient and family education, sexuality and
disability, and family adaptation. She provides neuropsychological assessment, psychotherapy services,
and cognitive retraining to patients at the CTN. Dr. Caples enjoys working closely with an interdisciplinary
team and mentoring postdoctoral residents in clinical neuropsychology. She has co-authored several
papers on topics related to the care of patients with neurological conditions.BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Wen-Yu Chen
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Center for Transitional
Neuro-Rehabilitation (CTN)
Psy.D. (Wright Institute)
Wen-Yu Cheng, Psy.D. is a neuropsychologist in the Center for Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation at Barrow
Neurological Institute. Dr. Cheng’s expertise includes bilingual (English and Mandarin) neuropsychological
assessment, neurorehabilitation, and psychotherapy for individuals with neurological and/or psychiatric
conditions. He is a member of the International Neuropsychological Society, American Psychological
Association, Asian Neuropsychological Association, and International Association of Analytical
Psychology. Dr. Cheng received his Doctor of Psychology degree from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA.
He completed his internship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and fellowship at Barrow
Neurological Institute. He also studied analytical psychology and psychotherapy as an international scholar
and a fellow at the C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco.
Efrat Hedges Eichenbaum
Rehabilitation Psychologist, Center for Transitional
Neuro-Rehabilitation
Ph.D. (Drexel University)
Dr. Efrat Eichenbaum is a fellowship-trained rehabilitation psychologist who specializes in evidence-based
care of persons with physical and/or cognitive disability. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from
Drexel University in 2014. Dr. Eichenbaum completed a doctoral internship and a two-year rehabilitation
psychology postdoctoral residency at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, obtaining training within the
VA Poly-trauma Rehabilitation Center. Dr. Eichenbaum is committed to empirically-supported practice,
professional service, and training in psychology. Her clinical interests include moderate-to-severe traumatic
brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury/disorder, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and family/caregiver support.
Her research interests include post-traumatic growth following brain injury and prediction of neuro-
rehabilitation outcomes, including placebo and nocebo factors. Dr. Eichenbaum is an active member of the
American Psychological Association's (APA) Division 22 (Rehabilitation Psychology), having served in
several leadership roles within the division. She also serves as an APA Internship Site Visitor and is a
member of the APA Opioids Initiative Advisory Group.BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Spring Flores Johnson
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Center for Transitional
Neuro-Rehabilitation
Ph.D. (Loma Linda University)
Dr. Johnson’s clinical concentration includes adult and adolescent neuropsychology and neurorehabilitation
following an acquired brain injury. She has a particular interest in providing care for diverse and
underserved populations. Her research interests have focused primarily on neurorehabilitation outcomes
for survivors of acquired brain injury. She received her master and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology
from Loma Linda University. Dr. Johnson completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Phoenix VA Health
Care System providing neuropsychological assessment, group and individual therapy for Veterans. She
completed a postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology at Barrow Neurological Institute at St.
Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. She is a member of the American Psychological Association
(Divisions 22, 40, and 35), the International Neuropsychological Society, the National Academy of
Neuropsychology, and the National Latinx Psychological Association. Prior to entering graduate school, Dr.
Johnson was a high school educator who received the prestigious Coca Cola Scholars Foundation and
Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation Educator of Distinction Award for Exemplary Dedication to the Field of
Education.
Suzanne O’Connor
Neuropsychologist, Center for Transitional Neuro-
Rehabilitation (CTN)
Psy.D. (Arizona School of Professional Psychology)
Dr. O'Connor provides neuropsychological assessment, psychotherapy services, and cognitive retraining to
patients adjusting to traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumor, and other neurological conditions at the
CTN. Dr. O’Connor’s clinical interests include neuropsychological assessment and neurorehabilitation,
mindfulness, treatment of serious mental illness, and substance abuse treatment. Her research interests
include assessment development, grief and resilience in brain injury survivors and their families, behavioral
addictions, and neurorehabilitation. Dr. O’Connor’s projects include developing outreach presentations for
the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona, developing new groups to improve patient care and education, forming
peer groups for doctoral level students and early career psychologists studying for board certification, and
developing assessments. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, Division 22
Rehabilitation Psychology, and the Arizona Neuropsychological Society. In 2019, Dr. O’Connor joined the
Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona to help raise awareness about brain injury survivors and opioid abuse, and
she co-facilitates a support group for families of brain injury survivors. She has presented at conferences at
both local and national levels and is the author of several research articles and publications in the area of
assessments, behavioral addictions, and substance abuse following traumatic brain injury.BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Sari Roth-Roemer
Rehabilitation Psychologist, Center for Transitional
Neuro-Rehabilitation
Ph.D. (Arizona State University)
Dr. Sari Roth-Roemer specializes in providing individual, family and group psychotherapy along with
neuropsychological and psychological assessment of adults recovering from acquired brain injury and
other neurological illness at the CTN. Her current clinical and research interests include psychosocial
adjustment to neurological illness and injury, and the use of mindfulness in assisting cognitive and
emotional recovery from acquired brain injury. Dr. Roth-Roemer enjoys working within a multidisciplinary
rehabilitation team, as well as having the opportunity to mentor postdoctoral residents. She has authored
over 40 publications, as well as co-editing a text book in the area of behavioral medicine addressing
cognitive and psychological factors influencing medical illness. She has presented a TEDx talk on the
healing aspects of compassion.
Adjunct Faculty MembersBACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Roger Bird
Physician, Neuroradiology department
M.D. (Loma Linda University)
Board Certified, American Board of Radiology
Dr. Bird’s expertise includes analysis of MRI and CT scans of the brain and spine. He is a member of the
American College of Radiology, American Society of Neuroradiology, American Society of Pediatric
Neuroradiology, Radiological Society of North America, and the Western Neuro-radiological Society. Dr.
Bird received his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. He
completed his internship at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and completed residency at Loma
Linda University medical Center. Dr. Bird completed his fellowship in Neuroradiology at Duke University
Medical Center.
Javier Cárdenas
Faculty Neurologist, Concussion and Brain Injury
M.D. (University of Arizona)
Board Certified, American Board of Psychiatry and
Neurology
Javier Cárdenas, MD, is one of the nation’s foremost experts on the diagnosis and treatment of concussion
and other forms of brain injury. A neurologist, Dr. Cárdenas created the Barrow Concussion and Brain
Injury Center at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, the nation’s most
comprehensive concussion prevention, treatment, and education program. Dr. Cárdenas is the only
Arizona neurologist on the NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine committee, where he advises the NFL on best
practices for concussion prevention and management. Dr. Cárdenas is on the sidelines of every Arizona
Cardinals and Arizona State University home football game to consult with players who may have
sustained a concussion. In addition, Dr. Cárdenas was instrumental in helping to create a new helmet
protocol for the AIA which has since been adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the
National Federation of State High School Associations. The rule states that every football player must
return to the sidelines when their helmet comes off to have it inspected during the next play. The protocol
has drastically decreased the number of helmets that have come off during the season. Dr. Cárdenas
created Barrow Brainbook, the nation’s first mandated concussion education and test for student athletes.
Under this program, Arizona became the first state to mandate that all male and female student athletes
undergo concussion education and pass a formal test before play.BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
Francisco Ponce
Director, Barrow Center for Neuromodulation
M.D. (University of Chicago)
Board Certified, American Board of Neurological Surgery
Francisco Ponce, MD, grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and earned his undergraduate degree in
physics at Harvard University in Boston. After attending graduate school at Oxford University in the United
Kingdom, he went on to complete medical school at the University of Chicago. He completed his residency
in neurological surgery at Barrow Neurological Institute, and received subspecialty training in stereotactic
and functional neurosurgery at the University of Toronto in Ontario under Dr. Andres Lozano. In 2011, Dr.
Ponce was named the director of the new Barrow Center for Neuromodulation. Neuromodulation therapy
aims to eliminate or improve symptoms of neurological disorders by negating abnormal electrical activity in
the brain. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most common form of this treatment. Dr. Ponce has
published extensively on DBS and other neurosurgical procedures in peer-reviewed medical journals. He
also has given presentations at national and international conferences.
Naomi Salins
Faculty Neurologist, Movement Disorders Program
M.D. (Mumbai, India)
Board Certified, American Board of Psychiatry and
Neurology
Dr. Salins specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of involuntary movements, essential tremor,
Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonian syndromes, Huntington’s disease, dystonia, and ataxia. She is
trained in managing patients with deep brain stimulation and the use of botulinum toxin for various
movement disorders. Her research interest is in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and she serves as an
active member of the American Academy of Neurology and the Movement Disorder Society. Dr. Salins
received her medical degree in Mumbai, India. She completed a residency in neurology at the University of
Buffalo in New York and her fellowship training in clinical movement disorders and deep brain stimulation
at Barrow Neurological Institute.You can also read
