BIR – TWU Residency in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Melissa Allman, PT, NCS, ATP
Melissa attended the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
graduating with a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 2004. She
has worked at Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation for 11 years, with an emphasis
on spinal cord injury management for the last 7 years. Melissa received her
neurological certified specialist (NCS) certification in 2010 and her assistive
technology professional (ATP) license in December of 2011. Melissa has
experience in a variety of settings to include acute care, neurological wheelchair
seating clinics, inpatient rehab and home care.
Lauren Rachal, PT, DPT, NCS, CBIS
Lauren graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2008. She is
the senior physical therapist on the brain injury team at Baylor Institute for
Rehabilitation. Lauren completed the TWU-BIR residency program in 2013,
becoming one of the first graduates from the program. During the residency
she also sat for the NCS exam gaining certification in May 2013.
She is currently developing research
on dual-task performance following brain injury. She teaches brain injury content at PT and PTA
programs and has presented at TPTA student conclave and continuing education courses. She is
a member of the TBI Partnership Council to advise TBI Model Systems programming. Her
interests also include complex gait training and creative interventions for low level brain injury.
Lauren is also a certified brain injury specialist (CBIS) and APTA credentialed clinical
instructor.
Craig Vanderlaan, PT, MS, CBIS
Craig is a graduate of Springfield (MA) College, earning his Masters of
Science in Physical Therapy in 1995. Since then, he has worked with
neurologic patients across the continuum including ICU neurotrauma, acute
care, inpatient rehabilitation – pediatric and adult, and outpatient
rehabilitation. Currently, he serves as a senior level PT on the TBI team at
Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (Inpatient division). Craig has earned
certifications in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Neuro-Developmental Treatment. Additionally, he
is a certified brain injury specialist (CBIS). He has extensive experience working with
individuals with acquired brain injury including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and brain tumors.
His clinical interests include vestibular rehabilitation and balance assessment/training.