For access to Dr. Weber's biography click here

Dr. Weber is a Research Scientist in the Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center at Kessler Foundation. She has been PI of a NRSA F31 Fellowship which examined the novel application of an encoding paradigm to improve prospective memory in HIV-infected methamphetamine users, and is presently funded by NIDILRR (Switzer Research Fellowship) to apply these techniques in TBI. Additionally, she is also currently PI of two pilot studies funded by the New Jersey Commission on Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Research, which both seek to improve diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment in traumatic injuries of the nervous system. She has published 42 peer-reviewed papers, 6 book chapters, and over 60 conference posters and oral presentations.

Erica Weber, PhD

Fast Takes - Episode 42

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/Dr.%20B.%20Sandroff%20on%20virtual%20reality%E2%80%99s%20role%20in%20managing%20cognitive%20deficits%20in%20multiple%20sclerosis%20-Ep42-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, “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://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/John%20DeLuca, Brian M. Sandroff

=======================================================
Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

 Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded remotely on May 4, 2022, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Fast Takes

Dr. B. Sandroff on virtual reality’s role in managing cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis-Ep42

Stay@Work/Return2Work

These podcasts are the inspirational stories of individuals with SCI who have participated in the Resource Facilitation Program at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and successfully returned to work – whether in a previous position or a new one.

In sharing these stories, we aim to keep hope alive and remind those in similar situations that every day brings with it new possibilities.

The study, which is funded by a Craig H. Neilsen grant to Kessler Foundation, includes the participation of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and United Spinal Association. 

This episode was recorded, edited, and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation on October 5th, 2017 at Kessler Foundation, 120 Eagle Rock Ave, East Hanover, NJ
 
Our first episode MaryLea West, project coordinator for the Return 2 Work early intervention program at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation met with Megan Helsel, a Wildlife Specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

In early October 2016, Ms. Helsel experienced sudden back pain and bilateral numbness in both legs. She was rushed to a local emergency room where an MRI showed that a hemangioma (tumor) had ruptured in her spinal cord. Unable to stand or walk, she was admitted to the hospital and prescribed a high dose of steroids to reduce swelling. Two days later, after showing no improvement, Ms. Helsel was told that she would need immediate spinal cord surgery.

After surgery, Megan was transferred to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation where she immediately began physical therapy. On her 11th day, she took her first steps.

This is Megan's story...

Stay@Work/Return2Work with Megan Helsel

Stay@Work/Return2Work

These podcasts are the inspirational stories of individuals with SCI who have participated in the Resource Facilitation Program at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and successfully returned to work – whether in a previous position or a new one.
In sharing these stories, we aim to keep hope alive and remind those in similar situations that every day brings with it new possibilities.

The study, which is funded by a Craig H. Neilsen grant to Kessler Foundation, includes the participation of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and United Spinal Association. 

This episode was recorded, edited, and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation on October 5th, 2017 at Kessler Foundation, 120 Eagle Rock Ave, East Hanover, NJ

In our second episode MaryLea West, project coordinator for the Return 2 Work early intervention program at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation met with Craig B. Brod a practicing attorney and partner at the international, NYC-based law-firm, Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton. 

Mr. Brod spent the past 38 years practicing law with little interruption. That was until January of 2017, when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Mr. Brod first began noticing symptoms of GBS when he returned from traveling abroad, where he and others experienced an intestinal infection. Everyone recovered. Initially, Mr. Brod felt unilateral pain down one leg and believed it was sciatica. The symptoms soon progressed to include extreme weakness, tingling sensations, and numbness in both legs. Unable to walk, he called 911. Mr. Brod was taken to Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey, and there he was diagnosed.
 
Mr. Brod’s symptoms increased in intensity over the next four weeks. He experienced complete paralysis and lost the ability to speak, eat, drink, and breathe independently.
 
He was brought to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in February 2017, determined to attend his oldest son’s graduation in May that academic year.

This is Mr. Brod’s story…

Stay@Work/Return2Work with Craig Brod

Stay@Work/Return2Work

Thanks for joining us for Episode 3 of the Stay at Work, Return to Work Podcast Series. In this episode Laura Viglione, Communications Specialist at Kessler Foundation, met with Adria De Simone, MS, CRC, LAC, Spinal Cord Injury Vocational Resource Facilitator at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. They discuss Adria's background in employment facilitation and how it has prepared her for her current role. Adria also shares how the program has already made a difference in the lives of people with a spinal cord injury.

For more information about the Stay@Work/Return2Work program, contact Adria by email at AADeSimone@kessler-rehab.com, or visit: https://www.kessler-rehab.com/programs/outpatient-services/vocational-rehab/.

For more information about Kessler Foundation and our researchers, go to www.KesslerFoundation.org

Like us on FaceBook, follow us on Instagram, listen to us on Soundcloud, and tweet with us on Twitter!

Stay@Work/Return2Work with Adria DeSimone

COVID-19 Edition - Episode 3

Welcome to this COVID-19 special edition podcast brought to you by Kessler Foundation. 

Social distancing is becoming the new norm in the days of COVID-19. While quarantining is proving to be challenging for many Americans, there may be additional social struggles faced by individuals with multiple sclerosis(MS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this podcast, we discuss with Dr. Genova how problems with social cognition (referring to the brain's ability to interpret and react to interactions with others) may be exacerbated during quarantine, and how to reduce the impact of these difficulties on relationships in the household. Dr. Weber also provides insight into how individuals with MS and TBI may be feeling socially isolated right now, and how to find social outlets and resources to improve mental health in this stressful time.

Read the transcription at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/social-distancing-with-MS-or-a-TBI_Difficulties-with-being-too-close-and-too-far-TRANSCRIPTION.pdf

To learn more about our experts click on their bio links below:
Dr. Helen Genova (https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen%20Genova)
Dr. Erica Weber (https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Erica%20Weber)
Nicky Miller (https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/nicki%20miller)

Podcast Resource links….

National Organization
====================
National Multiple Sclerosis Society - https://www.nationalmssociety.org
Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ) - https://bianj.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html 

Mental Health
====================
New Jersey Mental Health emotional support during COVID 19 - https://www.njmentalhealthcares.org
866-202-HELP (4357), 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm (EST)

Headspace.com (Mindfulness for your everyday life) - https://www.headspace.com/

Mindful Meditation
====================
Daily Calm | 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation | Be Present -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU
Jon Kabat Zinn Body Scan Meditation GUIDED MEDITATION - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4gZgnCy5ew
3/30 Livestream Meditations with Jon Kabat-Zinn -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcKGv06U_KU
Headspace - https://www.headspace.com/meditation/10-minute-meditation
============================================================

Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. In new episodes, our experts weigh in on the impact of COVID-19 on people living with disabilities. And they talk about how research that changes lives continues at Kessler Foundation. Check back soon to listen to more COVID-19 podcasts on our playlist at https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/covid-19


Listen on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded on Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Social distancing with MS or a TBI: Difficulties with being *too close* and *too far*-COVID-19, Ep3

COVID-19 Edition, Episode 5

Caregiving for a loved one who has experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be stressful in the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. In this podcast, Dr. Erica Weber hosts a conversation about TBI caregiving in the time of COVID-19 with director Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, and senior research scientist Denise Krch, PhD, of the Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research at Kessler Foundation. These experts discuss challenges often faced by caregivers of persons with TBI and how symptoms may be exacerbated during sheltering in place, along with recommendations to reduce stress in the household while remaining vigilant, safe, and healthy.

Read the transcription at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/caregiving-for-persons-with-traumatic-brain-injury-while-sheltering-in-place-for-covid-19-TRANSCRIPTION.pdf

To learn more about our experts click on their bio links below: 
Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti (kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti)
Dr. Denise Krch (https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Denise%20Krch)
Dr. Erica Weber (kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Erica%20Weber)

Podcast Resource links….
==============================
Upcoming Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ
Virtual Support Groups - https://bianj.org/support-groups/

Caregiver newsletter with some COVID-19 info: 
https://mailchi.mp/caregiver.com/leading-love?e=c30a6d44c8

Join a TBI-caregiver tele-study through Kessler Foundation (PI: Denise Krch, PhD):
"Comparison of Two Group Wellness Interventions in Partner Caregivers of Individuals with TBI"
The purpose of this research study is to compare the effect of two different types of group wellness interventions for partner caregivers of individuals with TBI. 
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/studies/comparison-two-group-wellness-interventions-partner-caregivers-individuals-tbi

COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips - https://www.fcc.gov/covid-scams

Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. In new episodes, our experts weigh in on the impact of COVID-19 on people living with disabilities. And they talk about how research that changes lives continues at Kessler Foundation. Check back soon to listen to more COVID-19 podcasts on our playlist at https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/resilience-and-disability-in-the-time-of-covid-19

Listen on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded on Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

COVID-19

Caregiving for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury while Sheltering in Place for COVID-19-COVID, Ep5

COVID-19 Edition, Episode 6

Sleep is a critical function that contributes significantly to our physical and emotional health as well as our overall quality of life. Many individuals with disabilities (for instance, those recovering from traumatic brain injury) may have increased problems with sleep. Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on society can interfere with sleep in a variety of ways, making existing issues more difficult for people with disabilities and/or bringing about new challenges. Listen as Dr. Erica Weber interviews neuropsychologist Dr. Anthony Lequerica, senior research scientist at Kessler Foundation, and an expert in sleep disturbances after brain injury, about the importance of quality sleep and how to maintain proper sleep hygiene during this stressful time.

Read the transcription at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2020-05/Optimizing-healthy-sleep-habits-during-the-COVID-19-pandemic-TRANSCRIPTION.pdf
 
To learn more about our experts click on their bio links below:
Dr. Anthony Lequerica (kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Anthony%20Lequerica)
Dr. Erica Weber (kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Erica%20Weber)

Join a study - https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/studies/motor-learning-and-sleep-tbi

Podcast Resources
=====================
General information about sleep hygiene:  https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-hygiene
For Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I):  Provider search tab at https://www.behavioralsleep.org/
To find an accredited Sleep Disorders Clinic:  http://sleepeducation.org/find-a-facility
Traumatic Brain Injury resources from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center: 
https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/sleep-and-traumatic-brain-injury
https://msktc.org/lib/docs/Info_Comics/MSKTC_SleepComic_508.pdf

Mindful Meditation
 ====================
Daily Calm | 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation | Be Present -  www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU
Jon Kabat Zinn Body Scan Meditation GUIDED MEDITATION - www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4gZgnCy5ew
3/30 Livestream Meditations with Jon Kabat-Zinn -  www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcKGv06U_KU
Headspace - www.headspace.com/meditation/10-minute-meditation

============================================================

Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. In new episodes, our experts weigh in on the impact of COVID-19 on people living with disabilities. And they talk about how research that changes lives continues at Kessler Foundation. Check back soon to listen to more COVID-19 podcasts on our playlist at https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/resilience-and-disability-in-the-time-of-covid-19

Listen on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded on Wednesday, April 15th, 2020 remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Optimizing healthy sleep habits during the COVID-19 pandemic-COVID, Ep6

COVID-19 Edition, Episode 8

Welcome to this COVID-19 special edition podcast brought to you by Kessler Foundation.

The novel coronavirus pandemic has shed new light on an old problem: poorer health outcomes in vulnerable and diverse communities, including the disability community. In this podcast, we chat with clinical psychologist Dr. Denise Fyffe and social epidemiologist Dr. Amanda Botticello about this phenomenon and get their thoughts on how to best tackle the issues of health disparities from COVID-19 and what policies might help us avoid this pattern in the future.

Read the podcast transcription at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2020-05/Health-disparities-across-populations-COVID-19s-effects-on-the-disability-community_1.pdf

To learn more about our experts click on their bio links below:
 Dr. Amanda Botticello (https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Amanda%20Botticello)
 Dr. Denise Fyffe (https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Denise%20Fyffe)
 Dr. Erica Weber (kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Erica%20Weber)

Podcast Resource links…. 

Mental Health
 ====================
NJ Mental Health emotional support during COVID-19
(www.njmentalhealthcares.org/) 866-202-HELP (4357)
7 days a week, 8am to 8pm (EST)

Upcoming Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ
Virtual Support Groups - bianj.org/support-groups/

Ask an MS Navigator - https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/Find-Support/Ask-an-MS-Navigator

Headspace.com (Mindfulness for your everyday life) - https://www.headspace.com

Mindful Meditation
 ====================
Daily Calm | 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation | Be Present -  www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU
Jon Kabat Zinn Body Scan Meditation GUIDED MEDITATION - www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4gZgnCy5ew
3/30 Livestream Meditations with Jon Kabat-Zinn -  www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcKGv06U_KU
Headspace - www.headspace.com/meditation/10-minute-meditation


National Organization
====================
National Multiple Sclerosis Society - https://www.nationalmssociety.org
Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ) - https://bianj.org
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) - https://pva.org
COVID-19 Response from the Neilsen Foundation - https://chnfoundation.org/on-our-minds
Wounded Warrior Project - https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/2020-04-09-WWP-Commits-10-Million-to-Help-Wounded-Veterans-During-Pandemic

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html 

COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips - www.fcc.gov/covid-scams


Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. In new episodes, our experts weigh in on the impact of COVID-19 on people living with disabilities. And they talk about how research that changes lives continues at Kessler Foundation. Check back soon to listen to more COVID-19 podcasts on our playlist at soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/resilience-and-disability-in-the-time-of-covid-19

Listen on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded on Thursday, April 30th, 2020 remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Health disparities across populations: COVID-19's effects on the disability community-COVID, Ep8

Welcome to this COVID-19 special edition podcast brought to you by Kessler Foundation. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted daily life for the general population during the past two years, individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS) know a thing or two about coping with unforeseen challenges. In this podcast, Erica Weber, PhD, research scientist in the Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research, speaks with two Kessler Foundation employees who also have MS, Carla Basante and Michaele Clayborne-Crosby. They discuss their experience during the novel coronavirus pandemic, and how they are managing to maintain their health and well-being during the pandemic. 

Read the podcast transcription at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2020-05/Coping%20with%20MS%20during%20the%20COVID-19%20Pandemic_0.pdf 

To learn more about our host and guests click on their bio links below: 
Dr. Erica Weber (kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Erica%20Weber) 
Carla Basante (kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/found…/carla-basante) 
Michaele Clayborne-Crosby is a former employee.  

Click here to find out more about current COVID-19 tele-studies at Kessler Foundation. (kesslerfoundation.org/covid-19#participate) 

Additional Resources: 

National Organizations 
====================
NJ Mental Health emotional support during COVID-19 
866-202-HELP (4357) 
7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm (EST) - www.njmentalhealthcares.org 

National Multiple Sclerosis Society - www.nationalmssociety.org 
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/cope-with-stress/index.html

COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips - www.fcc.gov/covid-scams 

Mindful Meditation 
====================
Headspace - www.headspace.com/meditation/10-minute-meditation 

Daily Calm | 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation | Be Present - www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU 

Jon Kabat-Zinn Body Scan Meditation Guided Meditation - www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4gZgnCy5ew 

Tuned into our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. In new episodes, our experts weigh in on the impact of COVID-19 on people living with disabilities and how research that changes lives continues at Kessler Foundation. Check back soon to listen to more COVID-19 podcasts on our playlist at soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/resilience-and-disability-in-the-time-of-covid-19 

Listen on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

This podcast was recorded on Wednesday, April 29th, 2020, remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Coping with MS during the COVID-19 Pandemic-COVID, Ep7

Fast Takes – Episode 15

Read the transcription at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/dr-erica-weber-researches-ways-to-rehabilitate-memory-in-people-with-cognitive-disabilities-ep15.pdf 

Welcome to a Fast Takes #WomenInScience podcast honoring the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Celebrated on February 11th, this United Nations initiative recognizes the critical role of women and girls in science and technology communities and calls for strengthening of their participation in STEM fields. Did you know that today, just 30% researchers are women, and only 35% of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study are women? At Kessler Foundation, 70% of our staff are women making major contributions to the advances we achieve in rehabilitation research that changes the lives of people with disabilities.  

Episode 15 features Dr. Erica Weber, a research scientist in our Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research. Producer Joan Banks-Smith interviews Dr. Weber about her work at the Foundation, how mentors have influenced her career choices, and her most memorable experiences while working in science.  

Learn more about: 
Dr. Weber at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Erica%20Weber 
and Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research at https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury 

Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation.  

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.  

This podcast was recorded on Monday, January 18, 2021 remotely and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Dr. Erica Weber Credits Mentorship for her Career Path to Memory Rehabilitation Research - Ep15

Kessler Foundation - Changing the lives of people with disabilities through research in stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis,  spinal cord injury and by funding innovative programs that promote employment for people with disabilities. Podcasts are from various consumer and professional lectures   presented by our researchers and guest lecturers.

Dr. Erica Weber Credits Mentorship for her Career Path to Memory Rehabilitation Research - Ep15

Kessler Foundation

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