Current Collaborators
Alissa is a Licensed and Board-Certified Occupational Therapist in NJ and NY. She attended Quinnipiac University for her undergraduate bachelor’s degree in health & science studies in 2009 and stayed on for her master’s degree in occupational therapy, where she graduated in 2011. She has over thirteen years’ clinical experience working in acute care, inpatient, and pediatric & adult outpatient settings. She specializes in treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, post-concussion syndrome, stroke, brain injuries, visual-vestibular integration dysfunction & sensory integration impairments. She is a strong advocate for community engagement, and provides occupational therapy services in collaboration with her partners in Guatemala, Nicaragua, The Virgin Islands and The Azores, Portugal.
She decided to return to school in 2018 to pursue an advanced research degree and address the societal needs she had witnessed throughout her years in practice. She currently is a PhD candidate in Kinesiology with a concentration in Motor Learning & Motor Control. She has been an active member of the Neurorehabilitation Research Lab since 2018 and was manager of the lab from 2021-2024. Her research focuses on using community based participatory research to address healthcare disparities, integrating wearable technology with therapeutic interventions, and the implementation of behavior change physical activity programs for individuals with neurological and movement related impairments. Her dissertation topic is on the “Implementation of Consumer Wearable Devices in a Behavior Change Physical Activity Coaching Program for People with Early-Stage Parkinson’s Disease.”
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking with her pup, swimming, and ballroom dancing. She also holds a certification in Yoga for the Special Child and enjoys providing therapeutic yoga to people of all abilities.
Alissa is a Licensed and Board-Certified Occupational Therapist in NJ and NY. She attended Quinnipiac University for her undergraduate bachelor’s degree in health & science studies in 2009 and stayed on for her master’s degree in occupational therapy, where she graduated in 2011. She has over thirteen years’ clinical experience working in acute care, inpatient, and pediatric & adult outpatient settings. She specializes in treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, post-concussion syndrome, stroke, brain injuries, visual-vestibular integration dysfunction & sensory integration impairments. She is a strong advocate for community engagement, and provides occupational therapy services in collaboration with her partners in Guatemala, Nicaragua, The Virgin Islands and The Azores, Portugal.
She decided to return to school in 2018 to pursue an advanced research degree and address the societal needs she had witnessed throughout her years in practice. She currently is a PhD candidate in Kinesiology with a concentration in Motor Learning & Motor Control. She has been an active member of the Neurorehabilitation Research Lab since 2018 and was manager of the lab from 2021-2024. Her research focuses on using community based participatory research to address healthcare disparities, integrating wearable technology with therapeutic interventions, and the implementation of behavior change physical activity programs for individuals with neurological and movement related impairments. Her dissertation topic is on the “Implementation of Consumer Wearable Devices in a Behavior Change Physical Activity Coaching Program for People with Early-Stage Parkinson’s Disease.”
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking with her pup, swimming, and ballroom dancing. She also holds a certification in Yoga for the Special Child and enjoys providing therapeutic yoga to people of all abilities.
Dr. Long is a licensed occupational therapist (OT) at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her EdD in movement science, specializing in OT, at Teachers College during the winter of 2019 and is a former NRL project coordinator.
Dr. Long is a visiting instructor for the occupational therapy MS program in the Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia University. She has experience working as a clinical researcher and therapist primarily in stroke and Parkinson’s disease neurorehabilitation. Although her doctoral work is focused on motor learning and control for functional independence in Parkinson’s disease, she has worked with patients across the spectrum of age and disability.
She is passionate about holistic health, the movement of the human body, and enjoys serving her community and promoting sustainable healthy living. In her spare time, she is a certified yoga teacher and figure skater.
Dr. Long is a licensed occupational therapist (OT) at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her EdD in movement science, specializing in OT, at Teachers College during the winter of 2019 and is a former NRL project coordinator.
Dr. Long is a visiting instructor for the occupational therapy MS program in the Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia University. She has experience working as a clinical researcher and therapist primarily in stroke and Parkinson’s disease neurorehabilitation. Although her doctoral work is focused on motor learning and control for functional independence in Parkinson’s disease, she has worked with patients across the spectrum of age and disability.
She is passionate about holistic health, the movement of the human body, and enjoys serving her community and promoting sustainable healthy living. In her spare time, she is a certified yoga teacher and figure skater.
Dr. Shah is the Assistant Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in the Division of Multispecialty Neurology.
Dr. Shah is the Assistant Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in the Division of Multispecialty Neurology.
Elizabeth Delaney is a Licensed Social Worker and Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence Coordinator at the Columbia University Medical Center.
Elizabeth Delaney is a Licensed Social Worker and Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence Coordinator at the Columbia University Medical Center.
Dr. Fritz is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Neurology and Director of the Neuroimaging and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory at Wayne State University. Her research interests include examining the influence of cognitive function on motor output and exploring exercise interventions to improve function in individuals with neurologic conditions. She is particularly interested in linking clinically observable function to structural imaging and predicting the outcomes of exercise interventions using neuroimaging. She has consistently collaborated with Dr. Quinn over the past ten years on projects related to outcome assessment, novel tools for measuring movement, and interventions for persons with Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. For more information, please visit: https://cphs.wayne.edu/profile/fy7078.
Dr. Fritz is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy and Neurology and Director of the Neuroimaging and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory at Wayne State University. Her research interests include examining the influence of cognitive function on motor output and exploring exercise interventions to improve function in individuals with neurologic conditions. She is particularly interested in linking clinically observable function to structural imaging and predicting the outcomes of exercise interventions using neuroimaging. She has consistently collaborated with Dr. Quinn over the past ten years on projects related to outcome assessment, novel tools for measuring movement, and interventions for persons with Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. For more information, please visit: https://cphs.wayne.edu/profile/fy7078.
Dr. Fineman is the Director of Clinical Education and a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. She is a physical therapist with 30 years of experience specializing in neurologic rehabilitation. She received her BA in Physical Therapy from University of Delaware and her MA and EdM degrees in Motor Learning & Control from Teacher’s College, Columbia University.
She completed her EdD degree with research investigating skill acquisition and dual task paradigms in subjects with Parkinson’s Disease patients. Her study evaluated the validiity and clinical applicability of a novel dual task assessment (C3T), which was conducted in collaboration with Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
When not working in the lab she enjoys spending time with her family, practicing karate and creating stained glass.
Dr. Fineman is the Director of Clinical Education and a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. She is a physical therapist with 30 years of experience specializing in neurologic rehabilitation. She received her BA in Physical Therapy from University of Delaware and her MA and EdM degrees in Motor Learning & Control from Teacher’s College, Columbia University.
She completed her EdD degree with research investigating skill acquisition and dual task paradigms in subjects with Parkinson’s Disease patients. Her study evaluated the validiity and clinical applicability of a novel dual task assessment (C3T), which was conducted in collaboration with Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
When not working in the lab she enjoys spending time with her family, practicing karate and creating stained glass.
Dr. Alcalay is the Alfred and Minnie Bressler Associate Professor of Neurology in the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University.
Dr. Alcalay is the Alfred and Minnie Bressler Associate Professor of Neurology in the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University.
Previous Collaborators
Dr. Friel is a NIH-funded (T32) postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University Medical Center, based in the Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health (CBCH). He works closely with Dr. Keith Diaz and his current research focus is on physical activity and sedentary behaviors, and their role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. He is currently running one of Dr. Diaz’s studies investigating the effect on blood sugar levels of breaking up prolonged periods of sitting with ‘movement breaks.’
He completed his doctorate in Applied Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University and his research examined the characteristics of users of commercial wearable activity monitors and how these devices influence users’ behaviors. He is receiving ongoing training at CBCH in the application of accelerometry (including commercial wearable devices) to measure physical activity and sedentary behaviors, and in how to process and analyze this data most effectively in large population groups.
Prior to working at CBCH, he was a lecturer at Brooklyn College, and also spent a number of years as Medical Director at La Palestra Center for Preventative Medicine. His long-term research interests involve identifying key behavioral predictors of physical activity and determining where technology can be used to support personalized health behavior change programs.
Dr. Friel is a NIH-funded (T32) postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University Medical Center, based in the Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health (CBCH). He works closely with Dr. Keith Diaz and his current research focus is on physical activity and sedentary behaviors, and their role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. He is currently running one of Dr. Diaz’s studies investigating the effect on blood sugar levels of breaking up prolonged periods of sitting with ‘movement breaks.’
He completed his doctorate in Applied Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University and his research examined the characteristics of users of commercial wearable activity monitors and how these devices influence users’ behaviors. He is receiving ongoing training at CBCH in the application of accelerometry (including commercial wearable devices) to measure physical activity and sedentary behaviors, and in how to process and analyze this data most effectively in large population groups.
Prior to working at CBCH, he was a lecturer at Brooklyn College, and also spent a number of years as Medical Director at La Palestra Center for Preventative Medicine. His long-term research interests involve identifying key behavioral predictors of physical activity and determining where technology can be used to support personalized health behavior change programs.
Kelly is a DPsych candidate at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia after having previously completed a BPsych and Honours degree also at Monash. Prior to commencing her doctoral degree, Kelly worked at a major public hospital in Melbourne on a number of drug trials proposed to improve cognition in people with Alzheimer's disease, sparking her interest in neurodegenerative diseases. In Australia, she coordinates undergraduate Psychology classes and lectures on psychological assessment and interventions in older adults.
Kelly joined the NRL as an international collaborator with a keen interest in the way psychological variables, particularly apathy, impact exercise and physical engagement. Kelly's research within the NRL lab explores the attitudes and experiences of exercise in HD and PD populations, with the aim of understanding how apathy may impact exercise interventions within this population.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, hiking and travelling.
Kelly is a DPsych candidate at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia after having previously completed a BPsych and Honours degree also at Monash. Prior to commencing her doctoral degree, Kelly worked at a major public hospital in Melbourne on a number of drug trials proposed to improve cognition in people with Alzheimer's disease, sparking her interest in neurodegenerative diseases. In Australia, she coordinates undergraduate Psychology classes and lectures on psychological assessment and interventions in older adults.
Kelly joined the NRL as an international collaborator with a keen interest in the way psychological variables, particularly apathy, impact exercise and physical engagement. Kelly's research within the NRL lab explores the attitudes and experiences of exercise in HD and PD populations, with the aim of understanding how apathy may impact exercise interventions within this population.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, hiking and travelling.
Dr. Busse is a chartered physiotherapist, trials methodologist, and Director for Mind, Brain, Neuroscience Trials in the Centre for Trials Research (CTR) at Cardiff University.
Over the past ten years, she has been the principal investigator in a series of multi-centre observational and interventional studies related to physical activity, cognitive training, and mobility in Huntington’s Disease (HD). She is actively involved in a program of research dedicated to cell replacement therapies in HD. She has also conducted studies of mobility and falls in muscular dystrophy, mobility assessments in Multiple Sclerosis, and the role of neural feedback in people with Parkinson’s disease, where her expertise in outcome measures and physical training informs both intervention delivery and assessment of mobility. In trials in rare diseases, using relatively novel designs including trials within cohorts, her expertise in applied biomechanics, functional and clinical assessment, use of sensors, and machine learning technologies to assess community level activity and inform clinical signal detection is applied.
Dr. Busse is a chartered physiotherapist, trials methodologist, and Director for Mind, Brain, Neuroscience Trials in the Centre for Trials Research (CTR) at Cardiff University.
Over the past ten years, she has been the principal investigator in a series of multi-centre observational and interventional studies related to physical activity, cognitive training, and mobility in Huntington’s Disease (HD). She is actively involved in a program of research dedicated to cell replacement therapies in HD. She has also conducted studies of mobility and falls in muscular dystrophy, mobility assessments in Multiple Sclerosis, and the role of neural feedback in people with Parkinson’s disease, where her expertise in outcome measures and physical training informs both intervention delivery and assessment of mobility. In trials in rare diseases, using relatively novel designs including trials within cohorts, her expertise in applied biomechanics, functional and clinical assessment, use of sensors, and machine learning technologies to assess community level activity and inform clinical signal detection is applied.
Prior to moving to NYC, Dr. Caciula was a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Kinesiology at Georgia Southern University, where she taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in Exercise Science and Health and Physical Education, and performed research on neurological disorders. In 2014, Dr. Caciula completed her doctoral studies in Kinesiology, specializing in Motor Behavior at The University of Georgia, where she worked in the Movement Studies Laboratory and coordinated the Pediatric and Motor Development Clinic for children with disabilities. She is originally from Romania, where she completed a BS in Physical Education and Sport at Transilvania University of Brasov, a MS in Kinesiology, and a MS in Sports Management at Babes-Bolyai University.
Over the past few years Dr. Caciula presented her research accomplishments at international, national, and regional conferences, and published her work related to movement disorders. Her research interests are focused on the relationship between motor function and cognition in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Huntington disease, and the effects of exercise interventions on both their physical and mental health. One of her most recent works addressed the effect of an upper extremity power-training intervention on pain and spasticity among young people with cerebral palsy (CP) in a rural area. The project supported the NICHD’s mission to develop knowledge that ensures the health, productivity, independence, and well-being of people through optimal rehabilitation.
When not working in the lab, she enjoys cooking for her family, singing and dancing with her little boys, and visiting the attractions of NYC.
Prior to moving to NYC, Dr. Caciula was a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Kinesiology at Georgia Southern University, where she taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in Exercise Science and Health and Physical Education, and performed research on neurological disorders. In 2014, Dr. Caciula completed her doctoral studies in Kinesiology, specializing in Motor Behavior at The University of Georgia, where she worked in the Movement Studies Laboratory and coordinated the Pediatric and Motor Development Clinic for children with disabilities. She is originally from Romania, where she completed a BS in Physical Education and Sport at Transilvania University of Brasov, a MS in Kinesiology, and a MS in Sports Management at Babes-Bolyai University.
Over the past few years Dr. Caciula presented her research accomplishments at international, national, and regional conferences, and published her work related to movement disorders. Her research interests are focused on the relationship between motor function and cognition in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Huntington disease, and the effects of exercise interventions on both their physical and mental health. One of her most recent works addressed the effect of an upper extremity power-training intervention on pain and spasticity among young people with cerebral palsy (CP) in a rural area. The project supported the NICHD’s mission to develop knowledge that ensures the health, productivity, independence, and well-being of people through optimal rehabilitation.
When not working in the lab, she enjoys cooking for her family, singing and dancing with her little boys, and visiting the attractions of NYC.
Xueyao Li is a statistical consultant at the NRL. She graduated with her master's degree in statistics at Columbia University. She is currently involved with data analysis and visualizations for projects in the lab. She hopes to pursue a career in healthcare as a data analyst.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis and traveling.
Xueyao Li is a statistical consultant at the NRL. She graduated with her master's degree in statistics at Columbia University. She is currently involved with data analysis and visualizations for projects in the lab. She hopes to pursue a career in healthcare as a data analyst.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis and traveling.
Dr. McConlogue Ferro is a Board Certified specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, a Clinical Assistant Professor in Stony Brook University’s Physical Therapy program, and a practicing clinician.
She completed a Leadership and Education for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship and earned a Pediatric Certification in Neurodevelopmental Treatment. She was honored to receive National Dance Institute’s Teacher of the Year award and Stony Brook’s Faculty Honor Award. After completing 2 terms on the APTA's Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) for pediatrics, she recently completed a year-long training program with the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy’s Knowledge Broker Network (KBNet).
Her interest in research began with, and continues to be, the analysis of physical therapy goal-writing in the school setting. This work has been funded through a grant by the New York Physical Therapy Association and was published in Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics in 2009. Agnes has also authored the chapter, “Documentation in Pediatrics” in "Documentation for Rehabilitation: A Guide to Clinical Decision Making," by Lori Quinn & James Gordon.
Her affiliation with National Dance Institute began in 1998 and continues as the Co-creator/Director of the Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement (DREAM) Project, an inclusive-based dance program highlighting abilities, partnerships, and performance. She has completed research on the impact of DREAM for all participants and presented preliminary findings during the prestigious American Physical Therapy Association IV STEP conference. She was honored to give two presentations at the Kennedy Center VSA conference and to have, along with her collaborators, a manuscript entitled “Dancers Realize Excellence through Movement (DREAM): An Inclusive Program to Promote Participation in Children with Developmental Disabilities” published in "Exemplary Programs and Approaches," Vol. 4. She is a firm believer in the power of the Arts, the power of collaboration and the power of every child’s capacity to accept…and to excel.
Dr. McConlogue Ferro and Dr. Quinn, are in the data analysis phase of two IRB approved studies:
- Utilization of a structured goal-setting process to promote functional and measurable outcomes in school-based physical therapy
- Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement (DREAM): An inclusive dance program to promote participation in children with developmental disabilities
Dr. McConlogue Ferro is a Board Certified specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, a Clinical Assistant Professor in Stony Brook University’s Physical Therapy program, and a practicing clinician.
She completed a Leadership and Education for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship and earned a Pediatric Certification in Neurodevelopmental Treatment. She was honored to receive National Dance Institute’s Teacher of the Year award and Stony Brook’s Faculty Honor Award. After completing 2 terms on the APTA's Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) for pediatrics, she recently completed a year-long training program with the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy’s Knowledge Broker Network (KBNet).
Her interest in research began with, and continues to be, the analysis of physical therapy goal-writing in the school setting. This work has been funded through a grant by the New York Physical Therapy Association and was published in Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics in 2009. Agnes has also authored the chapter, “Documentation in Pediatrics” in "Documentation for Rehabilitation: A Guide to Clinical Decision Making," by Lori Quinn & James Gordon.
Her affiliation with National Dance Institute began in 1998 and continues as the Co-creator/Director of the Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement (DREAM) Project, an inclusive-based dance program highlighting abilities, partnerships, and performance. She has completed research on the impact of DREAM for all participants and presented preliminary findings during the prestigious American Physical Therapy Association IV STEP conference. She was honored to give two presentations at the Kennedy Center VSA conference and to have, along with her collaborators, a manuscript entitled “Dancers Realize Excellence through Movement (DREAM): An Inclusive Program to Promote Participation in Children with Developmental Disabilities” published in "Exemplary Programs and Approaches," Vol. 4. She is a firm believer in the power of the Arts, the power of collaboration and the power of every child’s capacity to accept…and to excel.
Dr. McConlogue Ferro and Dr. Quinn, are in the data analysis phase of two IRB approved studies:
- Utilization of a structured goal-setting process to promote functional and measurable outcomes in school-based physical therapy
- Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement (DREAM): An inclusive dance program to promote participation in children with developmental disabilities
Dr. Reid is an ABPTS board certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist and a certified Vestibular Rehabilitation specialist through Emory University. She is the owner of Ebb and Flow Physical Therapy, which specializes in the care of the person with neurological diagnoses, a lab assistant/guest lecturer in Columbia University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and a part-time physical therapist at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Dr. Reid is an ABPTS board certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist and a certified Vestibular Rehabilitation specialist through Emory University. She is the owner of Ebb and Flow Physical Therapy, which specializes in the care of the person with neurological diagnoses, a lab assistant/guest lecturer in Columbia University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and a part-time physical therapist at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Dr. Geraldine (Geri) Yu is a licensed physical therapist and ABPTS board certified orthopedic clinicial specialist. She has extensive experience working with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, and has completed multiple continuing education courses in this area including LSVT BIG and Power!Moves. Geri is currently the assistant supervisor of outpatient physical therapy at Vanderbilt Clinic located on the NYP Columbia campus.
Dr. Geraldine (Geri) Yu is a licensed physical therapist and ABPTS board certified orthopedic clinicial specialist. She has extensive experience working with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, and has completed multiple continuing education courses in this area including LSVT BIG and Power!Moves. Geri is currently the assistant supervisor of outpatient physical therapy at Vanderbilt Clinic located on the NYP Columbia campus.
Dalina Delfing is a doctoral student who received a M.S. in Cognitive Neuroscience, and a B.S. in Psychology from the Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and undergoing various rehabilitation approaches herself, she understands the importance of optimizing interventions for this population not only from a researcher’s perspective but also from the patient’s perspective. Before joining our lab, Dalina was involved in a neuroimaging study examining the neurophysiological changes following intensive training and a project investigating the possibility of using motor imagery in children with Cerebral Palsy. Currently, under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Gordon, she examines the relationship of engagement and hand function following an intensive intervention in children with Cerebral Palsy. Outside of research, Dalina is a member of the research committee of the Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, an organization dedicated to support research projects for children with movement disabilities. In her spare time, she enjoys climbing, water skiing and traveling.
Dalina Delfing is a doctoral student who received a M.S. in Cognitive Neuroscience, and a B.S. in Psychology from the Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and undergoing various rehabilitation approaches herself, she understands the importance of optimizing interventions for this population not only from a researcher’s perspective but also from the patient’s perspective. Before joining our lab, Dalina was involved in a neuroimaging study examining the neurophysiological changes following intensive training and a project investigating the possibility of using motor imagery in children with Cerebral Palsy. Currently, under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Gordon, she examines the relationship of engagement and hand function following an intensive intervention in children with Cerebral Palsy. Outside of research, Dalina is a member of the research committee of the Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, an organization dedicated to support research projects for children with movement disabilities. In her spare time, she enjoys climbing, water skiing and traveling.