MEET THE STAFF

Out of the need for a more effective stroke rehabilitation, Linda Ogren researched constraint induced therapy. Impressed with the evidence, we endeavored to provide this innovative approach to clients who had reached a plateau in their previous therapy programs. In 2002 we established the Advanced Recovery Rehabilitation Center and began by offering CIMT and SaeboFlex Orthosis for upper extremities. In 2004 we expanded to include the first CIAT program in the United States. We now offer CIMT for lower extremities and pediatric CIMT for both upper and lower extremities.

All therapy is performed by licensed and/or certified therapists, including Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech and Language Pathologists.

We welcome you to learn more about the team who can help you recover more speech and movement today!

“My grandmother, father, and husband have all had strokes. The experience of watching my family members battle with the recovery process fueled my drive to help all stroke survivors. My grandmother couldn't even talk for the last two years of her life.

I have a BA Degree in Psychology from Loyola Marymount Universary, an AA Degree in Economics from El Camino College, am a Registered Hypnotherapist with the American Board of Hypnotherapy, had Neuro-Linguistic Programming training, and have had years of business experience in the corporate world.”

Linda L. Ogren
President

“My grandmother had a stroke while I was attending college. She lived with us until she was able to return home. The progress she made with her speech therapist impressed me so much that I decided to follow in his footsteps.

I earned a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas in 1998. Since then I have managed rehabilitation departments for large nursing facilities.

I met Linda at the Race to Strike Out Stroke - 5K/10K Run/Walk and Health Fair. I joined the team shortly thereafter to start the first constraint-induced therapy program for aphasia in the United States. This team and our patients make this a special place for me.”

Jennifer Brown, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Therapist

“In 1992, I completed my studies in the physical therapy masters program at Childrens Hospital/Chapman College. I’ve worked with patients in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health. In these settings, I’ve provided skilled therapy techniques to patients with spinal cord injury, total joint replacement, stroke, limb amputation, fractures, laminectomy, bunionectomy, craniotomy, and many other diagnoses.

As the physical therapist for Advanced Recovery, I apply the Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) model to progress patients beyond traditional, non-CIMT therapy goals. Using specialized equipment with task directed movements, I have seen patients reach higher levels of function than previously thought possible.

My interest in CIMT is strengthened by the first hand experience I had with my grandmother after her stroke. Had CIMT been available to her, she would have struggled less with routine daily tasks. Caring for a family member taught me valuable lessons and gave me insight that can’t be taught or read in a book. It is with heartfelt passion that I help patients who come through our door to achieve their personal goals and to become less dependent on others.

It takes determination and focus from both the therapist and patient during treatment sessions, but the rewards are priceless. I’m ready for the challenge, are you?”

Tami Toms, MPT
Physical Therapist

“I earned my MA degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2008. During my studies, I completed an internship at Advanced Recovery and fell in love with the facility, staff, and clients. A year later, I became a part of it all, and I feel fortunate to be involved in some of the groundbreaking therapy that occurs here.”

“I specialize in school-based pediatric occupational therapy and have worked with numerous diagnoses, including stroke, cerebral palsy, autism, Downs syndrome, and ADD/ADHD. I have a profound interest in empowering children and adults with severe physical impairments to find within themselves the physical and mental strength they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives.”

“Since beginning my work at Advanced Recovery, I have discovered a new passion, Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT). Seeing how quickly and significantly clients progress with this type of program has made me so excited to be a part of this field. I am looking forward to learning more about what the body and brain are capable of through my work. My clients are my inspiration and I cant wait to continue to be inspired by each and every person I work with.”

Emily Arnstein, MA, OTR
Occupational Therapist

“I earned a Master of Science Degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences with an Emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology from California State University, Northridge in 2008. Throughout the course of my studies, I have evaluated, diagnosed and treated patients of all ages with numerous disorders and disabilities (individual and group treatment) including/in the area of: aphasia, apraxia (oral, verbal, limb), dysarthria, dysphagia, autism, Parkinsons Disease Aspergers Syndrome, Downs Syndrome, mental retardation, Dementia, Alzheimers Disease, language disorders, childhood apraxia/dyspraxia, accent reduction, voice/resonance, expressive/receptive language, cognition, articulation, phonology, dysfluency, hearing, social communication and communication modalities. In addition to the aforementioned, my education has supplied me with a vast amount of knowledge, which I continue to research so that when a patient presents with any disorder/disability, I am able to apply my skills as a clinician and provide the patient with quality treatment. If a patient exhibits multiple deficits, none will be ignored because they all have a significant effect upon each other.

After having completed my student externship and training in Aphasia Rehabilitation with Re-learning using Constraint Principles [ARRC-P] (also known as Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy [CIAT]) at Advanced Recovery Rehabilitation Center (ARRC), I was very flattered and excited to be offered the speech-language pathologist (SLP) position. I love the atmosphere at ARRC because the setting allows one the luxury of time and intense one on one therapy that most, if any other settings cannot provide.

I am thrilled to be part of the ARRC team because this warm environment allows me to truly help and improve the lives of others. We put all of our attention and efforts into catering to you the individual, and providing you with a better quality of life. Its time to stop allowing others to talk for you and to start speaking for yourself. I have seen improvement with every patient I have ever had the pleasure of treating and working with. It takes hard work, long hours, and numerous amounts of dedication and motivation. Let’s do this together!”

Aimee Blank, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

“I received my Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 1994 at Hunter College in NYC. I am NY state licensed and ASHA certified.

Since receiving my degree I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings such as Mount Sinai Hospital, Weiler Hospital at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Burke Rehabilitation Hospital. I’ve also worked in nursing homes, adult day care centers and with children as well.

My primary interest is in adults with neurological disorders, especially stroke and brain injury. It is this interest that started me on the path to working with Advanced Recovery. I had been researching intensive language therapy and Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy and could not find anywhere to learn the techniques. It seemed to be very effective from what I'd read and I wanted clients to be able to benefit from it.

I was so excited when Jennifer Brown offered to train me in her protocol. Now that I’ve completed my training and seen how it works, I’m even more impressed. I’m very proud to be the NY representative for Advanced Recovery and to be a part of this ground-breaking team.”

Carolyn Falconer, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Therapist

“Like many others, I am an almost native of California. I grew up in Hollywood, just off famous Melrose Ave. I attended UCLA and CSULA graduating in 1951 with a BA degree and General Elementary Teaching credential. I taught 2nd and 3rd grades on and off over the next 8 years, then retired after my 3rd son was born.

In 1964 I decided to change careers and enrolled in the Communications Disorders department at CSUN. On receiving my MA degree I was offered a position as Speech Pathologist at Sepulveda VA Medical Center, where I continued to work for 32 years. For the last 20 of those years I served as Chief of the Speech Pathology Section.

I participated and was primary investigator in 3 federally funded research projects. I have been co-author of several articles published in professional journals, and have written and had marketed 3 therapy computer programs. I have made numerous presentations at state, national, dental, and geriatric conferences of topics dealing with aphasia, dysarthria, laryngectomy, and the use of alternative communication devices. As you can see, I’m still at it and love my work.”

Muriel Goldojarb, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech Therapist

“I have a degree in Sociology and Social Welfare from Shikoku Christian College in Zentsuji, Japan. I love to work here because the people make it feel like a home. I enjoy meeting new people and it’s a big compliment when clients say they consider me a member of their family.”