2022 NJPA Fall Conference

2022 NJPA Fall Conference A Hybrid Event!

Brain and Behavior: Neuroscience & Psychotherapy Through the Lifespan (13 CE) Friday, October 21st & Saturday October 22nd In-Person*: Pines Manor 2085 Lincoln Hwy, Edison, NJ 08817 or Virtual Option: Zoom Meet colleagues, enjoy daily breakfast and lunch, attend informative programs, network at our Friday night cocktail reception and awards ceremony, participate in our Foundation Tricky Tray fundraiser, and peruse our Academic & Scientific Affairs poster session!

We look forward to seeing you there!

FIND SPONSORSHIP/EXHIBITING OPPORTUNITIES HERE!

Schedule of Events: Friday, October 21st Registration & Breakfast

7:30am - 8:30am

Raising Brains (1 CE)

8:30am - 9:30am

Cannabis Use & the Adolescent Brain (1 CE)

9:30am - 10:30am

Break

10:30am - 10:45am

Gender In Neuropsychology: An Introductory Conversation (1 CE)

10:45am - 11:45am

Lunch Break

11:45am - 1:15pm

Preparing for Life: Managing Overwhelming Emotions & Teaching Critical Skills (1.5)

1:15pm - 2:45pm

Break

2:45pm - 3:00pm

Alzheimer's Disease: Risk Factors, Symptoms, Pathology, & Current Research

3:00pm - 4:30pm

Perspectives (1.5 CE) Cocktail Reception & NJPA Awards plus CODI Town Hall

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Working With Women: An Overview of Guidelines & the Impact on Treatment & Current Challenges (1.5 CE)

Saturday, October 22nd Registration & Breakfast

7:30am - 8:20am

Cognitive Health Promotion Across the Lifespan (1 CE)

8:30am - 9:30am

Strengthening Resilience Through the Motivation-Executive Function (1 CE)

9:30am - 10:30am

Break

10:30am - 10:45am

CBT vs. Medication vs. Both for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, & Panic Attacks (1 CE)

10:45am - 11:45am

Lunch Break

11:45am - 1:15pm

Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) (1.5 CE)

1:15pm - 2:45pm

Break

2:45pm - 3:00pm

Integrative Medicine for Mind & Body (1 CE)

3:00pm - 4:00pm

Continuing Education Information NOTE: All Fall Conference programs are APA approved. All programs, with the exception of the CODI Town Hall, are approved for NYSED CE. New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA) is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer Continuing Education (CE) credit for psychologists. NJPA maintains responsibility for its programs and its content.

NJPA is recognized by the NY State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for NY licensed psychologists #PSY-0076.

Friday, October 21st : Raising Brains (1 CE)

8:30am - 9:30am

Presenter: Sarah Allen, PhD, CBIS Program Narrative: As the neuroscience research continues to develop, the application of brain science-based tools has become more common place. Understanding how brains work allows the design of interventions that support natural brain patterns instead of work against them. Providing psychoeducation to kids, families, and schools enhances our interventions and promotes independence of tools. Understanding how brains work promotes insight into the “how” leading to the change that propels our clients forward.

Sarah Levin Allen, PhD, is an author, pediatric neuropsychologist, parent/teacher strategist and mom of two with more than 15 years of experience studying and applying brain science. Through her graduate school teaching, clinical work, previous research, and program directing, she is on a mission to teach people how to use brain science to their advantage. Dr. Allen started her practice, Brain Behavior Bridge, to help translate the neuroscience research to the classroom and home environments to support kids with “different brains.”

As a mother and professional, she’s interested in helping kids directly and supporting the people who raise and educate them.

Cannabis Use & the Adolescent Brain (1 CE)

9:30am - 10:30am

Presenter: Ashley Gorman, PhD Program Narrative: This program will explore the neurocognitive and behavioral effects of cannabis use in adolescents across a range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The differential effect of usage in adults versus adolescents will be reviewed, as well as differences between short-term and chronic use. The public health implications of legalization on usage and long-term impacts will also be discussed.

Ashley Gorman, PhD, is a board-certified neuropsychologist specializing in the evaluation of adolescents and adults with a range of cognitive and behavioral concerns resulting from neurological, medical, or psychiatric conditions. A large portion of her practice focuses on working with adolescents and young adults struggling with academic difficulties, ADHD, substance abuse, and co-morbid psychiatric symptoms for the purposes of differential diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Gorman has a PhD in clinical psychology and completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychological assessment at Columbia University Medical Center.

She is Board Certified in clinical neuropsychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology. She has been in private practice with the Morris Psychological Group for thirteen years.

Gender in Neuropsychology: An Introductory Conversation (1 CE)

10:45am - 11:45am

Presenter: Christine Ghilain, PhD Program Narrative: This presentation is an introductory conversation for clinicians working with individuals who are exploring their gender identity, or who may not identify with their assigned sex at birth (ASAB). The goal of this presentation is to empower clinicians with up-to-date information, recommendations for practice enhancement, and support in their ongoing work with diverse clients. Discussion of the considerations around testing materials, normative data selection, and other assessment factors will be included.

Christine Ghilain, PhD, is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who has given over 20 presentations and invited talks at both national and international conferences. She is a lifespan neuropsychologist working with infants through older adults providing comprehensive evaluations in both clinical and forensic contexts. Her most recent book was published by Routledge in 2021 to promote competence in psychological testing procedures for those neuropsychologists working with psychometrists. Her research and clinical interests include refining assessment practices to enhance diagnostic accuracy and achieve optimal outcomes for individuals with diverse neurological conditions across the developmental lifespan. She has a passion for training and promoting competence in the field of neuropsychology.

Friday, October 21st : Preparing for Life: Managing Overwhelming Emotions & Teaching Critical Skills (1.5 CE)

1:15pm - 2:45pm

Presenter: Jed Baker, PhD Program Narrative: Individuals with ASD and social-behavioral challenges often present with difficulty regulating their feelings and interacting socially. The first part of this workshop outlines predictors of better outcome and how to maximize motivation and engagement of students. The second part discusses the pitfalls of a traditional escalating disciplinary model and the need to understand why students are having behavioral challenges. The focus is on both soothing moments of dysregulation, deescalating meltdowns, and problem-solving repeat problems. This problem solving involves identifying triggers to overwhelming frustration and anxiety, and designing effective behavior plans for each of those triggers. Information will be imparted through lecture, interactive exercises, and video clips.

Presenter bio: Jed Baker, PhD, is the director of the Social Skills Training Project, an organization serving individuals with autism and social communication problems. He is on the professional advisory board of Autism Today, ANSWER, YAI, the Kelberman Center and several other autism organizations. In addition, he writes, lectures, and provides training internationally on the topic of social skills training and managing challenging behaviors. He is an award winning author of 8 books, including Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Aspergers Syndrome and Social Communication Problems; Preparing for Life: The Complete Handbook for the Transition to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome; The Social Skills Picture Book; The Social Skills Picture Book for High School and Beyond; No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-of-Control Behavior; No More Victims: Protecting those with Autism from Cyber Bullying, Internet Predators & Scams; Overcoming Anxiety in Children and Teens; and School Shadow Guidelines. His work has also been featured on ABC World News, Nightline, the CBS Early Show, and the Discovery Health Channel.

Alzheimer's Disease: Risk Factors, Symptoms, Pathology, & Current Research Perspectives (1.5 CE)

3:00pm - 4:30pm

Presenter: Brian Balin, PhD Program Narrative: The current status of modern medicine has enabled people to live longer. Longer life has also demonstrated an increase in age-related chronic diseases, in particular neurodegenerative diseases. The increase in neurodegenerative diseases leading to severe dementing illnesses is a major health problem facing our populace and the nation. There is a clear need to better understand these diseases with regard to risk factors, diagnosis, pathology, and development of effective therapeutic regimens. A better understanding of these entities will provide a basis for potential prevention, early diagnosis, and early intervention, thereby improving the quality of life for the elderly.

Presenter bio: Brian Balin, PhD, is a tenured full professor in the Department of Bio-Medical Sciences at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Balin is the Director of the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging and Director of the Adolph and Rose Levis Foundation Laboratory for Alzheimer’s Disease Research. He is an internationally recognized expert in the field of Alzheimer's Disease research particularly on infection as a trigger in the neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's Disease.

COVID Waiver: In accordance with CDC guidelines and following the 2022 APA Convention health and safety protocols, all conference attendees must be vaccinated with either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Additionally, mask wearing will be required except for while presenting, eating, or drinking. By registering for this event and entering onto premises where it's being held, I understand that I may be exposing myself to and/or increasing my risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. I hereby release and waive my right to bring suit against NJPA, its owners, officers, officials, instructors, employees, or other representatives for fault in connection with exposure, infection, and/or spread of COVID-19 related to attending its event. I acknowledge all health and safety guidelines recommended by the CDC and local and federal agencies including, but not limited to, vaccinations, wearing a face mask in public areas when not consuming food or beverage, minimizing face touching, and washing or sanitizing my hands frequently. I have carefully read and fully understand this agreement and freely and knowingly assume the risk and waive my rights concerning liability as described above. * If you have had recent exposure to a COVID-19 case or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 within ten days of the event including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, please inform the NJPA Central Office at 973-243-9800 and we will instead provide a ZOOM link to attend the event virtually.

Friday, October 21st : Cocktail Reception & NJPA Awards

5:00pm - 6:30pm

Network and reconnect with fellow attendees at our cocktail reception featuring 2 hour open bar and hot and cold hors d'oeuvres!

Celebrate our 2022 Award Winners!

NJPA Awards

Foundation Awards

Psychologist of the Year Award: Luciene Sant'Anna Takagi, PsyD Lifetime Achievement Award : Matthew Barry Johnson, PhD Stanley Moldawski Mentor Award: Peter Economou, PhD Citizen of the Year Award: Tammy Snyder Murphy Legislator of the Year: Raj Mukherj

John M. Lagos Award for Research into Causes and/or Treatment of Social Problems

Academic & Scientific Affairs Awards

Dr. Zellig Bach Award for the Study of the Family Scholarship for Research on Diversity Issues Winifred Starbuck Scott Award

Student Research Award: Rebecca Khiralla, PsyM Distinguished Faculty Award: James Haugh, PhD

Diversity Townhall: Working with Women: An Overview of Guidelines & the Impact on Treatment & Current Challenges (1.5 CE) 6:30pm - 8:00pm Presenters: Briana Cox, PsyD; Phyllis Bolling, PhD; Susan Herschman, PsyD; Alexandra Miller Clark, PysD Program Narrative: This workshop will review and examine various aspects of APA’s Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Girls and Women and the importance of these guidelines in our work. We will also explore inspectional aspects of psychological practice with women and girls and the importance of gender sensitive, culturally humble, and competent, developmentally appropriate practice with girls and women across various aspects of diversity such as racial, ethnic, social class, gender/sexual orientation and other diversity statuses. Finally, this workshop will also explore the recent Dobbs decision in the context of working with girls and women and provide a summary of APA guidance on navigating legal and ethical issues related to this decision.

Dr. Briana L. Cox, PsyD is a clinical and forensic psychologist in private practice in Mountain Lakes, NJ. Her clinical focus is on women, gender, and identity. Her forensic focus is children and families. Dr. Cox has been a member of NJPA's Committee on Diversity and Inclusion since 2016 and she is the previous Chair of the LISTSERV monitoring committee. Dr. Cox is NJPA's incoming president for 2023.

Susan Herschman, PsyD, has been a New Jersey school psychologist for 20 years and in private practice in Randolph, NJ since 1997. Dr. Herschman has been a consultant to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) since 2001.

Phyllis Bolling, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in NJ and has been employed at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) for more than 25 years. She currently serves as Director of NJIT’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (C-CAPS). Dr. Bolling has a PhD in Counseling Psychology and an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from State University of New York at Albany.

Alexandra Miller Clark, PsyD, MSCP is the host of “Psychology America with Dr. Alexandra” podcast (www.psychologyamerica.com). Through exchanges with her guests Dr. Alexandra seeks to freely share access to psychology and bring “new learning about psychology, stories and good company to listeners.” Dr, Alexandra, a mother of four and stepmother of four more, has also written a children’s book entitled “There’s Always Hope.” She runs a private group practice, Live Well Psychology Center, LLC, out of Sparta, NJ (www.livewelllpsychologycenter.com).

Saturday, October 22nd: Cognitive Health Promotion Across the Lifespan (1 CE)

8:30am - 9:30am

Presenter: Christine Ghilain, PhD Program Narrative: In the context of our everchanging healthcare landscape, promoting cognitive health and wellbeing is becoming increasingly critical. As psychologists and neuropsychologists, we are on the frontlines of assessment and intervention with aging populations, and those working with pediatric populations are uniquely positioned to support the initiation of healthpromoting behaviors at earlier ages. Neuropsychologists are often called upon when something is notably going awry: “Jonny is struggling to focus” or “Mom isn’t remembering to take her pills.” We evaluate, assess, and put plans in place to bolster identified areas of weakness or provide compensatory strategies for untreatable deficits. We react and respond to the concerns placed before us by parents, families, or clients. Rare is the client who calls for an appointment with no identified concerns.

Rarer is the client calling for their “preventative care” neuropsychological evaluation appointment. Nonetheless, this talk is geared towards the health-promoting, preventative care opportunities in neuropsychology, and the methods we can use to engage with our clients across the lifespan to promote healthy brain aging.

Presenter bio: Christine Ghilain, PhD, is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who has given over 20 presentations and invited talks at both national and international conferences. She is a lifespan neuropsychologist working with infants through older adults providing comprehensive evaluations in both clinical and forensic contexts. Her most recent book was published by Routledge in 2021 to promote competence in psychological testing procedures for those neuropsychologists working with psychometrists.

Her research and clinical interests include refining assessment practices to enhance diagnostic accuracy and achieve optimal outcomes for individuals with diverse neurological conditions across the developmental life span. She has a passion for training and promoting competence in the field of neuropsychology.

Strengthening Resilience Through the Motivation-Executive Function (1 CE)

9:30am - 10:30am

Presenter: George McCloskey, PhD Program Narrative: This workshop will discuss the connection between the brain's reward center and executive control capabilities, and ways to use this connection to help children strengthen resilience. Professionals can be aware of, and influence children's motivations and help them strengthen executive control to better handle stress and develop resiliency.

Strategies for building a better connection between motivation and self-regulation in young children and strengthening selfdetermination in older children and adolescents will be the focal point of this session. Concepts presented in the workshop will be contextualized with case examples.

Presenter bio: George McCloskey, PhD, is a professor and director of School Psychology Research in the School of Professional and Applied Psychology of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and holds Diplomate status with the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology. Dr. McCloskey has amassed 40 years of experience in test development, teaching, research, and assessment and intervention work with a wide range of clients and developed a comprehensive model of executive functions used to guide assessment and intervention for executive function difficulties.

CBT vs. Medication vs. Both for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, & Panic Attacks (1 CE)

10:45am - 11:45am

Presenter: Milton Spett, PhD Program Narrative: Dr. Spett will describe the most effective techniques for anxiety, depression, OCD, and panic attacks.

Specific techniques for each of these disorders will be described.

Presenter bio: Milton Spett, PhD, is the co-founder and co-leader of the New Jersey Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists. He has presented 60 workshops for New Jersey Mental Health professionals, and he has published 43 articles on CBT for mental health professionals. Every Wednesday he distributes a summary of new CBT techniques, research, and clinical vignettes to members of the New Jersey Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists.

Saturday, October 22nd: Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) (1.5 CE)

1:15pm - 2:45pm

Presenters: Eric Watson, PhD; Krina Patel, PsyD; Alexandra Pritchett, PhD Program Narrative: Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS), better known as "Long COVID," is an emerging syndrome resulting from Sars-COV-2 virus infection. The devastating and persistent symptoms preclude people from engaging in their day-to-day lives and contribute to unfavorable health outcomes and disability. As a result, the need for assessment and treatment of Long COVID has significantly increased. This intermediate-level presentation describes Long COVID and its impact on health and emotional well-being. Presenters will offer an overview of Long COVID as well as share firsthand experiences assessing and treating Long COVID, focusing on the neurologic and psychological aspects. The presentation will conclude with a discussion about emerging research.

Presenter bio: Eric Watson, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Watson has extensive training in neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation both clinically and in research. His clinical and research interests include forensic neuropsychology, aging, and geriatric neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation, behavioral sleep medicine, applied electroencephalography, and health interventions for cognitively impaired populations (e.g., medication adherence, weight management, and chronic pain).

During the height of the pandemic, he provided individual support to health care workers navigating trauma reactions in new frontline care roles. Since Fall 2020, he has established a specialty in understanding the neuropsychology and rehabilitation needs of those living with Post-Acute COVID-19 Symptomatic (PACS; "Long COVID").

Presenter bio: Krina Patel, PsyD, is a clinical neuropsychology fellow at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison, NJ. She has worked with varying populations with neurological illnesses, on an interdisciplinary team, conducting bedside evaluations and supporting counseling related to adjustment with patients and families.

Her emerging interests are related to the use of technology in rehabilitation.

Integrative Medicine for Mind & Body (1 CE)

Presenter bio: Alexandra Pritchett, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow at the Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai Hospital. Her clinical interests include facilitating post-injury adjustment and offering cognitive remediation services following cerebrovascular accidents and other neurological injuries. She is passionate about treating all facets of an injury, and helping patients identify their challenges while emphasizing individual strengths.

3:00pm - 4:00pm

Presenter: Erika Cappelluti, MD, PhD Program Narrative: The program will define integrative medicine and describe historical utilization along with scope of the field. Indigenous forms of healing and other integrative modalities will be presented and include traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and mind-body techniques. The application of integrative medicine to disorders of mind and body will be described with evidence-based studies.

Presenter bio: Erika Cappelluti MD, PhD, MA, FCCP, ABOIM, ABIHM, is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care, and integrative medicine. She was the founder and Medical Director of the Center for Integrative Health and Healing, the integrative medicine division of Starling, which later merged with the integrative program at Hartford Hospital. She served as the Medical Director of this program and of the Respiratory Care Department at the hospital for nearly 15 years. She had a clinical practice that included the delivery of integrative services to medical ICU and floor patients, conducted research studies, and lectured regularly. She was the recipient of numerous teaching awards and authored many scientific articles and abstracts. In 2017, she became the Fellowship Director for the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, and in 2019 she relocated to Sedona, AZ, where she is currently practicing integrative pulmonary medicine on a part-time basis. In her spare time, she is an avid runner, plays multiple instruments for sound healing, and is fulfilling her life-long dream to be an artist. Her new business, Alchemy Art & Healing, is due to launch in late 2022.