Community Neurorehab

09/12/2023

For September's employee spotlight, we are recognizing Alexis (Lexie) Kent, a Brain Injury Specialist who is currently at one of our Des Moines locations after starting her career with Community Neurorehab at one of our Coralville locations. Before joining us at CNR, Lexie graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's in psychology, from the University of Iowa (Go Hawks!).

We asked Lexie what she likes about her position: My favorite part about the position is knowing that I make a small difference in the participants' lives each day. Moving from the Coralville houses to the Des Moines houses has provided its own challenges in many different ways, but I always know that my supervisors are there if I ever have any questions or need to talk. CNR has provided me with so much knowledge about this field and about myself that I didn't know until working here. It is very rewarding to know that the rehabilitation skills and tools that we utilize at CNR with participants are ones that they will take with them when they discharge.

We asked Lexie what she does in her free time: When I am not working, I like to read, go to the gym, coach and playing with my cat! So far in 2023, I have read 45 books. I am a competitive cheer and tumbling coach, so I am coaching multiple days throughout the week. I also have a cat named Milo that I will take on walks.

Do you believe your experience and qualifications would be a great fit for Community NeuroRehab? If so, join Lexie and many others as they help survivors of brain injury build a better tomorrow by clicking on the link to our website to learn more about our services and to apply under the employment tab https://communityneurorehab.com/

Keep up the great work Lexie! Your team appreciates your continued dedication towards helping those that are in our care.

08/03/2023

For August's employee spotlight, we are recognizing Cassidy Yeager, a Brain Injury Specialist who has recently been promoted to Clinical Coordinator over one of our Des Moines locations. Cassidy started at CNR towards the middle of 2021 where she worked at one of our Des Moines houses. Cassidy spent her educational career before joining us by studying for a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Central college. Cassidy’s work as an BIS gave her a new skill set that she was able to hone in and was promoted into the Clinical Coordinator role as a result. We are very excited for Cassidy and her promotion into the new role, and we look forward to how she will support participants and employees alike.

We asked Cassidy what she likes about her position: The reason I love Community NeuroRehab is the growth that I have experienced both professionally and personally. The positivity and uniqueness of our services also drew me into this position and has taught me more about the field than I ever knew!

We asked Cassidy what she does in her free time: When I am not working at Community Neurorehab as the Clinical Coordinator, I enjoy going on walks, drawing, and playing video games with my friends.

Do you believe your experience and qualifications would be a great fit for Community NeuroRehab? If so, join Cassidy and many others as they help survivors of brain injury build a better tomorrow by clicking on the link to our website to learn more about our services and to apply under the employment tab https://lnkd.in/gxZdzBak
Keep up the great work Cassidy! Your team appreciates your continued dedication towards helping those that are in our care.

07/21/2023

For July's employee spotlight, we are recognizing Millie Prasai, a Brain Injury Specialist who is currently at one of our Coralville locations. While working at CNR, Millie spends time at the University of Iowa where she is finishing her Bachelors in Psychology next year.

We asked Millie what she likes about her position: I became interested in working at Community NeuroRehab because of the opportunity to help participants take control of their rehabilitation and work directly alongside them to create meaningful treatment plans. I really enjoy working at CNR because it's a very collaborative environment among staff and participants. We all work to support each other and provide a high standard of treatment for participants. I have learned many new skills that allow me to have a personalized and holistic approach for each participant, and I'm excited to see each individual's progress along the way!

We asked Millie what she does in her free time: In my free time I like to spend time outside with my dog, Kalu, go hiking on local forest trails, and draw and paint. I also like hosting small dinner parties for my friends and family.

Do you believe your experience and qualifications would be a great fit for Community NeuroRehab? If so, join Millie and many others as they help survivors of brain injury build a better tomorrow by clicking on the link to our website to learn more about our services and to apply under the employment tab https://communityneurorehab.com/

Keep up the great work Millie! Your team appreciates your continued dedication towards helping those that are in our care.

07/05/2023

Happy Independence Day from all of us at CNR! Have a wonderful and safe holiday!

06/27/2023

Join us today from 3:30PM till 6:30PM at the open house for our new community based brain injury rehab center in Ames Iowa! 2415 Timberland Road in Ames will be our newest location as CNR expands its services and helps Iowans and their families who were impacted by a brain injury.

Join us for a tour of the location, meet members of our leadership team, and enjoy Charcuterie Boards provided by Sisters in Cheese. During the tour, we will expand on the services we provide and expand awareness of brain injury within our community.

Looking for a new position? CNR is currently hiring for our final position at our new location now and we want you to join our team! Ask at the event or by viewing our website for more information.
We hope to see you there!

06/07/2023

For June’s employee spotlight, we are recognizing Bradley Hamilton, a current Brain Injury Specialist who has recently been promoted to Operations Assistant over one of our Coralville locations. Bradley started at one of our Coralville houses where he quickly took interest in learning more about the next step forward. Before starting at CNR, Bradley spent time at the U of I until 2020 when he graduated with his Bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation. We are very excited for Bradley and his promotion into the new role, and we look forward to how he will support participants and employees alike.

We asked Bradley what he likes about his position: I have always had a passion to give back and serve others. I thought that working with the brain injury population would bring a new set of challenges and provide great experience. This role has opened me to new experiences that have allowed me to help others in ways I never had the opportunity to do before. I really enjoy working for Community NeuroRehab because we get a chance to help participants discover just how capable they are and provide interventions that are meaningful to their rehabilitation journey. My background in Therapeutic Recreation has been very beneficial working as a brain injury specialist at Community NeuroRehab because the treatment I was able to learn aligns with our company's treatment philosophy. Utilizing a more holistic approach benefits our participants' progression because they are in control of their journey.

We asked Bradley what he does in his free time: In my free time I love to golf and spend time outside. I also like to play video games and volunteer when I can. I also enjoy spending time with my two boxer dogs.

Additional information from Bradley: I am excited to take on a new role as Operations Assistant and further my growth at Community NeuroRehab.

Do you believe your experience and qualifications would be a great fit for Community NeuroRehab? If so, join Bradley and many other as they help survivors of brain injury build a better tomorrow by clicking on the link to our website to learn more about our services and to apply under the employment tab https://communityneurorehab.com/

Keep up the great work Bradley! Your team appreciates your continued dedication towards helping those that are in our care.

05/16/2023

We would like to thank all of our hospitals, Willow Crest Hospital/Moccasin Bend Ranch, Community Neurorehab, Brookhaven Hospital, Red River Youth Academy, and Shoreline, Inc. for all that you do to serve those struggling with their mental health, TBI, and substance use disorder!

Don't be afraid to seek help! Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! 💖

05/08/2023

For May’s employee spotlight, we are recognizing Jessica Hernandez, a current Operations Assistant who has recently been promoted to Regional Coordinator over our Des Moines locations. Jessica started at CNR towards the beginning of 2015 where she worked at one of our Des Moines houses. Jessica spent her educational career before joining us by studying for a Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Applied Health Sciences from Drake University in 2011. Jessica’s work as an Operations Assistant, and a number of other roles throughout CNR, has been a great tribute to CNR and our participants. We are very excited for Jessica and her promotion into the new role, and we look forward to how she will support participants and employees alike.

We asked Jessica what she likes about her position: Throughout my time with CNR, it has become a passion of mine to support brain injury survivors with achieving maximum recovery through a person-centered approach. The ability to see a participant progress through the program from the time of admission to the time of discharge has been truly rewarding. It has been a blessing to be part of each participant's journey. I have also really enjoyed providing mentorship to our employees. We have such a cohesive, talented, and motivated team at CNR.

We asked Jessica what she does in her free time: When not at work, I spend most of my time with my kiddos, Cooper and Lily! Prior to COVID, I regularly trained in Taekwondo and hope to return to training in the near future. I love spending time outdoors and doing anything adventurous! I also enjoy spending my time with my fiancé, Anthony.

Do you believe your experience and qualifications would be a great fit for Community NeuroRehab? If so, join Jessica and many other as they help survivors of brain injury build a better tomorrow by clicking on the link to our website to learn more about our services and to apply under the employment tab https://lnkd.in/gxZdzBak

Keep up the great work Jessica! Your team appreciates your continued dedication towards helping those that are in our care.

05/02/2023

"As a 42-year-old, you don't expect to go backward. But I did. And now I’m moving forward. The brain never stops and always reinvents itself. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to make new pathways throughout life to make new experiences. The brain is the most amazing creation and retraining the brain takes time and effort. But I’m doing it."

It's always powerful to hear a brain injury survivor's story and their perspective on recovery and adapting to life following an injury. Neuroplasticity is amazing!

Recovering-from-a-brain-injury life is not what I had planned. Yes, I partied too much. And I hit my head. But this could have happened to anyone.

04/26/2023

A John Hopkins' study finds that TBI is the second most common injury related to walking a dog. We aren't advocating against dogs but it does highlight how easily a brain injury can happen and the need for appropriate services and supports in our communities. Prevention is the only "cure" for brain injury - be careful out there!

Scooby-dooby-doo, what did you do? Shaggy's in a right mess.

04/13/2023

For April's employee spotlight, we are recognizing
Walaa Fadelsied, a current Brain Injury Specialist at one of our Coralville locations.

Walaa started at CNR towards the beginning this year after studying at the University of Iowa with a bachelors in psychology and a minor in Social work. Walaa's work as a Brain Injury Specialist has granted her some of her first experiences and knowledge of the world of brain injury rehab and human services overall. We have enjoyed watching Walaa expand her experiences in brain injury over the last few months and look forward to her continued growth.

We asked Walaa what she likes about her position: I love helping participants achieve their goals and be able to help them get back with their families or live independently. The rehabilitation tools that CNR provides are useful for their time at CNR and allows them to take those skills with them when discharged. The skills that we utilize are very adaptable, I like using in my personal life. I am grateful for such an opportunity and will continue to learn and grow with CNR.

We asked Walaa what she does in her free time: In my free time, I like taking walks, doing various crafts, and playing with my cats: Dorito, Harry and Kizie.

Do you believe your experience and qualifications would be a great fit for Community NeuroRehab? If so, join Walaa and many other as they help survivors of brain injury build a better tomorrow by clicking on the link to our website to learn more about our services and to apply under the employment tab https://lnkd.in/gxZdzBak
Keep up the great work Walaa! Your team appreciates your continued dedication towards helping those that are in our care.

04/07/2023

At CNR, positivity is part of our treatment philosophy. As this article addresses, that doesn't have to mean being happy all the time, especially in the face of something as challenging as brain injury, but it does mean that we are POSITIVE that things can get better. There are some great suggestions for increasing positivity listed here.

Post-traumatic growth after brain injury

03/30/2023

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month but it is also national Social Work Month. Our CEO, Tom Brown, is recognizing both and attending the Long Term Care Social Workers of Iowa conference in Ames today and tomorrow. We love partnering with social workers to support brain injury survivors with getting the services that they need!

03/23/2023

Ashworth staff are wearing purple to raise brain injury awareness.