Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center

01/12/2026

Did you that the Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center Columbia University Irving Medical Center is one of only two cerebral palsy programs in the country with a full mental health program incorporating psychiatry and psychotherapy? Our mental health professionals have clinical expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders to provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options for you.

Psychiatrist Agnes Whitaker, MD has over 20 years of clinical expertise in the mental health care of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, including treatment of co-occurring mood, anxiety, psychotic disorders.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Minnelly Vasquez, LCSW, works collaboratively with patients and their families through individual and group psychotherapy.

When physical health is affected by cerebral palsy, the corresponding effects on one’s mental health may be overlooked. Early recognition and diagnosis of mental health disorders in people with cerebral palsy can help improve outcomes.

We are here to help care for both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Find out more on our website https://www.weinberg.cuimc.columbia.edu/patient-care/our-services/mental-health-services

01/12/2026

Did you that the is one of only two cerebral palsy programs in the country with a full mental health program incorporating psychiatry and psychotherapy? Our mental health professionals have clinical expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders to provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options for you.
 
Psychiatrist Agnes Whitaker, MD has over 20 years of clinical expertise in the mental health care of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, including treatment of co-occurring mood, anxiety, psychotic disorders.
 
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Minnelly Vasquez, LCSW, works collaboratively with patients and their families to create a mental health treatment plans.
 
When physical health is affected by cerebral palsy, the corresponding effects on one’s mental health may be overlooked. Early recognition and diagnosis of mental health disorders in people with cerebral palsy can help improve outcomes.
 
At the Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center, our mental health professionals work collaboratively with you and your care team, for the most suitable intervention to care for your physical wellbeing as well as your mental health.
 
Find out more on our website https://www.weinberg.cuimc.columbia.edu/patient-care/our-services/mental-health-services
 

01/08/2026

What a way to spend the holidays!

Our CP Community Day 2025 raffle winner (and event volunteer) Michelle won the VIP football package kindly donated by the She treated her family to the Vikings vs Giants game and made some special memories.

“My mom came to the United States when she was 14, and one of her first introductions to American culture was football — especially the Vikings. Because of her, I grew up a fan too. Every Sunday she would braid my hair while we watched the games together, and those Sundays are some of my sweetest childhood memories.

Getting to experience the VIP football experience and see the Vikings live on a Sunday felt like everything coming full circle. My favorite part was how excited my mom was leading up to the game. In the photos you’ll see our matching Vikings-colored sneakers she picked out — it was one of the most beautiful experiences we’ve shared.

We’re so appreciative of this cherished memory that honors our shared history and the bond we’ve built over all those Sundays together.”

Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your story with us — and happy new year! 💙💕💙🏈

01/07/2026

Happy New Year everyone! We are entering the very end of our active studies for children with unilateral and bilateral CP, so if you have been considering having your child participate in either of our studies, now would be the best time to reach out!

You can scan the QR code for more information, or email us at cpresearch@tc.columbia.edu!

12/24/2025

Warm wishes and happy holidays to our community!

Check out our highlights of 2025 on our website, and let’s make more progress and memories together in 2026!

https://www.weinberg.cuimc.columbia.edu/about-us/news

12/09/2025

The Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center Care & Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Pimental is an instructor for the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) 2025 Lifespan eCourse, available from now till 1/30/2026.⁠
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Her module on Promoting Independence Through Education, Employment, and Community Participation covers how education, employment, and community engagement can strengthen independence and mental well-being in youth with medical complexity. Jennifer is a wealth of resources for the community, and this course is a must for families, clinicians, and care teams in the path to successful transitions from pediatric to adulthood.⁠
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Please note that this is a paid eCourse accessible via the AACPDM eCourse program and offers a chance to earn CME and CEUs. More details can be found on their website.⁠
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Register: https://www.weinberg.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/jennifer-pimentel-leads-aacpdm-lifespan-ecourse-module

11/17/2025

Support our friends Dancing Dreams

Dancing Dreams has entered a photo contest for nonprofits. Please vote for us using the link down below. The winner will win a cash prize. Please share with all of your friends and family.
Vote here:  https://insurancefornonprofits.org/photo-contest/

DancingDreams.org

11/17/2025

Our third-year PT students had a fantastic training day at , a community dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities across all ages. Every year, Lisa Yoon, DPT brings our third year Advanced Seminar in Pediatrics students to learn firsthand about adaptive equipment and how to evaluate and prescribe the right tools for their future patients.

Rifton prepared a full educational agenda for us, from a behind-the-scenes tour of their facility and meeting the designers and fabricators, and getting hands-on practice with their equipment.

Students also took part in a simulation exercise using case studies, customizing equipment for their case patient. They worked with the Rifton Stander, Activity Chair, Adaptive Tricycle, and the E-Pacer - turning classroom knowledge into real-world clinical skills.

Thank you for your hospitality!

11/07/2025

What a brilliant way to start the weekend!

A huge shoutout to Minnelly and team for hosting such an engaging listening & sharing session with our adults with . Thank you for to our panelists the candid stories shared and for sharing helpful resources.

We love hosting this event each fall. Thank you to the IAACD for organizing this marathon 24 hour event!

A recording will be on our website soon!

11/04/2025

A huge shoutout to our patient Bonnie Eng who completed the on Sunday with an impressive 3:18 finish — improving her time by more than 2 hours from last year! 💪

Bonnie is an avid hand cyclist who has competed in numerous races (including one at last year, where she earned a partial racing scholarship!). Her determination and drive embody what it means to set goals and keep pushing toward them.

We’re so proud to celebrate Bonnie and all of our amazing adults with cerebral palsy who continue to show what’s possible through drive and perseverance. 💙

📸 Shared with Bonnie’s permission.