Our Dedicated Team of Spinal Cord Injury Experts

The SCI multidisciplinary team of specialists utilizes an integrated approach to care. Together they develop individualized treatment plans to address the multiple physical, cognitive and behavioral effects of spinal cord injury and illness.

Our specialty-trained rehabilitation physicians work in tandem with a dedicated team of colleagues all with a special understanding of the needs of individuals with SCI.

Your SCI rehabilitation team could include:

• A Physician
• Rehabilitation Nurses
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Social Worker/ Case Manager
• Psychologist
• Peer Mentor
• Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
• Dietician
• Vocational Counselor
• Chaplain
• Wound Care Specialist
• Orthotic and Prosthetic Specialist
• Rehabilitation Engineer

Learn more about the role each team member plays in rehabilitation care. Who’s Who on Your Rehabilitation Care Team.

THE MEDSTAR NRH INPATIENT SCI PROGRAM TEAM

Physicians  

Lorraine Vinci, PSYD
Co-Director Spinal Cord Program 

Suzanne Groah, MD
Director of SCI Research 

Pamela Ballard, MD
Attending Spinal Cord Program  

SCI Inpatient Program Nursing Leadership

• Valerie Canty, RN, BSN, CRRN: 28 years experience in nursing
  • Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse
  • Assist Coordination/Operation of Spasticity Program including Botox Administration, Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Care with Refills and Adjustments

Therapy Leadership

• Joan Joyce, CTRS, MS, EP-C: 20 years experience in SCI rehabilitation
  • Director of Therapeutic Recreation and Community Outreach
  • Director of Medstar NRH Adapted Sports & Fitness program
  • Aquatic Therapist (Aquatics Therapy & Rehab)
  • Certified Exercise Physiologist, EP-C  (American College of Sports Medicine)

• Jennifer Lookingbill Offutt, MS OTR/L: 12 years experience in SCI rehabilitation
  • Clinical Supervisor for Inpatient Occupational Therapy Department 

• Sherry Mumma PT, DPT, ATP/SMS: 17 years experience in SCI rehabilitation
  • Clinical Supervisor for Inpatient Physical Therapy
  • Assistive Technology Professional/ Seating and Mobility Specialist (ATP/SMS) 

OUTPATIENT AND DAY TREATMENT SCI PROGRAM TEAM

Outpatient Physicians

Richard Zorowitz, MD

Day Program and Outpatient Leadership

• Sarah Ouwerkerk, MScOT, OTR/L: 4 years experience in SCI Rehabilitation
  • Clinical Supervisor for Outpatient Occupational Therapy
  • Trained in Bioness H200

• Judson Richardson, MSW, LICSW
  • Program Co-Director and Social Worker for Day Programs (SCI, Stroke, Brain Injury)
  • Manager of Vocational Rehabilitation and Outpatient Navigation
  • Co-organizer of peer mentor programs for SCI and for Stroke / Brain Injury
  • 8 years experience in SCI rehabilitation, care coordination, and clinical counseling

• Kathleen Seward, PT, DPT, ATP: Ten years experience in SCI Rehabilitation
  • Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
  • Trainer at Medstar NRH “No Limit” adaptive fitness program
  • Trained in Lokomat, EksoTM Exoskeleton
  • Trained volunteer in adaptive water & snow skiing