PBI Conference Presenter Bios

Co-Founder and Clinical Director of NeuroSolution Center of Austin

Since 2010, Dr. Crawford has been a pioneering force in chiropractic care and holistic healing. Trained by the brightest minds in chiropractic, functional neurology, and functional endocrinology, his dedication and passion have earned him recognition as a board-certified Developmental Functional Neurologist. As an active member of the International Association of Functional Neurology & Rehab, he never stops pushing the boundaries of what is possible in patient care.

Dr. Crawford's journey began with his outstanding academic record at Parker College of Chiropractic, where he graduated magna cum laude. Prior to this achievement, he earned degrees in biomedical science and business management at Texas A&M University.

(for full bio, go to https://www.neurosolutionatx.com/)

Dr. Paul Harch MD. is an emergency medicine and hyperbaric medicine clinician who is Clinical Professor of Medicine, Section of Emergency Medicine, at LSU School of Medicine, New Orleans, and former director of the University Medical Center Hyperbaric Medicine Department and LSU Hyperbaric Medicine Fellowship. Dr. Harch initiated and maintains a private practice that has resulted in the largest case experience in neurological hyperbaric medicine in the world. In this practice he adapted the concepts of conventional hyperbaric oxygen therapy to wounds in the central nervous system that spawned the subsequent academic and research practice. Dr. Harch’s work and perspective on hyperbaric oxygen therapy was published in his book, The Oxygen Revolution, where HBOT is explained as an epigenetic therapy with expected revolutionary effects on medicine and neurology. (go to www.hbot.com for full bio)

Dr. Kenneth Proefrock graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1996. He and his wife, Darla, live deep in the desert of Arizona with numerous snakes, lizards, tortoises, toads, peacocks, dogs, horses, and goats. Prior to naturopathic medical school, he received degrees in Chemistry and Zoology from Northern Arizona University and worked as a Research and Development/Quality Assurance Chemist for Procter & Gamble. For the past 27 years, he has conducted a very busy Naturopathic medical practice in Surprise, Arizona, where he focuses on pediatric patients with neurological injuries. He is also the President for the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE), and the chairperson for the biochemistry portion of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX).

Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, creator of the MNRI® / Masgutova Method®, developed a therapy protocol specifically for NFD and HIE injuries that focuses on reflex neuromodulation for brain post-trauma recovery. She explains the developmental repercussions of these injuries and changes observed in reflex patterns before and after MNRI HIE / Non-Fatal Drowning Recovery Conferences, and as documented in scientific brain mapping research.

Janice Walker, OTR Founder, InterX Therapy Center https://www.interxtherapycenter.com/ Janice Walker is redefining what’s possible in pain relief. As a leading Occupational Therapist and founder of the InterX Therapy Center, she’s helped thousands break free from chronic pain—not with prescriptions, but with cutting-edge neurostimulation that taps into the body’s own healing power. Known for her expertise in nervous system regulation, Janice is a trusted voice among clinicians and patients alike. Her mission? To replace pain management with true healing—and to train the next wave of healthcare providers to do the same.

Dr. Tony Ebel is first and foremost an incredible husband, father, and faith-based family man! He is best known for making a massive impact in the Pediatric Chiropractic profession and helping lead and grow it for more influence and impact. Specifically he is known for creating The Perfect Storm, a workshop and clinical care protocols for kids struggling with neurodevelopmental challenges and chronic health issues. He runs an 8-doctor, 65% pediatric, 100% cash and 100% crazy fun, family wellness practice called PWC Chiropractic in Crystal Lake, Illinois and then has also spent the last 10 years teaching and training other chiropractors. In 2020 he and his wife, Kristina, launched The Pediatric Experience, a first-of-its-kind online mentorship and training program that teaches chiropractic students and doctors every single element of what it takes to build a wildly impactful and successful Pediatric, Prenatal, and Family Practice. Then in 2022, he launched the PX Docs Online Educational Platform – which includes hundreds of educational articles and guides, as well as The Experience Miracles Podcast – a Top 2% Health + Wellness Podcast! Dr. Tony’s passion is educating, empowering, and informing parents about the nervous system's role in natural, drug-free healing for all pediatric conditions and cases.

Jean Hawney, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC, is a speech-language pathologist, board-certified swallowing specialist, and lactation consultant specializing in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. She has extensive experience supporting infants and children with complex medical histories, including those recovering from acquired brain injuries. Jean is the founder of Little Eaters & Talkers, where she provides family-centered care across outpatient, home-based, and transitional settings. Her work focuses on empowering caregivers, using trauma-informed approaches, and supporting functional feeding outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Ioannis , MD (China), PhD, LAc is an internationally recognized expert in neuro-acupuncture and integrative neurological rehabilitation. He earned his medical and doctoral degrees in China and has over 27 years of experience treating complex neurological and orthopedic conditions. Based in Tempe, Arizona, Dr. Solo Solo specializes in innovative therapies such as Neuromodulation Acupuncture™ and Tendon & Fascia Reconditioning Manipulations™. He also serves as a doctoral faculty member and board-certified instructor, training practitioners across the U.S. in advanced acupuncture techniques.

Juliet has over 40 years of clinical experience and multiple publications in acquired brain injury. She is Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine. Her original work started as a co-author with Dr. Mark Ylvisaker in the book titled, Head Injury Rehabilitation: Children and Adolescents. She was principal investigator of a federal longitudinal study at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for a NIDRR field-initiated grant to investigate reading and language outcomes of preschool children with TBI, a pilot study to investigate transition to adulthood in adolescents with complex medical conditions, and a grant-funded transition program for teens with acquired brain injury. Her most recent position was a Senior Health Scientist on the Traumatic Brain Injury Team, Division of Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She helped to develop rehabilitation programs for acquired brain injury at the Rehabilitation Institute of Pittsburgh, National Rehabilitation Hospital (Washington, DC), Atlanta Rehabilitation Institute, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In addition to her work with children, she has worked in rehabilitation and written papers about adults, using TBI Model Systems and TRACK TBI data. She recently received the 2025 Moody Foundation award for her research and practice in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Nicole White is a certified K-12 Music Educator, Sound Healer, and Medical Mom to Addie. She holds a Bachelor’s of Music Degree from the University of Delaware and a Master’s Degree in the Arts from Stony Brook University. Nicole has been a Music Teacher in New York State for 18 years, specializing in General Music, Voice Lessons and Choir for all grade levels and abilities. Mrs.White recently expanded her training to include Sound Healing, Reiki Healing and Mindfulness. She currently directs High School Choir and teaches the Mindfulness in Music Electives for General Education and Life Skills students using the curriculum she developed in 2022. Nicole resides on Long Island with her loving husband and their three beautiful children.

I began my financial career in the banking industry in 2002. After six years in banking and earning my Business Management degree from Texas State University, I joined Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving clients in various roles, including leadership positions. In 2018, my youngest son’s journey led me to discover my passion for the special needs community. During this time, I realized there were very few financial advisors in Central Texas with the expertise needed to navigate the unique planning required for individuals with special healthcare needs. As a special needs mom myself, I knew I wanted to change that. Today, my financial planning practice is dedicated to serving families who have a loved one with special needs. My team and I are committed to delivering the highest level of service, ensuring families feel confident, prepared, and secure in their financial future. Our goal is to create a comprehensive plan that not only provides for the individual with special needs but also brings peace of mind to their entire family.

Dr. Mark Vande Braak (Ph.D, FT, MT-BC, Lutheran Family Service Director of Grief, Loss, and Trauma) helps people who have suffered traumatic loss and complicated or prolonged grief through individual sessions provided in-person in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, or via telehealth anywhere in the US. In addition to working with individuals, Dr. Mark serves people experiencing a wide variety of losses through virtual and in-person groups. Topics addressed include supporting parents following loss of a child due to illness, suicide, trauma, miscarriage or stillbirth; and spouses or families of those suffering traumatic brain injury or life-changing illnesses such as ALS, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Dr. Mark works with families, congregations, and communities in the face of tragedy from accidents, shootings, natural disasters, and suicide. He is available for speaking engagements at universities, educational events, and community settings. He provides consultation to physicians, attorneys, pastors, teachers, and church workers as they support their people through loss and grief.

Natalie Proshek, LCSW, is a clinical therapist based in Atlanta, GA , wife, mom of 2, and caregiver for her disabled and medically complex 2-year-old son, Jace. Natalie has experience supporting children and their families through their most difficult and vulnerable moments. She has worked with children and adolescents in the home, community, schools, and residential treatment level. Natalie is extensively trained in Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Theraplay, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Natalie has taken her unexpected life story with her son to now focus on providing mental health support and education to support those in the disability community. Last year she joined Team Luke Hope for Minds as the Mental Health & Support Services Specialist to provide virtual support groups, one-on-one coaching, outreach in Atlanta area, and behavioral health education. She is passionate about improving the quality of life for children and adolescents with disabilities and their families by helping to build stronger, and more supportive, people in our tribe and addressing the mental and behavioral health challenges that can occur in the world of disability. Natalie wholeheartedly believes no one should ever walk life alone, especially through our toughest moments, and she aims to be someone in your corner.

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and classically trained clarinetist, helps people transform their limitations into opportunities to move, think and perform easier with more joy, through functionally informed somatic movement. With 18 years experience as a somatic educator, Erin has helped hundreds locally and internationally, realize full physical, mental, and emotional potential. Passionate about helping children with Cerebral Palsy, HIE and genetic conditions in Phoenix, Arizona, Erin offers intensives to families throughout the year.

Ethan Cowan is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner (GCFP) who specializes in working with children ages 0-14 who have traumatic brain injuries, birth injuries, cerebral palsy, and genetic conditions. He completed his Feldenkrais training in 2013 through Feldenkrais Resources Training Institute in Berkeley, CA, and completed additional specialized training in NeuroHorizons™ for working with children with special needs. Ethan's unique path to this work began as a male nanny caring for infants from birth, where he discovered how his Feldenkrais skills naturally applied to supporting early development. Now he provides movement-based intensives (10 lessons over 5 days) that give children concentrated opportunities to discover new movement possibilities. In addition to his private practice in Boulder, CO, he works internationally with Kids Inspire in Denmark and collaborates with Sound Movement Services in Phoenix. His approach creates the right conditions for children to become their full selves through self-knowledge and fun.

Stacey is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about providing therapy to families whose child has a traumatic brain injury. She also loves to work with couples and help them improve communication and connection.

For over 20 years, Neta Shani has been a Chinese medicine practitioner specializing in sensory processing challenges and emotional regulation, including experience at Stanford Children's Hospital. Recognizing the power of communication in managing emotions, Neta's passion led her to create engaging games, activities, and books that promote social-emotional learning. This unique blend of Eastern medicine and engaging tools empowers children to thrive.

Dr. Kaufman specializes in scoliosis and spinal deformity care at Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin, Texas.

Abby Zachritz, also known as Advocacy Abby, is a mother of five, advocate, and leading voice for families navigating disability and complex medical needs. She is the Co-Founder of the Connect Platform, Director of Family Advocacy at SupportNow.org, and a Board Member of the Parent Empowerment Network. Abby empowers families worldwide by connecting them to thousands of grants, therapies, and financial resources. Through her speaking, consulting, and advocacy work, she brings a message of resilience, hope, and the power of connection to every family she serves.

Kirstin White, B.S., SLPA, has been working in the speech and AAC world for over 13 years. She has worked with Tobii Dynavox as the Austin, Texas consultant for the last 7 years, supporting those with complex communication needs. Starting as a teenager she worked with children with communication devices, which she turned into a career as a SLPA at a pediatric clinic and now combines that experience to provide support in a variety of settings for individuals across the lifespan. Bringing people a voice is something she’s truly passionate about.

Taryn E. Townsend, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CBIS is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Texas Children's with a profound focus on pediatric brain injury and medically complex speech pathology. Taryn is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) and is passionate about advancing the field of pediatric speech therapy, particularly in the areas of brain injury recovery, and treating children with complex medical needs during prolonged hospitalizations. She actively contributes to the professional community through her participation in mentorship programs and advocating for improved care and resources for individuals affected by acquired brain injuries.

Amanda Ryskowski, NMD, RMSK, CBIS, is a naturopathic physician with expertise in interventional orthopedics and regenerative medicine. Known for her holistic, patient-centered approach, Dr. Ryskowski provides innovative non-surgical solutions to improve function and quality of life for individuals with neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions.

Dr. Ryskowski holds advanced certifications in musculoskeletal ultrasound, brain injury care, and pain management. She completed the first residency program with specialty training in pediatric brain injury under the supervision of Dr. Kenneth Proefrock, gaining unique experience in the management of complex neurological conditions. Passionate about developing innovative strategies to enhance the body’s natural healing processes, she has presented at multiple conferences on the use of hyaluronidase injections for spasticity. Her current research focuses on combining radial shockwave therapy with hyaluronidase and collagenase injections to advance spasticity treatment.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Ryskowski is pursuing her fourth degree—a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University—to broaden the impact of her work. From children with cerebral palsy to professional athletes, she is dedicated to helping patients of all ages and abilities achieve their highest potential.

Melaney Grenz, B.A, B.S, M.S, CCC-SLP, is the Project Manager for the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training through the University of Oregon. Melaney is also the Texas School Liaison.With a background as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Oregon Public Schools, Melaney brings both hands-on clinical experience and strategic leadership to her work. At CBIRT, she leads educational initiatives—delivering engaging webinars, podcasts, and live presentations—while also providing vital support to school personnel facing challenges with students’ Returning to Learn and Returning to Play after a brain injury.