Renée Puglisi,CTRS CBIS
Long Valley,NJ
Summary
Dually certified and skilled therapist with 20+ years of experience in post-acute brain injury rehabilitation. Well-versed in effective intervention and therapeutic approaches. Accommodating and warm individual possessing strong observational skills and in-depth understanding of traumatic and acquired brain injuries and other mild cognitive impairments. Client-centered professional polished in identifying strengths and challenges of an individual and developing successful treatment plans and therapeutic processes to improve quality of life and independence.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner/Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapist
Cognitive Concepts NJ, LLC
11.2023 - Current
- Cognitive Concepts NJ is a private practice that provides individuals with brain injuries with one-on-one Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy, Life Skills Training, Household Management and Recreation and Leisure Skills to clients in their homes. Companion Care for any population also provided in home.
- Sessions focus on compensatory strategy development and improving independence in the home and community of the client.
- Undivided attention provided to clients through weekly or bi-weekly sessions with regular review of goals and objectives.
- Build strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Established clear boundaries with clients, maintaining ethical practice standards while preserving the therapeutic relationship.
Neurorehabilitation Specialist
Success Rehabilitation / Community Skills Program
01.2023 - Current
- Provide one-to-one cognitive rehabilitation therapy to clients with brain injuries in their homes and communities.
- Develop and implemented individualized program plans for the individuals served.
- Conducted ongoing assessments and monitoring of individuals' progress.
- Interface with family members, other providers, and case managers.
- Prepare daily notes and monthly progress reports.
Client Services Liaison - Community Skills Program
Counseling And Rehabilitation Of NJ, Inc.
09.2009 - 12.2023
- Provided administrative support to program coordinator for northern New Jersey; assisted with recruitment, hiring, and training.
- Coordinated, conducted, and prepared reports of initial interview/evaluation of prospective clients.
- Supervised neuro-rehabilitation specialists and completed yearly performance appraisals.
- Attended family/team meetings; maintained ongoing communication with case managers and referral/funding sources.
- Addressed complex client issues, resulting in successful problem resolution, and enhanced client satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving concerns.
Senior Cognitive Therapist – Outpatient Neurorehabilitation Program
Children's Specialized Hospital
04.2006 - 08.2008
- Consulted with transdisciplinary, holistic neurorehabilitation team regarding the psychological needs and interventions for children receiving treatment.
- Assisted in clinical orientation and training of new employees and resolved day-to-day clinical and case management issues.
- Coordinated team meetings and rounds to discuss individual's progress/regression, treatment planning, discharge disposition, and clinical recommendations for children to return to their natural settings.
- Collected data from parent and patient satisfaction surveys to develop short- and long-term needs assessments and improve program functionality.
- Designed, developed, and coordinated year-round volunteer and externship program and screened candidates for placement.
Cognitive Therapist – Outpatient Neurorehabilitation Program
Children's Specialized Hospital
06.2003 - 03.2006
- Provided group and individual cognitive rehabilitation therapy to children ages 7 to 21 recovering from traumatic or acquired brain injuries; built strong rapport with children, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Planned and directed treatment modalities to promote development of compensatory strategies to ameliorate cognitive deficits in cognitive endurance, attention, memory, information processing, executive functions, and interpersonal communication.
- Generated modalities indicative of patients' level of functioning and modified activities as needed to enhance cognitive functions and promote self-esteem.
- Consulted with school personnel and child study teams regarding IEP planning and accommodations for children returning to the academic setting.
- Implemented and provided documentation for group and individual therapies, maintained records to comply with federal requirements, and wrote reports signifying progress or regression.
Recreation Therapist, Per Diem – Inpatient Recreation Therapy Department
Children's Specialized Hospital
05.2003 - 01.2006
- Worked with children, birth to age 21, with diverse medical conditions, such as infant chronic lung disease, shaken baby syndrome, premature birth, spinal cord injury, and mild, moderate, and severe brain injuries.
- Utilized play, recreation, and leisure activities to improve the physical, cognitive, and social/emotional abilities and independence of children and adolescents.
- Developed treatment plans, evaluated effectiveness of treatment, and educated families to carry over rehabilitation strategies in the home environment
- Facilitated evening recreation activities and community outings.
- Improved patient participation by adapting activities based on their interests, preferences, strengths, and limitations.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Therapeutic Recreation -
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA05.2003
Certification
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, 2003 to present
- Certified Brain Injury Specialist, 2009 to present
Affiliations
- Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ)
- Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA)
- American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
Timeline
Owner/Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapist
Cognitive Concepts NJ, LLC
11.2023 - Current
Neurorehabilitation Specialist
Success Rehabilitation / Community Skills Program
01.2023 - Current
Client Services Liaison - Community Skills Program
Counseling And Rehabilitation Of NJ, Inc.
09.2009 - 12.2023
Senior Cognitive Therapist – Outpatient Neurorehabilitation Program
Children's Specialized Hospital
04.2006 - 08.2008
Cognitive Therapist – Outpatient Neurorehabilitation Program
Children's Specialized Hospital
06.2003 - 03.2006
Recreation Therapist, Per Diem – Inpatient Recreation Therapy Department
Children's Specialized Hospital
05.2003 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science, Therapeutic Recreation -
Temple University
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, 2003 to present
- Certified Brain Injury Specialist, 2009 to present
Similar Profiles
Jessica LoveJessica Love
Senior Talent Consultant | AI Sourcing Strategist at Golden Light Cognitive Framework LLCSenior Talent Consultant | AI Sourcing Strategist at Golden Light Cognitive Framework LLC
Jared S. ZuckermanJared S. Zuckerman
Owner at NJ BLS & Lifeguarding LLCOwner at NJ BLS & Lifeguarding LLC
Joseph VinciJoseph Vinci
Owner/Operator at Bridge Electric NJ LLCOwner/Operator at Bridge Electric NJ LLC
Roland FreimuthRoland Freimuth
Director/Head of Payroll Services at Guardian Life Insurance Company of AmericaDirector/Head of Payroll Services at Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
Philip A. TognoPhilip A. Togno
Special Education Teacher at Randolph Middle SchoolSpecial Education Teacher at Randolph Middle School