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North Dakota Brain Injury Network

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2025 Speaker Bios

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CSRP, CBFP, FAPTA

All Things Brain Health: From Physical Activity Through Nutrition, Socialization and Sleep
Mike Studer Dr. Studer has been a physical therapist since 1991, and board certified as a clinical expert in neurologic physical therapy since 1995. He practices clinically at Post Acute Medical (PAM) Rehabilitation in northwest Las Vegas, Nevada, and remains active as a practicing clinician, researcher, author, and both DPT-program and continuing education presenter. Mike was recognized as the 2011 Clinician of the Year in the Neurologic and (in 2014) the Geriatric Academies of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). He is well-traveled, presenting invited lectures in all 50 states and 12 countries across four continents. Dr. Studer received the highest honor available in physical therapy in 2020, being distinguished as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA in 2020. Over his 32-year career, Mike has authored over 35 articles, six book chapters, and is a consultant to Major League Baseball.

Melaney Grenz, MS, CCC-SLP

Transitioning Back to School and Life After a Brain Injury
Melaney Grenz Melaney Grenz is the project manager at the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) at the University of Oregon. She also coordinates all Oregon Traumatic Brain Injury Teams across nine Oregon geographical regions, guiding school districts through the complexities of supporting students recovering from brain injuries. 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. Melaney helps school teams think innovatively and collaboratively. She encourages the use of a multi-disciplinary approach to address the diverse needs of students.

Tiffany Eslinger, APRN, Kyrie Severson, APRN

Post-Concussion Headache Management: A Collaborative Model
Tiffany Eslinger, Kyrie Severson Tiffany Eslinger is a co-founder and a provider at Transcend Headache Clinic. She is a nurse practitioner, with specialized training in migraine and concussion management. She has worked in various areas of healthcare throughout the last 20 years, including as a certified nursing assistant, emergency medicine, and most recently as a nurse practitioner in a general-neurology practice. Tiffany grew up in a small town in North Dakota, and values family, friends, and community. With opening North Dakota's first headache clinic, Tiffany is committed to each patient in providing a collaborative treatment plan that will help each patient go beyond the barriers headaches have caused.

Kyrie Severson is a co-founder and a provider at Transcend Headache Clinic. She is a nurse practitioner with advanced certification in headache management and is one of two headache specialists in North Dakota. She has worked in healthcare for over 20 years, starting as a certified nursing assistant and working toward a degree as a nurse practitioner. Prior to starting Transcend Headache Clinic, she worked for a larger healthcare facility in a general-neurology practice. Kyrie was born and raised in rural North Dakota. Being raised in a small-town community has shaped her strive to develop meaningful connections. Through her strong commitment to community, she is able to make a connection with patients that goes beyond the conventional healthcare relationship.

Andrea Sailer, MS CCC-SLP, CBIST

Brain Injury vs Concussion – Call It What It Is
Andrea Sailer Andrea Sailer is a resource facilitator with the Center for Rural Health (CRH) at the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Grand Forks. Andrea works with the North Dakota Brain Injury Network (NDBIN), where she assists individuals with brain injury, and families, caregivers, and professionals with questions about brain injury. In this role, she connects interested parties with support groups, information about brain injury, and other resources NDBIN offers. Before joining CRH, Andrea worked at Sanford Health and James River Special Education Cooperative as a speech language pathologist. Originally from North Dakota, Andrea earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in communication sciences and disorders, and a Master of Science in speech language pathology from UND. She is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist, a certified vital stimulation provider, and is certified in Speak Out!

Nan Kennelly, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIST

Executive Functioning Deconstructed Part 5: Flexibility
Nan Kennelly Co-presenter
Nan Kennelly earned her master's degree from the University of North Dakota in 1994. She has dedicated her career to the treatment of cognitive-communication disorders related to brain injury, stroke, and other neurological conditions. Nan has gained extensive experience and specialized training in the subacute, acute, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, and private practice settings. Currently, she is both owner and treating therapist at Onword Therapy. Nan enjoys working with high-level cognitive and communication needs in individuals with mild TBI, post-concussive symptoms, stroke, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. She considers it an honor and privilege to help her patients get back to work/school/home and reach goals of higher function, independence, and efficiency. Nan is a regional leader both in brain injury and in her profession. She advocates for North Dakota residents and families living with brain injury.

Heidi Fiskness, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Executive Functioning Deconstructed Part 5: Flexibility
Heidi Fiskness Co-presenter
Heidi Fiskness obtained her bachelor's degree in speech language hearing sciences, her bachelor's degree in Spanish in 2007, and her master's in speech language pathology in 2009 from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Heidi has experience with private practice, rehab, acute, and outpatient therapy for children through adults and currently works in outpatient therapy at Sanford Health. She provides evaluations and appropriate intervention plans for her patients. She strives to prioritize health education for her patients and their families to support follow-through on recommendations and improve treatment success. Heidi specializes in neuro rehab, brain injury, swallowing, speech/language, aural rehab, vocal cord dysfunction, and voice. Heidi is a certified brain injury specialist and holds licensures in VitalStim Therapy, LSVT Loud, SPEAK OUT!, and Interactive Metronome. Heidi is licensed in the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, as well as with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association at the national level. She is an advocate for her patients and provides support to help patients reach personal goals and improve quality of life.

Megan Dooley, OTR, CBIS

Executive Functioning Deconstructed Part 5: Flexibility
Megan Dooley Co-presenter
Megan Dooley is an occupational therapist and the owner of Innovative Therapy Solutions & Consulting LLC, a mobile outpatient clinic that serves people across the lifespan. She is a Certified Living in Place Professional and Brain Injury Specialist and certified in LSVT Big, hippotherapy, and Skills2Care. Her expertise includes working with caregivers of individuals with dementia, individuals with neurological conditions, home modifications, and leading community groups related to health and wellness for people with chronic illnesses. Megan truly believes that through collaboration and hard work we can help individuals age-in-place while maintaining their highest quality of life.