The clinical professionals at CNS are known for their depth of knowledge and expertise in treating traumatic brain injury and stroke. Highly educated and trained, they bring decades of experience to their role as leaders and mentors.
Dr. Ashley is a pioneer in the field of brain injury rehabilitation. His career spans 40 years as a clinician, researcher, and thought leader. He founded Centre for Neuro Skills in 1980 on a belief that is the bedrock of CNS today: Patients Don’t Plateau. Helping his brother overcome a stroke in 1974 led to therapies that CNS now provides. He has written four books: Working with Behavior Disorders: Strategies for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, 3rd Edition, and Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, 4th Edition.
David Harrington began working in the field of brain injury rehabilitation in 1993. His entire career has focused on those who’ve suffered the impact of brain injury and stroke. As a clinician his rehabilitation expertise is vast. As a leader he brings decades of business acumen to CNS operations. His publications include co-authorship of the textbook chapter “Management of Residual Physical Deficits” in the 3rd and 4th edition of Traumatic Brain Injury, as well as the published study, “Post-Acute Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Effects on Outcome Measures and Life Care Costs” in Journal of Neurotrauma.
Ms. Ashley is one of the company's founding owners, and has helped CNS become a leader in brain injury rehabilitation. Her clinical experience began in 1982, when she joined CNS as a Speech Pathologist. She has since become a driving force behind the company’s evolution. Ms. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology from the State University of New York and earned a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology from Southern Illinois University. She has collaborated with Dr. Mark J. Ashley on clinical books he has written and edited.
Ellen Katomski has served in a number of clinical and managerial roles at CNS since 1989, when she was hired as a Clinical Supervisor. In 1996, she was named Regional Director of Rehabilitation and in 2011 was promoted to Vice President of Clinical Services. Ms. Katomski is essential to CNS' rise as an industry pioneer. Her emphasis on tailored care has been fundamental to the company’s growth. Her program development emphasizes rebuilding vital life skills for success post injury. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, and a Master's degree from California State University, Bakersfield.
Ms. Abbott has worked in the field of brain injury rehabilitation for more than 25 years. She began her tenure at CNS as a Case Manager Assistant in 1996. Rising in stature, she developed the company’s clinical profile in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas as Director of Rehabilitation. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Studies and Speech Language Pathology from the University of North Texas. She also earned an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio.
Since the company’s founding in 1980, Mr. Persel has been a respected leader and mentor. In addition to his CNS role, he serves as the Chairman of the Rehabilitation and Independent Living Special Interest Group for the Association for Applied Behavior Analysis International. His career encompasses 20 years in crisis intervention training including certification in Professional Assault Response Training. He has co-authored a chapter on behavior programming in Traumatic Brain Injury: Rehabilitative Treatment and Case Management, 4th Edition. He also co-authored Working with Behavior Disorders: Strategies for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation.
A researcher and academician, Dr. Seale is recognized for his work in brain injury rehabilitation and stroke. Dr. Seale is also an expert in the area of substance misuse recovery. He received a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Texas Medical Branch and holds a clinical appointment at UTMB in the School of Health Professions, Department of Rehabilitation Science. His career in rehabilitation spans 30 years. He has conducted research and published peer-reviewed articles on rehabilitation outcomes, the relationship between positive emotion and recovery of functional status following stroke, and emergency preparedness for disabled populations.
Ainsley McGowan is the Director of Rehabilitation at CNS' Austin clinic. Ainsly has excelled at CNS since 2012, first as a clinical case manager at the Dallas facility, then as a Director of Rehabilitation at the Los Angeles clinic. She holds an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her dedication inspires staff to deliver compassionate, effective care.
Since her start with CNS in 2008, Ms. Asbill has served in both the clinical and managerial realm. Her experience includes Clinical Case Manager and Speech Language Pathologist, as well as working as an intern at CNS while completing her professional certifications. Prior to CNS, she was an Early Intervention Program Aide at the Center for Speech Language and Occupational Therapy. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences, from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from University of the Pacific.
Hamaliya began her career with CNS in 2014, gaining valuable clinical, residential, and managerial experience. Prior to her current role, Hamaliya served as assistant Director of Rehabilitation, Clinical Case Manager, and Residential Neuro Rehabilitation Specialist. Her advocacy for quality care and expertise in the field of brain injury rehabilitation spans over ten years. She holds a Master of Social Work from California State University of Northridge.
Jennifer Meyer began her CNS career in 2008 as a Physical Therapist at the Bakersfield facility. She transferred to the Dallas location in 2010, where she served as a Physical Therapist, Case Manager, and Assistant Director of Rehabilitation. Her expertise and leadership in the field of brain injury rehabilitation spans over 15 years. Jennifer graduated from St. Louis University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, followed by a master's in physical therapy and a Doctorate degree in Health Science, Neurologic Rehabilitation.
Ms. Moore oversees all patient programs in the Fort Worth clinical location. Previously, she served as a case manager for four years at that clinic. As Director of Rehabilitation, she supervises clinical staff, ensures productivity and program effectiveness, and promotes integration of all therapeutic disciplines. Prior to her current role, she also served as a clinical case manager at the CNS Dallas clinic for 10 years, advocating for the highest level of patient care with families and insurers. Her rehabilitation expertise spans nearly three decades in the Texas healthcare field. She holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.
Ms. Espinoza has been a therapist and leader at CNS since 1997. She started with the company as a Neurorehabilitation Specialist and has held the positions of Education Therapist, Assistant Director of Rehabilitation, and Case Manager. This spectrum of work is invaluable in her current role. Working directly with patients her entire career, she knows the importance of each aspect of rehabilitation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and earned a teaching credential early in her work life.
As a licensed occupational therapist, Ryan McFarland has extensive knowledge and experience in the rehabilitation field. Ryan joined CNS in 2022 as an Occupational Therapist. In 2024, he was named Director of Rehabilitation for the Houston location, where he has made tremendous contributions through his clinical skillset and leadership abilities. Ryan obtained his master's degree in occupational therapy from Texas Woman’s University and is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.
