CNNH Staff

Dr. Mark Mintz attended medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, performed his pediatric residency training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, and completed a Pediatric Neurology fellowship at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. He is triple-Board Certified in Child Neurology, Pediatrics and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. Dr. Mintz is on the faculty UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, and has been on the faculties of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, and is presently a member of the medical staffs of Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center-Camden, Weisman Children's Rehabilitation Hospital, South Jersey Healthcare and Bancroft NeuroHealth.

Dr. Mintz is widely published in the medical literature, and has been an invited lecturer at a number of national and international conferences. Dr. Mintz functions as the Principle Investigator on a variety of clinical drug trials, has been the Protocol Neurologist for a number of national Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials, and has participated on an array of committees and task forces of the National Institutes of Health and the New Jersey Governor’s office. Additionally, Dr. Mintz has served in the National Health Service Corps of the United States Public Health Service, and has volunteered for medical relief missions in Romania and Russia.

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Dr. Liya Beyderman joined CNNH in July 2010. She is a member of Child Neurology Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Beyderman is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, where she majored in French literature and Neuroscience and minored in ceramic sculpture, and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Dr. Beyderman received her medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN, and subsequently completed her Child Neurology residency and fellowship training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt University Children's Hospital. Dr. Beyderman's research interests include epilepsy, sleep medicine and autism. Dr. Beyderman’s clinical interests include anxiety, ADHD, headache, autism, sleep disorders, movements disorders, palliative care, and epilepsy. She enjoys running and training for races, travel, SCUBA, and spending time with her husband and two sons.

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Harold Marks, M.D., is the former Chief, Division of Neurology of Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Marks completed a pediatric residency at University of Michigan Medical Center, Mott Children’s Hospital, followed by Pediatric Neurology Fellowship training at Mott Children’s Hospital, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and Temple University Medical Center. Dr. Marks is presently a Clinical Professor at Drexel University College of Medicine, and formerly has been on the faculties of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, and Temple University School of Medicine. Dr. Marks is recognized for his expertise in neuromuscular and mitochondrial (metabolic) disorders. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry with Special Competence in Child Neurology. Dr. Marks has been named by the “Best Doctors in America”, and has been an examiner for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Marks is widely published in the medical literature on a range of neurology topics, and has presented at numerous local, national and international medical conferences. Dr. Marks has also been the Principle Investigator for a number of research studies investigating pediatric neuromuscular disorders.

Dr. Alberts, a native of Indiana, is a licensed psychologist who has practiced in the fields of Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Neuropsychology for over the past 20 years.

He received his PhD in Clinical Psychology from West Virginia University where his training concentrated on Behavior Therapy and Clinical Neuropsychology. He went on to complete his internship in Behavioral Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University and then continued at Brown as a Research Fellow in Behavioral Medicine. He subsequently completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at Bancroft Rehabilitation Services and previously served as Chief Neuropsychologist for the Bancroft NeuroHealth organization for a number of years.

He has wide ranging experience in comprehensive and empirically derived neuropsychological examinations of patients with acquired or developmentally based neurological impairment and has provided services to individuals in inpatient, outpatient, school, residential, correctional, and rehabilitation-based settings. In addition to his assessment competence, he has developed, delivered, and supervised functional and remediation-based cognitive rehabilitation therapy programs to both traumatically brain injured and developmentally disabled individuals.

Dr. Alberts has provided expert evaluations and witness testimony in numerous legal cases involving Special Education services, personal injury, medical negligence, life care planning/calculations, disability determination, and violence risk assessment in juvenile and adult offenders.

He has published and presented on the topics of traumatic brain injury, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), autism, and behavior therapy.

Dr. Nagele is a Licensed Psychologist who has 28 years of training and experience in Neuropsychology and the field of brain injury rehabilitation. His work has included experience in acute rehabilitation as well as in a variety of post acute rehabilitation settings including Community Re-Entry, School Re-Entry, Work Re-Entry, and Clubhouse Programs. Dr. Nagele has developed Supported Employment programs and Affirmative Businesses, as well as many other new service lines and programs for both children and adults who have sustained brain injury. He is a Certified Trainer for the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIST).

Dr. Nagele was the Founding President of the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, where he developed a NeuroResource Facilitation service that helps people who have sustained a brain injury to attain access to appropriate services and supports. Currently, he serves on the Pediatric & Adolescent Committee of the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey. Dr. Nagele also serves on the Executive Steering Committee of the International Pediatric Rehabilitation Collaborative and on the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of America. Dr. Nagele is the former Director of Rehabilitation Services at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Director of Acquired Brain Injury Program Development for NeuroRestorative (part of the Mentor Network). Additionally, Dr. Nagele is a faculty member of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and is frequently called on as a speaker on a wide range of topics related to brain injury prevention and rehabilitation at various venues nationwide.

Dr. George Niemann, Director of Clinical Development at CNNH, has a doctorate in Neuropsychology from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Born in Africa, educated in Europe and Canada, he has extensive international experience. As Chief Executive of a major non-profit corporation for over twenty years, Dr. Niemann has vast knowledge in the areas of executive recruitment, leadership and management of clinicians as well as employees. He developed numerous new community and school programs for autism and brain injury in several states. He has testified in many landmark cases, most notably assisting parents in Ontario, Canada obtain life-long funding for autism services. He has established several commissions on accreditation and professional training in the fields of brain injury rehabilitation and education. He also conducts commercial flight examinations for the Federal Aviation Administration. His skills as a leader, clinician, educator and speaker supply a broad range of expertise in many diverse areas of service delivery, advocacy and expert witness testimony.

Sarah Woldoff, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with over 10 years of experience providing assessment services, individual treatment, consultation with schools and medical professionals, family therapy and parent training for families with children on the autism spectrum.

Dr. Woldoff received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA and completed her post-doctoral training at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami in Miami, Florida. She began her career as a behavior analyst at Children's Seashore House, the Bio-Behavioral Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. Woldoff also worked at the Center for Autism Research at CHOP where she performed evaluations, supervised clinical evaluations for several research studies, co-led trainings for staff and school psychologists and counseled parents.

Additionally, Dr. Woldoff is skilled in the comprehensive psychological assessments of children, adolescents, and adults, particularly those with autism, specific learning disabilities, and other pervasive developmental disorders, including the use of the ADOS and ADI-R. She has presented on topics related to autism at numerous local and national conferences including a workshops on autism for families and educators in Caracas, Venezuela.

Ms. Alberts is an Advanced Practice Nurse, board-certified in primary care and psychiatry with over 26 years of clinical nursing experience. Prior to working at CNNH she provided psychiatric consultation and treatment to care management agencies, schools and developmental disability service providers through the Center for Family Guidance. Ms. Alberts also held administrative and clinical positions at Bancroft Neurohealth for over 18 years, including Vice President of Nursing. She is currently adjunct faculty at Drexel University and part time instructor for the Graduate School of Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from LaSalle University and then a Post Masters Certification from Drexel University. She is serving as the Director of the Autism Center of Excellence at CNNH.

Ms. Blumenfeld has over 12 years experience caring for children with chronic illnesses at The Children’s Seashore House, and over 10 years as a pediatric neurology nurse practioner. Susan received her BSN from Thomas Jefferson University and MSN from the University of Pennsylvania, and is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner. Since 1995, she has worked in Pediatric Neurology as a pediatric nurse practioner with Dr. Mark Mintz. In conjunction with the Neurology team, Susan has published articles relating to Neurological issues in the pediatric population. Ms. Blumenfeld has had personal experience as a mother of a child with special needs and epilepsy.

Ms. Jackson is a licensed pediatric nurse practitioner, child care health and safety consultant and legal nurse consultant. Her training has included biofeedback for eliminating dysfunctional behavior and sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) training. She worked as a Nurse Clinician for the inpatient unit at the former Philadelphia Child Guidance Center; on the trauma/post surgical/transplant and adolescent units at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and in Community Health Centers in the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas. She also provides child care health consultation for the Pa. Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ms. Jackson earned a BS in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University and an MSN and post graduate certificate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Ms. Jackson provides clinical services for CNNH and CRCNJ.

Ms. Scornaienchi has 23 years of pediatric nursing experience including work in hospitals, home care, schools, and offices. She received her Master's degree from Rutgers University. Jean is board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Ms. Scornaienchi has 23 years of pediatric nursing experience including work in hospitals, home care, schools, and offices. A member of the Association of Child Neurology Nurses, Ms. Scornaienchi is presently focusing her expertise on our clinical research program. She has authored a case study published in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care and co-authored other articles dealing with pediatric neurological issues. Jean is the parent of a child with epilepsy.

Laura Henderson, M.A., BCBA, has been working in the behavioral health field since 1999. She has worked with children and adolescents with ages ranging from 2 years through 18 years.

As a Behavior Specialist at CNNH, Mrs. Henderson conducts functional behavior assessments and school and home observations. She also trains parents and educators in effective behavior interventions and teaching strategies.

Mrs. Henderson received a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University and a M.A. in School Psychology from Rowan University. She recieved her Board Certification as a Behavior Analyst from the University of North Texas.

Daniel Kennedy, MA., LPC is a licensed professional counselor with a wide range of experience providing individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling and assessments for a child, adolescent and young adult population. Daniel also has experience as an adjunct professor and as a trainer.

Daniel received his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rowan University and is currently pursing his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Daniel has specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy and is skilled in the use of empirically validated cognitive behavioral interventions in a child and adolescent population. Daniel also has a particular interest in the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders, mood disorders and autistic spectrum disorders.

In his free time Daniel actively participates in various sporting activities (basketball, flag football and baseball) and he volunteers his time as a youth basketball coach in New Jersey.

Nicole Pelliciari, M.S., BCBA has 9 years behavioral health experience including Board-Certification as a Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has worked with families and patients, from preschool through 21 years of age, and also taught kindergarten for four years. As a Behavior Specialist at CNNH, Ms. Pelliciari conducts functional behavior assessments and observations at schools and in the home and trains parents and educators in effective behavior interventions and teaching strategies.

Ms. Pelliciari received a B.S. from St. Joseph’s University, a M.S. degree in Psychology from Walden University and her Board-Certification as a Behavior Analyst from the University of North Texas.

Tricia Wagner, MSW joined the Autism Clinical Enhancement Center in August of 2009 as Clinical Coordinator. Tricia has obtained a Masters Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University, specializing in children and families. She also has a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University. Tricia has worked with individuals with Autism for over five years as a behavioral therapist, respite worker, and providing vocational support.

Kathleen Nicosia is a Board Certified Neurologic Music Therapist who has been implementing music therapy services with children diagnosed with developmental disabilities for over 5 years. She received her music therapy degree at Elizabethtown College in 2005 and completed her internship at The Maryland School for the Blind in 2006. Immediately after finishing her internship, Kathleen was hired at the Bancroft School in South Jersey to develop a music therapy program for their elementary and secondary schools, the Bancroft School at Voorhees Pediatric Facility, and the Bancroft Early Education Program. In 2008, Kathleen received her certification in Neurologic Music Therapy from Colorado State University.

In addition to working in the schools, Kathleen began providing individual and group music therapy after school hours and is now merging that private practice with CNNH in order to assist them in the development of a Creative Arts Therapy Program. Kathleen provides group music therapy to promote social skills, individual music therapy, and adapted music lessons.

Kathleen has conducted research on the effects of music with children with developmental disabilities and is currently designing research studies in the field of Neurologic Music Therapy. She has presented at numerous conferences and been a consultant for parents and teachers of children with special needs.

Ms. Lewis earned degrees in Social Service and Law and Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College School of Social Work and Social Research. Prior to working at CNNH, Ms. Lewis served as director of family services and legislative affairs for Bancroft NeuroHealth. She has organized outreach efforts on many levels of the disability community, including promoting self-advocacy, educating legislators on disability issues and encouraging family involvement. In her current role at CNNH, Ms. Lewis coordinates outreach efforts to educate the community on issues related to neurological disabilities.

Mr. Brown attended the University of Oregon, studying Biology. Mr. Brown was the university’s youngest grant recipient ever, receiving funding to study the theoretical genetics of Ciliated Protozoan, using computers to model multi-generational evolutionary changes in large populations.

Mr. Brown went on to co-found UpLink, Inc., which became the fastest growing and most profitable Internet Service Provider in the country, eventually purchased by EarthLink. Mr. Brown has done philantrophy work in the South Sudan, participating in emergency food and medical relief. . Mr. Brown has also held the position of Africa Director for a NGO based in Southern California, directing food and medical projects throughout South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda.

Since 2003, Mr. Brown has been working with Electrical Geodesics, Inc. researching different computer applications used in processing EEG, such as providing tools to solve the clinical challenge of seizure detection and localization, as well as the electrical imaging of cognition. With CNNH, Mr. Brown will continue his work in furthering the clinical applications of Dense Array EEG and evoked responses. Mr. Brown will also direct innovative and unique projects exploring the interface and application of technology for clinical neurology and neuropsychology.

During the fall of 2009 Mr Brown lead an famine relief effort to Northwestern Uganda. The work dramatically reduced the deaths due to famine and slowed the decline in thousands of families throughout the region. A follow on trip in the spring of 2010 provided at risk farmers with drought resistant seeds and training to rehabilatate the population.

Partial list of Peer Reviewed Publications:

Localization of Extratemporal Seizure with Noninvasive Dense-Array EEG. Comparison with Intracranial Recordings

Discharges in ventromedial frontal cortex during absence spells

Are "generalized" seizures truly generalized? Evidence of localized mesial frontal and frontalpolar discharges in absence.

Brenda MacGhee is the Director of Operations at CNNH, and will utilize 15 years of extensive experience, comprehensive knowledge and expertise in health care management. Brenda started her career in the healthcare field when she opened her own business, Claim Works, gaining a broad understanding of accurate billing for adult day care, outpatient rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facilities. Furthering her career, she was employed at Cooper University Hospital where she worked throughout the organization's business offices.

Prior to joining CNNH, Ms. MacGhee held the position of Assistant Vice President of Contracting at Carlisle and Associates, LLC, resolving revenue cycle management issues and assisting in contract negotiations with health plans.

Brenda graduated from Centenary College, with a Bachelor of Science in Merchandising and currently lives in Moorestown, NJ, with her two daughters.

Pnina Mintz, Ph.D. is Executive Vice President of CNNH and is responsible for the strategic, operational and financial leadership and management of CNNH and our allied organization, The Clinical Research Center of New Jersey (CRCNJ). This includes assuring adherence to federal, state and regulatory agency policies and procedures; the directing of over 30 CNNH healthcare professionals and support staff; overseeing grant submission and management; and electronic health record system operations. In addition, Dr. Mintz manages NeurAbilities, an independent nonprofit organization..

Dr. Mintz also oversees CRCNJ’s clinical research program including the oversight, development and management of the clinical trials program and the applied research infrastructure. She also mediates quality assurance with regard to compliance and oversight by respective Institutional Review Boards of human subjects participating in research.

Dr. Mintz has a Ph.D. degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. She completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Jefferson Medical College at the Center for Human Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology. Her research work is extensive including a focus on virology, biochemistry, gene expression, and molecular biology of eukaryote cells. Pnina has had numerous abstracts and research published in leading journals including the Journal of Virology.

Born in Israel, educated in both Israel and the U.S., Dr. Mintz completed military service in the Israeli Army. In addition to her work responsibilities, she is actively involved in advocacy work and community service.

Kim Catterall, R. EEG T., Registered EEG Technologist

Sabrina Faith, MA, BC-DMT Dance/Movement Therapist

Barbara Kuleba, MA Art Therapist

Stephanie Kehler, LEGO Assistant

Rachel Gilman, Accounting

Ashley Lyman, LEGO Assistant

Karen Martin, Front Desk Receptionist

Allison Parker, CEC Assistant Coordinator

Greg Shugar, LEGO Coordinator

Cathy Smith, Research Coordinator

Jessica Strohecker, Medical Assistant

Justine Summerfield, Front Desk Receptionist

Laura Szklarski, Technologist

CNNH provides supervisory clinical training to undergraduate and postgraduate students, in conjunction with a number of universities.