MEMBERS
Donna Anderson, PhD, counselling
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Adjunct Professor, School of Social Work, University Laval
CONTACT:
CIRRIS
Local H-708
525, boul. Hamel,
Québec, QC
Telephone: (613) 952-9504.
Fax: (418) 529-3548
Email: donna.anderson@cirris.ulaval.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests touch on key determinants of social integration of children and youth with a physical disability. Specifically these interests focus on education, employment and income as determinants of full citizen participation. Currently my research efforts fall under three objectives. 1) Obtain a clear picture of the economic burden of personally borne costs attributable to caring for a disabled child and to present the context in which these costs occur in different regions of Canada. 2) Examine factors that shape the transition to adulthood among youth with a physical disability. 3) In collaboration with a team of multidisciplinary researchers, develop a planning and evaluation tool of activities that target social participation for children with cerebral palsy.
Jeffrey Atkinson, MD, neurosurgery
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill
University
CONTACT:
Montreal Children’s Hospital
2300 Tupper St. - Room C811
Montreal, QC, H3H 1P3
Telephone: (514) 412-4400 ext. 25224
Email: jeffrey.atkinson@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
I have interests in the structural and functional aspects of the brain in child development and specifically neurosurgical disease. This includes an interest in functional magnetic resonance imaging as it pertains to the planning of safe neurosurgical procedures, and how the normal functiona and structure of the brain are altered during development and by diseases and condidtions that affect the central nervous system. I have recently
participated in projects surrounding traumatic brain injuries. This has included a review of the needs of children and adolescents following mild traumatic brain injury, and analysis of the demographics and risk factors of patients presenting to hospital with mild and moderate brain injury.
Kim Cornish, PhD, neuropsychology
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Associate Professor, Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, McGill University & Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University &
Associate Professor Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University
CONTACT:
McGill University
3700 McTavish Street - Room 549
Montreal, QC, H3A 1Y2
Telephone: (514) 398 3434
Fax: (514) 398 6968
Email: kim.cornish@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Recognizing that many forms of mental retardation have their unique genetic underpinnings, my research has helped to define syndrome-specific cognitive pathways that would have been masked using more global measures of assessment such as IQ or adaptive behavior. Over the past few years, we have identified the cognitive profile or ‘signatures’ of strengths and difficulties that characterize a specific syndrome irrespective of the degree of intellectual impairment. For example, my work on fragile X syndrome, a disorder that is caused by the silencing of a single gene (FMR1) on the X chromosome and represents the world’s most common hereditary cause of mental retardation in males, we have found clear evidence that fragile X syndrome is not characterized by global mental retardation. Rather, that by late childhood, the profile can now be described as uneven abilities within and across cognitive domains with clear strengths in performance as well as challenges. Other populations have included Down syndrome, autism and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Most recently, and building upon our previous research in late childhood, we have begun we explore infant starting points in predicting later cognitive and behavioral outcomes. In summary, my research emphasizes how crucial it is to recognize early syndrome specific profiles when developing clinical interventions and educational support systems for children with differing etiologies for their intellectual impairments.
Debbie Feldman, PhD, physical therapy
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Assistant Professor, School of Rehabilitation, University of Montreal
CONTACT:
C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-ville
Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7
Telephone: 514-343-6111 ext. 1252
Fax: 514-343-2105
Email: debbie.feldman@umontreal.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Main area is health services research, including access to care, referral to appropriate resources, organization of services to optimize care. In addition, I am interested in clinical, epidemiologic and prevention of musculoskeletal pain and injury in children and adolescents. I am also interested in:
- Access to rehabilitation services for children with disabilities
- Adherence to treatment
- Primary care - rehabilitation interface (referral to services)
- Organization of rehabilitation services and strategies for optimal provision of services
- Musculoskeletal pain in children
- Physical activity participation in children and adolescents
- Self-management in chronic disease
- Epidemiologic methods
Eric Fombonne, MD, psychiatry
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Professor, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University
CONTACT:
4018 Ste-Catherine Street West
Montreal, QC, H3Z 1P2
Tel: (514) 412-4400, ext. 22174
Fax: (514) 412-4337
Email: eric.fombonne@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research studies child psychopathology using epidemiological and longitudinal approaches. I developed clinical and research instruments, studied childhood depression, suicide and substance abuse, and investigated why some psychiatric disorders amongst youths have increased over time. I have performed studies on the diagnosis, assessment and early detection of autism, its outcome in adult life, and family and genetic studies to understand biological mechanisms underlying this devastating condition. In several epidemiological studies of autism, I showed that autism is highly prevalent although not necessarily epidemic, and examined the postulated links between vaccinations and autism, helping maintain public confidence in child immunizations programs.
Isabelle Gagnon, PhD, physical therapy
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Health Administration and Groupe de Recherché Interdisciplinaire en Santé, Université de Montréal
CONTACT:
Montreal Children's Hospital Department of Physiotherapy
2300 Tupper Street – Room D-292
Montreal, QC, H3H 1P3
Telephone: (514) 412-4407
Fax: (514) 412-4398
Email: isabelle.gagnon@muhc.mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests have focused on the consequences and on the management of traumatic brain injuries in the pediatric population. More specifically, I have investigated balance and visual perception deficits in children and adolescents and how these can impact return to physical activities and self-confidence after mild traumatic brain injuries. Recently, my work has also examined intervention programs and service organization for children and adolescents after a mild traumatic brain injury.
Shuvo Ghosh, MD, pediatrics
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University
CONTACT:
Montreal Children's Hospital
2300 rue Tupper - Room D-272
Montreal, QC, H3H 1P3
Telephone: (514) 412-4400 ext. 23072
Fax: (514) 412-4280
Email: shuvo.ghosh@muhc.mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
The research activities I am involved in revolve around the underlying processes of child development, namely psychophysiologic determinants of development and behavior. My projects progress from infancy to childhood to adolescence, in areas ranging from infant memory and soothing behavior to developmental delay and gender development. Specific research work includes the investigation of: sucrose-induced analgesia in infants, as well as salivary cortisol levels in infants with and without colic; visual and tactile habituation and memory tasks in newborns; ghrelin levels in children with and without failure to thrive; outcomes for children with global developmental delay; determinants of gender development in children and adolescents; attitudes of Quebec physicians regarding gestational alcohol exposure, among others.
Eva Kahayia, PhD, linguistics
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Associate Professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University
CONTACT:
3654 Promenade Sir William-Osler,
Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y5
Telelephone: (514) 398-5867
Fax: (514)398-6360
Email: eva.kehayia@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Linguistics, neurolinguistics and psycholinguistics; lexical access representation, across different languages, in individuals with acquired and developmental language disorders, in individuals with no neurological conditions and in deaf individuals, users of the LSQ; the study of the impact of language disorders on the individual's everyday life and the use of communication assistive devices in individuals with stroke and severe aphasia.
Nicol Korner-Bitensky, PhD, occupational therapy
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Associate Professor, School of Physical and Occupational, McGill University
CONTACT:
School of Physical and OccupationalMcGill University
3630 Promenade Sir-William-Osler
Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y5
Telephone: (514) 398-5457
Email: nicol.korner-bitensky@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My main research interests consist of 1) community reintegration of individuals with permanent disabilities, 2) how rehabilitation services are delivered across Canada and the United States and 3) driving with disability.
Lucyna Lach, PhD, social work
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, McGill University
& Associate Member, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University
CONTACT:
McGill University - School of Social Work
Wilson Hall, Rm. 322
3506 University St.
Montreal, Quebec
Canada (H3A 2A7)
Telephone: (514) 398-7050
Fax: (514) 398 4760
Email: lucy.lach@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests have to do with the psychosocial adjustment and quality of life of children and adolescents with chronic health conditions and disabilities. Although focused on youth with epilepsy and cerebral palsy, the studies that I have been involved in have investigated issues that are common to a variety of conditions. This research has contributed to the theoretical understandings of factors that affect psychosocial and quality of life outcomes. Factors that have to do with the child, the family, the peer group, school and community environment have been investigated. Recently, I have been examining the health of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in the NLSCY and have been generating a profile of children investigated for maltreatment in children welfare agencies in Canada who also have disabilities.
Mindy Levin, PhD, physical therapy
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Director, Physical Therapy Program, McGill University
CONTACT:
Director, Physical Therapy Program
McGill University
3654 Promenade Sir William Osler
Montreal, Quebec. H3C 3J7
Telephone: (514) 398-3994
Fax: (514) 340-2154
Email: mindy.levin@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Understanding the motor control of upper limb reaching and grasping of one and/or both arms; measurement of sensorimotor impairments after neurological injury or disease; determining the effectiveness of new interventions of arm and hand sensorimotor recovery after neurological injury, including task-oriented therapy and interventions using virtual reality technology.
Fundamental studies:
- Description of control mechanisms underlying coordinated and complex movement in the healthy and damaged central motor control system, including error correction mechanisms;
- Modelling of disordered motor control at the impairment level including disorders of muscle tone (spasticity, rigidity);
Applied studies:
- Development of instruments to measure disorders in tone (spasticity), movement and coordination in patients with neurological lesions/injuries;
- Development of clinical diagnostic tests of sensorimotor impairments of the arm and hand;
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic intervention to improve arm and hand sensorimotor function.
Cathy Limperopoulos PhD, occupational therapy
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Assistant professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University & Assistant professor, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University
CONTACT:
Montreal Children’s Hospital
2300 Tupper St. – room A-334
Montreal, QC H3H 1P3
Telephone: (514) 412-4400 ext. 22184
Fax: (514) 412-4437
Email: catherine.limperopoulos@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests focus on the study of mechanisms and consequences of brain injury in the high-risk neonate. Central to my research is the application of advances magnetic resonance imaging techniques to further our understanding of the intrinsic developmental processes, maturation, vulnerability, and the brain’s adaptive response to injury. Driving this research is the principle that the earliest possible identification of brain injury, and subsequently the earliest application of medical and/or rehabilitation interventions are essential to prevent, or minimize the deleterious and wide ranging consequences of early brain injury.
Annette Majnemer, PhD, occupational therapy
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Professor, School of Physical & Occupational therapy, McGill University
CONTACT:
Montreal Children's Hospital Division of Neurology,
2300 Tupper Street – room A-509
Montreal, Quebec
H3H 1P3
Telephone: 514-412-4400 ext. 22902
Fax: 514-412-4373
Email: Annette.majnemer@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests focus on the biomedical, personal and environmental determinants of developmental disability in high-risk pediatric populations. Research studies have been directed at the evaluation of the integrity of the central nervous system in high-risk neonates and the determination of subsequent developmental disabilities associated with early brain injury. As part of these studies, predictor variables evident early in life that are associated with greater risk for long-term disability are being identified. Populations of interest include: infants with congenital heart defects requiring open heart surgery, pre-term survivors, and children with cerebral palsy. Recently, I have also been investigating issues pertaining to access and coordination of rehabilitation services for children with developmental disabilities.
Francine Malouin, PhD, neurobiology
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Associate professor, Department. of Rehabilitation, Laval University
CONTACT:
CRRIS
525, Hamel Blvd, Room H-1714
Quebec, QC, G1M 258
Telephone: (418) 529-9141 ext. 6040
Fax: (418) 529-3548
Email: francine.malouin@rea.ulaval.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
For the last 15 years, I have been involved in clinical trials designed to assess the effects of training strategies on functional recovery in persons with stroke and children with cerebral palsy. Currently, I am carrying out research projects related to the use of virtual reality and mental practice on the relearning of locomotor-related tasks in persons with neurological impairments. As a co-founder of the Consortium en Paralysie CérébraleI am interested in developing research areas related to the social integration of children with CP.
Désirée Maltais, PhD, physical therapy
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Assistant professer, Department of Rehabilitation, Laval University
CONTACT:
Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation
and Social Integration (CIRRIS)
525, Boul. Wilfrid-Hamel Est- Room H-1310
Québec, QC, G1M 2S8
Telephone: 418-529-9141 ext. 6631
Fax: 418-529-3548
Email: Desiree.Maltais@cirris.ulaval.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests include; 1) determining the relationships between personal factors (upper and lower limb strength and power, locomotion performance and gross motor function) and life habits (level of physical activity, mobility and social participation) for children, youth and adults with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities, and 2) and evaluating the effects, on these relationships, of age and of exercise, medical (drug) and surgical interventions.
Barbara Mazer, PhD, occupational therapy
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Assistant Professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University
CONTACT:
Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital,
3205 Place Alton Goldbloom,
Laval QC, H7V 1R2
Telephone: (450) 688-9550 ext. 526
Fax: (450) 688-3673
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Research program focuses on the quality of rehabilitation services provided for children with disabilities. Current projects include:
- Describing the use and factors associated with receipt of rehabilitation services by children with disabilities.
- A randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of dyad intervention versus individual intervention for children with developmental disabilities to determine whether this more efficient approach to providing rehabilitation services (in dyads) is as effective as the traditional approach (individual).
Line Nadeau PhD, Psychology
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Professeure sous octroi, Département de Réadaptation, Université Laval
CONTACT:
CIRRIS
525 Hamel Blvd - room H-1716
Quebec, QC, G1M 258
Telephone: (418) 529-9141 ext. 6579
Fax: (418) 529-3548
Email: line.nadeau@rea.ulaval.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Impact des déterminants familiaux et biomédicaux en période prénatale et néonatale sur la préparation à l’école et l’intégration scolaire d’enfants nés prématurément.
Participation sociale des enfants et adolescents qui vivent avec une incapacité motrice et/ou langagière.
Guillaume Sébire, MD, child neurology, PhD, Neuroscience
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Head, Child Neurology Department, Sherbrooke University
& Assistant professor, School of Medicine, Sherbrooke University
CONTACT:
CHU de Sherbrooke, Child Neurology
3001 12eme avenue Nord
Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4
Telephone: 819-346-1110 ext. 14132
Email: Guillaume.Sebire@USherbrooke.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests focus on the interactions between immune/infectious reactions and the developing nervous system, especially in the context of perinatal cerebral palsy, meningoencephalitis, multiple sclerosis and stroke. Our goal is to develop new anti-inflammatory neuroprotective treatments.
Michael Shevell, MD, CM, FRCP, neurology
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Professor, Department of Neurology/Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, McGill University
CONTACT:
Montreal Children’s Hospital
2300 Tupper St. - room A-514
Montreal, QC, H3H 1P3
Telephone: (514) 412-4363
Fax: 412-4437
Email: michael.shevell@muhc.mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research has focused on a multitude of issues pertaining to early childhood neurodevelopmental disabilities including: identification, causation, assessment and outcomes. I am particularly interested in the application of novel technologies (imaging and genetic) to the challenge of etiologic diagnosis as well as the identification
of clinical risk groups for neurodevelopmental disabilities. Together with colleagues in other disciplines I have become involved more recently in projects pertaining to the delineation of quality of life and ethical challenges in this group of children.
Cyril Schneider, PhD Neurophysiology
LINK ROLE:
Member of research group
.
AFFILIATION:
Associate Professor, Departement of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval
CONTACT:
Laboratory of human neurophysiology
CHUL Research Center (CHUQ)
Neuroscience Unit
2705, Blvd. Laurier, Quebec City, QC, Canada G1V 4G2
Tel: +(418) 654-2152; fax: +(418) 654-2753
E-mail: Cyril.Schneider@rea.ulaval.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests focus on the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying sensorimotor impairments and improvements of hand and foot/locomotor function in adults having sustained a stroke or a trauma and in children born preterm. The idea is to identify neural indicators that may characterize the influence of lesion or of a preterm birth on motor control. Daily motor tasks such as isometric contraction, precision grip, standing, sitting, rising-up from a seat to walk are targeted. The reliability of neural indicators reflecting the modulation of corticospinal and intracortical excitability (whether facilitation or inhibition of brain circuits) is still to be demonstrated in healthy adults and full term children. Using such indicators will help first detect adults and children at risk of long-term disability in neural functioning. Then, this will contribute to follow-up recovery/improvement of sensorimotor function in adults with stroke and follow-up the development in children born preterm. In turn, I am interested in refining diagnosis and prognosis owing to the risk of subsequent lesion due to higher sensitivity of brain tissues, subsequent risk of fall due to faulty coordination for posture and movement, specific dysfunction in cerebral palsy, etc. To this end, changes in spinal reflexes measurement and muscle responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation of brain structures (brain plasticity) are tested together with changes in motor and biomechanical patterns of performance and clinical (including cognitive) outcome measures.
Laurie Snider PhD, Developmental Psychology
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Assistant professor, School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, McGill University
CONTACT:
School of Physical & Occupational Therapy
McGill University
3654 Promenade Sir William Osler
Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y5
Telephone: (514) 398-5863
Fax: (514) 398-8193
Email: laurie.snider@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
This research program has been designed to benefit preterm infants and young children who are at high risk for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes including cerebral palsy through improved prediction methods for early identification. It will also benefit the providers of rehabilitation services in the clinical community through the examination of assessment and intervention practices currently in use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) based on a model of ‘best practice’: prevention. It will utilize simple web-based strategies to promote knowledge exchange for ‘best evidence’ in the clinical community: promotion.
Presently her research projects are directed at:
- Validation of the General Movements Assessment in a cohort of preterm infants at three years of age
- Creation, translation and piloting of CP-Engine, a web-based knowledge translation tool
- Evaluation of the Relevance, Feasibility and Validity of Web-Based Data Collection for Children
- Best practice in pediatric rehabilitation
Elin Thordardottir, PhD, SLP-A, speech-language pathologist/audiologist
LINK ROLE:
Member of Research Group
AFFILIATION:
Associate Professor, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, McGill University
CONTACT:
School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
1266 Pine Avenue West
Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A8
Telephone: (514) 398-5356
Fax: (514) 398-8123
Email: elin.thordardottir@mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests are in the areas of normal and impaired language development in children speaking several languages: English, French and Icelandic, as well as bilingual children. Part of my work has focused on documenting the normal development of Quebec French and Icelandic and on developing reliable language assessment tools in these languages. Similarly, previous and current research focuses on the language assessment of bilingual children. A recent project focuses on language intervention as well, assessing the efficacy of different treatment methods for bilingual children. In addition, the cross-linguistic focus of my work allows me to conduct studies examining the language-specific versus universal nature of language impairment. In this research, the interest is on the effects of processing limitations in children with language impairment and the ways in which these limitations affect children's learning of languages, which differ in their structure.
Rena Birnbaum, MSc, OT
LINK ROLE:
Member of the Clinical Advisory Group
AFFILIATION:
Occupational Therapist, MUHC.
CONTACT:
Montreal Children's Hospital
Occupational Therapy Department
2300 Tupper Street
Montreal, Quebec
H3H 1P3
Telephone: (514) 412-4407
Fax: (514) 412-4398
E-mail: rena.birnbaum@muhc.mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests have focused mainly on developmental outcomes in high-risk pediatric populations. I have collaborated on a number of research studies directed at the evaluation of high-risk neonates and the determination of subsequent developmental disabilities.
Carole Fortin, PhD candidate, physiotherapy
LINK ROLE:
Member of the Clinical Advisory Group
AFFILIATION:
Physiotherapist, Centre de Réadaptation Marie Enfant au CHU Sainte-Justine
CONTACT:
Laboratoire LAVIANE
CHU Sainte-Justine
3175, Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, Québec, H3T 1C5
Telephone : (514) 345-4931 ext : 3277
E-mail : carole.fortin@umontreal.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
I am a physiotherapist affiliated with Marie Enfant Rehabilitation Center (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and I have developed expertise in assessing and treating children and adolescents with scoliosis, head injury and cerebral palsy. I have completed a masters’ degree on gait analysis among subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. My research interests focus on posture and mobility among children and adolescents with musculoskeletal and neurological impairments. I am involved in the MENTOR strategic training program of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) on posture and mobility and member of the Knowledge Exchange Task Force (KETF) group of the CIHR. I am actually studying posture among adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Our team aim to develop and validate a new clinical tool to assess posture. Our research project will also contribute in the understanding of muscle involvement in idiopathic scoliosis.
Louise Koclas, MSc, occupational therapy
LINK ROLE:
Member of the Clinical Advisory Group
AFFILIATION:
Pediatrician, Neonatal Follow-up Clinic, Montreal Children’s Hospital &
Medical Director of the Cerebral Palsy Clinic, Marie Enfant Rehabilitation Center, Sainte Justine Hospital
CONTACT:
Montreal Children’s Hospital
Neonatal Follow-up Clinic
Room A611-2300 Tupper Street
Montreal, QC, H3H 1P3
Tel: (514) 412-4302
Fax: (514) 412-4367
Email: louise.koclas@muhc.mcgill.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My main interest is in cerebral palsy and setting up a cerebral palsy database for children in Quebec.
Emily Lecker, MSc OT
LINK ROLE:
Member of the Clinical Advisory Group
AFFILIATION:
Occupational Therapist, MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre (Rehabilitation
Programs in Specialized Schools)
CONTACT:
Emily Lecker
MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre
3500 Decarie Blvd.
Montreal, Quebec
H4A 3J5
Telephone: 514-482-0500 x 494
Fax: 514-482-4536
E-mail: emily.lecker.mackay@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
I have been involved in research regarding treatment for children with CP
(CP-Engine, section on conductive education), and service delivery for
children with congenital heart defects.
Suzanne Ménard, MSc, speech and language therapist
LINK ROLE:
Member of the Clinical Advisory Group
AFFILIATION:
Coordonnatrice du programme pédiatrique en déficience du langage, Hôpital Juif de réadaptation.
CONTACT:
Hôpital juif de réadaptation
3205 Place Alton Goldbloom
Laval, Québec H7V 1R2
Tél. : (450) 688-9550 #3801
Fax: 450-688-9640
Email: smenard_hjr @ssss.gouv.qc.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
En tant qu’orthophoniste, j’ai un grand intérêt à contribuer au développement d’outils d’évaluation standardisés tant au niveau des différentes composantes du langage qu’au niveau de la perturbation des habitudes de vie qui sont atteintes pour la clientèle ayant une déficience du langage. Par ailleurs, en tant que coordonnatrice de programme, je m’intéresse aussi à l’évaluation de l’efficacité de divers types d’interventions afin de déterminer les services les plus appropriés pour la clientèle.
Kathleen Malone Montpetit, MSc, Rehabiliation
LINK ROLE:
Member of the Clinical Advisory Group
AFFILIATION:
Head of Occupational Therapy and Outcomes Coordinator, Shriners Hospital for Children
CONTACT:
Shriners Hospital for Children
1529 Cedar
Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A6
Telephone: (514) 282-6962
Fax: (514) 842-7553
Email: kmontpetit@shrinenet.org
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests focus on the functional and quality of life outcomes of multiple interventions offered in the pediatric orthopedic setting. Interventions which have been addressed include prosthetic prescription, use of botox, surgery, home programs, and assistive technology. Populations of interest include children with congenital upper limb deficiency, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, osteogenesis imperfecta and arthrogryposis. Recently I have been involved with 3 multi-center projects which touch very different populations and interventions. They are:
- use of botox to decrease pain in children undergoing limb lengthening.
- development of a computer adaptive testing platform to asses physical functioning in children with cerebral palsy.
- Assessment of function, quality of life and satisfaction in children with unilateral congenital below elbow deficiency
Katherine Moxness, PhD
LINK ROLE:
Member of the Clinical Advisory Group
AFFILIATION:
Director of Professional Services at the West Montréal Readaptation Center, Centre de réadaptation Lisette-Dupras and Centre de réadaptation en déficience intellectuelle Gabrielle-Major
CONTACT:
8000 Notre Dame
Lachine, Québec, H8R 1H2
Telephone: 514-363-3025 (2250)
Fax: 514-363-5805
Email: kmoxness@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests include the best practices in service delivery for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and or pervasive developmental disorders. More specifically, I am interested in research that studies early intervention program, parental stress and competency in intensive intervention programs, and supporting parents and staff in providing care to persons with challenging behavior.
Nelson Asinowski
LINK ROLE:
Member of Family Advisory Group
CONTACT:
E-mail: nelson_asinowski@yahoo.com
INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILDHOOD DISABILITY:
I have been the treasurer, for 2 years, of our local Dysautonomia foundation. I am a member of the FD Advisory Board of the Dysautonomia foundation in New York. I just completed 5 years serving a Director on the Board of the same organization. I was the Governing Board chairman at the Mackay Centre School for 2 years. I was recent asked to be on the board of the newly created Montreal Jewish Genetic Disease fund.
Maria Colavita
LINK ROLE:
Member of Family Advisory Group
CONTACT:
E-mail: ross.debiasi@sympatico.ca
INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILDHOOD DISABILITY:
I am the mother of a 6-year-old boy who has cerebral palsy, type spastic diplegia. Having a child with a disability has opened doors to a wealth of information that has enabled me to not only understand the daily challenges that my son faces but also to help him overcome them. By sharing our information and experiences, we (parents and health professionals) could learn from each other and make our children’s future brighter.
Aviva Engel
LINK ROLE:
Member of Family Advisory Group
CONTACT:
E-mail: editor@exceptionalfamily.ca
INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILDHOOD DISABILITY:
Aviva is the editor of Exceptional Family, Canada’s Resource Magazine for Parents of Exceptional Children, published by the Miriam Foundation. The Miriam Foundation supports rehabilitative, vocational and residential services and programs that foster increased socialization and community integration for people with autism and other intellectual disabilities in Montreal.Nina Glick
LINK ROLE:
Member of Family Advisory Group
CONTACT:
Email: ninagl@videotron.ca
INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILDHOOD DISABILITY:
I am the mother of a 36-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy. Naama lived at home until she was 20 years old and we worked extremely hard to open a group home, which is where she now resides. Maison Shalom is an outstanding residence for young people with developmental disabilities. We have recently opened a second home and I spend a considerable amount of time dealing with administrative issues that the home faces. I have advocated on behalf of people with special needs for the past 36 years and I have seen many positive changes in the community. For some they may not be fast enough - however looking back - there are changes more and more each day.
Mary Lovretin
LINK ROLE:
Member of Family Advisory Group
CONTACT:
E-mail: quattro@qc.aira.com
INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILDHOOD DISABILITY: My six-year-old son has cerebral palsy. I’ve devoted for the last six years in trying to understand my special son and helping him be the best that he can be. I wish to share my knowledge and experiences so that other parents, as well as medical and health professions may know that there is a world of hope for our children. Timely access to information, research and options helps us help our children.Bella Mend
LINK ROLE:
Member of Family Advisory Group
CONTACT:
E-mail: bmend91@hotmail.com
INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILDHOOD DISABILITY:
My daughter was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy. Since then, I have educated myself extensively on the subject of my child's condition. I am interested in lending my first-hand knowledge in order to make the LINK website as accessible to families as possible.
Pamela Patenaude
LINK ROLE:
Member of Family Advisory Group
CONTACT:
E-mail: monkezboot@hotmail.com
INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILDHOOD DISABILITY:
My son was first diagnosed at the age of three with verbal apraxia and a severe phonological disorder. Later on he was diagnosed with global developmental delays and hypotonia. We are now in the process of having him tested for the Prader Willi Syndrome. I'm currently involved in a support group offered through the CLSC. I have been my son's advocate throughout the years. I have made myself knowledgeable of resources and will not stop to help speak for my son's rights and what is best for him.
Nicole Vien
LINK ROLE:
Member of Family Advisory Group
CONTACT:
E-mail: nicolevien@hotmail.com
INVOLVEMENT WITH CHILDHOOD DISABILITY:
My son was born prematurely and is currently diagnosed with mild Cerebral Palsy, a learning disability and ADD. I am a member of the Risk Management and Patient Safety Committee at the Shriner's Hospital.
Nicholas Hall, BSc, psychology
LINK ROLE:
Research Coordinator
CONTACT:
Montreal Children’s Hospital
Neurology A-502
2300 Tupper St. H3H 1P3
Telephone: (514) 412-4400 ext. 22075
Fax: (514) 412-4373
E-mail: nick.hall@muhc.mcgill.ca
ABOUT:
Having graduated from McGill in 2002 with a BSc Psychology and neuroscience minor, Mr Hall was hired by Dr Annette Majnemer to coordinate a study on quality of life in school-aged children with cerebral palsy. His role has expanded to include administrative duties, in addition to helping coordinate various research projects in the neurology department at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. He was responsible for organizing the 2004 and 2005 AxeCP (FRSQ) - funded conferences on Quebec-based cerebral palsy research.
Adam Kagan, BSc, psychology, computer science
LINK ROLE:
Website Design, Webmaster, Information Transfer Officer.
CONTACT:
Montreal Children’s Hospital
Neurology A-502
2300 Tupper St. H3H 1P3
Telephone: (514) 412-4400 ext. 22075
Fax: (514) 412-4373
E-mail: adam.kagan@muhc.mcgill.ca
ABOUT:
I am a graduate from McGill University with a B.Sc. in psychology and computer science. I began working for the childhood disability LINK project at the Montreal Children's Hospital in January 2006 with my supervisor Dr. Annette Majnemer. We worked for the first few months to put a team of willing researchers together and to prepare a grant application to REPAR for funding. Once we received the necessary startup funding, I began building a website using PHP, MySQL, FLASH, HTML, CSS. I also worked to coordinate the flow of research into the project, the translation of the research into easily utilizeable summaries, and the translation of the research and website into french. I have become very interested in the field of Knowledge Translation and Exchange (KTE) and hope to continue working on the LINK project while pursuing graduate studies in 2009.