Comprehensive care without barriers
Our team of specialists is all under one roof to help Veterans address the constellation of physical, psychological and social symptoms connected to mild to moderate traumatic brain injury.
Our Story
Every day, we lose a staggering number of Veterans to suicide. The Center for Brain Health was founded to help reverse this trend through a specialized care program for Veterans with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries and other conditions contributing to suicide.
In 2019, we were approached by the Avalon Action Alliance to build a program for Veterans with traumatic brain injury. We launched our Veteran program — modeled on the screening and care program for athletes at Tulane's Professional Athlete Care Team clinic — in November 2020.
Our work is made possible through generous funding from Avalon, donations from the Priddy Family Foundation, the Goldring Family Foundation, community partners and ongoing fundraising efforts.
The Center for Brain Health is proud to be a part of the Avalon Action Alliance, connecting our nation's Veterans and First Responders to life-changing care while removing financial and geographical obstacles. We strive to foster an environment where individuals can grow and thrive.
Our Mission
To improve the lives of Veterans with traumatic brain injury and other invisible wounds through comprehensive health services, community engagement, education and research.
Our Pillars
Get Involved with Operation Bootstrap
Operation Bootstrap is a sponsor support program that raises funds to pay for a Veteran's travel, food and lodging expenses, and clinical services.
Meet Our Team
Nationally recognized in the Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. Gregory W. Stewart specializes in disability prevention, rehabilitative medicine, sports medicine, and has a particular interest in sports concussion. He is the director of the Sports Concussion Management Program and team physician at Tulane, and he has served as team physician for professional, collegiate and high school teams for more than 35 years.
Dr. Stewart is active in professional associations in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation. He was a major contributor to the successful passage of the Louisiana Youth Concussion Act. He received funding from the U.S Department of Education’s National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research to examine the effects of mild traumatic brain injury in high school football athletes.
Dr. Stewart earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Houston Baptist University in 1982 and a medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine in 1986. He completed an internship and residency at Louisiana State University/Charity Hospital. Dr. Stewart is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Professional Affiliations
- Medical Director, Tulane Center for Brain Health
- Co-Founder and Co-Director, Tulane Center for Sport
- Tulane University W. Kennon McWilliams Professor of Sports Medicine in Orthopaedics
- Associate Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Medical Director, Tulane School of Medicine NFL Player Care Foundation Healthy Body and Mind Screening program
- Medical Director, Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine’s The Trust (powered by the NFLPA) Brain and Body program
- Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedics at Tulane School of Medicine
Awards & Honors
- Greater New Orleans Sports Awards Committee, Jimmy Collins Special Award 2020-2021
- Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame 2019
- Best Doctors in America List 2017 – 2022
- Louisiana Athletic Trainers’ Association, Sports Medicine Person of the Year, 2018
- Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association, Sports Medicine Person of the Year, 2017
- Castle Connolly Top Doctors, 2011 – 2022
- Louisiana High School Athletic Associations Distinguished Service Award, 201
- Who's Who in the World 2018-2020
- America's Most Honored Professionals 2019-2022
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Cheryl Abana-Emmer is a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Case Manager. Cheryl has years of experience providing rehabilitation counseling and case management for brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, and general rehabilitation in an inpatient setting from the pre-admission standpoint through discharging to the community. In the private sector, she worked as a vocational counselor providing job placement and life care planning services.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of New Orleans
- Master of Health Sciences in Rehabilitation Counseling, Louisiana State University Health Science Center
As the Director of Community and Veteran Engagement, David's responsibilities include the comprehensive strategy and implementation of all community engagement initiatives for Tulane Center for Sport and the Center for Brain Health. These initiatives include developing outreach programming, coordinating community partnerships, and advocating for military veteran and athlete populations.
David served as an army officer for over 20 years. His career included three combat tours, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. David is a vocal advocate for the Veteran community and has had the honor of leading soldiers at many different levels. His experiences and skills include project management, operations, personnel management, strategic planning and training management.
Education
- Master of Public Administration, Keller School of Management
- Bachelor of Arts, History, Louisiana State University
Awards & Honors
- Bronze Star medals
- Combat Action badge
- Global War on Terrorism service ribbon
- NATO medal
- Meritorious Unit citation
Ryan is a Clinical Patient Navigator at the Tulane University Center for Brain Health. He is responsible for reviewing medical records, completing intake interviews to determine participation eligibility in TUCBH programs, and coordinating the application process and intake assessment on entry into the program.
Ryan is a fourth-generation combat veteran with a tour to Afghanistan as a Hospital Corpsman. Growing up on military bases, he has been around veterans his entire life. While completing his degree, Ryan began serving the veteran community by working with the Nicholls Student Veteran Organization.
Education
- BA in Psychology, Nicholls State University
Chelsea Bernard is the Speech-Language Pathologist for Tulane University’s Center for Brain Health. She has been practicing for 14 years in the New Orleans area, and over her career, has worked in in- and out-patient rehabilitation, skilled nursing and acute care. However, most recently, she found a strong passion for serving the Veteran population. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of cognitive communication impairments. While striving to develop a strong rapport with her patients, Chelsea maintains a holistic approach to their treatment.
When she’s not serving her patients, you can find her spending time with her three young children and husband. She’s a true New Orleanian who loves all our city has to offer.
Education
- B.A., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- M.C.D., Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Heidi Breaux is a licensed clinical social worker and has been a social worker for over 15 years. Since 2014, Heidi has taught graduate students in social work at New York University and Tulane University School of Social Work. As a social worker, Heidi has worked with the veterans community since 2007. Heidi worked at the Brooklyn VA hospital and the VA Harlem Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. She was appointed and served for many years on the Board for Women Veterans at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs. Heidi also served on the Board of Directors at Bastion Community of Resilience.
Education
- MSW, New York University
- BSW, Rutgers University
- DSW, Tulane University
Camilo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedics and is currently serving as Research Director for the Center for Sport and the Center for Brain Health at Tulane University School of Medicine. In this position, he fronts the Centers’ efforts to build, expand, and strengthen its research portfolio and oversee all research-related operations across all divisions.
Over the last 15 years, Camilo has accrued significant international experience in multiple facets of clinical and translational research, spanning the T0-T4 continuum in academia and industry. He has authored or co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, monographs, editorials, and abstracts and continuously participates as a member of scientific/organizing committees for CME activities endorsed by various medical/scientific associations. He has spoken on diverse science and technology topics nationally and internationally and has received numerous awards. The National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, and the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries have funded his research. He holds six international and U.S. patents.
He earned his medical degree from the William C. Gorgas School of Health Sciences in Panama City, completed his internship and residency in medical centers in Panama City and Louisiana, and received fellowship training at the Tulane Center for Cardiovascular Health and the Texas Heart Institute in Houston. He has also received training in business administration from the INCAE institute in Costa Rica; clinical research from the University of Louisville, the National Institutes of Health, and Harvard University; and data science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Camilo's research interests include sports cardiology, exercise physiology, hypertension, heart failure, cardiovascular imaging, diabetes, digital health and preventive cardiology.
Jamie Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. Jamie has been a therapist for more than 15 years. Since 2008, Jamie has focused on treating veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders who battle symptoms in relation to trauma and other co-occurring mental health disorders. Jamie has also lectured both regionally and nationally on a variety of mental health topics to fellow clinicians and military personnel.
Contact Information
(504) 941-0644
Education
- BS, Psychology and Sociology, University of New Orleans
- MA, Mental Health Counseling, University of New Orleans
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Dr. Lawrence has actively explored the connection between mind, body, and spirit for over thirty years – first as an ordained clergywoman, then as a licensed clinical social worker, and more recently as a mind-body medicine practitioner and program developer. Her interest and expertise lie in creating complementary healthcare within conventional medical settings.
As an integrative therapist, Dr. Lawrence works with individuals and groups to help people suffer less, manage debilitating fear and anxiety, and develop coping strategies for a happier life through non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques such as meditation, imagery, and biofeedback.
Dr. Lawrence received her doctoral degree in mind-body medicine and integrative healthcare systems from Saybrook University, her master's in social work from the University of Maryland, and her master's in religious education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the founder and director of Mind-Body Medicine, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to making complementary health modalities easily accessible to individuals in local communities. Her training and experience give her a unique capacity to help others learn self-care as the key to healthcare.
Contact Information
504.988.2616
Education
- Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine and Integrative Healthcare Systems from Saybrook University
- MSW in Social Work and Community Organization from the University of Maryland at Baltimore
- MRE in Religious Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- BS in Education and Speech and Communication
As Director of External Relations, Bonnie is responsible for strategic communications and marketing in business partnerships and expansion opportunities for the Center for Sport. Her responsibilities include developing and coordinating the Center’s engagement and fundraising efforts, including donor and major gift opportunities. Before her current role, Bonnie was the Program Manager for the Center for Sport, overseeing the NFL Player Care Foundation Healthy Body & Mind Screening program.
Bonnie is a native of New Orleans and has an extensive background in business management and development. Previously, Bonnie was the manager of a specialty retail business in Mobile, Alabama, for eight years, working closely with the owner to forecast trends and develop a diversified product mix tailored to a specific target market. She helped to develop and implement direct marketing initiatives, monitor inventory/customer databases, coordinate events, and maintain the website and e-commerce store.
Contact Information
(504) 988-8481
Education
- BS, Business Administration / Marketing & Management, Spring Hill College
As Administrative Program Coordinator, Patrice assists the Tulane Center for Brain Health team with various administrative duties related to serving our military Veterans. As part of the intake team, she assists with program scheduling/planning, clinical tasks for the Program Director and Case Managers, and coordination of patient intake and insurance verification. Patrice works with the Program Director, physicians, all faculty, fellows and staff members in the academic medical center.
Prior to joining TUCBH, Patrice worked at Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine for 15 years. She held various roles including Lead Customer Service Coordinator, Senior Lead Referral Authorization Coordinator and Financial Counselor.
Contact Information
Kristen Monsalve is a Registered Nurse serving as Nurse Coordinator at Tulane University Center for Brain Health working within a comprehensive interdisciplinary medical team to assess patient care needs and provide clinical coordination. Her primary duties include responding to patient inquiries, patient medical intake assessment, documentation of medical histories and records collection, referral management, evaluation of program eligibility and health insurance coverage, coordination of logistics, and scheduling of patient care procedures.
Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi and has worked at local hospitals in various specialties for the last nine years. She is Medical Surgical and Trauma Nursing Core Course Certified (TNCC). Kristen is a Navy veteran with 12 years of active service and is currently serving in the Navy Reserve.
Education
B.S., Nursing, University of Southern Mississippi, Long Beach, MS
A.A., General Studies, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Biloxi, MS
Contact Information
Phone: 504.301.7613
Email: kmonsalve@tulane.edu
Dr. Jami Montagnino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedics at Tulane School of Medicine. She enjoys treating a wide variety of sports and musculoskeletal conditions through a non-surgical and patient-centered approach. Her goal is to help all patients understand their condition through quality patient education so that they may work towards being as functional and active as possible.
Dr. Montagnino’s clinical interest include management of sports injuries, care for adaptive athletes, ultrasound-guided interventions, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, regenerative medicine and electrodiagnostics.
Dr. Montagnino, who is double board certified, completed a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency at the University of Washington and a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at Stanford University. She returned to New Orleans as one of the team physicians for Tulane Athletics, where she once played for the women’s basketball team. She is also the NOLA Gold rugby team physician.
Dr. Montagnino sees patients at the Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine, Professional Athletic Care Team Clinic (PACT), and Tulane Center for Brain Health.
Michael Sandoz, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, is a Registered Dietitian from Mandeville, Louisiana, who graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences. He earned his Master’s Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science from Lipscomb University in 2014. Michael is also a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) through the National Certification Board for Diabetes. Before joining the Center for Sport, he worked as an outpatient dietitian at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, Louisiana for five years.
Sakshi Shah is a Data Control Specialist at the Tulane Centre for Sport and Brain Health, where she ensures data integrity and alignment with organizational standards. She holds a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Health Policy and Management from Tulane University and a Bachelor’s in Science from Ahmedabad University. Her previous roles include managing strategic budget development, market analysis, and merger transitions, significantly contributing to financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
Before her current position, Sakshi gained valuable experience as an Operations Intern at the Royal Institute of Child Neurology and a Technical Intern at the All India Disaster Mitigation Institute. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing patient care and operational processes through projects like improving nurse scheduling and introducing medical interpreters.
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