Staff
Our Team
The BrainWorks staff are specially trained in cognitive and behavioral research-based programs. Their training is ongoing as they strive to help clients with Traumatic Brain Injury regain their functional independence and those who have experienced traumatic events regain their social-emotional health.
Shirin Ansari, Ph.D.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
CEO AND FOUNDER
Dr. Shirin Ansari is the founder of BrainWorks in Irvine. A firm believer in viewing patients from multiple perspectives, Dr. Ansari has pioneered a multidisciplinary approach in the evaluation and treatment patients with brain injuries and the resulting symptoms. Her professional expertise allows her to integrate her knowledge of neuropsychology to identify cognitive impairments and social-emotional challenges. Dr. Ansari and her colleagues have done a number of research studies that have been published in some of the most prestigious medical and psychological journals, including The Journal of American Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Orange County Psychologist.
Gregory Koch, Ph.D.
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Koch is a licensed clinical psychologist and is the Clinical Director of Services at BrainWorks. In addition, Dr. Koch also functions as a licensed psychologist in public mental health since 1999, focusing on providing both psychological assessment and treatment to an underserved population in central Orange County. He has participated in several research studies which have been presented as research posters at annual meetings of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Koch participates in several speaking engagements per year in a wide array of topics including diagnostic processes and evidence based mental health treatments.
Diana KarjOo, Ph.D.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Karjoo is a licensed psychologist who specializes in neuropsychological assessment. In addition to her expertise in psychological evaluations, Dr. Karjoo has a passion for psychotherapy and counseling. She has many years of experience working with patients who struggle with social-emotional issues. Specifically, Dr. Karjoo provides therapy, support, and coping strategies related to issues related to depression, anxiety, symptoms related to TBI and PTSD, and life transitions.
Shaleise Collier, Ph.D.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Collier is a licensed neuropsychologist with expertise in the neurodevelopment of brain structures. Dr. Collier is an evidence-based practitioner whose therapeutic approach involves Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), and problem-solving, and solution-focused techniques. Dr. Collier received her master’s degree in psychology from Chapman University before completing her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. Dr. Collier completed her doctoral internship in neuropsychology at the Children’s Hospital Colorado, Department of Psychiatry (APA-accredited) and post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC (APPCN-accredited). Dr. Collier’s background also involves clinical training at UCLA’s OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorder Clinic where she received extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of child anxiety and OCD. Furthermore, Dr. Collier specializes in concussion management and behavior interventions for youth with ADHD, executive dysfunction and/or disruptive and oppositional behaviors. Dr. Collier’s clinical and research has focused on the neuropsychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of concussion, as well as the neurocognitive late-effects of pediatric cancer. Dr. Collier has presented her research at numerous international symposia and national conferences in neuropsychology.
Gina Hylton, B.A.
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR
Gina Hylton runs the front office and has come to us with over 25 years of assisting businesses in managing their day-to-day activities. For the past 18 years she has worked in the educational field. Gina volunteers her time training middle schoolers to reach their goal of completing the Orange County Marathon each year.
Wendy Roberts, M.A. SLP
SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Wendy received her Master’s Degree in Speech/Language Pathology and Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential from San Diego State University. She has extensive experience with patients struggling with language and speech deficits. Wendy plays a critical role in overseeing the assessment and evaluation processes and practices. Wendy’s commitment to understanding each patient’s profile from a multidisciplinary perspective combined with her ongoing collaboration with the evaluation team brings added validity and reliability to the assessment results.
Mary C. Pratt, LCSW
Mary Pratt is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked with children and families for over 20 years. Mary is a leading provider of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Mary was an early adopter of this unique evidence-based therapy and the first to open a private practice specializing in PCIT in South Orange County. Mary has been trained by the UC Davis CAARE center and has trained many new practitioners in this treatment model. Mary’s expertise and experience have been recognized through invitations to present at the Parent-Child Interaction Annual conference, as well as on expert panels.
BrainWorks’ is a multi-disciplinary team of clinical and neuropsychologists, speech/language pathologists, and occupational therapists who specialize in diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients with TBI and emotional trauma.
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Contact Info
Phone:
Email:
Address:
16220 Scientific, Irvine, CA 92618