Team Group: Clinical Team

Chief of the Psychology and Neuropsychology Associate Director within the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Director of Clinical Training, Neuropsychology Cedars-Sinai Medical Center & The California Rehabilitation Institute, Los Angeles, California Dr. Wertheimer is a board-certified neuropsychologist with a focus in neuropsychological and psychological assessment and psychotherapy, and he has developed innovative programming for cognitive and psychological resilience in medical populations, including programming for individuals who have had a stroke and their loved ones.  He assists in the developing and monitoring of process and outcome metrics, assisting with the establishment of evidence-based practice in rehabilitative medicine. Dr. Wertheimer’s research interests include psychological adjustment and resilience with chronic illness, cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms for individuals with cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative conditions, and inter-professional collaboration.

Dr. Villagra is Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician, community faculty for University of Nevada at Reno UNR. His creative research contributions, which include a recent publication in Nature magazine, complement his career in hospital medicine. His diverse roles, encompassing clinical work, telemedicine, blog writing, advisory work in healthcare startups, and coaching, showcase his multifaceted approach to healthcare, where innovation, leadership, and personal growth converge. He is passionate about digital health and artificial intelligence.

Dr. Gibbons attended medical school at Des Moines University in Des Moines, IA. Following medical school, she became Active Duty in the United States Army. She completed her neurology residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington and was chief resident during her fourth year of residency. Following residency she was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and served as an Army Neurologist. While at Fort Hood, she held the positions of Medical Director of the Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic and the Chief of Neurology at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. Dr. Gibbons was honorably discharged from the Army in 2016. She subsequently completed the Headache Medicine Fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas in 2017. She has been with Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience institute since 2018 as an attending neurologist and associate program director for the University of Missouri-Kansas City neurology residency program.

I’m an occupational therapist with a strong background in stroke recovery. I also worked as a massage therapist for many years supporting stroke survivors with shoulder and back pain. As a clinical navigator with Kandu, I enjoy connecting with survivors and carepartners with a heart-first approach to foster empowerment and tackle challenges to recovery. I cherish each small win with survivors and carepartners, be it connecting them with a resource or just being the person that has the time to listen, I’m here for it all! When I’m not connecting with my fabulous colleagues at Kandu, I am sure to be found in or around bodies of water, laughing with my toddler and husband about something silly.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with a strong background in advocacy and mental health. As a clinical navigator with Kandu, I enjoy working with Survivors and Care Partners as they traverse and process their new experiences and realities. I am grateful to be with them as they return to (or discover new) activities that bring them meaning, joy, and value. We are here to provide education, resources, and support, as well as someone who will not only hear you, but who will actively listen.  My favorite thing about working at Kandu is that we encourage our Survivors to set their own goals and take charge of their recovery and lives.  When I am not working I can be found walking my puppy Augie, spending time with my friends, or watching sports.