CBIS Spotlight: Denise Stelpflug

Denise Stelpflug, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS, has worked as a Speech/Language Pathologist for 29 years. She has had the opportunity to work in various settings, from acute care to skilled nursing care, from infants to older adults. She also worked as a Resource Coordinator for the Brain Injury Alliance of Wisconsin and helped develop the Survivor’s and Caregiver’s Guide, which reviews definitions, consequences, rehab process, and life after brain injury. She currently work for Milwaukee Center for Independence, both as the Therapy Manager and a Speech/Language Pathologist. The Milwaukee Center for Independence, now in its 80th year, provides a wide range of services to people with special needs and barriers to success. Her passions include gardening, fishing, hiking, and being with family. Her fondest memories include playing collegiate volleyball for University of Wisconsin Madison and coaching high school volleyball. She and her husband now enjoy watching their high school-aged son play.

Why do you enjoy working with individuals living with brain injury?

It’s fascinating. I’m humbled to work with such a hardworking group of individuals. It’s exciting to see improvements in cognition and communication. After many years of experience, I better understand cognition, how to define it and how to measure it. For successful intervention, I believe the individual should identify what’s important for day-to day success (i.e. planning meals, making lunches, getting to appointments on time, etc.), and the clinician/client should work on the cognitive processes/steps needed for that success.

What are some of the major changes in brain injury that you’ve observed over the years?

I’ve seen positive changes in community awareness of brain injury and in educational opportunities and research. I feel we need to continue to advocate for the complex and continuous needs of individuals with brain injury when in the community.

Is there any new brain injury research that you are excited about?

I love that I can access TBI Model Systems and TBI Models Systems Knowledge Translation Center. These sites offer many insights and current/useful information on brain injury. I often use their material for education to caregivers and to staff. In addition, I’m excited about all the research/awareness into concussions and how it impacts short term and long term functioning. We professionals know the impact, however I’m excited on the efforts of public awareness – exposing the subtle, “invisible” symptoms. More awareness will promote better prevention and treatment.

Why would you recommend ACBIS to other providers in the state of Wisconsin?

I would recommend ACBIS to other providers to better serve our clients, and to better educate and train their caregivers. The information covers a broad scope of areas, broad enough to educate other disciplines and the public. Many people with brain injury are not treated, because they are ‘walking and talking.’ Our clients benefit from knowledgeable, empathetic, and devoted professionals who obtain and maintain CBIS.

Denise was recently featured in a news segment by WDJT Milwaukee. Click here to watch the video.