CBIS Spotlight: Stephanie Ross

Dr. Stephanie Ross, PT, DPT, CCI, CBIS, CSRS received her doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. She works as a physical therapist at SSM Health DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, Mo., on the Neurosciences Unit. She specializes in evaluating and treating patients with stroke, brain injury, and those who have undergone various types of neurosurgeries. She is an American Physical Therapy Association Credentialed Clinical Instructor (CCI), a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), and is also a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS). She serves as a member of the SSM Health DePaul Stroke Team and is also the Acute Care Representative for the SSM Health Rehabilitation Network’s Brain Injury Team.

Why have you chosen a career in brain injury? Why are you passionate about brain injury?

I have chosen a career in brain injury rehabilitation because it is both challenging and inspiring. It allows me to combine my knowledge of movement with my passion for helping people rebuild their lives. I have seen firsthand how life-changing these neurological injuries can be, for both survivors and their families, but each day I get to witness the human body and brain’s incredible ability to adapt and recover. As a physical therapist, I am passionate about guiding patients through each step of that process, celebrating every small victory, and helping them regain independence and confidence in their daily lives.

How has the field of brain injury changed in your time working?

During my time working as a physical therapist in the hospital, I’ve seen the field of brain injury evolve significantly. Advances in early detection, imaging, and acute care have improved survival rates and allowed rehabilitation to begin much sooner. We now emphasize early mobilization, interdisciplinary teamwork, and neuroplasticity-based interventions. I’ve noticed greater emphasis on patient-centered goals, family education, and community reintegration, which has led to better long-term outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Why is having a CBIS important to you? How is it helpful in your daily work?

The CBIS certification is important to me because it has given me a stronger foundation for clinical reasoning and patient care in the acute hospital setting. It’s helped me better understand how brain injuries affect movement, cognition, and behavior, which allows me to tailor interventions more precisely and safely. Having this certification supports my ability to advocate for early mobilization, prevent secondary complications, and communicate effectively with physicians and nursing staff about a patient’s neurological status. It reinforces my confidence in handling complex cases and ensures that I’m using the most current, evidence-based practices in brain injury rehabilitation.

What are some challenges you have faced working with individuals with brain injury?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced working with individuals with brain injury in the hospital is the unpredictability of each patient’s recovery. No two brain injuries are alike — physical progress can vary widely, and cognitive or behavioral changes can make sessions unpredictable. It requires constant flexibility, patience, and creativity to adapt interventions in real time. Another challenge is balancing safety with the need to mobilize patients early, often while managing medical complexity or limited patient awareness. Despite these difficulties, these experiences have strengthened my clinical judgment and deepened my appreciation for interdisciplinary teamwork.

How can clinicians best support individuals, caregivers, and family members?

Clinicians can best support individuals with brain injury and their families/caregivers by providing care that addresses the whole person — not just the physical injury. Recovery is often overwhelming, unpredictable, and emotionally exhausting for both patients and caregivers. As clinicians, we can help by offering clear education about the recovery process, setting realistic expectations, and communicating consistently across the care team. Taking time to listen, validate emotions, and celebrate small victories helps families feel seen and supported. Compassion, patience, and empathy are just as essential as clinical skill in guiding them through this journey.

What do you see as the future of the brain injury field/research/education?

While technology and research are advancing rapidly, I believe the future of the brain injury field will continue to rely on the human connection between clinician, patient, and family. As we gain better tools to facilitate, measure, and predict outcomes, the need for compassionate, patient-centered care will only grow. I do see the field moving towards greater use of technology, including robotics, virtual reality, and wearable or implanted devices to aid in neurological recovery. Education for clinicians will likely emphasize early intervention, interprofessional collaboration, and long-term continuity of care.