CBIST Spotlight: Ileana Herrin
Categories: ACBIS Insider
Ileana Herrin earned her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. She has been extensively involved with the Neurobehavioral Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, co-authoring a modified version of the Overt Behavior Scale for inpatient use and presenting on their program and research both nationally and internationally. In addition to research regarding challenging behaviors following brain injury, Ileana and occupational therapy colleagues have been researching the effects of yoga in acquired brain injury.
What made you choose a career in brain injury? Why are you passionate about brain injury?
During graduate school, we had to select a thesis project during our final year. I was already assisting our interim dean on her research surrounding individuals who had sustained a stroke and the benefits of either a guided or directed approach. I wanted to expand my research, so I joined the group investigating the effects of yoga on individuals with traumatic brain injury. Our professor recommended we attend local brain injury support groups to have a better understanding of the population we were going to be recruiting from and researching. We were only required to attend two meetings, but I ended up attending regularly. It was listening to their stories- their successes and challenges of daily life – and their genuine kindness and willingness to help each other out that kept me wanting to participate more and explore a career in brain injury.
When I finally landed my first OT job treating individuals with brain injury, I do not think I really knew what I was in store for. I love how truly unique and individualized each person and encounter is. I love how unpredictable the brain and recovery process can be and how even years following an injury there is still potential for neuroplastic change. And, among so many more reasons, I love the resiliency.
What are some of your recommendations or considerations for managing the long-term consequences of chronic brain injury?
I really agree with the concept that recovery is a process, and I try to instill some level of realistic hope that with dedication, mass practice and forced use, and a genuine willingness, that there is potential to continue to strengthen neurologic connections.
Recently, I have had the honor of treating individuals in a very acute stage of recovery (in Neuro ICU). I have been trying to plant a seed regarding the journey (e.g., recommendations on rehabilitation, activities to engage in, good sleep hygiene, techniques to aid in reducing light/sound sensitivity and pain). I know that I cannot provide all the answers, but I hope to at least steer people in the right direction. I try and let them know that there is no reason, especially with technology and the ever-evolving world, that they cannot return to some semblance of a previous life. It may need to be modified, but it can still be fulfilling. Perhaps, that is the OT in me – trying to find out what is meaningful to the person and figure out ways to help them achieve it.
How has the field of brain injury changed in your time working?
I’m not sure if things have really changed or if I have just been able to expand my own knowledge and be a part of different research projects and programs to help continue to advance the field. For instance, there has been lots of research done on behavioral changes following brain injury; however, I am finding in more recent years more and more people and facilities working together on ways to aid in more ethical and holistic management of these behaviors. I also feel as though families are more willing to explore alternative treatments. Additionally, more disciplines are expanding into the field of brain injury, including Applied Behavior Analysis, which is helping bring different perspectives.
Why is having a CBIST important to you? How is it helpful in your daily work?
I use my CBIS-T credential with pride, because having obtained this credentialing has encouraged me to continue to build my competency within the field as well as has helped me become a better advocate for my clients and the staff I work with. The knowledge I have gained is the reason I am able to provide evidence-based recommendations. It is the reason I understand the importance of education and preparation for life’s journey from day one. I also love hearing stories and learning from other individuals in the field who are participants in the courses I’ve taught and being reminded that we truly are a community with a common goal.
What recommendations would you make regarding engaging CBIS and CBISTs and encouraging them to maintain their certification?
I appreciate how encompassing and expansive the information is in order to gain and maintain your certification. Regardless of your discipline, you acquire an understanding of multi-faceted field of brain injury, which allows for more of a true interdisciplinary approach to treatment and even research. Maintaining the certification is important, because it helps remind you that you are an advocate and have the knowledge to help those you serve. Besides, there are a lot of wonderfully informative classes you can take for continuing education.