Our Team

Our team of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS) are dedicated to empowering individuals living with traumatic brain injuries and other neurological conditions.

With specialized training and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by our clients, our CBIS professionals provide compassionate, evidence-based support tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

With expertise in cognitive rehabilitation, community reintegration, and skill development for greater independence, our specialists are committed to fostering meaningful progress in the lives of those we serve. Backed by CARF accreditation, we uphold the highest standards of care, ensuring that every client receives personalized, impactful, and cost-effective support.

The Team

CEO

Seth Friedman

Before joining Neuro Community Care, Seth had been a social services leader for more than two decades, holding leadership positions at national organizations, including Father Flanagan’s Boys Town and the ACLU. His experience ranges from community development, education, rehabilitation, and holistic approaches to an individual's health.

Seth earned his Bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University, a Master’s in Public Administration from CUNY Baruch, and a certificate in Ethical Leadership from Rutgers University.

CFO

Amie Sahor

Amie joined NCC in February 2024, bringing over 20 years of experience in accounting and financial management. With a career grounded in the nonprofit sector, she has developed a strong ability to align fiscal operations with long-term strategic goals, enhancing both organizational efficiency and mission-driven impact. Recognized for her precision, integrity, and leadership.

Outside of work, Amie enjoys quality time with her husband and three daughters. In her free time, she loves taking evening walks and staying energized with Zumba, approaching life with the same enthusiasm she brings to her profession.

Director of External Partnerships

Leslie Johnson

Leslie earned a B.A. in Psychology from Queens University in Charlotte and earned a Master’s in Rehabilitation Studies from ECU. She has over 25 years of experience working in settings such as hospitals and community rehabilitation, supporting individuals with brain injuries, mental health, physical and developmental disabilities. Leslie also assisted in the development and implementation of the first brain injury clubhouse in Raleigh, NC.

Leslie enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, vintage shopping, and traveling with her family.

Director of Training & Program Dev

Jenny Abramson

Jenny's career revolves around children and adults with chronic illness and disabilities in a variety of settings, including camps, clubhouses, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. She completed her Master of Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill in 2009 and acquired her clinical social work license in 2012.

Jenny lives in Carrboro, NC, with her husband and two children.

Director of Brain Injury Services

Stephen Johnson

Stephen grew up in eastern NC and graduated from NC State University with a degree in Psychology. After graduation, Stephen worked with pioneers in the autism field through Division TEACCH at UNC-Chapel Hill. Stephen is committed to serving the Warriors that have sacrificed their lives for our country.

Stephen spends most of his free time with his two young daughters and playing obscure sports.

Deputy Director of Brain Injury Services

Sara Luster

Sara spent her graduate internship was at the Salem VA Medical Center Inpatient PTSD Unit, where she gained tremendous respect for veterans living with invisible wounds. Sara has worked with individuals living with brain injuries and other disabilities.

Sara resides with her husband and two daughters, and together they enjoy trips to the beach and discovering local restaurants and shops.

Operations Manager

Amanda Adams

Amanda has a BS in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Integrative Physiology and Neurology from North Carolina State University. Since graduating from NC State, Amanda has worked in the medical field as part of the administrative and clinical support teams. Amanda has also worked in the research setting, studying neural regenerative pathways and the epigenetics of obesity.

Originally from Fayetteville, NC, Amanda now lives in Raleigh with her husband and dog. She enjoys traveling, hiking, and cooking.

Office Assitant

Jemeela Axell

Jemeela is a seasoned photographer and videographer with 19+ years in the field, holding a BA in Television Production from Howard University. She's also a certified Strategic Storytelling expert from Maine Media Workshop + College. In 2017, she founded A.R.T Media LLC, where she serves as Co-CEO and Lead Photographer.

Outside of work, she treasures moments with her daughter Amiyah "Ruby" and quality time with loved ones.

Staff Accountant

Sarah Cammon

Sarah is an accomplished professional who earned her degree in Accounting from Winston Salem State University .

Outside of her professional life, Sarah is a loving and devoted family person. She shares her life with her fiancé and their two wonderful children, Her commitment to both her career and family showcases her exceptional balance and dedication.

Accounts Payable

Rhonda Johnson

Rhonda has over 20 years of accounting experience. Rhonda is originally from Washington, DC, and relocated to North Carolina in 2013. Rhonda enjoys reading and doing home improvement projects in her spare time. She also loves visiting her son and two wonderful grandchildren in Washington, DC.

Human Resource Manager

Leila Wheeler

Leila, born and raised in Missouri, came to North Carolina in 2013 with over 30 years of experience in rehabilitation settings, and 20 of those in Brain Injury.

Leila uses her vast experience to support all of NCC's staff and makes sure they have what they need to be successful. Her support and guidance creates peace of mind for the staff, allowing their full focus to be on our clients.

Lead Case Manager

Shawn Chase

Shawn is a native North Carolinian and alumnus of NC State University (Go Pack!). He has been a case manager with NCC since 2013. He has also worked with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as at-risk teens and adults. Shawn has nearly 20 years of service to families navigating the complexities of brain injury and neurological recovery.

Shawn lives in Raleigh, NC, and enjoys time with his wife and fur babies, playing mandolin, minor league baseball, collecting vinyl records, and traveling to attend concerts and visit music history landmarks.

Lead Case Manager

Sean Dowdall

Sean has over 20 years of brain injury and disability case management experience in a variety of settings, including home-based case management and rehab, and long-term supported living. He is passionate about the value of community and social connection and how we can all help each other to succeed.

Sean enjoys reading, spending time with his wife and twin teenagers, listening to music, and adding to his ever-growing vinyl record collection, which threatens to take over the entirety of the inside part of the house.

Lead Case Manager

Carrie Lieb

Carrie has over 30 years of experience working in the rehabilitation field as a case manager, cognitive rehabilitation therapist, and care coordinator. She has worked in a variety of settings, empowering individuals with disabilities and providing education and support to families.

Carrie graduated from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She lives in Raleigh, NC, with her husband and has two adult sons. Carrie enjoys traveling, gardening, and hosting dinner parties for friends.

Lead Case Manager

Robyn Woodhouse

Robyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Fitchburg State University and began working with adults with mental health challenges. She served as Case Manager, Assistant Clinical Director, and Human Rights Coordinator. Then, in 2022, Robyn relocated to Raleigh and joined NCC

Robyn enjoys cooking, traveling, staying active, spending time with family & friends, and outdoor activities such as paddle-boarding and hiking.

Case Manager

Denise Alba

Denise was born in Bronx, NY. At age 9, her family moved to “Money-Earning Mount Vernon.” She was raised in a Spanish-speaking home full of Dominican culture. Denise is the eldest of three. Her associate’s degree was earned in the US Air Force, and both her BSW and MSW were earned from NC State. She served two years as a reservist in the USAF and 20 years on active duty, living in TX, SC, AZ, NJ, CA, FL, and Saudi Arabia, and now calls NC home. Denise served in medical administrative, leadership, and management roles and completed a 4-year USAF recruiting tour.

Denise has been married for 40+ years to her high school sweetheart, and she still likes her husband! He makes her laugh daily. They have raised four daughters, and they enjoy family time attending musical theatre, choir concerts, trying new restaurants, breweries, comedy shows, and beach and lake trips.

Case Manager

Rom Alphin

Rom is a proud North Carolinian, happily married for 35 years to his incredible wife, who hails from Switzerland. They've raised two wonderful sons and now embrace the joy of grandparenthood.

Rom enjoys spending time with their grand-dogs, playing and listening to music (especially on the guitar), writing, and tackling building projects. He also holds a deep passion for WWII history—a subject with personal meaning, as his father served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne and jumped on D-Day.

Rom has over 13 years working in Traumatic Brain Injury care, building on his background in Recreational Therapy with degrees from UNCW and UNC. His early career in Mental Health instilled in him the importance of empathy, teamwork, and patience.

Case Manager

Allie Baker

Allie has roots in both Texas and North Carolina and comes from a large, blended family. As the youngest of four siblings and two step-siblings, she deeply values the close-knit relationships she shares with her entire family.

Allie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, a Master of Science in General Psychology, and a minor in Mathematics. With over a decade of experience in the mental health and human services field — and a brief but enriching stint in software sales — she brings both professional versatility and heartfelt dedication to her work.

Allie finds joy in dancing, roller skating, singing karaoke, chasing waterfalls, exploring new adventures, and spending time with her beloved dog. At the core of everything she does is a deep commitment to making others feel seen, heard, understood, and supported.

Case Manager

Sheri Bartel

Family is her love – from her wonderful husband to her two adult daughters. A history of proud military service runs in Sheri's family. Her father was a WWII pilot, her brother a Gulf War veteran, and her father-in-law a surgeon during Vietnam. Supporting Veterans is deeply personal and meaningful.

She has worked with traumatic brain injury survivors for over 30 years, developing training, program coordination, rehabilitation research, and working with families. She finds her greatest fulfillment working directly with survivors and families.

When she's not working, she loves to travel, get outdoors for biking and walking, or enjoy the NC mountains. She is also a WWII history fan and loves any occasion that involves celebrations!

Case Manager

Nerissa Behrmann

Nerissa grew up in southern Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Language Pathology with a minor in special education. She has 25+ years of experience working with families and individuals with a variety of diagnoses, including developmental delays, traumatic brain injury, physical and sensory impairments, as well as other neurological disorders. Nerissa is committed to her role as case manager and finds joy in supporting individuals in identifying meaningful goals and finding success in meeting those goals using a variety of alternative and natural resources.

Nerissa lives in Raleigh with her husband and dog. She is learning to live as an “empty nester”, mom to twin girls and a son who are currently scattered across the Midwest and southern Georgia. Outside of work, you can find her in her yard, reading, working on a variety of art projects, or planning travel.

Case Manager

Stephanie Bryan

Stephanie is a speech-language pathologist with a passion for helping individuals with neurological challenges, bringing experience from both inpatient and outpatient rehab settings.

When she’s not working, you’ll find her chasing finish lines at major marathons or whipping up something tasty in the kitchen.

Case Manager

Chelsea Calnan

Chelsea brings a diverse background in behavioral therapy, developmental support, and social services, with extensive experience working with individuals with acquired brain injuries, Spinal Cord Injuries, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has supported clients in a variety of settings, including military families and community-based programs. Chelsea is passionate about helping others navigate their recovery journey and is committed to ongoing learning in the field. She lives in Wendell with her husband, three children, and their dog Charlie. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, shopping, beach days, concerts, and quality time with family.

Case Manager

Shani Cohen

Shani graduated in 2000 from the UNC at Chapel Hill with an MS in Rehabilitation Psychology and Counseling. She has extensive knowledge in the field of brain injury rehabilitation as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Case Manager, and Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer. Shani is also conversational in Spanish and fluent in French. Her career has solely focused on advocating for adults with brain injuries and their families as a counselor, case manager, and trainer.

Credentials: MS, LCMHC, CCM, CBIST

Case Manager

Rachael Edens

Rachael earned her bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University and has enjoyed working with adults in the human service field. Originally from Connecticut, Rachael now lives in Raleigh with her husband and their 2 boys. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and hiking. She is always looking for her next adventure, whether it’s a family vacation or a quick weekend getaway.

Community Support Specialist

Steven Edwards

Steve was born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina - a Navy veteran who earned a B.S. in Sport Management from WCU. After working in the fitness industry for years, he returned to college and earned an associate's degree to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Steve has worked for NCC since 2013. He lives in Wake Forest, NC, with his wife and two daughters. His hobbies include working out, being outdoors, and watching various sports, with a particular affinity for supporting his beloved UNC Tar Heels.

Steve enjoys the unique challenges that working with those with TBI provides. "Being able to adapt my daily approach to foster the well-being and to maximize each individuals potential is what I find most rewarding about my profession."

Case Manager

Mary Jo Fisher

Mary Jo brings over 40 years of experience in Speech-Language Pathology, supporting individuals with brain injuries across diverse clinical and community settings. She is passionate about helping people identify their focus, passions, and purpose, and set person-centered goals. A strong advocate for the power of human connection, Mary Jo emphasizes social relationships as a key part of healing and growth.

Mary Jo lives in Apex, NC, with her husband. She cherishes time with her two adult children and twin grandchildren. Outside work, she enjoys exploring small towns, swimming, walking, and expressing her creativity through arts, crafts, and home decorating. Above all, she finds joy in hosting friends for good conversation and a delicious meal.

Case Manager

Te'Sheonna Fryar

Te’Sheonna Fryar, MSW, is a passionate and dedicated mental health case manager with over 8 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and build resilience. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Fayetteville State University and a Master of Social Work from UNC Pembroke.

Te’Sheonna is driven by the belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and empowered. Known for her dependable and approachable nature, she takes pride in helping clients discover their strengths, advocate for their needs, and move forward with confidence.

Outside of her professional work, Te’Sheonna enjoys spending time with her nephews, exploring new food spots, and living by her favorite quote: “Strength grows in the moments you think you can’t go on.”

Case Manager

Krystal Garcia

Krystal, originally from Hinsdale, Illinois, is the eldest of three and the first granddaughter and great-granddaughter in her family. With a degree in Psychology and over a decade of experience in human services, she has supported children and families across several states, including roles at Yale-New Haven Health’s Child First program and North Carolina’s Children’s Developmental Services Agency. Fluent in Spanish, she has helped expand support to Hispanic communities. Now based in North Carolina with her husband and three daughters, Krystal spends her free time exploring entrepreneurial interests and enjoying travel, interior design, and quality time with family and friends.

Case Manager

John Godfrey

With a background in Kinesiology from the University of Virginia, John brings clinical expertise, heartfelt compassion, and natural leadership to his role. He has a background working with a multidisciplinary team supporting individuals with brain and spinal cord injuries in diverse clinical settings. His approach is grounded in teamwork, empathy, and a deep belief in the resilience of the human spirit. John thrives on helping individuals uncover strength they didn’t know they had, empowering them to take back independence and move forward with confidence.

Originally from Richmond, VA, John is a proud family man and supporter of military service members. You can find him on a pickleball court, reading a good book, or exploring the outdoors—often by bike, or finding a rugged place to hike and camp.

Case Manager

Lisa Gonzalez

Lisa has over 20 years as an occupational therapist, focusing her career on brain injury rehabilitation. In addition, she has five years of teaching at a community college and for the past 12 years served as a case manager with NCC. She is passionate about helping individuals thrive in their environments, believing that meaningful recovery happens when therapy extends beyond clinical walls.

Lisa finds joy in creative expression through mosaics, quilting, and stained glass. Her favorite season is spring, and she cherishes quiet Sunday mornings with a good cup of coffee, listening to birdsong, and soaking in the beauty of a sunrise.

Case Manager

Rose Griffin

Rose earned a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Iowa. She has 35 years of experience working with those affected by brain injuries and neurological conditions, spanning inpatient/outpatient care, training, and research.

She lives in Charlotte, NC, with her husband and enjoys spending time with her family. In her free time, Rose loves being outdoors, a variety of physical activities, and exploring new places.

Case Manager

Sally Massey

Sally grew up in a small town north of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 1994, Sally graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and double majored in Social Work and Sociology. Sally has over twenty years of social work case management experience in multiple health care settings such as hospitals, home health agencies, adult protective services, and pharmacy.

In Sally’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and working in the yard.

Case Manager

Katrina McFarland

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Katrina brings a strong background in neurologic music therapy and has personal experience working with the military population, informed by being a proud spouse of a Veteran. Katrina is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music therapy. She became a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) in 2023.

Driven by a passion for helping others and creating meaningful human connections, Katrina is committed to improving quality of life through compassionate, evidence-based care. Outside of work, Katrina enjoys traveling, seeking out new adventures, spending time with loved ones, and relaxing with her husband and cats.

Case Manager

Kiera Nelligan

Originally from Boston, Kiera moved to NC in 2023. Kiera loves all things New England Sports, especially the Boston Bruins, since she has been playing hockey her whole life.

Her boyfriend and her enjoy being active and outdoors, taking their dog for hikes, playing pickleball, going to concerts, and traveling. They also like to pretend that they are foodies!

Case Manager

Lukas Parkin

Lukas Parkin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Clark University and brings extensive experience in supporting individuals with Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. His career has spanned roles in direct care, supervision, and clinical assessment, reflecting a deep commitment to person-centered support and advocacy.

Based in Durham, North Carolina, Lukas lives with his wife, two daughters, and a growing menagerie of pets. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, kayaking, hiking, and board games. Since joining NCC, he has also rekindled his love of Legos and finds relaxation through the art of Zentangle.

Case Manager

Jordin Soler

Jordin graduated with her Bachelor’s in English from the UCONN in 2011 with the intent of becoming a teacher, but then fell into the field of social work and has been in love with it since. She has worked with both youth and adult populations including those with developmental disabilities, trauma, mental health challenges, and substance abuse histories across a variety of home and community-based settings.

Jordin joined NCC in 2024 to extend that passion to Veterans.

Outside of work, Jordin enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, kickboxing, playing the drums, reading, and writing.

Case Manager

Michele Sullivan

Michele graduated from SUNY Brockport with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Michele began her career working in mental health as a day treatment counselor in Sanford, FL. She relocated to North Carolina in 2007 to become a Clinical Supervisor/Operations Manager. Michele has also worked as a community support team leader, providing mental health and crisis services to adults in their local community.

Michele lives in Smithfield with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends

Case Manager

Tomitha Zimmerman

Military life has always been a big part of Tomitha's life — as an Army wife, and as a proud mom of four boys with two active duty sons.

Tomitha is a social worker who loves helping people, so supporting military families just feels like home! When she's not bouncing between multiple sporting events with her boys, you’ll probably find her gardening, or curled up with a good book. But if it's football season, you can bet she's in front of a TV or cheering from the stands for The Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes!