Dr. Shahab R. Khan, MBBS has over 20 years of experience in patient care, clinical trials, and translational research, having worked extensively as a clinician (Internist) and then transitioned into clinical research, showcasing his inquisitive nature and commitment to advancing medical knowledge. His leadership roles at prestigious institutions such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, The University of Chicago Medicine, and Rush University Medical Center have honed his organizational and management skills, enabling him to oversee complex clinical research operations with precision.
Dr. Khan’s dedication to healthcare education and community health illustrates his commitment to excellence in healthcare. With his profound knowledge, leadership abilities, and passion for delivering excellence, Dr. Khan is ready to contribute significantly to Boston Brain Center’s mission of advancing brain health through innovative research and patient care.
Dr. Makhija is a distinguished neurologist specializing in sleep and epilepsy at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where she serves as an attending physician and investigator. She holds a Doctor of Medicine from the American University of the Caribbean and a Bachelor of Science with Honors from McMaster University.
She completed her postdoctoral training in neurology, sleep, and neurophysiology at prestigious institutions, including UMass and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. As an instructor at Harvard Medical School, she is deeply involved in clinical research, teaching, and mentoring. She is a member of multiple professional societies and has been recognized for her contributions to the field of neurology with numerous honors and research grants.
Dr. Monica Watford, a neuroscience expert, specializing in health disparities. Her research delves into outcomes of brain injuries, population health in underserved communities, cognitive rehabilitation interventions, and health disparities in older minority adults. With a decade of experience as an Occupational Therapist, she’s worked in both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings, particularly with multi-trauma and neuro teams.
Dr. Watford is excited to join the Boston Brain Center and she has dedicated six years to teaching in entry-level OTD programs, covering foundational courses in occupational therapy and clinical neuroscience, while mentoring students in capstone projects.
Kaitlyn, an enthusiastic occupational therapist, found her passion for neurorehabilitation through her journey from activities aid to neuroscience major. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, she aspires to specialize in neurorehabilitation. Kaitlyn is proud of her research contributions to the MGH Institute of Health Professions and the Spaulding Neurorehabilitation Lab.
As the first in her family pursuing a graduate-level degree, she brings a fresh perspective and a keen interest in staying updated on the latest rehabilitative approaches. Kaitlyn’s lively approach, honed through her experience in group activities and home health aid work, ensures engaging and effective treatments
Clarissa has a decade of experience spanning short-term subacute rehabilitation, home health, and specialized long-term care for patients with advanced neurological conditions, she has cultivated a unique expertise in multiple sclerosis and other complex disorders. Her experience at specialized facilities have afforded her the opportunity to witness the long-term effects of prevention and intervention strategies, continually refining her approach to enhance patient care and quality of life.
Eager to extend her knowledge to benefit others, she is a dedicated team player committed to collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to positively impact the community. Tenacious and innovative, she embraces challenges, which is evident in her recent pursuit of drumming in her 40s, and she finds joy in traveling with her family.
Inspired by collaborative multidisciplinary approaches to neurological injury care, Erika holds a Master’s in communication sciences and disorders from Emerson College. With diverse experience spanning elementary schools, outpatient, and home health settings, she has honed her skills in addressing neurological deficits across the lifespan. Certified in LSVT Loud for Parkinson’s and trained in McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program, she recently pursued courses in biodynamic manual voice therapy, emphasizing trauma-informed practices for swallow, voice, and speech rehabilitation.
Erika is passionate for voice rehabilitation, she integrates compassion and counseling skills into her treatments, drawing from her background as a singer. She is committed to enhancing communication rights, she leverages her expertise in Dysphagia approaches to improve mobility and coordination for swallowing and voice. Erika got married recently in Glacier National Park, she enjoys kayaking, paddle boarding, gym workouts, singing, piano playing, and birdwatching in her leisure time.
Allison Menting is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences Disorders from Louisiana State University. With a strong background in both outpatient and acute care settings, she specializes in treating adult and geriatric populations with a wide range of conditions, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, and neurological disorders.
Allison is passionate about helping patients and their families navigate complex diagnoses and is committed to evidence-based practice. Her experience includes interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership roles in graduate school, and presenting research at professional conferences. She is licensed and certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and holds a speech-language pathologist license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
