Head Injury Treatment in New York City, New York

Dr. Jason W. Brown, Founder

Dr. Jason Brown is a world-renowned neurologist. He received his BA from UCLA/Berkeley and MD, from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He completed his internship at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, DC, and his residency in neurology at UCLA Medical Center. He served in the USAMC as a Major in Korea and San Francisco. Dr. Brown is licensed to practice in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York and is board certified in Neurology. Throughout his career, Jason has held academic appointments at prestigious institutions, including New York University Medical Center, Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, and Albert Einstein Medical Center. He has held hospital appointments at University (Tisch) Hospital, Bellevue Hospital, Hospital for Joint Disease, and Gracie Square Hospital, among others. He has received numerous fellowships and scientific awards, including the Copernicus Prize and Virtuti Medicinali. Dr. Brown has published extensively and is a member of numerous professional societies, including the Academy of Aphasia and the American Academy of Neurology.

Ilya Brown, CSO

Ilya Brown joined the Center for Cognition & Communication to help guide and grow the organization founded by his father, Dr. Jason Brown. Originally from France, Ilya studied business in London and later built a successful French wine import and distribution company in Miami. As Chief Strategy Officer, he leads CCC’s long-term vision, strategic initiatives, and growth efforts, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset and global perspective to the next chapter of the center’s evolution.

Dr. Paul Heinzelmann, MD, MPH

Dr. Paul Heinzelmann is a board-certified primary care physician and serves as the Chief Medical Officer at the Center for Cognition and Communication (CCC). Dr. Heinzelmann brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, leadership, and innovation to advance care for individuals affected by brain injury, cognitive dysfunction, and communication disorders. A former clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School and founder of Priority Care Boston, a concierge primary care and health optimization practice, Dr. Heinzelmann is known for his patient-centered approach and commitment to evidence-based lifestyle interventions. At CCC, he contributes to the development of multidisciplinary treatment pathways that integrate neurorehabilitation, behavioral health, and digital health tools to optimize cognitive recovery and long-term well-being.

Nancy Chow, COO

Nancy Chow joined the Center for Cognition and Communication in the fall of 2008 and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer. With extensive expertise and experience in healthcare administration, healthcare delivery systems, health plan operations, and healthcare data analysis, Nancy plays a pivotal role in driving operational excellence within the organization. She works closely with physicians, psychologists, staff, and patients to ensure seamless daily operations and a commitment to exceptional patient care. Nancy is also deeply involved in strategic initiatives, including service expansions, the development of policies and procedures, management training and talent development programs that strengthen the organization’s long-term success and continuous improvement.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Nancy is passionate about giving back to her community. She actively volunteers with the Organization for Chinese Americans/Asian Pacific American Advocates (OCA/APAA), participating in panel events and conventions. The OCA’s mission to advance the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders resonates deeply with Nancy, further reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact both in her professional sphere and within her community.

Dr. Avraham Schweiger, PhD

Dr. Avraham Schweiger is a licensed clinical and rehabilitation psychologist in New York and Israel. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists and Professor Emeritus at the Psychology department of the Academic College of Tel Aviv. He has held medical staff privileges at several hospitals in California, including Northridge Hospital Medical Center, Valley Hospital Medical Center, and Coldwater Canyon Hospital. Avraham is recognized as an expert witness in New York State superior court and Pennsylvania family court. He has an excellent command of English and Hebrew and good conversational skills in Spanish. He has a Ph.D. in Psychology from UCLA and has worked as a research psychologist, instructor, and professor at various institutions. He has received several grants for research and has published in various academic journals. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Neuropsychological Society, the American Psychological Society, and the National Academy of neuropsychology.

Dr. Jacqueline Barnett, PhD

Dr. Jacqueline Barnett is a licensed Psychologist specializing in Cognitive Neuroscience with a Ph. D in Psychology from the City University of New York. With a focus on enhancing self-integrity and social cohesiveness, Dr. Jacqueline Barnett is an experienced clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and neuropsychological/psychodiagnostic assessment. She is skilled in developing evidence-based individualized remediation and treatment goals to facilitate the implementation of effective psychological services. Dr. Jacqueline Barnett’s experience includes preclinical and clinical research design, statistical analyses, and publication, with expertise in interviewing, psychometric/psychodiagnostic testing, and cognitive-behavioral treatment.

Dr. Jovian Purnell, PhD

Dr. Jae Purnell (he/they) is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialization in neuropsychological assessment of adults and older adults. He completed his Ph.D. at Fairleigh Dickinson University, his internship at James J. Peters VA Medical Center, and has trained at multiple hospitals throughout New York in neuropsychology and geropsychology.  His experience includes the assessment of people with neurodegenerative disorders, acquired brain injury, adult ADHD, reversible causes of cognitive decline, comorbid psychiatric and complex medical conditions. Dr. Purnell’s passion lies in working with a diverse patient population and providing affirmative care to individuals from marginalized backgrounds. He frequently presents and consults on the neuropsychological assessment of transgender and gender diverse individuals. Dr. Purnell conducts neuropsychological assessments and group therapy at the CCC.

Dr. Laura Kerenyi, PhD

Dr. Kerenyi joined the Center for Cognition and Communication in the fall of 2024. She is a licensed clinical psychologist. She obtained her doctoral degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in counseling psychology with specializations in neuropsychology and health psychology. Likewise, she completed her internship at Metro west Neuropsychology/West borough State Hospital. Furthermore, she also obtained a master’s degree in counseling psychology mental health from Boston College. Prior to this she obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boston College. Dr. Kerenyi has worked at a variety of hospitals and clinics in New York and Massachusetts. She has experience working as a neuropsychologist and therapist. When she is not working, Dr. Kerenyi enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog.

Dr. Laura Tabio, PsyD

Dr. Laura Tabio is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in rehabilitation psychology and neuropsychology. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology, with a concentration in health psychology, from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Tabio completed both her predoctoral internship and two-year postdoctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Neuropsychology at the Mount Sinia Hospital and Icahn School of Medicine in New York.

In January 2025, Dr. Tabio joined the Center for Cognition and Communication and before this position, she worked as a rehabilitation psychologist at NYU Langone Rusk Rehabilitation Center in New York. Dr. Tabio is bilingual (English and Spanish) and provides neuropsychological assessments, cognitive rehabilitation, and evidence-based therapy.

Aaron Yavelberg, LCSW

Aaron Yavelberg is a licensed clinical social worker with twenty years of experience working with individuals, children, and families in a variety of clinical and community settings. He has provided individual therapy to patients with complex physical and mental health diagnoses at a medical practice for people with cancer and blood disorders. He has also provided case management and individual and family counseling to children and families navigating behavioral issues at schools, social services bureaucracies, and the foster care system. In addition to his clinical work, Aaron has a strong background in education, having spent many years teaching and leading professional development in clinical and academic environments. He is dedicated to providing holistic and compassionate care to all of his patients.

Aaron is based primarily out of our Queens office, where he provides group behavior intervention sessions and individualized treatment planning to our clients.