Our Mission

The Brain and Behavior Clinic is committed to providing the highest quality neuropsychological testing, diagnosis, treatment, and neuro-educational services to our patients and the community we serve through knowledge, professionalism, and integrity.

Our vision is to be the model of excellence in the
neuropsychological sciences by being the best place to work and the best place to receive care.

neurologist in boulder
neurologist in boulder

Our Mission

The Brain and Behavior Clinic is committed to providing the highest quality neuropsychological testing, diagnosis, treatment, and neuro-educational services to our patients and the community we serve through knowledge, professionalism, and integrity.

Our vision is to be the model of excellence in the
neuropsychological sciences by being the best place to work and the best place to receive care.

neurologist in boulder

Our Expertise

In our 35+ years of experience, we’ve helped over 10,000 patients recover from brain injury, improve cognitive function, and lead healthier, happier lives. During this time, we’ve become known for our expertise, scientific knowledge, and compassionate care.

We specialize in a broad range of neurologic conditions—from post-concussion syndrome and mild traumatic brain injury to abnormal memory loss and dementias. We also evaluate the cognitive status of patients with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, MS, encephalopathies, and stroke.

neurologist in boulder

Our Expertise

In our 35+ years of experience, we’ve helped over 10,000 patients recover from brain injury, improve cognitive function, and lead healthier, happier lives. During this time, we’ve become known for our expertise, scientific knowledge, and compassionate care.

We specialize in a broad range of neurologic conditions—from post-concussion syndrome and mild traumatic brain injury to abnormal memory loss and dementias. We also evaluate the cognitive status of patients with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, MS, encephalopathies, and stroke.

Professional Reports

Additionally, with extensive litigation experience, our doctors know how to write thorough neuropsychological reports and present evidence-based forensic documentation to attorneys—always maintaining accuracy and impartiality.

Professional Reports

Our Providers

Dr. Stephen Schmitz

Dr. Stephen Schmitz

Dr. Stephen Schmitz is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and the founder and Clinical Director of The Brain and Behavior Clinic. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1985 and was then awarded a prestigious two-year postdoctoral fellowship position in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, studying under the direction of Dr. Robert Heaton, an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of neuropsychological demographics.
Dr. Schmitz has treated thousands of concussion patients over the past 35 years and has testified in hundreds of depositions and trials. He is particularly adept at explaining complex concepts of brain function and dysfunction using simple and straightforward language easily understood by patients, lawyers, and juries.
In his free time he loves to travel with his wife and two children, ski in the winter, and play golf in the summer.

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Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk

Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk

Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk is Co-Director of the Healthy Brain Program in Colorado and is coordinator of the rehabilitation and trauma treatment programs. She is also a neuropsychologist in Ontario, Canada. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham in England (Psychology, Neuropsychopharmacology) and has authored numerous papers in the areas of psychology, neuropharmacology and neuroscience in areas as diverse as cerebral palsy in children, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and the effects of neurotransmitters on behavior. She has completed two postdoctoral Fellowship positions in Neuropsychology (Royal Ottawa Hospital) and one working with neurologically impaired children (Department of Education and Science, UK Government). Dr Rusk Co-founded the Memory Loss Clinic in Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Rusk gives public lectures on the subject of the health psychology, behavioral aspects of medicine in aging and neuropsychological aspects of death and dying. She has led educational seminars and is a group facilitator in aging well and brain health. Dr Rusk is a cofounder of the Death Café in Boulder County and currently serves as Community Health Education Director at The Grillo Health Information Center. She is trained in ACRM Cognitive Rehabilitation, Brainspotting, EMDR, PACT and several other treatment approaches. Trained by Dr Dale Bredesen and the Institute for Functional Medicine in using an integrative approach to working with cognitive decline, Dr Rusk thinks this way when she sees her patients. She incorporates these strategies into her resiliency approach to cognitive health. She believes that calming the nervous system and building emotional resilience can be achieved through trauma resolution and a mindfulness-based approach to brain health.

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Dr. Mark Zacharewicz

Dr. Mark Zacharewicz

Dr. Zacharewicz joined The Brain and Behavior Clinic in 1997 after working for three years in a general Neuropsychology practice in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Prior to that position he had completed a two year post-doctoral fellowship appointment in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, working under the direction of Dr. Charles Matthews, an internationally distinguished academician and neuropsychologist. Dr. Zacharewicz helped initiate the pioneering Memory Disorders Clinic at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and he developed a number of Dementia Clinics and a clinic for Attention Deficit Disorders while in Arkansas. Dr. Zacharewicz possesses a vast knowledge of the scientific foundations of neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis and is particularly skilled in providing expert testimony in forensic matters. He has a great deal of experience evaluating the neuropsychological aspects of a variety of general medical and psychiatric conditions and in conducting competency evaluations. Dr. Zacharewicz is a member of the International Neuropsychological Society, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, and is a past-president of the Colorado Neuropsychological Society.

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Dr. Angela Eastvold

Dr. Angela Eastvold

Angela Eastvold completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Utah, with an internship at the University of Florida, specializing in neuropsychology. She subsequently completed a two-year fellowship at the James A. Haley Veteran’s Administration in Tampa, Florida, where she received two years of specialized training in brain injury and epilepsy. Dr. Eastvold is board certified in clinical neuropsychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Dr. Eastvold was formerly an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Utah. She has extensive experience evaluating adults with a wide range of neurologic and psychiatric disorders, including neurodegenerative disease (various dementia syndromes, movement disorders), epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disorders, stroke, brain tumor or cancer. Her primary expertise is brain injury. She has served as an independent consultant to professional sports teams for over a decade, assisting team physicians with return-to-play decision making after a concussion. She is currently in private practice, providing neuropsychological evaluations and consultation in clinical, civil, and criminal matters. She also provides psychotherapy to individuals with somatization or conversion disorders. Dr. Eastvold is passionate about brain health, longevity, and helping people maximize their functioning and overall well being.

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Dr. Peter Sorman

Dr. Peter Sorman

Dr. Peter B. Sorman is a board-certified Clinical Neuropsychologist and Fellow through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, and an expert on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He completed his B.A. and M.S. degrees in psychology at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology/Clinical Neuropsychology at the City University of New York and completed a 5-year externship and internship at the Mount Sinai College of Medicine Departments of Neurosurgery and Psychiatry in New York City.
Dr. Sorman owned and operated a Clinical Psychology/Neuropsychology practice in Western New York for over 25 years and has been employed as a traumatic brain injury subject matter expert at the McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital in Richmond Virginia, providing direct clinical intervention to active-duty military and Veterans with traumatic brain injury and program evaluation for a DoD initiative. Dr. Sorman’s areas of expertise include but are not limited to: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), forensic IME evaluations, pediatric and adult clinical psychology and neuropsychological assessment of learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders, PTSD, mood disorders, pain management (use of Alpha Stimulation and Biofeedback therapies), anxiety and panic disorders, phase of life issues, and adjustment therapy for grief and medical illness. He is the past Vice President of the Brain Injury Association of Western New York, a member of the International Neuropsychological Society, American Psychological Association and Diplomate in the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology. He has published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and is completing his first book, Perspectives of a Neuropsychologist: The Long and Short of It and publication of original research on frontal lobe pathology and its relationship to cognitive regression.

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Our Therapists

Teresa Pavlisick

Teresa Pavlisick

Teresa is a licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC), and certified by the EMDR International Association as an EMDR Therapist with training in Chronic Pain & Illness, Somatic Interventions, and Grief & Loss. She works with adults who have experienced early childhood neglect & abuse, as well as adult trauma. Additionally, she works with individuals who are struggling with life transitions & loss, dual diagnosis, self-harming behaviors, as well as with first responders. Using a combination of techniques including EMDR Therapy, Solutions-Focused, Mindfulness to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Teresa helps her clients move through the challenges they face into a space of empowerment and personal freedom.

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Teresa Pavlisick

Doreen DeRoss

I am passionate about helping adults, teens and tweens and children learn skills for changing behaviors and finding hope in the midst of change. I primarily use DBT therapy to help those who have difficulty managing intense emotions. I am currently one of 47 therapists in the world trained in DBT for Children. I am an extensively trained DBT therapist in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech and the Linehan Institute. I also offer EMDR to treat past trauma.
Doreen loves the outdoors, has completed multiple Ironmans, and is a rock climber. She also has a dog named Sophie, who is a certified therapy dog!

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Teresa Pavlisick

Kerry Mobley

I am a licensed Occupational Therapist who specializes in assessing and treating individuals with mild to moderate cognitive deficits. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and went on to get my master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Samuel Merrit College in Oakland, California. I bring 20 years of experience in treating people with a multitude of cognitive and physical disorders.

Over the past six years, I’ve found my passion to be in Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy with a focus on post concussion syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and early dementia. I’ve also found my stride in supporting clients virtually through Telehealth, which effectively opens new doors for treatment.

I have extensive evidence-based training in cognitive rehabilitation through the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), and I’m committed to staying current in the latest field developments through continuing education classes and credits. I’ve completed course trainings in CBT-I (for insomnia), relaxation/mindfulness, concussion, brain health, nutrition, trauma, and chronic pain.

My approach is holistic and personalized, covering aspects such as cognitive challenges, emotional distress, sleep, and physical pain. I provide individuals with the necessary tools to help them function effectively and with greater ease in daily activities (work, school, home, and play/leisure).

In my free time I enjoy playing tennis and spending time outdoors with my husband, two daughters, and two pugs.

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Teresa Pavlisick

Glenda O’Rourke

Glenda is a Licensed Professional Counselor, trained in a number of evidence based treatments designed to provide insight and change. She has over 32 years of experience treating trauma, PTSD, grief, anger management and more.
Glenda knows that everyone goes through hard times, and everyone can become more resilient and effective in dealing with difficulties in their lives. She will work with you to help you to create a happier and more empowered life based on your values and where you want to go.

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Our Staff

Amanda Sterlin

Amanda Sterling

As the Practice Manager of The Brain and Behavior Clinic, Amanda brings her passions for helping people and for business development together. She has spent the entirety of her career in the healthcare industry, gaining experiences in areas such as billing, coding, compliance and healthcare management. While daily operations of the clinic are her primary job functions by day, Amanda also enjoys caring for her plants and animals and trying new foods.

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Teresa Pavlisick

Amarachi Okoro

Amarachi holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler. Her graduate practicum experience included: The Center for Healthy Aging at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Rusk State Hospital, as well as private practice. Over the years, she has gained experience in neuropsychological testing across various age groups and is excited to continue to provide this service here at the Brain and Behavior Clinic. Outside of work, she enjoys reading both fiction and non fiction books, working out, and traveling.

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Caron Briggs

Caron Briggs

As our Patient Care Coordinator, Caron will be the first person you interact with when you contact the clinic. Caron has years of experience in customer service and administration, and makes patient care her top priority. Her goal is to make sure that each and every one of our patients feel heard and she goes above and beyond to ensure a smooth and organized patient experience.
New to Colorado as an East Coast transplant, she spends her free time going for hikes with her partner and her dog, curled up with a good book, or whipping up a good meal.

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Teresa Pavlisick

Randen Martin

Randen has an extensive background in the field of mental health previously holding occupations in different facilities as a Mental Health Technician, Registered Behavior Technician, Recovery Specialist, and over the past several years, a Psychometrician. Randen has worked with patients spanning the entire spectrum of care with experience testing children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, including patients with neurological and psychological symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Randen completed his Master of Science in Psychology from Purdue. As a new resident of Colorado who previously resided in Florida, Randen has been enjoying the change of weather and frequently visits Estes Park to explore the mountains and visit the Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Get Started Today

It’s not too late to recover and to prevent cognitive decline.
The key to cognitive longevity is early action.