Our current research mainly focuses on secondary complications of spinal cord injury, aiming to empower individuals with SCI, their families, and caregivers to take proactive steps to prevent and manage these complications in everyday life.
Jeanne Zanca, PhD, MPT, directs the Self-Management Skill Development Laboratory within Kessler Foundation's Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research, where she is assistant director. The Lab's work focuses on encouraging individuals with spinal cord injury to take action toward a healthy life by applying knowledge, skills, and resources. To achieve this goal, Dr. Zanca and her team have developed a range of interventions and initiatives to promote well-being among people with SCI and their caregivers and to facilitate peer mentoring. For example, a free, web-based training course helps newly hired personal assistants understand SCI and collaborate effectively with their clients. Visit KFLearn.org to access Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants.
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research
Department of Defense
New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
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Laboratory Team
