Meet Our Team - Colorado Neurological Insititute

Ellen Belle MA-PT - Director, Physical Therapist
Ellen has been practicing physical therapy for over 30 years in a variety of settings including inpatient, home care and outpatient rehabilitation. She has been director of the NeuroHeath Center since 2007 and her focus for the clinic is to provide quality team based rehab as well as promoting research. Ellen enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking and travel

Certifications: NDT adult, Parkinson PWR! clinician, Walk aide

Kristina Anderson OTR - Occupational Therapist
Kristina has been an occupational therapist for 6 years working mostly in inpatient rehabilitation. She enjoys working with the neurological population and has a special interest in the treatment of visual and perceptual deficits. Kristina enjoys beach volleyball, music and beading

Certifications: Saebo, Spanish speaking

Debra Bandstra MS-CCC - Speech Pathologist
Debra has been providing speech language services to neurologically impaired patients for more than 35 years. She has worked in a variety of rehab settings and especially enjoys working with aphasic patients and patients suffering from motor disorders. Outside interests include gardening, stained glass, acting and kareoke.

Certifications: Vital Stim and LSVT

Terri Bennett OTR – Occupational Therapist
Terri has been an OT for 12 years and has primarily worked with neurological patients. She specializes in lymphatic drainage, myofascial release techniques and is a Saebo trained therapist. Terri enjoys horse back riding, gardening, soap making and time with her daughter

Luci Draayer, LCSW, CMC - Director of Patient Care
Luci joined CNI as Director of Patient Care in 2011, coming to the organization from Lutheran Family Services of Colorado, where she served as Director of the Care Management Solutions Program. The bulk of her social work career has been spent working with adults and families as they navigate major transitions in their lives, particularly in the arena of chronic conditions and illness. Addressing the needs of the "whole person" as well as the broader family system is an important emphasis in Luci's practice. Away from work Luci is an avid flower gardener and pianist.

Certifications: Care management certified, Certified leader for chronic disease self management programming.

Nora Fabris, BA - Intake Coordinator
Nora joined the Colorado Neurological Institute team in the fall of 2010 and has a history of working with non-profit organizations. Nora often assists in therapy and she enjoys helping therapists and patients. Her interests include singing, painting, biking and traveling.

Aspen Kunisch, DPT, PT, NCS - Physical Therapist
Aspen was in high school when she developed her passion for working with the neurological population. She remembers watching a physical therapist teach a patient to walk again and thinking “That’s what I want to do!” Aspen graduated from Regis University in 2007 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Since then, Aspen has worked in a variety of settings: acute care, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient. “I love my job!”

Certifications: Walk aide, APTA neurological-certified specialist

Matthew Lindshield, MSW, MDiv - Patient Navigator
At the CNI NeuroHealth Center, Matt addresses patients' psychosocial needs, facilitates referrals for community resources, leads CNI's Stroke Support Groups, and provides counseling for patients when appropriate.

Laura Malatchi OTR - Occupational Therapist
Laura has worked in occupational therapy for 15 years and all of that time has been spent in neurological rehabilitation. At the NeuroHealth Center, Laura primarily participates in Huntington's and Spasticity clinics. Laura is married and the mother of twin boys

Dottie Tarvestad PT - Physical Therapist
Dottie has been practicing physical therapy for over 30 years. She has most of her experience in neurology and rehab, but she has worked in a variety of other health care settings as well. Dottie enjoys hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and gardening.

Certifications: Parkinson PWR! clinician, NDT adult, walk aide

Linda Vigil PT - Physical Therapist
Linda received her master's degree in physical therapy from the University of Colorado in 1992. She finds working with the neurological population fascinating and rewarding. She has also worked as PT in the hospital setting in rehabilitation and acute care. Her interests include biking, reading, yoga, and skiing.

Certifications: Parkinson PWR! clinician