Experts Spotlight with Gary Pace, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Supervising Psychologist, May Center for Education and Neurorehabilitation
Senior Vice President, Neurorehabilitation Services, May Institute
Dr. Gary Pace has been an integral part of the May Center for over 10 years, as Program Director, Clinical Director, and most recently as Supervising Psychologist. In this current role, Dr. Pace oversees the clinical supervision of the school’s pre- and postdoctoral interns, and consults with the clinical team on treatment and research.
As part of a talented and dedicated team, Dr. Pace works closely with Program Director Andrea Potoczny-Gray and Clinical Director Serra Langone, M.S., M.Ed., BCBA, to help ensure the successful day-to-day operations of the May Center school. See Dr. Pace’s full bio here.
Question: You've been with May Institute for many years. What makes this school so unique?
Gary Pace: The May Center is a very special place, and one of the only community-based schools in the country exclusively serving children and adolescents with traumatic and acquired brain injury. We serve students with a wide range of needs, including those recently injured and those who are several years post-injury.
Q: What is your overall approach for treating young people with brain injury?
GP: We use applied behavior analysis (ABA) as our framework. ABA is based on evidence-based treatments, and extensive research has shown that these treatments are very effective with individuals with neurological disorders.
We take an individualized approach with each student we serve. We focus on the educational, behavioral, and rehabilitation needs of each child in a truly multidisciplinary setting. Our approach is also interdisciplinary; all team members work together to contribute to each student’s individual plan.
Q: How has treatment for brain injury changed and evolved over the years?
GP: There have been a number of important changes in the field, including a greater focus on evidence-based treatment and on meeting individual needs. Other significant changes include a more family-centered approach, and more emphasis on developing functional goals that are important in the community. May Institute has been a national leader in all these areas, advancing the quality of care nationally for individuals with brain injury.
Q: You've been very involved in the field of brain injury for over 20 years. What about this work most inspires you?
GP: Without question, it’s the progress we see in the lives of our students. When children learn to communicate, make friends, manage their behaviors, and be successful in school. Or when students return to their homes and community schools. We also hear from families about the successes of our students long after they leave the May Center. It is so meaningful to hear about their progress – an adolescent who graduates from her community high school, for example. Or a young adult who is now employed, or dating, or living independently. All of them represent important successes in the lives of these young people.
Q: What message would you like to share with families beginning the journey with a child with brain injury?
GP: We understand that the process of brain injury rehabilitation can be very challenging, and at times discouraging. And we appreciate how difficult it can be for families to make the decision to enroll their child in a specialized school. However, rehabilitation and placement at a school like the May Center can result in truly meaningful changes in a child's life. It is so important for families to be hopeful, and to understand that significant, life-long progress is possible.
