Meet our Multidisciplinary Team

Middle Image Cognitive FX Co-Founders Doctor Fong and Doctor Allen

Cognitive FX brings together a team of experts that work in one location, focused on bringing extraordinary treatment and results to each of our patients.

Partners and Practitioners

Co-Founder, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Clinical Director

Dr. Alina K. Fong, PhD

Co-Founder, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Clinical Director

To honor her father, who was a Vietnam War veteran, Dr. Alina K. Fong chose to work at the Veteran’s Affairs Salt Lake City Healthcare System for her PhD internship. At Veteran’s Affairs, Dr. Fong worked extensively with Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans.

Dr. Mark D. Allen, PhD

Co-Founder, Neuroscientist

Mark D. Allen earned a PhD in Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University with post-doctoral training in Cognitive Neuroscience and Functional Neuroimaging at the University of Washington. As a cofounder, Dr. Allen developed the scientific foundation and technological innovations that make treatment at Cognitive Fx unique and exceptional. Dr. Allen is a pioneer in the development of fMRI for use in clinical settings.

Dr. Lynn M. Gaufin, MD

Director of Neurosurgery

Dr. Lynn Gaufin graduated from the University of Utah and then attended medical school at Cornell University in New York City. After medical school he join the Army and was a surgeon in the military before finishing his Neurological Residency at University of California Los Angeles.

Dr. Caleb Epps, MD

Diagnostic Radiologist

Dr. Caleb Epps serves as a Diagnostic Radiologist for Cognitive FX. He joined the CFX team in 2016 first as a Radiology Research Associate where his research included the diagnostic uses of fNCI and Notus Neurocogs in the assessment of cognitive function in Major Neurocognitive Disorder, development of a theoretical model of neurovascular coupling in PCS pathophysiology, and the discovery of imaging biomarkers in PCS....

Dr. Thomas Tervort, DNP, NP-C

Nurse Practitioner

Thomas Tervort holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Prior to earning his doctorate Dr. Tervort worked in cardiology performing diagnostic testing before becoming a Registered Nurse and working with cardiac and cardiothoracic surgery patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Following this he worked in neurosurgery educating and addressing the needs of surgical patients while he completed his doctoral degree.

Dr. Diane Spangler, PhD, ACT, APIT

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Spangler is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in both clinical and academic settings. She earned her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Oregon followed by a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Annie Morgan, RN

Nurse

With 13 years of experience in the medical field, I am delighted to serve as the Registered Nurse at Cognitive FX, where I address all medical needs and concerns for patients during their time in the clinic.

Alise McCray, RN

Nurse

Alise received her nursing degree from Utah Valley University in 2018 and spent much of her career as a travel nurse working alongside her husband. She has worked in acute and progressive care units in seven different hospitals across the country, everywhere from California to Indiana to Washington D.C. She has cared for patients in the immediate aftermath of mild to severe brain injury as well as those going through the depths of COVID. Alise is excited and grateful to now contribute to the healing of patients at Cognitive Fx that are months and years out from injury and for the opportunity to see how lives can be improved after treatment.

Julie Van, PhD

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr. Julie Van is a Research Scientist with over a decade of experience in academic, clinical, and industry settings. She earned her Ph.D. in psychology with a specialization in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience.

Occupational Therapists

NeuroOccupational Therapist

Jory Liddiard, MOTR/L

NeuroOccupational Therapist

Jory received his master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Pacific University in Oregon. He has 8.5 years of experience in neuro outpatient and inpatient rehab. He is a certified Lymphedema therapist, Graston Technique massage, LSVT Big and Loud for Parkinson’s, Bioness, and AMPS. He has evaluated and treated patients with a broad range of neurological impairments. He also specializes in pediatrics working with children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays with an emphasis in sensory integration.

Katie Robertson, OTR/L

NeuroOccupational Therapist

Katie received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Utah and has been practicing for the last 19 years. She has 12 years of experience in acute rehab, home health care, lymphedema, as well as neuro-rehabilitation She has evaluated and treated patients with neurological impairments including TBI, concussions, spinal cord Injury, ALS, MS, brain tumor, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, anoxic brain injuries, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Bailey Thornton, OTR/L

NeuroOccupational Therapist

Bailey received her undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation at Brigham Young University, and graduated with her Master's in Occupational Therapy from the University of Utah in 2023.

Kaitlin Lillywhite

NeuroOccupational Therapist

Kaitlin Lillywhite is an occupational therapist dedicated to advancing evidence- based cognitive rehabilitation practices within the field of occupational therapy. She completed her master’s degree in occupational therapy at Midwestern University-Arizona. Afterwards, she gained valuable experience across diverse clinical settings including acute care, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, and hospital-based outpatient neuro clinics.

NeuroCognitive Therapist

April Crystal, MS, CCC-SLP

NeuroCognitive Therapist

April is a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Utah and her Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Brigham Young University. She has had the opportunity to work with patients in a variety of settings and plays a critical role in helping patients improve their cognitive skills.

Emily Harrison, MS, CCC-SLP

NeuroCognitive Therapist

Emily attended BYU for her bachelor’s degree and the University of Utah for her master’s degree. Her field of study is in Speech-Language Pathology. Emily has worked as a speech pathologist for 15 years.

Michelle Huish, MS, CCC-SLP

NeuroCognitive Therapist

Michelle is a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, receiving both her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders and her Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Utah. She has had the opportunity to work with patients in a variety of settings, including Neurologic Rehabilitation.

Melanie Francis

NeuroCognitive Therapist

Melanie has been working as a speech language pathologist since 2006. She graduated with a Masters of Science from Brigham Young University. She has worked in a variety of settings and joined the NeuroCognitive therapists at Cognitive FX in January 2021.

Natalie Wright, MS, CCC-SLP

NeuroCognitive Therapist

Natalie has been a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist since 2003. She received her bachelor degree at Utah State University and her masters at BYU. She has worked in a variety of settings with much of her experience being in neurological rehab. Natalie is passionate about helping her fellow humans improve their quality of life and has thoroughly enjoyed joining this talented team at Cognitive FX.

NeuroMuscular Physical Therapist

Toshi Sugiyama, DPT

NeuroMuscular Physical Therapist

Toshi graduated from Brigham Young University Idaho with a degree in exercise science in 2016. He then graduated from Idaho State University with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019. While in school he did rotations in vestibular therapy, outpatient orthopedic, pediatric and acute care settings.

Andy Clower, ATC

NeuroIntegration Specialist

Andy is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and a Z-Health Performance Master Trainer. He spent the first years of his career working in Orthopedics, assisting in surgery and clinical duties, as well as taking care of Athletic Training duties for a local hospital. He also worked as Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Human Performance for a specialty physical therapy clinic.

Jake Carluccio, LMT

NeuroMuscular Therapist

With a passion for sports and maximum performance, Jake has taken his license for Massage Therapy (LMT) to new levels. Having studied Health Science at Salt Lake Community College, he has also earned certificates in nutrition as well as strength and conditioning. These he has successfully combined with his extensive real-world experience working with patients in many modalities including a Physical Therapy and a Sports Medicine clinic.

Sotero Perigo, ATC

NeuroMuscular Therapist

Sotero graduated for Utah State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Movement Science in 2015. He then graduated from the University of Idaho with his Master’s of Science degree in Athletic Training in 2018.

Sara Madsen

NeuroMuscular Therapy Assistant

Sara has been a certified fitness trainer for 15 years through the American Council of Exercise. She worked for 5 years at the University of Chicago Hospital in their Executive Health Clinic as a patient advocate and as their exercise consultant.

Braquel Gardiner, PTA

NeuroMuscular Therapist

Braquel is passionate about all things sports and movement. Graduating as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Provo College in 2022, Braquel has worked in both outpatient and inpatient physical therapy offices, specializing in orthopedic sports medicine. Having worked with a variety of clientele, she is excited to help patient's recover and get back to the things they love most

MRI Technician

Brian Baker

MRI Technician

Brian is delighted to work with the CFX team and patients. He does structural and functional MRI exams. Having worked as a MRI tech more than a decade, he understands how valuable a good exam can be to a patient's progress. He also understands that many patients are nervous about the exam and so strives to make the experience more gentle and pleasant for them.

Cameron Willardson

MRI Technician

With 18 years of experience in medical imaging—17 of which have been specialized in MRI—Cameron has worked in diverse healthcare settings, including Cognitive Fx, Utah Valley Hospital (a Level II Trauma Center), and American Fork Hospital. He is accredited by the ARRT and actively involved with both the ARRT and ASRT. Cameron holds a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Sciences from Weber State University, specializing in MRI and CT, and in December 2024, he completed a Master’s of Business degree in Healthcare Management from Colorado Technical University.

Stacey Willardson

MRI Technician

Stacey has worked at Cognitive FX for over six years. She specializes in fNCI scans and enjoys working with new patients each week.

Patient Care Coordinator

Elizabeth Avery

Patient Care Coordinator

Liz graduated from Utah Valley University with her Bachelors in exercise science in May of 2024. She enjoys getting to know the patients and working at CFX!

Ian Wilson

Patient Care Coordinator

Coming Soon!

Ada Hanamaikai

Patient Care Coordinator

Ada graduated from Brigham Young University in April of 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Human Development. She is excited to be at CFX and enjoys working with and getting to know each patient.

Julia Ho

Patient Care Coordinator

Julia earned a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University. She has previously worked with youth and geriatric patients in a variety of settings, and she is excited to help patients as they receive treatment at Cognitive FX!

Brinley Burke

Patient Care Coordinator

Brinley is currently a junior at Brigham Young University pursuing a Bachelors of Neuroscience. She began working at Cognitive FX the summer of 2024 as a PCC and NIT assistant and is very grateful to be on a team with such talented professionals.

Evan Bachar

Patient Care Coordinator

Evan is currently a pre-med student at BYU, majoring in neuroscience. As a former patient here at Cognitive FX, Evan finds it extremely rewarding to be able to help those dealing with the life-altering effects of PCS and TBIs. After graduating from BYU, he plans on attending medical school before pursuing a career involving research and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Mitch Pendleton

Patient Care Coordinator

Mitch is graduating from Brigham Young University in April with his degree in Neuroscience. He is entering his first year of medical school where he hopes to pursue the practice of neurology and psychiatry. He is a published researcher, having wet lab experience studying iron metabolism and novel cancer treatments.

TMS Technician

Evan Bartholomeusz

TMS Technician

Evan graduated with a neuroscience degree from Brigham Young University in April 2024. He has been a part of the Cognitive FX team as a TMS technician since October 2024. He has worked in various research and laboratory roles across the biotech and hospital industries. Originally from San Diego, California, he has lived in Provo since 2018, where he enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, climbing, biking, and essentially everything else in Utah’s beautiful mountains.

Serena Olson

TMS Technician

Serena Olson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Health from Brigham Young University–Idaho. She is passionate about promoting both physical and mental well-being, with a strong focus on the connection between mind and body. Serena enjoys working closely with patients and is dedicated to helping improve their overall quality of life.

Shaina Silguero

TMS Technician

Shaina holds a degree in Human Development and is passionate about ensuring patients have the best possible experience while getting the most out of their treatment. She is excited to be a part of the TMS team.

General Manager

Barbara Porter

General Manager

As the General Manager, Barbara leads and empowers our patients and diverse team of specialists on the CFX team. Her teammates would add that she's one of the kindest people leaders they've had the pleasure to work with. Since 2016 joining Cognitive FX, her leadership has helped the clinic grow from serving just 130 concussion victims a year to now over 700 a year—and will continue to increase in years to come.

Jordan Davis

Project Manager

Jordan Ward graduated from Brigham Young University with her degree in Neuroscience in June of 2018. Jordan works as a Project Manager to improve treatment for patients and improve how the clinic operates.

Taylie Clark

Experience Manager

Taylie graduated from Brigham Young University in April 2024 with a degree in Exercise and Wellness. She comes from a large family of athletes and has seen firsthand the effects of brain injuries. Having been a patient at Cognitive Fx herself several years ago, Taylie understands the impact that an injury can have on a person’s life and appreciates that something can be done about it.

Director of Marketing

Stacy Harker

Director of Marketing

Stacy has a degree in Political Science from Brigham Young University and has worked with non-profits for the last two decades in various capacities. Stacy’s skillset includes marketing, public relations, non-profit management, CRM maximization, project and event management and developing and implementing communications strategies. Stacy started at CognitiveFX just before the pandemic and feels passionately about helping our patients move forward in recovery.

Racquel Stepaniak, ATC

Administrative & Experience Support

Racquel is a Certified Athletic Trainer. She graduated from Brigham Young University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. She then received a Master of Science degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Utah in 2019. Racquel has worked as an athletic trainer with collegiate dancers and youth athletics, specializing in a variety of manual therapy techniques

Sal Barba

Tech Support

Salvador is originally from Mexico and came to Utah back in 2020. He studied Business Management in Mexico City and is currently looking to enroll in a Software Engineering program. Since he was a child, Salvador had loved the self-learning process, especially related to technology. Salvador is excited to be part of CFX family and get more experience in the IT field while making an impact with CFX patients.

Operations Supervisor

Kayla Merrick

Operations Supervisor

Kayla Merrick joined the team in 2021, and has been greatly enjoying her time working the front desk. She graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University in December 2019, with a Bachelors Degree in English, and dual minors in Creative Writing and Japanese. She has lived in Utah all her life, aside from two years she spent in Japan, and speaks fluent conversational Japanese

Jessica Ricks

Logistics Specialist

Jessica Ricks went through EPIC Treatment in 2018 and has been working for Cognitive FX since the beginning of 2020. She has an Associates Degree in Science and is planning to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Biology at Utah Valley University in May 2022. Jessica is originally from Springfield, Oregon and has lived in Utah since 2016

Lauren Clark

Logistics Specialist

Hi, I'm Lauren, a Logistics Specialist at Cognitive FX. I graduated in 2023 from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a degree in Human Development, and I joined Cognitive FX shortly after graduating. In my role, I consult with patients to discuss their history and help them understand the next steps in their treatment journey. I also advise them on travel logistics, including flights and accommodations, to ensure their visit to Provo, Utah, is as smooth as possible. I’m here to provide guidance and support, making the process as easy and stress-free as I can. Outside of work, I enjoy connecting with people, learning new things, and exploring Utah’s beautiful outdoors.

Megan Wilhelm

Office Administrator

Megan recently joined the team in October 2024, and has loved interacting with the patients and being a part of the incredible work Cognitive FX is doing. Originally from Maryland, she moved to Utah from Arizona in May 2024, to pursue education in Radiologic Technology. She has a background in Education and Creative Entrepreneurship.

Amanda Pasti

Office Administrator

Amanda Pasti, originally from Brazil, joined the Cognitive FX team in October 2024 deeply motivated by the opportunity to be part of a team that strives to make the lives of others better. As an Administrative Coordinator, Amanda ensures the smooth processing of administrative documents, effective communication with patients, and managing records requests. In addition to her professional expertise, Amanda holds an Associate degree in Business and Leadership Skills and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Business Management at Brigham Young University. She is also a trained classical pianist, having performed in music concerts, choirs, and special education projects in Brazil and Europe. Amanda is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Kelli Thompson

Office Administrator

Kelli recently joined our team in January 2025. She loves getting to know the clients and helping them feel more comfortable during the week. After 10 years of customer service, Kelli is confident that she can help you with any questions. With a background in animal science, her achilles heel is a cute dog. Though she claims Maryland as her home, she has lived and travelled all around the world. Kelli has a few languages under her belt such as Spanish, German, and American Sign Language. If she's not in the office, she's probably in the mountains or watching baseball.

Allison Halterman

Office Administrator

Allison joined our team in February 2025! She enjoys learning about the personalized therapies Cognitive FX has to offer and meeting all of the patients that come through our door. She is from Southern California and is a beach lover at heart. Allison had the opportunity to live in France for close to two years and came back missing all the sweet treats, haute couture, and historic architecture. She loves to speak French with whomever is brave enough to try! Currently studying Exercise Science at BYU, she keeps herself busy competing on the BYU Women's Rugby team, studying, and spending time with friends and family.

280 W River Park Drive Suite 110 Provo, UT

+1 385-446-4161

hello@cognitivefxusa.com

Your Treatment

What is EPIC Treatment?

Good Fit Treatment Quiz

What does CFX do for PCS?

Book Consult

Pricing

Post-COVID-19 Treatment

Depression Treatment

fMRI Guided Depression Treatment

TMS Good Fit Quiz

Schedule Consultation

Outcomes

Publications

Patient Results

Patient Stories

Other Brain Injuries

How We Measure Success

The Cognitive FX Head Injury Blog

Post Concussion Syndrome: Persistent Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Post-Concussion Headaches: Causes & Treatment Options

Post-Concussion Nausea: Why You Feel Sick & What to Do About It

Unexplained Chronic Illness: A Former Figure Skater’s Story

Feeling Cold, Hot, or Fevered After a Head Injury

Browse more topics here!

Meet our Multidisciplinary Team

Partners and Practitioners

Co-Founder, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Clinical Director

Dr. Alina K. Fong, PhD

Dr. Alina K. Fong, PhD

Co-Founder, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Clinical Director

Co-Founder, Neuroscientist

Dr. Mark D. Allen, PhD

Dr. Mark D. Allen, PhD

Co-Founder, Neuroscientist

Director of Neurosurgery

Dr. Lynn M. Gaufin, MD

Dr. Lynn M. Gaufin, MD

Director of Neurosurgery

Diagnostic Radiologist

Dr. Caleb Epps, MD

Dr. Caleb Epps, MD

Diagnostic Radiologist

Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Thomas Tervort, DNP, NP-C

Dr. Thomas Tervort, DNP, NP-C

Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Diane Spangler, PhD, ACT, APIT

Dr. Diane Spangler, PhD, ACT, APIT

Clinical Psychologist

Nurse

Annie Morgan, RN

Annie Morgan, RN

Nurse

Nurse

Alise McCray, RN

Alise McCray, RN

Nurse

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Julie Van, PhD

Julie Van, PhD

Clinical Neuropsychologist

Occupational Therapists

NeuroOccupational Therapist

Jory Liddiard, MOTR/L

Jory Liddiard, MOTR/L

NeuroOccupational Therapist

NeuroOccupational Therapist

Katie Robertson, OTR/L

Katie Robertson, OTR/L

NeuroOccupational Therapist

NeuroOccupational Therapist

Bailey Thornton, OTR/L

Bailey Thornton, OTR/L

NeuroOccupational Therapist

NeuroOccupational Therapist

Kaitlin Lillywhite