Mission

The ANABP, established in 2019, is a professional association dedicated to support professionals and organizations that deliver exercise-based programs to people with neurological conditions resulting in paralysis.  

ANABP is dedicated to supporting the diverse professionals and organizations in the US and Canada through staff education, professional certifications, business development resources, and community, building a strong industry that will benefit millions of individuals affected by paralysis.

Vision

The ANABP envisions a world where exercise science based professionals are recognized as an invaluable piece to the puzzle of neurological rehabilitation. With the support of ANABP, existing professionals and organizations will find a strong, collective voice, while encouraging and promoting the formation of new neuro exercise centers. Exercise science based associations (like NSCA and ACSM) as well as secondary education (Universities, Colleges) will include our best practices in their curriculum. Traditional medically based rehab programs (PT, OT) will work in conjunction with our recognized field to improve the outcomes of the neurologically impaired individual through collective effort.

Position Statement

The Association of Neuro Activity Based Professionals (ANABP) champions a collaborative and inclusive approach to advancing Activity Based Therapy (ABT) services for individuals with movement disorders. Our mission is to foster the accumulation and dissemination of ideas, data, education, and perspectives among ABT providers, from administration to service delivery, with the ultimate goal of enhancing client outcomes.

We recognize the tireless efforts of all ABT centers, associations, and research organizations in developing their own best practices. And, we believe that true progress lies in breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across the field. By promoting partnerships among ourselves and with associations, educational institutions, and research organizations, we aim to create a unified approach to ABT that leverages the collective expertise and insights of the entire community.

At the heart of our approach is a commitment to progress and the belief that every perspective is valuable. We advocate for a collaborative and inclusive approach to ABT, where diverse perspectives are celebrated and valued, fostering an environment of curiosity and openness. We encourage ABT providers to embrace curiosity in their practice and actively engage in our collaborative efforts. No one organization has all the answers; but every organization has knowledge to contribute. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, we can inspire innovation and drive continuous improvement in ABT services, enriching the collective understanding of the field.

Equally, we value the experience and perspective of those our members serve. Our collective efforts must include the voice of the clients as they are the most valuable stakeholder. Understanding the outcomes and perspectives of the client, understanding their wants and needs, will inform us of the gaps still occurring in services. Integrating their feedback into our initiatives ensures that we address their needs effectively and enhance the overall quality of ABT services.

Through our collective efforts, we aspire to establish a comprehensive framework of best practices in ABT Centers that will ultimately benefit individuals with movement disorders worldwide. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this journey towards a more collaborative and inclusive future for ABT. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

ANABP Team

Tricia Lazzar

Tricia Lazzar is focused on building strong and sustainable programs by helping organizations understand the nuances of strategy and change management to create meaningful change. She has worked in multiple industries and brings a unique perspective in understanding the implications of strategic decision making on a larger scale. She holds a BS in Business Management and a Master’s in Organizational Management and Leadership, with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workspace. She stood as the Executive Director of a healthcare based non-profit focused on assisting those with neurological conditions for thirteen years and is currently the co-founder and President of the ANABP (Association of Neuro-Activity Based Professionals). Ms. Lazzar works with a variety of organizations consulting on strategically focused projects.

Cynthia Templeton

Cynthia Templeton founded Push to Walk in 2007, a non-profit organization offering an Activity Based Training gym in New Jersey after her son Darren sustained a spinal cord injury in July 2004. She discovered there were very few centers around the country to share information and best practices with, so she began discussions with other professionals to form an association. Her goal is to help support those working in the field of ABT, the organizations and ultimately the clients they serve. Please contact her at ctempleton@pushtowalknj.org

Alfredo Iglesias

Alfredo, a computer engineering professional, is a founding director of the Association of Neuro Activity Based Professionals (ANABP). Drawing from personal experience following a life-altering spinal cord injury, Alfredo co-founded iAM ABLE, a unique organization committed to enhancing the lives of those with paralysis.

He champions the importance of exercise science-based professionals in neurological rehabilitation and advocates for their recognition as a crucial part of the recovery puzzle. He also promotes the integration of best practices into education and traditional rehab programs, and encourages the growth of new neuro exercise centers.

With his unique perspective and experiences, from both life or through iAM ABLE, Alfredo inspires and supports professionals and organizations, to foster a robust industry dedicated to improving the outcomes for individuals affected by paralysis. 

Christel Mitrovich

Christel Mitrovich is a proud San Diego native and graduate of San Diego State University where she earned her MS in Exercise Physiology. She currently serves as Director of Operations for Reneu Health, Inc., a Southern California team of clinical kinesiologists specializing in restorative exercise, spinal stim neuromodulation and activity-based therapies.

Since 2002, Christel has helped to advance the fields of neuro-rehabilitation and senior care, expanding the reach of post-traditional rehabilitation and preventive health services through her leadership and educational development of new practitioners. Christel continues to work side-by-side with top researchers and practitioners in the field of rehabilitation, logging several years with the Reeve Foundation’s NeuroRecovery Network and lending her expertise to numerous research projects.

At present, she is an active member of the Board of Directors of the Unite 2 Fight Paralysis national organization anda professional association for exercise science practitioners. Over the years, Christel has worked closely with countless patients and their families. She has dedicated her career to advancing the fields of long-term preventive care and rehabilitation.

Tommy Sutor

Tommy began his career in the field of activity-based therapy after obtaining a MS in exercise science in 2011. He first worked as an exercise trainer and then as a program director at a gym specializing in spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders. Over four years as a trainer, his desire to try to improve physical rehabilitation interventions for people with spinal cord injury grew, ultimately leading to pursuit and completion of a PhD in rehabilitation science from the University of Florida in 2020.

Tommy has since worked as a consultant for many activity-based training teams across the USA, Canada and England. He has created educational content to improve knowledge of physical rehabilitation and exercise methods, both for activity-based trainers as well as people with spinal cord injury. Tommy has authored 18 peer-reviewed publications and delivered over 20 presentations at local, national, and international conferences on subjects including bone health, breathing, limb and walking function, and blood pressure regulation after spinal cord injury. His current research interest is using neuromodulation strategies such as intermittent hypoxia and electrical stimulation to enhance physical function outcomes from activity-based therapy interventions for people with spinal cord injury.