Centre For Neuro Skills

Who We Are

Centre for Neuro Skills was created out of compassion and necessity. In 1972, a devastating brain injury left 21-year-old Steve Ashley completely disabled. Conventional medicine and available long-term care gave Steve no hope for regaining independence.

Steve was the first CNS patient and the brother of Dr. Mark Ashley, CNS founder and CEO. Steve’s journey became the model for CNS’ philosophy and practice. Our core belief is that people recovering from brain injuries should be treated with respect and dignity. Not every patient will regain the same level of function, but CNS is the place where individuals are rehabilitated to their fullest potential and given back a measure of control over their world.

Steve’s life post rehabilitation speaks to the power of Dr. Ashley’s vision. He found a new life. His ability to speak, operate a wheelchair, and live independently was restored. He even got married. At CNS, every patient is a Steve Ashley. Our bias for action is to return patients to the highest level of independence possible.

Given the right therapy at the right time by experienced professionals, we believe that most survivors of brain injury can do more. This is what Steve Ashley taught us.

A Culture of Success is Built on a Solid Foundation

All people embrace some form of a community. Since its inception in 1980, the CNS culture has been rooted in a community that fosters high standards of care and professional ethics. If you work at CNS, you are among intelligent, compassionate, and hard-working people who practice excellence in all areas of their work. The longevity of so many employees has made for deeper roots within this community. It’s the strength of those relationships that nurture the CNS culture.

How much should we value being a part of the CNS community? The longest study on happiness, conducted by Harvard University, found that people who are socially connected are happier, healthier, and live longer. Thus, our lives are enriched when we invest in meaningful communities. CNS strives to be that for all employees–not just a workplace, but a purpose in life.

We believe this investment is imperative. We implement the best technology, which serves patients and their families and gives staff the tools to achieve durable outcomes. We conduct clinical research that translates into best practices and transforms lives. We offer staff training to inspire growth, expand professional skills, and instill pride in our work.

While we take work very seriously, we also enjoy a great atmosphere of fun and laughter. It’s elemental to happiness at work, as evidenced by the camaraderie and spirit of our celebrations, holiday parties, and patient-staff events and outings.

“Our culture is founded on an integrity that empowers people to thrive in their chosen field. I want our colleagues to be motivated by examples of innovation, which is a hallmark of CNS, so we can assure a future of patient success.”

Dr. Mark Ashley, President, Founder, CEO

Neuro Rehabilitation Specialists

When a patient takes their first step, holds a child once again, or makes dinner without help, you’ll be there. Few people witness real transformation in their everyday job. But when you’re a Neurorehabilitation Specialist (NRS) at CNS, each day has a moment when the impossible becomes a milestone for the patients you’ll work with in our Inpatient Residential Rehabilitation Program. 

The NRS culture at CNS is rooted in compassion, humanity, and dedication. But it’s also inspiring work that feeds the soul in a positive environment that insists on having fun. There are Halloween costume fests, lip synch challenges, Best Salsa awards, and holiday dress up days.

Moreover, CNS offers a Residential Continuing Education program that leads to increased salary post completion. We also provide tuition assistance for those pursuing an approved healthcare BA/BS and graduate degrees. Your first year includes 15 days of paid vacation and work hours are flexible to accommodate family, school, and personal responsibilities.

Above all, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction in helping others relearn the activities of daily living. Guiding and prompting patients in practicing the basic living skills of safety, cooking, cleaning, communication and hygiene reduces their disability to maximize independence. To learn more, please visit https://www.neuroskills.com/careers/

WE ARE ENGAGED

One of the things I’m most proud of in my work with CNS is our hands-on engagement with a patient, their family, and the hospital staff. Explaining why our programs may be the best option in the next step of medical rehabilitation makes every day unique and exciting.
Bryan, Community Liaison

I am dedicated to my role, engaging my patients in their care and outcomes. I put the patient first!
Christina, Registered Nurse

 
WE ARE TENACIOUS

No one here gives up on a patient. From clinicians to Neuro Rehabilitation Specialists to admissions staff, we all find a way to advance progress. If a door closes, we’ll find a detour to one that opens. I get so much satisfaction when our tenacity pays off and patients get the care they need. 
Brian, Senior Admissions Coordinator

In terms of therapy, we may not use conventional methods. We tailor the programs to the individual to find a way for them to return to things that are meaningful to them. 
Kimberly, Speech Language Pathologist

WE ARE DRIVEN

I often think of the milestones we’ve achieved in operations, systems, clinical efficiencies and research and I realize that it all speaks to our drive. We believe in ourselves and we are successful.
Lindsay, Controller

WE ARE CREATIVE

We think outside the box and, at CNS, therapy goes beyond the clinic room and often out into the community.
Kimberly, Speech Language Pathologist

CNS was founded by visionaries, thus we have a history of seeing beyond boundaries to overcome obstacles and inspire others. This requires creative thinking, which we’re encouraged to practice in all we do.
Kelly, Manager of Public Relations/Communications

 
WE ARE PROGRESSIVE

We have a dedicated Research Department and we utilize advanced technology – two progressive forces that enhance patient care. Our collaboration with major institutions, along with CNS’ intensive staff education is changing the rehabilitation paradigm. These progressive initiatives help us achieve successful outcomes.
Howard, Regional Director, Payor Relations

WE ARE GENEROUS

CNS’ generosity begins with the patients we treat, but it embraces families as well. We support the family throughout the entirety of the patient’s stay. This generous spirit starts with the CNS family and is extended to everyone in the patient’s sphere.
Maureen, Senior Community Liaison

WE ARE SELFLESS

We go above and beyond the call of duty. When patients need more care, there’s never a question about our working at 110% to support independence.
Denise, National Director of Residential Rehabilitation

All patient care requires a degree of selflessness. At CNS, we will make sacrifices for the good of the patient. It’s a tough job regardless of the department you work in and it requires selflessness.
Christina, Registered Nurse

Steady Growth as a Community and a Company

CNS has seen a continuous increase in employee numbers over the last few years. Clearly, this steady uptick in additional staff underscores how rapidly CNS has expanded and grown. Our first clinical facility opened in 1980 in Bakersfield, CA, with just a handful of employees. Facilities then opened in Dallas, TX (1985); Los Angeles (2000); San Francisco (2012); Fort Worth (2017); and Houston (2018).

With each new clinic, CNS’ prominence rose, as more referrals from physicians, insurers, and hospitals elevated our standing. Hiring and training the best clinicians, therapists, and executives, thrust CNS into the role of a world-class entity that provided the utmost care.

As we evolved, so did our programs. Individualized care separated CNS from the crowd. Leading edge technology and the creation of a respected residential program put CNS in the forefront of brain injury care.

A distinct company culture formed. Dr. Ashley’s imperative, driven by his brother’s disability, resulted in a community of professionals that has grown rapidly. With education and technical advances that streamlined functions and enhanced clinical delivery, CNS expanded and attracted the best and the brightest.