Publications

• Addressing Educational Challenges Following Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury
• Establishing Consensus for Essential Elements in Returning to Learn Following a Concussion
• Return to learn: Transitioning to school and through ascending levels of academic support for students following a concussion
• The Value of Educators & Brain Injury Education Specialists in a Pediatric Legal Case

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Dr. Brenda Eagan-Johnson is highly specialized in a niche area of education & transition following pediatric child, teen, & young adult brain injury. She received her Doctorate from Johns Hopkins University specializing in Mind, Brain, & Teaching (educational neuroscience). Dr. Eagan-Johnson provides expert opinions regarding pre-& post-brain injury changes, what to expect in the future, and recommendations for support and services into adulthood. She is the full time director of a statewide program supporting all children who sustain a brain injury and return to school (and has done so since the program began in 2007). Her background is in special education (all ages) and also transition supports required post-high school for students - specifically who experience a brain injury. Dr. Eagan-Johnson investigates brain injury from a functional clinical & neurodevelopmental perspective. She identifies strengths & weaknesses in a child's cognitive, behavioral, socio-emotional, & learning skills by examining their home, school, & community activities of daily living following all severities of pediatric brain injury. Additionally, she excels in the field of return-to-school concussion management policies and procedures. Dr. Eagan-Johnson's investigation into daily function is a highly nuanced area that requires expert interpretation. Dr. Eagan-Johnson identifies if & to what extent a brain injury has impacted learning & behavior. Brain injury can affect skills that have not yet matured, depending on areas of the brain that were damaged & at what point in development. New cognitive or behavioral deficits can emerge as the child's brain develops over time. Dr. Eagan-Johnson determines the services required after a brain injury for optimal outcomes. She is skilled in the field of special education, brain injury school & community support and services, & proper identification of students who have been misidentified. She creates comprehensive education/transition plans for students into adulthood. Board of Governors: Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists under the Brain Injury Association of America, Board of Directors: International Pediatric Brain Injury Society (IPBIS), Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer with Advanced Practice in NeuroRehabilitation, Teaching Certifications: Elementary Education; Special Education; Reading Specialist, Executive Board: National Collaborative on Children’s Brain Injury, Well-Published: Brain Injury Peer-Review Journals, Presents regularly at the State, National & International levels, Conducts research in the field of brain injury, Multiple state & national awards for her work in pediatric brain injury, Co-led the 1st National Concussion Return to Learn Consensus Dr. Eagan-Johnson investigates the following types & causes of brain injury: ◾ Traumatic Brain Injury (includes concussion) Common causes (NOT COMPREHENSIVE): – Abusive head trauma – Assault – Abuse – Falls – Firearm – Motor vehicle crash (includes bicycle) – Pedestrian accident – Sports – Recreation ◾ Non-Traumatic Brain Injury Common causes: – Aneurysm – Brain tumor – Leukemia – Stroke – Other cancers (late-term chemotherapy/radiation effects on the brain) Toxic injuries due to: – Carbon monoxide poisoning – Lead poisoning – Mold toxicity – Lack of oxygen (Hypoxia/Anoxia) due to: – Near drowning – Lightning strike – Electric shock – Overdose – Strangulation – Choking – Cardiac event – Heart attack – Diabetic coma – Blood clot – Bilirubin encephalopathy – Encephalitis – Meningitis – Long-COVID-19/Neuro-COVID-19 – PANS/PANDAS – Lyme Disease – Other viruses – Seizure disorder – Hydrocephalus - Chiari Malformation