Why we started NMSA:
Neuro rehabilitation is complex.
Every day, clinicians balance science, creativity, clinical reasoning, and adaptation in real time. There is rarely a single "right" answer—only thoughtful decision-making informed by experience, evidence, and collaboration.
Yet despite the complexity of the work, many neuro exercise specialists and movement professionals practice in isolation. Across clinics, private practices, and community settings, there is no unified professional organization dedicated to supporting our discipline. No recognized standard of practice. No shared pathway for professional development. No trusted community to turn to when faced with challenging cases.
Today, the role of the neuro exercise specialist remains largely undefined within traditional healthcare and fitness systems, despite the critical role these professionals play in helping individuals with neurological injuries continue progressing long after formal rehabilitation has ended.
As clinicians who have each dedicated more than a decade to working with people living with spinal cord injury and neurological conditions, we experienced these challenges firsthand. We found ourselves searching for colleagues who were equally curious, generous with their knowledge, and committed to pushing the field forward.
What began as conversations became collaboration.
What began as collaboration became community.
In a profession where silos, gatekeeping, and competition too often felt like the norm, these relationships reminded us what was possible when clinicians openly shared ideas, challenged one another respectfully, and celebrated each other's successes.
We realized this shouldn't be the exception—it should be the standard.
That's why we created the Neurologic Movement Specialists Association.
NMSA exists to connect passionate professionals who believe that advancing neuro rehabilitation requires more than individual expertise—it requires collective wisdom. We provide a place to ask difficult questions, exchange clinical discoveries, develop best practices, and elevate one another through ongoing education and collaboration.
Because better neuro rehabilitation doesn't happen in isolation.
It happens when passionate clinicians come together to build something greater than themselves.
Founding Members
Stephanie Comella
Stephanie Comella is the Founder of Zebrafish Neuro, a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT), and an international educator specializing in spinal cord injury and neurological rehabilitation. Since 2011, she has worked exclusively with individuals living with neurological conditions, integrating movement science, Pilates, and neuroscience to advance activity-based recovery and clinician education.
Stephanie is the author of From the Ground Up, a comprehensive resource on neuro recovery, and has developed an innovative framework that adapts Pilates principles and equipment for neurological rehabilitation. Through her courses and mentorship, she has trained rehabilitation professionals around the world to integrate movement-based strategies into clinical practice with confidence and creativity.
As a Founding Member of the Neurologic Movement Specialists Association, Stephanie is committed to advancing neuro rehabilitation through collaboration, professional education, and practitioner accreditation. She believes the future of the profession depends on building a connected community that openly shares knowledge, elevates standards of care, and inspires innovation.
B.S. Exercise Biology, NCPT (certified Pilates instructor)
Emma Repass
Emma Repass is an Exercise Physiologist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with over 13 years of experience working with individuals living with neurological conditions. Drawing from her background in kinesiology, adaptive strength and conditioning, yoga, Pilates, and activity-based rehabilitation, Emma develops individualized programs that promote body awareness, functional movement, and long-term recovery.
Emma is passionate about helping individuals build confidence and independence through evidence-informed, whole-person care. Her clinical approach integrates movement, breathwork, and functional training to support meaningful improvements in everyday life.
As a Founding Member of the Neurologic Movement Specialists Association, Emma is committed to fostering a collaborative professional community where clinicians can openly share ideas, challenge one another, and advance the field together. She believes establishing trusted standards and practitioner accreditation will strengthen the profession and elevate the quality of neuro rehabilitation.
B.S. _____, CSCS, Yoga
B.S_____, CSCS, LMTCrystal Moses
Crystal Moses is a licensed massage therapist, soft-tissue rehabilitation specialist, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) specializing in adaptive neurological rehabilitation and functional recovery. With over a decade of experience in movement-based coaching and a background in kinesiology, Crystal integrates advanced manual therapy with corrective movement strategies to help individuals with neurological injuries improve sensory awareness, motor control, and functional independence.
Crystal is passionate about addressing restrictions within the nervous system and fascia to create lasting change. By combining hands-on treatment with purposeful movement, she helps clients build strength, confidence, and improved quality of life.
As a Founding Member of the Neurologic Movement Specialists Association, Crystal is committed to advancing collaborative learning, sharing innovative clinical approaches, and helping establish a stronger professional community dedicated to elevating standards of care in neuro rehabilitation.