Our Team
We are a group of healthcare professionals and researchers who strive to improve the care for people affected by functional movement disorders (FMD). We are currently conducting research studies to better understand the causes of this condition. Our goal is also to expand the healthcare infrastructure for FMD patients in the tri-state area.
Dr. Christian Amlang
Movement Disorder Neurologist
I am a neurologist working at SUNY Downstate, Maimonides Medical Center and Kings County Hospital. I also do research at Columbia University. I diagnose and treat patients with movement disorders such as FMD and Parkinson's disease. For many of my FMD patients, it is difficult to get adequate treatment in New York and the tri-state area. That is why I would like to improve the care we can provide to people with FMD in our area. My goal is also to better understand what causes FMD and how we can treat it effectively. ​​
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christian.amlang@downstate.edu
Olivia Kim, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am a scientist at Princeton University with broad interests in psychology and neuroscience. My research is on how we learn new movements and how we adjust movements to new situations. My goal is to study how people with FMD learn new movements and if there are differences to people without FMD.
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Natasha Desai
Research Coordinator
I am a research coordinator at the Columbia University Movement Disorders Center and for the Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor. I am involved in multiple studies and clinical trials to help people with a large variety of neurologic conditions like ataxia, tremor, multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease. I am also helping with the FMD research at Columbia.​
Nadia Amokrane
Clinical Research Coordinator
I am a research coordinator at the Columbia University Movement Disorders Center and for the Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor. I focus on improving patient outcomes and quality of life for those with FMD through developing and implementing research studies that help further our understanding of the condition. I am interested in working to bring patient interests closer to clinical and research teams.
Dr. Zachary Grin PT, DPT
Licensed Physical Therapist
I am a physical therapist practicing in New York and New Jersey. I specialize in physical therapy evaluation and treatment of people living with FMD in the tri-state area. I take a fun, collaborative, and individualized approach to help people with FMD decrease symptoms, restore function, and rediscover hope for recovery. I am also interested in FMD research and how it can be used to provide more effective treatment.
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Danielle Kipnis
Yoga and Dance Instructor, PhD Student
I am a dance and yoga instructor focusing on creative movement, mindful alignment, and strength building. I am currently researching the effects of yoga for individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and FMD. Some of my preliminary results suggest perceived benefits and improvements in balance, mobility, confidence, calmness, and daily symptom management. I am also pursuing a PhD in Kinesiology at Teacher’s College, Columbia University.
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Sabina Kubayeva
Research Assistant, Medical Student
I am a second-year medical student at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine with an strong background in neuroscience research and working with patients with chronic pain and FMD. I am also passionate about community outreach and enagement to help address and mitigate health disparities, medical education, and mentorship.
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