Support Groups
GSPP Rehabilitation hosts several support groups on a monthly basis. These groups provide information on a variety of topics and offer a supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma and are at any level on their path to full recovery.
Amputee Support Group
Mission: The Amputee Support Group at Penn Rehab offers a variety of services to current and former partners as well as their families. Our mission is to provide an interactive forum for people to share their ideas and experiences in order to help them return to the activities that they enjoy, as well offering information about adaptations that will allow them to thrive.
Monthly meetings: This group meets the fourth Thursday of each month.
Information: Julie Parana, MS, OTR/L, at 215-893-6324 or via email
Virtual Aphasia Support Group
Mission: This virtual group provides anyone with aphasia (newly diagnosed or chronic) and their families a safe and supportive environment to:
- practice speech and language
- learn about aphasia
- socialize with others who have aphasia
- participate in interactive sessions
Monthly meetings: Second Wednesday of every month, 3 p.m.
Information: Contact the Aphasia Support Group at 215-893-6431 or via email
Brain Injury Support Group
Mission: The Brain Injury Recovery Center Caregiver Support Group is a group designed specifically for caregivers of individuals who have sustained a brain injury. This monthly group provides a forum for caregivers to share experiences, resources, and strategies for coping during this difficult transition from hospital to home and the community.
Monthly meetings: This group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 3 – 4 pm in the fourth floor multipurpose room.
Information: Jessica Plowman,OTR/L, CBIS at 215-893-6425 or via email
Lymphedema Support Group
Mission: The Lymphedma Support Group at GSPP Rehabilitation provides a safe place for anyone dealing with lymphedema as the result of an injury or illness. The group is run by certified lymphedema therapists who understand the challenges limb swelling can present. During monthly meetings, we’ll discuss ways to minimize symptoms and enjoy life to the fullest extent possible. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from each other’s experiences.
Monthly meetings: This group meets virtually on the third Tuesday of every month from 5 – 6:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Email invites will be sent with meeting details for that month.
For more information: Tia Gray PTA, CLT, CWT, or Donald Thomas Jr., PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, CWT
Spinal Cord Injury Support Group
Mission: The Spinal Cord Injury Support Group at Penn Rehab offers a variety of support for individuals living with a spinal cord injury or dysfunction. Our mission is to provide an interactive forum for people to share their ideas and experiences. We focus on creating supportive peer relationships, getting people back into fitness and sports, and providing educational opportunities for individuals with paralysis looking to regain function and independence.
Monthly meetings: This group meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Information: Lindsay Furlong, MOT, OTR/L at 215-893-6394 or via email
Stroke Support Group
Mission: The monthly Stroke Support Group at Penn Rehab provides education and encouragement for individuals living with the effects of stroke.
Monthly meetings: This group meets on the last Tuesday of each month from 3 – 4:00 p.m.
Information: Contact Tyler Roach at 215-893-6425 or via email.
Gender-Affirming Voice Support Group
Mission: Resonant Voices is an affirming group for trans and gender-diverse people who want to explore and feel good about their voice. In this group, you’ll meet peers and get support from speech-language therapists from Penn Medicine | Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Outpatient Therapy, an outpatient service of GSPP Rehabilitation. Together, we’ll practice using your voice in ways that feel true to you.
Monthly meetings: This group meets virtually on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Information: resonantvoices.group@pennmedicine.upenn.edu