Shriners Children's Chicago Chief of Psychology Receives National Spinal Cord Injury Leadership Award

Shriners Children's Chicago is proud to announce that Kathy Zebracki, Ph.D., chief of psychology, has been recognized by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) for 10 years of service and dedicated leadership as editor-in-chief of the organization's journal, Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation.

"It has been an incredible honor to serve as editor-in-chief of Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation for the past decade," said Dr. Zebracki. "I'm deeply grateful to ASIA for this recognition, and I remain committed to advancing research and clinical excellence in spinal cord injury care. Working alongside so many dedicated professionals in this field continues to inspire me and the work I do every day."

At Shriners Children's Chicago, Dr. Zebracki leads a team of pediatric psychologists providing treatment to support the emotional and psychological well-being of children and adolescents with complex medical needs, including spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular disorders and orthopedic conditions. The pediatric specialty hospital integrates psychological care into each child's treatment plan, when appropriate, to help build resilience, encourage compliance with medical treatment, develop skills to adapt to life changes and support recovery from injury or thriving beyond physical challenges.

Dr. Zebracki is also actively involved in research, education and advocacy efforts that improve outcomes for pediatric patients nationwide. Shriners Children's Chicago manages the world's largest longitudinal database of medical and psychosocial outcomes after a spinal cord injury sustained in childhood, with more than 500 participants.

Dr. Zebracki was honored at the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. "We are proud to honor Dr. Zebracki for her exceptional service and steadfast leadership as editor-in-chief of Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation," said President of ASIA Mark S. Nash, Ph.D., FACSM. "Under her guidance, the journal has flourished as a trusted source for high-quality research and clinical insight, helping to advance ASIA's mission of promoting research, education, and advocacy for our members, healthcare professionals, patients and their families, as well as the general public."