Marsha Nortz Gragert, PhD, ABPP
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatrics
About Dr. Marsha Nortz Gragert
Marsha Nortz Gragert, PhD is a Professor in the Section of Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics. She completed her PhD in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology at Washington University in St. Louis and a subsequent two-year fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). She was next appointed as an Assistant Professor at CCHMC, assuming the role of Director of the Postdoctoral Program in Pediatric Neuropsychology and, eventually, Director of Clinical Neuropsychology. In 2011, she was appointed as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Psychology at Baylor College of Medicine, where she again assumed the role of Director of the Postdoctoral Program in Pediatric Neuropsychology. She is board certified in clinical neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. Her clinical and research interests include factors impacting neuropsychological and broader quality of life outcomes in children with a history of pediatric cancer or other chronic health conditions, and she has a particular interest in improving access to hospital-based, school coordination services and advocacy support for these children and their caregivers.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Department of Pediatrics - Patient Care, Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2000 | Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, US, Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology Specialization, Ph.D |
| 1996 | Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, US, Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology Specialization, MA |
| 1994 | University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, US, Neuroscience, Summa Cum Laude, BS |
| 1994 | University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, US, Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, BA |
Postgraduate Training
| 2000-2002 | Postdoctoral Fellow, Pediatric Neuropsychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 1999-2000 | Psychology Intern (Pre-Doctoral), Clinical Psychology (Specialization in Pediatric Neuropsychology), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
Board Certifications
| 2008 | American Board of Professional Psychology/Clinical Neuropsychology |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 2011 - 2021
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2010 - 2011
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2002 - 2010
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Director, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Neuropsychology, Department of Pediatrics/Section of Behavioral Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2022 - Present
Director, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Neuropsychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 2011 - 2021
Clinical Director, Neuropsychology Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2009 - 2011
Director, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Neuropsychology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2009 - 2010
Co-Director, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Neuropsychology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2002 - 2008
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Psychology Assistant, SSM Rehabilitation Institute, St. Louis, MO, 1996 - 1999
Clinical Assistant, Washington University, Psychological Service Center, St. Louis, MO, 1995 - 1999
Psychology/Neuropsychology Testing Assistant, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Department of Psychology, St. Louis, MO, 1995 - 1997
Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Institutional Review Board (IRB#5, MD Anderson), 2023 - Present
Team Lead, Education Committee, 2023 - Present
Member, Institutional Review Board (IRB#4, MD Anderson), 2021 - 2023
Member, Education Committee, 2021 - Present
Member, Clinical Health Education Programs (CHEP), 2021 - Present
Member, Pediatrics Promotions and Tenure Committee, 2021 - Present
External Reviewer, Designated Faculty Promotion Reviewer Cadre, 2021 - 2021
Member, Psychosocial Team, 2021 - Present
Member, Survivorship/AYA Team, 2021 - Present
External Reviewer, Designated Faculty Promotion Reviewer Cadre, 2020 - 2020
Member, Annual Douglas Ris Rounds Planning Committee, 2019 - 2020
External Reviewer, Designated Faculty Promotion Reviewer Cadre, 2018 - 2018
External Reviewer, Designated Faculty Promotion Reviewer Cadre, 2018 - 2018
Member, Clinical Neuropsychology Collaborative for Childhood Cancers Committee, 2015 - Present
Member, Senior Mentor Group, 2015 - 2021
Leader, Neuro-Oncology Behavioral Medicine Working Committee, 2014 - 2021
Member, Quality Improvement Review Committee, 2014 - 2015
Member, Neuropsychology Work Group, 2013 - 2015
Member, Training Council, 2013 - 2014
Member, Steering Committee, 2011 - 2021
Member, Faculty/Staff Recruitment Committees, 2011 - 2021
Member, Dissertation Committee: Megan Elam, 2010 - Present
Member, Test Committee, 2008 - 2011
Member, Steering Committee, 2008 - 2011
Member, Graduate Student Major Qualifying Examination Committee: Carolyn Caldwell, PhD, 2005 - 2005
Member, Process Excellence Team, 2005 - 2008
Member, Faculty/Staff Recruitment Committees, 2002 - 2021
Member, Postdoctoral Fellowship Faculty Committee, 2002 - 2010
Honors & Awards
| Bausch and Lomb Scholarship, University of Rochester | |
| deKiewet Summer Research Fellowship, University of Rochester | |
| Phi Beta Kappa, University of Rochester | |
| The Mr. & Mrs. Spencer T. Olin Fellowship for Women, Washington University | |
| Jane Howell Clark Prize, University of Rochester | |
| Subject Matter Orals (Clinical) - Pass with Distinction, Washington University | |
| Family-Centered Care Award Nominee, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center | |
| CARES Award Honorable Mention, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center | |
| Norton Rose Fulbright Award, Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching and Evaluation, Baylor College of Medicine |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Shapiro D, Anderson C, Gragert M, Johnson A, Heffelfinger A. Fellow and training director perspectives on personal leaves during fellowship training in neuropsychology and considerations for best practice. The Clinical Neuropsychologist 37(4):821-840, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36369839.
- McCurdy MD, Raghubar KP, Christopher K, Okcu MF, Wilde E, Desai N, Chu ZD, Gragert M, Stancel H, Warren EH, Whitehead WE, Grosshans D, Paulino AC, Chintagumpala M, Kahalley LS. Predicting neurocognitive function in pediatric brain tumor early survivorship: The neurological predictor scale and the incremental validity of tumor size. Pediatr Blood Cancer 69(9):e29803, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35709014.
- Heitzer AM, Kahalley LS, Minard CG, Stafford C, Grosshans DR, Okcu MF, Raghubar KP, Gragert M, McCurdy M, Warren EH, Gomez J, Ris MD, Paulino AC, Chintagumpala M. Treatment age and neurocognitive outcomes following proton beam radiotherapy for pediatric low- and intermediate-grade gliomas. Pediatr Blood Cancer 68(8):e29096, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34019329.
- Heitzer AM, Raghubar K, Ris MD, Minard CG, Gragert MN, Stancel HH, Orobio J, Xue J, Whitehead W, Okcu MF, Chintagumpala M, Kahalley LS. Neuropsychological functioning following surgery for pediatric low-grade glioma: a prospective longitudinal study. J Neurosurg Pediatr 6(3):1-9, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31812134.
- Baum KT, Powell SK, Jacobson LA, Gragert MN, Janzen LA, Paltin I, Rey-Casserly CM, Wilkening GN. Implementing guidelines: Proposed definitions of neuropsychology services in pediatric oncology. Pediatr Blood Cancer 64(8), 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28121073.
- Kahalley LS, Winter-Greenberg A, Stancel H, Ris MD, Gragert M. Utility of the General Ability Index (GAI) and Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI) with survivors of pediatric brain tumors: Comparison to Full Scale IQ and premorbid IQ estimates. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 38(10):1065-76, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27295192.
- White DA, Nortz MJ, Mandernach T, Huntington K, Steiner RD. Age-related working memory impairments in children with prefrontal dysfunction associated with phenylketonuria. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 8(1):1-11, 2002. e-Pub 2002. PMID: 11843066.
- White DA, Nortz MJ, Mandernach T, Huntington K, Steiner RD. Deficits in memory strategy use related to prefrontal dysfunction during early development: evidence from children with phenylketonuria. Neuropsychology 15(2):221-9, 2001. e-Pub 2001. PMID: 11324865.
- Banich MT, Passarotti AM, White DA, Nortz MJ, Steiner RD. Interhemispheric interaction during childhood: II. Children with early-treated phenylketonuria. Dev Neuropsychol 18(1):53-71, 2000. e-Pub 2000. PMID: 11143804.
Other Articles
- Heitzer AM, Ris D, Raghubar K, Kahalley LS, Hilliard ME, Gragert M Facilitating transitions to adulthood in pediatric brain tumor patients: the role of neuropsychology. Curr Oncol Rep 22(10):102, 2020. PMID: 32719944.
- Fein RH, Banks GG, Gragert MN, Axelrad ME Brief behavioral intervention for disruptive behavior in a child with a hypothalamic hamartoma: a case report. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 26(4):507-515, 2019. PMID: 30470962.
- Gragert MN, Ris MD Neuropsychological late effects and rehabilitation following pediatric brain tumor. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 4(1):47-58, 2011. PMID: 21757810.
- Crosby L, Nortz M How can neuropsychological evaluation help my child with sickle cell disease?. Center Talk 9:6, 2009. PMID: None.
- Lajonchere C, Nortz M, Finger S Gilles de la Tourette and the discovery of Tourette syndrome. Includes a translation of his 1884 article. Arch Neurol 53(6):567-74, 1996. PMID: 8660160.
Abstracts
- Swartz, MC, Waterman, G, Carroll, B, Holland, AA, Gragert, MN, Yang, G, Bai, J, Stavinoha, PL. Agreement of self-reported and proxy-reported sleep, fatigue, and physical activity among pediatric cancer patients. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 105(4):e8, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: None.
- Stavinoha P, Waterman G, Carroll B, Holland AA, Gragert MN Yang G, Bai J, Swartz MC. Self-reported sleep difficulties and association with cognitive function in pediatric cancer survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology 41(16_suppl):10065, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: None.
- Olsthoorn, I, Gragert, MN, Yang, G, Stavinoha &, PL. The relationship between sleep disturbance and attention in children and adolescents with neurofibromatosis, type 1 (NF1). The Clinical Neuropsychologist 36(4):731-778, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: None.
- Heitzer A, Kahalley L, Grosshans D, Okcu MF, Raghubar K, Gragert M, McCurdy M, Warren E, Ris MD, Paulino A, Chintagumpala M. Treatment age and neurocognitive outcomes following proton beam radiotherapy for pediatric low grade glioma. Neuro-Oncology 22(Suppl 3):iii457–iii458, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: None.
- Heitzer, AM, Raghubar, KP, Ris, DM, Whitehead, W, Minard, CG, Chintagumpala, M, Okcu, MF, Gragert, M, Stancel, HH, Orobio, J, Xue, J, Kahalley &, LS. Neuropsychological risk following surgery for pediatric low-grade glioma: a prospective, longitudinal study. None, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: None.
- Thomason MM, Muths LH, Kahalley LS, Ris MD, Gragert MN. Circumscribed verbal memory impairment following proton beam radiation for hypothalamic tumor in an adolescent female. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: None.
- Baum K, Powell S, Gragert M, Jacobson L, Janzen L, Paltin I, Rey-Casserly C, Wilkening G, McCabe M. Standards of neuropsychological care in pediatric oncology: practical clinical applications. None, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: None.
- Dorris, K, Wagner, L, Hummel, T, Drissi, R, Miles, L, Chow, L, Leach, J, Pruitt, D, Gragert, MN, Sutton, M, Breneman, J, Crone, K, Fouladi &, M. A pilot study of bevacizumab-based therapy in children and young adults with newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. Society of Neuro-Oncology, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 26626490.
- Gragert MN, Walz NC, Rausch JR, Yeates KO, Taylor HG, Stancin T, Wade SL. Post-traumatic stress symptoms following early childhood traumatic brain injury. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society Annual Meeting, 2010, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: None.
- Krivitsky L, Nortz M, & Gilbert D. Neuropsychological functioning in a case of juvenile parkinsonism. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society Annual Meeting, 2005, 2005. e-Pub 2005. PMID: None.
- Nortz M, Ris D, Beebe D, Byars S, Steed M. A methodology for neuropsychological subtyping in pediatric brain tumor patients. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 8(2):295, 2002. e-Pub 2002. PMID: None.
- Nortz M, White DA. Encoding and retrieval: Developmental patterns in a divided attention study. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 7(2):234, 2001. e-Pub 2001. PMID: None.
- White DA, Christ SE, Mandernach T, Keys BA, Nortz M. Changes in inhibitory control across the life-span. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 6(2):111, 2000. e-Pub 2000. PMID: None.
- Nortz MJ, White DA. Age-related changes in working memory for verbal, spatial, and object information. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 5(2):144-145, 1999. e-Pub 1999. PMID: None.
- Nortz M, White DA, Dowton B, Steiner R. Nonverbal memory and strategy use in children with prefrontal dysfunction related to phenylketonuria. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 4(2), 1998. e-Pub 1998. PMID: None.
- Nortz M, White DA, Dowton B, Steiner R. Deficits in learning and memory related to prefrontal dysfunction in children with phenylketonuria. Cognitive Neuroscience Society, 1997. e-Pub 1997. PMID: None.
- Lajonchere C, Nortz M, Finger S. How Tourette discovered Tourette’s syndrome. Society for Neuroscience, 1995. e-Pub 1995. PMID: None.
Book Chapters
- Paltin, I, Burgers, DE, Gragert, MN, Noggle, C. Cancer, 162-185, 2018.
- Gragert MN, Antonini TA, Kahalley LS. Neuropsychological Late Effects of Radiotherapy for Pediatric Brain Tumors. In: Radiation Oncology for Pediatric CNS Tumors. None. Springer, Cham, 507-535, 2018.
- Paltin I, Burgers DE, Gragert M, Noggle C. Cancer. In: Neuropsychological Conditions Across the Lifespan. None. Cambridge University Press, 162-185, 2018.
- Gragert, MN, Antonini, TN, Kahalley, LS. Neuropsychological late effects of radiotherapy for pediatric brain tumors, 507-535, 2017.
- Gragert MN, Kahalley LS. Executive functions in pediatric cancer. In: Executive Function and Dysfunction: Identification, Assessment and Treatment. None. Cambridge University Press, 158-167, 2012.
- Nortz M, Ris MD. A case of childhood lead poisoning. In: Casebook of Clinical Neuropsychology. None. Taylor & Francis/Psychology Press, 355-363, 2010.
- Ris MD, Nortz M. Nonverbal learning disorders. In: Textbook of Clinical Neuropsychology. None. Taylor & Francis, 346-359, 2008.
- Gragert, MN, Hemme-Phillips, JM, Douglas Ris, M. Neuropsychological sequelae in children treated for cancer, 112-132, 2007.
- Nortz MJ, Hemme-Phillips JM, Ris MD. Neuropsychological sequelae in children treated for cancer. In: Pediatric Neuropsychological Intervention: A Critical Review of Science & Practice. None. Cambridge University Press, 112-132, 2007.
- Ammerman RT, Nortz MJ, Ris MD, Walz NC, Oppenheimer SG. Psychological functioning in children and adolescents with spina bifida. In: Neural Tube Defects. None. Marcel Dekker, 61-78, 2007.
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2021. Neuropsychological Services in Cancer Care: Critical Considerations from Pediatrics to Adulthood. Conference. Neuropsychological Services in Cancer Care: Critical Considerations from Pediatrics to Adulthood. Houston, TX, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2024. Neuropsychological Outcomes in Pediatric Cancer Survivors: Acute Lymphoid Leukemia. Invited. Neuropsychology Grand Rounds. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. Promoting access for students with chronic health conditions: practical school re-entry considerations for children with complex motor, cognitive and medical needs. Invited. Promoting access for students with chronic health conditions: practical school re-entry considerations for children with complex motor, cognitive and medical needs. Austin, TX, US.
- 2019. Traumatic and acquired brain injury: transitions back into the school setting. Invited. Traumatic and acquired brain injury: transitions back into the school setting. Corpus Christi, TX, US.
- 2010. Future directions in clinical neuropsychology research and practice: applications in neuro-oncology. Invited. Future directions in clinical neuropsychology research and practice: applications in neuro-oncology. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Nonverbal learning disorder: history, assessment, and future directions. Invited. Nonverbal learning disorder: history, assessment, and future directions. Cincinnati, OH, US.
- 2008. Neuropsychological late effects in children treated for cancer. Invited. Neuropsychological late effects in children treated for cancer. Mason, OH, US.
- 2003. The neuropsychology of Tourette syndrome: An introduction for families. Invited. The neuropsychology of Tourette syndrome: An introduction for families. Cincinnati, OH, US.
- 2002. Neuropsychological effects of pediatric brain tumors and their treatment: Methodological advances and directions. Invited. Neuropsychological effects of pediatric brain tumors and their treatment: Methodological advances and directions. Milwaukee, WI, US.
- 2002. Neuropsychological effects of pediatric brain tumors and their treatment: Methodological advances and directions. Invited. Neuropsychological effects of pediatric brain tumors and their treatment: Methodological advances and directions. Rochester, NY, US.
- 2002. Neuropsychological effects of pediatric brain tumors and their treatment: Methodological advances and directions. Invited. Neuropsychological effects of pediatric brain tumors and their treatment: Methodological advances and directions. Columbus, OH, US.
National Presentations
- 2024. Neuropsychological Outcomes Following Pediatric Cancer. Conference. 43rd Annual National Academy of Neuropsychology Conference. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2022. Neuropsychological Outcomes Following Pediatric Cancer. Conference. Neuropsychological Outcomes Following Pediatric Cancer. Minneapolis, MN, US.
- 2019. ABCN Maintenance of Certification (MOC): a review of process and procedures. Conference. ABCN Maintenance of Certification (MOC): a review of process and procedures. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2018. ABCN Maintenance of Certification (MOC): a review of process and procedures. Conference. ABCN Maintenance of Certification (MOC): a review of process and procedures. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2017. ABCN Maintenance of Certification (MOC): a review of process and procedures. Conference. The Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology. Boston, MA, US.
Formal Peers
- 2011. The Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center's School Intervention Program: early planning and development efforts. Invited. The Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center's School Intervention Program: early planning and development efforts. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. The Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center's School Intervention Program: early planning and development efforts. Invited. The Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center's School Intervention Program: early planning and development efforts. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Telehealth: Challenges, Opportunities, and Ethics. Invited. Telehealth: Challenges, Opportunities, and Ethics. Cincinnati, OH, US.
- 2009. Nonverbal learning disorder. Invited. Nonverbal learning disorder. Cincinnati, OH, US.
- 2009. Nonepileptic psychogenic seizures, somatization disorders, and clinical management. Invited. Nonepileptic psychogenic seizures, somatization disorders, and clinical management. Cincinnati, US.
- 2008. Neuropsychology in pediatric (neuro)oncology: advances from assessment to intervention. Invited. Neuropsychology in pediatric (neuro)oncology: advances from assessment to intervention. Cincinnati, OH, US.
- 2008. Childhood Tourette’s syndrome: Treatment targets and methods in a case of TS, OCD, and ADHD. Invited. Childhood Tourette’s syndrome: Treatment targets and methods in a case of TS, OCD, and ADHD. Cincinnati, OH, US.
- 2008. Neuropsychology in pediatric (neuro)oncology: advances from assessment to intervention. Invited. Neuropsychology in pediatric (neuro)oncology: advances from assessment to intervention. Cincinnati, OH, US.
- 2007. Neuropsychological Assessment. Invited. Neuropsychological Assessment. Cincinnati, OH, US.
- 2002. Neuropsychological effects of pediatric brain tumors and their treatment: Methodological advances and directions. Invited. Neuropsychological effects of pediatric brain tumors and their treatment: Methodological advances and directions. Cincinnati, OH, US.
Grant & Contract Support
| Title: | A virtually delivered exercise intervention to mitigate cognitive deficits from radiotherapy in AYAs with brain tumors |
| Funding Source: | Independent Investigator Award |
| Role: | CO-I |
| Title: | School Reintegration Program for Children with Pediatric Cancers |
| Funding Source: | The Jeff Gordon Foundation |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | School Reintegration Program for Children with Brain Tumors |
| Funding Source: | Jack J. Smith Jr. Charitable Trust |
| Role: | PI |
| Title: | Neurobehavioral late effects in pediatric brain tumors |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Subcontract Principal Investigator |
| Title: | Adult Neurobehavioral Late Effects of Pediatric Low Grade Brain Tumors |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Site Neuropsychologist |
| Title: | Neuropsychological Dysfunction and Neuroimaging Abnormalities in Neurologically Intact Adults with Sickle Cell Disease study (SCAN) |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NHLBI |
| Role: | Site Neuropsychologist |
| Title: | Silent Cerebral Infarct Transfusion Multi-Center Clinical Trial (SIT) |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NINDS |
| Role: | CO-I |
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified February 18, 2025