Stroke Association of Florida Names Board of Directors

Online, July 8, 2011 (Newswire.com) - SARASOTA, FLORIDA - The Stroke Association of Florida (SAF), a non-profit organization focused on stroke awareness and prevention and support for stroke survivors and caregivers, has named its board of directors for 2011-2012.

The announcement was made by Kim James, co-founder and executive director, along with Holly Dykema, founder and program director.

The President is Dominique Kohlenberger, MSPT, CHC, physical therapist, certified health coach and owner of Healthy Longevity. The Vice President is Brian Caswell, president and founder of Cazley Inc. and founder and CEO of the Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF). The Treasurer is Homer Cablish, CPA, president of the Cablish and Gentile accounting firm in Bradenton. The Secretary is Nanette Reuss, marketing specialist, board member and race captain for Luffing Lassies. Directors are Mary Lanier, MSN, RNC, stroke coordinator for Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, and Bernard Gaines, who survived a stroke at age 43.

"I am very excited about the diversity of our board members," said President Kohlenberger. "Each one of them contributes great enthusiasm, experience, creativity and leadership skills that are vital to the future success of our programs and mission. It took us only a few years to gain recognition and increase our awareness in the community. Since our inception in June 2009, we have touched more than 7,000 lives through various educational and outreach events."

Scheduled events for 2011-2012 include:

Fall 2011: Ability Resource Fair. This event will allow stroke survivors and other individuals with neurological disorders, family caregivers, clinicians and those working
with people with disabilities to explore possibilities to enrich their daily life. Participants will have hands-on access to products and services to maximize their function and rehabilitation potential and to improve their quality of life and independence.

Spring 2012: The Third Annual "Victory over Stroke." Free to the public, this half-day event focuses on stroke prevention, featuring speakers from the medical and legal community, as well as free health screenings. More than 400 screenings were performed at the 2011 event.

The organization is also planning Stroke Prevention presentations for local corporations, aimed at reaching a younger population. "Young people are often not aware that they are also at risk for stroke," said Kohlenberger. "We have several younger stroke survivors who are the cornerstone of this organization."

Kohlenberger said she looks forward to working with sponsors and volunteers, adding, "We rely on the generosity of donors to fund our programs, as well as our volunteers, who help us communicate an important message that saves lives."

For more information, or to volunteer, please contact (941) 346-1122 or visit www.strokefl.org.