Center for Quality of Life after Stroke
Center for Quality of Life after Stroke
YOUR IMPACT AS A DONOR
As the Director of Advancement for the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital and the Stroke Rehabilitation Program, Josh Tessier is dedicated to fostering a community of generosity, advocacy, and impact. He works closely with grateful patients, families, and supporters who share a commitment to improving quality of life for stroke survivors and advancing stroke rehabilitation innovation.
Philanthropy has been instrumental in launching and sustaining cutting-edge programs, including our Stroke Quality of Life Initiative, and will be key to achieving our vision of becoming a Center for Quality of Life after Stroke. Josh invites you to be part of this transformative journey—whether through giving, advocating, or engaging—to help accelerate research, expand patient-centered programs, and redefine what is possible for stroke recovery. Together, we are building a future where every stroke survivor has the resources and support to live fully, with dignity and independence.
Gala
To celebrate the remarkable journeys of survivors and the dedication of health care professionals, the Center for Quality of Life After Stroke Gala shines as a beacon of hope and unity.
This annual event, eagerly awaited by survivors and their families, showcases the power of resilience and the possibilities of rehabilitation, made possible through the generous donation of Darrin Johnson and Michelle Nelson.
Governing Board
| Jennifer J Majersik, MD, MS | Professor: Neurology Director of University of Utah Health Stroke Center |
| Lorie Richards, PhD, OTR/L | Associate Professor: Occupational and Recreational Therapies Adjunct Associate Professor: Physical Therapy & Athletic Training |
| Roger Altizer, PhD | Associate Professor- Population Health Science: Division of Health Systems Innovation and Research Co-Director Digital Health Initative Director, Therapeutic Games and Apps Lab (The GApp Lab) |
| Timothy W. Farrell, MD, AGSF | Presidential Endowed Chair in the Division of Geriatrics Professor of Medicine and Geriatrics Division Associate Chief for Age-Friendly Care Physician Investigator, VA SLC Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center |
| Rebecca Zarate, PhD, MT-BC, LCAT, AVPT | Associate Dean for Research, College of Fine Arts Director, Arts & Health Innovation Lab |
| Tanja Kari | TRAILS Program Director |
| Mukesh Kumar, PhD | Research Development Associate IV |
| Erin Granger, MPH | Research Operations Manager, PM&R |
Advisory Board
| Paul Cutler | State Representative Stroke Parent |
| Amy Steinbrech | Communications specialist, MPC |
| Melissa Kaas, BSN | Nurse Manager Neilsen Rehab Hospital (Stroke , LMT unit) |
| Jacob Kean, PhD, CCC-SLP | Associate Professor, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah Acting Director, VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI), Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Lee Ellington, PhD | Professor: College of Nursing Robert S. and Beth M. Carter Endowed Chair |
| Amit Kumar, BPHT, MPH, PhD | Associate Professor: Physical Therapy & Athletic Training Adjunct Professor: Population Health Science |