Our Mission
To improve the lives of stroke survivors and their caregivers by providing education, support and advocacy services while promoting stroke awareness in our community.
Our Vision
A community in which stroke survivors have the resources and support they need for the best recovery possible.
Our Board
Michelle Randall
Founding Director
My journey began after I suffered a stroke in 2011 at the age of 50. Like many others, I needed someone to relate to; someone who had walked in my shoes. I wanted to be a face of stroke recovery to bring comfort and hope to others like myself. With the assistance of one of my physical therapists, I became a volunteer patient care liaison for Glens Falls Hospital. This position awarded me the opportunity to meet a group of individuals instrumental in bringing my vision for Steps for Stroke to light. Click here to email me!
Casey Clark
President
I’ve worked at Glens Falls Hospital for over twenty years with a majority of this time focusing on neuro-rehabilitation. I am constantly looking for opportunities to learn and grow as a healthcare provider. In 2017, I was thrilled to attain my Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist designation. However, I have likely gained nearly as much knowledge from the many patients and families whom I’ve worked with over the years. I’ve worked with our stroke support group for over ten years and am always inspired by the dedication and generosity of all those involved.
Rosella Elliott
Vice President
My “new me” challenge began back on 1/6/03 after I suffered a stroke at the age of 37. I was having brain surgery to fix an Anterior Venous Malformation and Aneurysm and woke up without my short-term memory working. The surgery went well but unfortunately the Cerebral Angiogram technician accidentally caused many mini strokes due to air in the tubes. As I recovered I trained for and ran the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon-26.2 miles in 2005. I have gained strong community leadership skills by many years of volunteer work and enjoy helping people to better themselves. I enjoy my connection to Steps for Stroke because every survivor and caregiver faces the same challenge to empower themselves.
Kim DeGraw
Secretary
After suffering a stroke in 2008 at the age of 48, I needed to know I wasn’t alone as a young stroke survivor. I kept thinking that if I could speak to someone who had experienced my same situation, I would know what to expect. It was for this reason I became involved with Steps for Stroke in 2014. People need to be educated about stroke and to know they are not alone.
Lisa Daly
Treasurer
I have been a full-charge bookkeeper for over 25 years in both public and private accounting. I suffered a stroke in June of 2011 which left me with some permanent sight deficit. My experience of recovering has been difficult at times, but did not deter me from my dream of becoming self-employed; I also work part-time as bookkeeper for Hudson Mohawk Area Health Education Center. I have also served as the Financial Secretary/Treasurer of the Community Chapel of West Glens Falls for several years.
Cheryl L. Pierce, MS CCC-SLP
Board Member
I graduated from Ithaca College with a master’s degree in Communication Disorders. I have the pleasure of working with a clinically excellent team of professionals here at the Rehabilitation Centers at Glens Falls Hospital. My role as the speech pathology and pediatric supervisor affords me the opportunity to provide treatment to many children and adults of various communication disorders. Working with patients with neurological deficits and their families to improve their functional communication has been a strong focus throughout my career.
David Gailor
Board Member
My life changed on May 5, 2012 when I had my stroke. This has changed my life profoundly, things you take for granted. But with the my wife Dolly as my advocate I have learned to accept my way of life. I am utilizing my experience to help my fellow stroke survivors.
Jillian Korb
Board Member
I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University in 2006. Most of my career has been spent working in adult rehabilitation with a large focus on my time spent working in Neuro-Rehabilitation. I recently relocated to the area and I now work at Saratoga Hospital, at the main hospital and at the outpatient clinic in Malta. I am passionate about working with patients with communication and swallowing disorders, healthcare education, and health literacy.
Tina Coalts Young
Board Member
My stroke journey began May 2010. I was 35 and had just delivered my third child. Never thought that I would have a stroke, was to young, I was wrong. Having to learn how to do everything all over again is scary. Luckily I came across this amazing group and learned I’m not alone. It’s great place to share stories, laugh, cry and sometimes all the above.
Founding Members
Sandy Mueller
Founding Member
When my husband had his stroke I became his primary caregiver. Although we had physical therapy services after discharge, we felt like once we walked out of the hospital doors we were on our own. I knew nothing because no one told me anything. Caregivers, in addition to patients, need to be informed. They need hope and guidance and that is what we aim to provide.
Ernie Mueller
Founding Member
After my stroke in 2006, I left the hospital after 3 weeks feeling like I had no idea what to expect. I felt like I had no idea what had happened to me. I needed to be educated and I needed people to talk to. I needed HOPE. Steps for Stroke gives survivors those opportunities. Most importantly we remind people they are not alone.
Steps for Stroke 