Patricia Gill, MS, MFT, Executive Director
patricia@schurigcenter.org
Patricia has been with our center for over 10 years. She started in 2006 as a Teacher/Counselor and transitioned to Programs Director in 2007, and then Executive Director in 2009. Patricia earned a BA and MS in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University and has worked in research and clinical positions at UC Davis and UCSF. Other professional positions include management of an Alzheimer’s and Dementia residential program; administration of neuropsychological testing; teaching at the University of San Francisco; coordinating research projects at UCSF/USF; and providing psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and groups. Patricia is passionate about providing services that enhance people’s lives and ability to meaningfully engage with the community. In her spare time, you’ll find Patricia spending time with family and friends, hiking, kayaking, and often out dancing to live music.
Angela Abbey, Development Manager
angela@schurigcenter.org
In addition to prior non-profit experience, Angela brings strong marketing and community outreach skills honed over twelve years working at the home offices of several well-known specialty retailers, including Gap, Inc., Bare Escentuals and Gymboree. Angela is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a BA in Russian and Business Administration. “I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to help Schurig Center continue to strengthen and grow its programs and to work along side such a talented, dedicated team of people.”
Midge Casler, MA, Art Program Director
midge@schurigcenter.org
Midge holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California College of Arts and Crafts and a Masters degree in Psychology/Art Therapy from Sonoma State University. Midge facilitated art groups with elders in Sonoma County for seven years and has worked with brain injury survivors for nine years. As Art Program Director at Schurig Center, Midge facilitates studio art and creative arts therapy groups. She also coordinates several art shows each year, taking Schurig Center client art out into the community. Midge is dedicated to improving and enhancing the physical, mental and emotional well being of others through the therapeutic use of the creative art process. “I am humbled by the survivors, their stories, their bravery, and honored to bear witness to their recovery.”
Sara Chambers, MA, Program Coordinator
sara@schurigcenter.org
Prior to joining Schurig Center in 2018, Sara worked as a mental health counselor in various community settings in Marin while pursing a path toward licensure as a Marriage & Family Therapist. She holds two Master’s degrees, one in research Psychology from The College of William & Mary in Virginia and one in Counseling Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley. Her psychological research areas have included acquired brain injury among mental health patients in acute care settings, in the areas of creative and educational achievement, healthy aging, and interpersonal attachment. “I am truly honored to support and learn from Schurig Center clients in expanding my understanding of brain injury recovery while witnessing daily instances of human resilience.”
Reiko Kitamori, MA, Programs Director
reiko@schurigcenter.org
Reiko joined the Schurig Center team as Programs Director in early 2016. She brings with her ten years of experience working as a social worker with adults and seniors with neurological diagnoses in community and long-term inpatient settings. She holds a MA in Gerontology and BA in Social Work from University of Arkansas, Little Rock as well as a BA in International Studies from Ryukoku University in Japan. “It is my passion to help people adjust to the changes in their life and find more peace with who they are and where they are in their life.”
Janis Olvarado, MSW, Intake & Resource Specialist
resources@schurigcenter.org
Janis joined the Schurig Center team in late 2019 and brings over 15 years of experience in geriatric social work to her role as Intake & Resource Specialist. Her extensive experience includes roles at UCSF, UCSF Lakeside Senior Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Health Plan, Stanford Health Care Advantage Health Plan, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. She has also consulted for Elders for Independence PACE (Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly). “I am so pleased to join the Schurig team and to provide information and resources that help enhance quality of life for the Bay Area’s survivors and their families as they navigate the recovery process.”
Therese Reher, Office Manager & Development Associate
therese@schurigcenter.org
Kalynn Stewart, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Therapist
info@schurigcenter.org
Kalynn is a licensed speech therapist specializing in stroke and brain injuries. She has worked in rehabilitation of individuals with complex neurological impairments in the hospital, outpatient and community setting for over 20 years.
Maggie Smida, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
maggie@schurigcenter.org
Maggie received her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at San Jose State University and is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. She comes to us from UCSF Medical Center where she gained valuable experience in the acute care setting. She incorporates OT based modifications and adaptations in the design and implementation of the programs offered at Schurig Center.
Dusya Wagner, Therapeutic Computer Program Instructor
ducie@schurigcenter.org
Ducie brings decades of experience to our Therapeutic Computer program. She was a teacher at the High Tech Center at the College of Marin for more than 20 years prior to transferring with the program to Schurig Center in 2011. “I am inspired each and every day by my students.”
Shari Weiser, Art Instructor
info@schurigcenter.org
Shari is an artist and art facilitator with a passion for working with a variety of populations, including adults and children with special needs. She started her career in the performing arts working on Sesame Street and on Jim Henson movies and has also coached actors and taught improvisation. Shari is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at San Francisco State University.
Dr. Jim Wilson, PhD, Neuropsychologist/Clinical Consultant
info@schurigcenter.org
Dr. Wilson is a licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychology and rehabilitation. He has worked in hospital, outpatient, and community settings for nearly 30 years. “I believe a person-centered approach is essential in understanding brain injury, and in unlocking each individual’s potential for rehabilitation or recovery.”
Laura Peters, Bookkeeper
info@schurigcenter.org
