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.
Kristina Bennett, Resource Specialist
resources@schurigcenter.org
Kristina is excited to be working at Schurig Center as the Resource Specialist, providing support, resources, and intake appointments. When she is not at Schurig Center, she sees clients as a Career Counselor through her business, Navigating Transitions. Working with people in career or life transition is a particular interest and strength of Kristina. She has a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Antioch University, Seattle. Prior to starting her business, she worked more than a decade as an employment/career counselor with community colleges and non-profit organizations in Northern and Central California. She also has a passion for dance and interactive theater and has studied these throughout her life.
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.”
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.”
Christine Lewman, MS, CTRS, Program Coordinator
christine@schurigcenter.org
Bio coming soon!
Sarah Laitinen, Operations Manager
sarah@schurigcenter.org
Sarah holds a BA in Social Sciences from the New School for Social Research in New York City. Her professional background includes management of Buddhist meditation centers, and various management roles in home health care and hospice settings. Sarah has extensive training in mindfulness meditation. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, hiking, and cooking. “The most rewarding part of working at Schurig Center is getting to learn from the amazing survivors, families and talented staff, all of whom I am constantly inspired by.”
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.”
Birgit Wick, MA, Expressive Art Therapy Consultant
info@schurigcenter.org
Birgit is an expressive arts therapist and educator who has provided specialized work with brain injury survivors since the year 2000. Her approach involves the therapeutic interplay of visual art, movement, poetry and improvisation/role play in order to address the multi-faceted needs of her clients. Birgit offers professional trainings for therapists internationally. She has worked as a consultant at Schurig Center for 13 years. “When I see a client find their voice and their hope again through creating a painting or a poem, joy and awe fills the room and my heart.”
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