October 8, 2024 by Angela

Inside/Out: Unmasking the Inner Journey of Brain Injury Survivors

The Karen G. Schurig Art Studio is pleased to present The Inside/Out Project

Brain injury is often referred to as an “invisible disability.” On the outside, a person with brain injury may “look fine” to others. But, in reality, the person affected by brain injury may be experiencing a range of cognitive, physical, behavioral, and emotional challenges. Through the creation of hand painted masks, The Inside/Out Project offers brain injury survivors the opportunity to explore and express how they feel others see them on the outside and how they see themselves on the inside. Below is a video featuring masks created by survivors for this project.

Building understanding with a person living with an invisible disability, like a brain injury, requires patience, empathy, and active listening. It’s important to recognize that their challenges may not always be visible, so offering support without making assumptions is key. Open communication and creating a safe space for them to express their needs can foster deeper connection and trust.

The Inside/Out Project Mask Slideshow

Donate Today!

Your generosity powers life-enhancing programs at Schurig Center, like Art Therapy, that help people thrive after brain injury. Thank you!

June 16, 2022 by Angela

New Board of Directors Chair and Vice Chair Appointed

[Download press release here]

Schurig Center is honored to have an engaged, caring Board of Directors at our helm with expertise from an array of fields, including finance, healthcare, legal, human resources, civic leadership, and philanthropy. Throughout the year, Board members volunteer their time to ensure Schurig Center is offering high-quality services that meet the community’s needs. As we know all too well, life brings change. Our long-time Chair Kim Strub resigned from her post after 12 years of leadership. We thank Kim for all she has done for Schurig Center and the people we serve. Her positive impact will be felt for many years to come. We are honored to announce Catherine Way and Ellen Takayama have been appointed as the new Board leaders, guiding Schurig Center to more great things this year. Please join us in welcoming Catherine and Ellen to their new roles!

Photo of Catherine Way

Catherine Way, Chair

Catherine joined Schurig Center’s Board in 2016. She is a retired registered nurse and former managing partner of a surgical-legal consulting firm. As the daughter of a stroke survivor, Catherine brings personal knowledge of the unique challenges that brain injury survivors and their families face to regain their best quality of life after an injury. Catherine is also an active community volunteer and a dedicated public servant who currently serves on the Larkspur City Council.

Photo of Ellen Takayama

Ellen Takayama, Vice Chair

Ellen has been a Schurig Board member since 2012, and she has led the planning of our Annual Gala event since its inception. Ellen brings a wealth of business management and human resources experience built during her 37 years with Macy’s, Inc. in various positions, including VP of Human Resources. In retirement, Ellen now enjoys travel, reading, socializing with friends, taking care of her pup, and volunteering with Schurig Center.

Thank You for Your Service Kim Strub

After 12 years of service, Kim Strub has resigned from her role as Schurig’s Board Chair. Kim joined the Board in 2010 as the organization was transitioning from the loss of founder Karen Schurig. Over her term, Kim led the organization through multiple transitions and donated hundreds of hours of her time to ensure Schurig Center is a successful, respected organization that provides high quality care to everyone served. Kim creates connections in all that she does and truly offered her heart and soul to this community. We are deeply grateful! Kim will continue to support Schurig Center as an Advisory Board member.

May 1, 2020 by Angela

Schurig Center Welcomes New Board Member Lawrence Strick

[Download press release here]

Schurig Center is pleased to announce that Lawrence Strick has joined its Board of Directors.

Mr. Strick is a principle at Strick Schnasse Lawyers, representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law, and brings with him previous non-profit Board experience with Marin Interfaith Council, Community Media Center of Marin, and the Marin County Bar Association. Mr. Strick is excited to apply his talents as an ambassador for Schurig Center to support the organization’s fundraising efforts as well as acting as an advocate for brain injury survivors and their families.

“As a trial attorney, Larry Strick has represented people who have also been clients of Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery. His understanding of the challenges brain injury survivors and their families face, his role as former Marin County Bar Association President, and his non-profit experience make him a most welcome and knowledgeable addition to the Schurig Center Board of Directors,” says Kim Strub, Schurig Center Board President.