June 16, 2022 by Angela

New Board of Directors Chair and Vice Chair Appointed

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.

July 3, 2020 by Angela

Thanks to you, people heal from the safety of home!

A Message from Executive Director, Patricia Gill

Three photos of participants Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones healthy and well. I write today filled with mixed emotions. I imagine you may be feeling the same way. These are challenging times for so many in our community. It’s hard to see and hear about the great difficulties people are facing in their lives right now. Yet, I find there is still much to be grateful for. I remain inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of a caring community.

I am grateful for you! With your help, we are still providing essential connection and care for people living with a brain injury.

A crisis, like coronavirus, can cause stress and uncertainty for all of us. For people with a brain injury, it can exacerbate challenges they already face. Isolation, depression, anxiety, disabilities, and a decline in overall health are common side effects. Social distancing can also result in a backslide of abilities due to lack of stimulation; added stress in domestic relationships; and, an increased need for support.

By supporting Schurig Center, you provide the only place in our area picking up where the healthcare system leaves off to help people adjust to life changes and thrive after brain injury.

While our doors are closed and our clients are at home, our hearts and services remain open.

I’m pleased to share our team was able to adapt most services to be offered remotely within a week of shelter-in-place. Speech therapy, computerized cognitive classes, art therapy, communication classes, support groups, concussion education groups, and resource referrals continue to be offered online or by phone. We’ve also provided home deliveries, helped clients access community resources, and supported caregivers. This ‘virtual’ offering of life-enhancing services would not be possible without you.

Thanks to you, people continue to heal from the safety of their home!

Photos of participants on zoom call You help improve the health and well-being of your fellow community members like Brandon, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident. With you by his side, Brandon is able to continue to recover and feel hopeful while sheltering-in-place.

Although we do not know what the coming days may hold, we do know that your generosity is the reason we are able to still provide services. Our programs are being offered in a new way, but the cost to provide them has not changed. And, with 70% of clients living on low income, we rely on community support to be able to offer care to all who need us.

If you are in a position to help, please give as generously as you can today.

I’m confident that with your help Schurig Center will be standing strong for years to come, helping survivors and their families live full and meaningful lives after brain injury. Thank you!

Photo of Patricia giving the thumbs up With gratitude,
Patricia Gill, MS
Executive Director

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.