Mission
The Aphasia Center of West Texas seeks to improve the quality of life of individuals and families living with aphasia by overcoming communication barriers.
History
The Aphasia Center of West Texas sprang from the motivation of two people - Chuck Matthews, a respected businessman who suffered a debilitating stroke, and his daughter, Kathryn Shelley.
The people of Midland Texas rallied in September of 2001 when Midland Memorial Foundation, the Scarborough-Linebery Foundation and a host of community foundations, healthcare entities and individuals came together to help. Dedicated volunteer and philanthropist Nancy Anguish stepped forward as Founding Board President. An experienced Board of Directors was recruited in March of 2002, new clients were added that October, and the organization achieved its official 501(c)(3) status by February of 2003. Nancy's vision and committment led to a Jefferson Award in 2007.
In December of 2003, via a training grant from the Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust, staff and Board members received training at the oldest program in the world, the Aphasia Institute of Toronto, joining representatives from China, England, France and Canada. It is the Life Participation Approach now offered to the people of West Texas.
Board of Directors
- Lori Wesley
President
- Cheryl Werner
President Elect
- Jo Anne Richards
Secretary
- Dianne Williams
Treasurer
- Nancy Anguish
- Blue Hyatt
- John Foster, Jr., M.D.
- Suzy Boldrick
- Jonathan King
- Janet Lawrence
- Billye Louder
- Rachael Reinert
- Randy Reynolds
- Louan Rogers
- Janice Thompson
- Carolyn Tripp
Advisory Council
- Gregory Bartha, M.D.
- Greg Dove
- Barbara Jowell
- Tulsi Dyal Singh, M.D.
- Levi Stone, R.N.
- Tim Thompson
- Mary Jane Young
Staff
- Kitty Binek
Executive Director
- Beth Crawford, M.S., CCC/SLP
Program Director
- Kathryn Shelley
Marketing & Development Director
- Shun Kelley
Communication Coach
- Sharon Copenhaver
Administrative Assistant
- Miriam Lujan
Certified Nursing Assistant
