GRATEFUL WORDS OF LOVING PRAISE

Read the passionate gratitude stroke survivors and colleges have shared in praise of Dana’s relentless dedication to promoting stroke recovery:

“Dana has been an instrumental part of our ABI program at Santa Monica College for several years now. Her wealth of knowledge on stroke recovery as well as personal lived experience has been such a positive light for our students as they navigate such unknown waters. There is no replacement for speaking with someone who has been in your shoes and Dana conducts her peer support groups with such empathy and encouragement. We are fortunate to have such a strong partnership with her – thank you!”

-Stephanie Lewis, MA, CCC-SLP, Acquired Brain Injury Program Lead

 

“Just a quick note to let you know how wonderful Dana’s Peer Group is. Personally speaking, Everyone Should Spend Some Time with Dana  Rivera!!

In the group, Dana takes each one of us and spends intimate time listening to what we have to say on a very vulnerable level. She allows us to think out loud, to stumble over words, to forget what we are saying, to laugh at ourselves, to share our hearts, and to learn something about us she knows will help us. She always knows what to say and how to say. it. And she always knows when to include someone who hasn’t been talking,

Dana is so comfortable visiting with us she immediately puts us at ease.  She talks about herself the same way we talk about ourselves. She actually makes us feel happy and special when she calls out our names. We feel included and accepted, un-judged,  inspired, and. loved. We know that we have made a new friend with Dana

And one of the most important things to me is that Dana also had a stroke. We all have brain injuries, and the loneliness that we experience deep inside us disappears the moment Dana starts her group. We are all alike , and this is a quality that is hard to find in a group leader, and we love that Dana really, truly understands us!!!

So, Stephanie, thank you for allowing me to take this class.

I love it,”

Konni Corriere, Stoke Recovery Support Group Participant

 

“Dana brings rays of hope and words of encouragement to our patients and families. As a result of Dana’s influence, oftentimes patients and families become motivated to take a proactive approach and do well in their rehabilitation and recovery process.”

-Shiraz Jaldin, Clinical Social Worker at UCLA Neuro Rehab & Research Unit 

 

“Dana Rivera is an outstanding example of an individual who takes time and compassion to help others. Her own survival and ability to provide advice to others facing challenges is incredible. Her commitment, time and insight combined with her passion and zest for life makes her a beacon of hope for those who have to endure a life-changing event. Patients who are fortunate enough to come into contact with her leave feeling better about themselves and the future”

-Ian Brooks, Rodeo Realty

 

“Dana provides education and support to inpatients and outpatients at UCLA who have recently had strokes. She communicates well with patients and their families because of her personal recovery as a stroke survivor, her professional training as a communicator, and her family and empathic nature. Her example and encouragement give hope to others.”

-Reams Freedman, Managing Director And Stroke Victor of the Stroke Association Of Southern California

 

“Listening to Dana’s story along with her presence and energy gave a visibly instant motivation to my mother, that I hadn’t seen in a while. Ever since the first day, Dana has come to be one of the people that my mother looks so forward to seeing at our weekly stroke support group, and I am appreciative of that!”

-Robbi Spencer, Daughter + Caregiver To Fellow Stroke Survivor

 

“Dana’s role has been to provide personal insight and support to stroke survivors by addressing her own experience as a stroke patient and the role of her family and friends in recovery. She is inspiring and makes valuable contributions to our therapeutic group process every week”

-Najma Davis, Clinical Social Worker at UCLA

 

“Dana Rivera is a warm, energetic, fun and compassionate advocate for the stroke community. Having herself suffered a stroke at a young age, she can relate to many of the struggles stroke survivors, family members and caregivers face in their recoveries. Her positive attitude and first-hand knowledge of the reality of stroke, the resources available, and the importance of emotional support makes her a great lead and champion for those facing the uncertainties after what can oftentimes be a life-changing experience.

Dana’s stroke support groups are special. They offer a welcoming environment to all, and the stories, the struggles, the connections, and the growth are shared by group members who discover a level comfort in realizing, “you too?” when interacting with each other. I recommend Dana’s stroke support group to any stroke sufferer, family member, or caregiver to attend. Much can be learned and experienced by simply showing up, listening, and sharing. Her group offers a kind and caring environment, and many times I walk away touched and inspired by those who attend.”

-Renee O. Neurology, NP

 

“I am so thankful for Dana Rivera. A stroke survivor herself, she warmly and enthusiastically channels a genuine passion for helping others to organize and facilitating support groups at Saint John’s for our community’s stroke survivors and their caregivers. Under her compassionate guidance and expertise, Saint Johns’ support groups are positive, productive places for survivors seeking strength, hope, encouragement, and practical advice from others with the shared experience of stroke. Dana does this in the spirit of giving back and healing her community – to me, she is one of the brightest stars in the Santa Monica area.

On a personal note, thanks for always inspiring me. I’m going to miss you, but I know our patients will be well taken care of.”

-Steven Augustine, MSN, NP, CNRN, CCRN

 

“Attached you will find a wealth of volumes, metrics, and trends that I’ve been keeping track of throughout 2019. The 10,000 foot summary is that we have a strong and safe stroke program, and our net effect on our population is unquestionably positive. We are already meeting the latest proposed AHA treatment targets and metrics. We do see untreatable, devastating bleeds and days-old stroke, but we consistently deliver timely and effective treatment for the many patients who are eligible for intravenous thrombolytics, thrombectomy, or other emergent neurosurgical and neuro-interventional procedures. To watch a previously independent patient arrive in a state of severe disability, then be discharged without symptoms two days after a successful thrombectomy is to understand why we dedicate so much time, effort, and resources to treating – and ever more frequently curing – stroke. Keeping stroke patients safe is a team effort – thank you to everyone who pitched in, took ownership, and went above and beyond. Very special thanks are due to the amazing Dana Rivera, who provides a vital group support program for stroke patients and their caregivers, and to the entire PCCU, whose nurse leaders took it upon themselves to be the strongest stroke unit they could possibly be, and in this task succeeded admirably. Cath lab underwent an unmistakably positive transformation that was very clearly reflected in our numbers, and our educators have taken up the challenge of ensuring that hundreds of our nurses meet their annual education requirements to maintain stroke competency. It has been a pleasure tending the stroke program during my brief tenure. I miss my dear friends and trusted colleagues at Saint John’s, but I am very happy to be able to hand off the program to a more than worthy successor.

Regards, and best wishes for the future.”

-Steven Augustine, MSN, NP, CNRN, CCRN