About Us
Learn more about our mission, our governing board and our finances
VISION & MISSION
The Problem
Many people don’t receive adequate rehabilitation to fully recover from catastrophic medical events (e.g., strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries).
Our Vision
All patients will have the opportunity to recover to their full potential
Our Mission
We change lives by helping people restore ability and reduce disability.
We make it possible for people to recover from catastrophic medical events.
Our Actions
To achieve Our Mission, we:
Raise awareness of therapy caps and other barriers which inihibit patients from fully recovering.
Fund the continued rehabilitation of patients whose recoveries are being cut short.
Advocate to reduce or eliminate therapy caps and other barriers to adequate rehabilitation.
FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Sam Porritt
In August of 2011, Sam suffered a spinal cord injury that resulted from an accident while he was on vacation in Italy. Initially, Sam was paralyzed from the waist down. His recovery from such a catastrophic injury would be a long one. Thankfully, Sam learned that his medical insurance placed no limit on rehabilitation. Fewer than 1% of policies have such a benefit. Sam’s insurance covered nearly two years of intensive physical therapy. With the skill and support of many rehab professionals, Sam recovered. He’s now able to walk with a cane, drive a car, and work part-time.
During his more than two years in rehab, Sam saw the impact of therapy caps first-hand. Sam met hundreds of patients whose recoveries were cut short when their insurance benefits stopped and they were unable to pay out of their own pockets. In August of 2013, Sam launched the Foundation to give other patients the same opportunity that he had — to continue medical rehabilitation and to recover to their full potential.
Prior to his accident, Sam spent more than 25 years in marketing and advertising, building some of America’s largest brands. While working for Payless ShoeSource, Sam’s responsibilities included managing the company’s Foundation and philanthropic activity. Sam earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
To learn more about how rehabilitation made the difference in Sam’s recovery, click the button below
GOVERNING BOARD
We're honored to have a distinguished group of professionals on our Governing Board. They bring diverse experience and insights to oversee operations of the Foundation.
Dipika Aggarwal, MD
Dipika is currently a practicing Neurologist at the University of Kansas Health System. In 2019, Dipika suffered from a hemorrhagic stroke which left her completely paralyzed on her right side and aphasic. With aggressive and continuous rehabilitation, she has made an amazing recovery and will continue to make more. Dipika is now able to live independently, drive, and is back to work. Being a neurologist and now a stroke survivor has changed her outlook and understanding about the life challenges faced by stroke survivors and their caregivers. Dipika is a member of the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Foundation and is a co-facilitator of her own stroke support group at The University of Kansas Health System.
Sara Baker
Sara is a speech/language pathologist with over 30 years of experience in neurologic rehabilitation as both a service provider and in leadership roles, including COO. Through this experience, she has seen firsthand the impact of rehabilitation and the benefit of adequate rehabilitation coverage. Currently she is involved in research related to the rehabilitation needs of people with Multiple Sclerosis. Sara also serves on several other boards of nonprofit organizations that support services to individuals with neurologic injuries and illnesses.
Cathy Curless, Vice-Chair
Cathy has extensive experience in corporate senior management, technology consulting, and strategic planning. She served as Chief Information Officer of Payless ShoeSource. Previously, Cathy was with Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). Cathy has served on both corporate and nonprofit Boards of Directors. In addition, she recently retired from teaching strategic management to both undergraduates and MBA students at the University of Kansas School of Business.
Bridget Donovan, Secretary
Bridget is on track to graduate in 2025 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her journey into the field of neurological rehabilitation began early, sparked by personal experience. In 2013, Bridget’s father suffered a severe stroke, and she was closely involved in his recovery process. This firsthand experience not only introduced Bridget to the complexities and challenges of neurological rehabilitation but also ignited a deep-rooted passion for the field. Today, drawing on her personal journey as a source of motivation and empathy, Bridget is driven by a commitment to offering comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals facing neurological challenges.
Atul Patel, MD
Dr. Patel has spent his professional career focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities. He is a practicing physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist) and the Vice President of Kansas City Bone and Joint Clinic, PA. He is a Research Associate Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Dr. Patel received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and completed his physiatry residency at the University of Washington. His clinical areas of interest are wide-ranging and encompass nerve and muscle diseases, musculoskeletal medicine, and general neuro-rehabilitation medicine. He is active in several professional organizations, including the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR), and the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM). He serves on several committees and is on the board of the AAPMR. He has authored several journal articles and book chapters and lectures regularly on electrodiagnosis, sonography, neurotoxins, and various other subjects.
Skeet Spotser, Jr
At the age of 19, Skeet had an unfortunate fall resulting in a spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic. After his injury, Skeet required many months of rehabilitation, during which he met and supported other patients who were learning how to manage their injuries. Skeet has since completed his undergraduate degree, is currently obtaining his life and health insurance license, and is working part-time as a financial professional. Skeet is active in his church, enjoys time with his friends and family, and he continues to do independent rehab exercises. As a member of the Board, Skeet is sharing his perspective of living with a spinal cord injury and the importance of ongoing rehabilitation.
Steve Tesdahl, Treasurer
Steve is the President of Tesdahl Consulting, LLC. His background includes over 30 years of executive IT and consulting experience with mid-sized to Fortune 500 companies. He holds Accounting and Computer Science degrees from Northern Illinois University. Steve has served in leadership roles on a number of non-profit boards, currently volunteers with the AARP Tax-Aide program, and mentors Start-Up CEOs through the Economic Center for Johnson County.
ADVISORY BOARD
Members of our Advisory Board have unique experience and skillsets. They believe in the Mission of the Foundation and provide their expertise and advice to the Governing Board on an on-call basis.
Natalie Canuteson, MD *
In late 2016, Natalie became the caregiver to her mother who suffered a stroke. During this time, she attended months of therapy with her mother, and learned first-hand the struggles of caregiving. As a caregiver, she gained a passion for medicine and research in stroke recovery. Natalie earned her Masters of BioMedical Sciences at Regis University and graduated from A.T. Still University medical school with her MD. Natalie’s passion remains deeply rooted in her experience with her mother, which led her to pursue a career in healthcare. Natalie is happy to be a part of Falling Forward and to do all that she can to help others on the path to recovery.
Andrea Dennis
Andrea was a freelance copywriter, public relations professional, and social media community manager for over 20 years, but recently she turned her passion for nutrition into a profession with a certification in Nutritional Therapy. Andrea learned about Falling Forward through a PR client and was so struck by our Founder’s story that she asked how she could get involved. She is excited to serve on the Board and be a part of Falling Forward’s mission. A native of Bradenton, Florida, Andrea lives there today with her husband and two daughters.
Sandy Praeger *
From 2002 until early 2015, Sandy served as Commissioner of the Kansas Department of Insurance. Sandy is the Past President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and she is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Dr. Nathan B. Davis Award, bestowed annually by the American Medical Association to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the public health. Sandy previously served three terms in the Kansas Senate and one term in the Kansas House of Representatives. She was also elected to the Lawrence City Commission and served as mayor of Lawrence, Kansas. Throughout her life of public service, Sandy has been actively involved with many civic and nonprofit organizations.
Shanna Schiavon *
The common thread throughout Shanna’s career has been creating ‘social good,’ during her years working in corporate America, as a consultant, and now as the founder of a charitable organization. She has extensive experience in cause marketing, media, partnership marketing, promotion, and event marketing. Most recently, Shanna is the founder of Exponential Power of Women (EXPOW), a 501c3 organization that inspires women and girls to be catalysts to improve their lives and the lives of others. She has also served on local school committees and on boards of several other community organizations. Shanna earned an MBA from the University of Kansas, has degrees from American Intercontinental University and Clayton College and State University, and completed study in Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. She lives in Dallas with her husband and three children.
Marty Smith *
Marty has worked in higher education for almost 35 years. He is currently the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. Much of his career has been serving at small private liberal arts universities including his alma mater, Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS, Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL and Transylvania University in Lexington, KY. Under Marty’ leadership, IWU completed the most successful comprehensive campaign in its history, raising over $141 million, exceeding the goal of $125 million. He is active in various civic organizations along with his church. Marty earned his master’s degree from the University of Kansas. He and his wife, Cindy, have three adult children.
Michele Turner
Michele has more than 15 years of experience in Media Planning and Account Management at global advertising agencies in New York and Chicago, managing media and strategic communications for leading consumer brands. Michele has also managed a major commercial photography studio for over 10 years and, while raising three daughters, has volunteered extensively. Her volunteer work has included planning major fundraising events for Chicago-area nonprofit organizations and volunteering at PAWS, a local no kill animal shelter. Michele earned a B.A. in Political Science from Brown University.
