Paula’s background began in neurocritical care as a bedside nurse at a large Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center. Many years ago, an injury sidelined Paula from continuing her role in the neuro-ICU, but she quickly came to realize her true calling in nursing. Over nearly the past ten years, Paula obtained her master’s degree in Nursing Education and has gained invaluable experience in her oversight of a large stroke center: where she educated staff and patients alike and worked tirelessly to improve care. More recently, Paula is working to her complete her PhD through Loyola University Chicago MNSON. She hopes to generate a program of research that supports patient-centered outcomes and looks at the survivor holistically and as more than just their Stroke.