The United Stroke Alliance team is made up of passionate individuals who tirelessly strive to make a difference in not only stroke survivors and caregivers, but also for the members of every community. It all began in 2004 when one caregiver wanted to improve the quality of life for local stroke survivors and caregivers through a weekend retreat.
From a single person in a single community, the reach has been extended to communities throughout the country educating millions of people on the signs of stroke as well as supporting thousands of stroke survivors, caregivers and their family members in through their stroke recovery.
Our Staff
Larry Schaer
Since 2004
C.E.O., National Board Member, National Board Member
Bio
As Chief Executive Officer of United Stroke Alliance, Larry identifies and secures Stroke Camp and stroke education sponsors. He also serves as Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director at many of the Stroke Camps. Larry has 40 years’ experience in employee relations, organizational development, and business consulting.
Contact Info
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.8000 N. University St. Peoria, IL 61615
Marylee Nunley
Since 2004
Co-Founder, National Board Member, National Board Member
Marylee Nunley, started Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp in 2004 three years after her husband, John suffered an ischemic stroke in 2001. John, was a computer programmer for a Fortune 100 company and while he can no longer read or write, has overcome his aphasia enough to do public speaking about his post-stroke journey. Marylee’s professional experience includes more than 30 years managing different aspects of small business which prepared her for the start of her own non-profit in 2007. Because of the success of Stroke Camps and other programs, in 2016 an Umbrella organization was created and now Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp is a division on United Stroke Alliance. Marylee is the recipient of the 25 Women in Leadership awarded in 2005 and in 2009. Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp was the winner of the National Stroke Association’s Raise Award for the Outstanding Group for service to stroke survivors and their caregivers. She resides in Peoria, IL with her husband John and enjoys spending time with her family and especially her hour grandchildren.
Contact Info
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.8000 N. University St. Peoria, IL 61615
Doug Pinter
National Board Member
Bio
We are pleased to have Doug Pinter as part of our National Board of Directors.. He first learned about the United Stroke Alliance from a very good friend of his, Kelly Schneider, who currently works for United Stroke Alliance (USA) in Peoria. After being introduced to Larry (CEO) and Mary Lee (Founder) it was very easy to see their passion and dedication to helping people recover after a stroke. The major turning point for Doug was after meeting John N. in Peoria at the Stroke Camp Office. Meeting John really opened Doug’s eyes to just how many things we take for granted each day and motivated him to get more involved with the United Stroke Alliance. Doug met another gentleman named John K., who had also suffered a stroke but never let that stop him from living life. John’s positive outlook on life and the way he chose to be happy were a true inspiration to Doug.
Jan Jahnel
Kyle Wilhelm
Since 2016
Bio
Kyle Wilhelm has been working for USA since 2016 and volunteering with the organization since 2009. A music therapist since 1998, Kyle has been the music therapist and director at dozens of camps. He is also an adjunct instructor of music therapy at Colorado State University. He lives with his wife and sons in Wellington, Colorado.
Contact Info
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.8000 N. University St. Peoria, IL 61615
Lauren Kramer
Since 2009
Bio
Lauren is a part-time employee of United Stroke Alliance while working a a nurse at OSF Hopsital in Peoria, IL. She received her Bachelor’s from Illinois State University in Music Therapy and her Master’s from University of Illinois at Springfield in Human Services with a concentration in Gerontology. She has been involved in Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp since 2009 and is passionate about the camps and educating the public about the warning signs and symptoms of stroke. She volunteers her time as director of the Chime Strokers, a chimes choir in the Peoria area made up of stroke survivors and caregivers.
Contact Info
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.8000 N. University St. Peoria, IL 61615
Marylee Nunley, started Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp in 2004 three years after her husband, John suffered an ischemic stroke in 2001. John, was a computer programmer for a Fortune 100 company and while he can no longer read or write, has overcome his aphasia enough to do public speaking about his post-stroke journey. Marylee’s professional experience includes more than 30 years managing different aspects of small business which prepared her for the start of her own non-profit in 2007. Because of the success of Stroke Camps and other programs, in 2016 an Umbrella organization was created and now Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp is a division on United Stroke Alliance. Marylee is the recipient of the 25 Women in Leadership awarded in 2005 and in 2009. Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp was the winner of the National Stroke Association’s Raise Award for the Outstanding Group for service to stroke survivors and their caregivers. She resides in Peoria, IL with her husband John and enjoys spending time with her family and especially her hour grandchildren.
Contact Info
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.8000 N. University St. Peoria, IL 61615
Terry Peterson
National Board Member
Doug Pinter
National Board Member
Deb Rossman
National Board Member
Julie Russell
National Board Member
Larry Schaer
Since 2004
C.E.O., National Board Member
Bio
As Chief Executive Officer of United Stroke Alliance, Larry identifies and secures Stroke Camp and stroke education sponsors. He also serves as Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director at many of the Stroke Camps. Larry has 40 years’ experience in employee relations, organizational development, and business consulting.
Contact Info
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.8000 N. University St. Peoria, IL 61615
"I see people make new friendships, believe in themselves again, challenge themselves, expand their horizons."
Marylee Nunley Executive Director - Our Organization
"Since Bob's stroke over 3 years ago, the four camps we have attended have been our foundation of hope, support, education, positive networking, and friendships. To be part of a group which truly accepts and nourishes who we are, as either a survivor or caregiver, is extraordinary."
Judy Caregiver
"The entire experience was unforgettable and I will carry it with me always. I have volunteered many times, but never have I worked with a nicer group of people and felt more 'inspired'."
Occupational therapist/volunteer
"Amanda had her first manicure as she had always been embarrassed at the way her hand looked. All her life Amanda had been looking to fit in and for someone to understand what her life was like, after a journey of almost 30 years, she had finally found what she had been looking for. (Amanda had a stroke in 1984 at 1 day old.)"
Barbara Amanda's mom/caregiver
"I am most gratified when I see caregivers and survivors enjoying themselves when they are engaged in different activities and interacting with others."
Helen Volunteer
"What I like most about camp is watching campers evolve and grow! Seeing newbies transform from shy, hesitant, and withdrawn to engaged participants with new hope for the future. Seeing the continued growth of return campers and to watch this growth continue year to year."
Rebecca Volunteer
"We wanted to thank-you form the bottom of our hearts for the opportunity to participate in such a life changing weekend. Brian came home with a new sense of Hope, Kira with a sense of gratitude, and our 4 yr. old is asking when we can return. This was an amazing event that we were blessed to share. Words can never express just how much this retreat helped our family."
Kira
"Our attitude about Paul's stroke and to each other has changed tremendously since camp!"
Bev Caregiver
"A 48-hour caregiver respite. Relentless pampering by the staff and by the volunteers. Caregiver-tocaregiver sharing as well as survivor-only activities. Fun and games. Arts and crafts. Music and laugh-outloud skits. Educational. Practical. Spiritual. Best thing we've done in 11 years."
Pam Caregiver
"Being able to see how the survivors and caregivers have developed and progressed since their hospitalization brings me hope and renewed energy."
Amanda Volunteer
"My experience was a well worth trip to Mt. Charleston, there was so much offered that you never was bored and excited to move on to the next adventure. Everyone was so loving and caring its amazing the feeling you get from being with people who truly care. I'm a Voluntary at Siena and I will to all my patient who had a stroke to be aware of Stroke Retreat and how you can live after a Stroke and mostly to experience happiness and hope again. Keep it going worth coming to. Blessing, Cordella Rubin"
Cordella Rubin Survivor / Volunteer
"I most enjoyed the camaraderie with other stroke survivors my age."
Kevin Survivor
"The thing I like most about Stroke Camp is meeting and connecting with other survivors and the total acceptance you feel from everyone. I honestly believe you could add the word 'vital' to your list of adjectives."
Thea Survivor
"When you see something as simple as Stroke Camp make such a big difference in the lives of stroke survivors and caregivers it is truly heartwarming. Knowing that our support provides such a positive experience for the campers and the volunteers is a true gift."
Neurological Institute Comprehensive Stroke Center
"I got a glimpse into what caregivers do 24/7. A very humbling experience."
Lisa Volunteer
"My husband and I look back on Stroke Camp as a turning point in our marriage and family life. Things had deteriorated pretty badly after my stroke, but camp showed us a new way. We backslid a few weeks later and then my husband really decided to make things different and it has been WONDERFUL! We are so grateful for all Stroke Camp meant for our kids and us."
Remember BE-FASTER! and help spread stroke awareness with our free app for Apple and Android devices. This app does not collect any personal information.
Since 2004
