History & Mission

History

The National Aphasia Association (NAA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 by Martha Taylor Sarno, MA, MD,(hon) as the 1st National organization dedicated to advocating for persons with aphasia and their families. Several of our board members are people with Aphasia or family members.

 

Our goal is to provide access to research, education, rehabilitation, therapeutic and advocacy services to individuals with aphasia and their caregivers. The NAA acts as a syndicate of resources, promoting sense of community among individuals and caregivers.

 

NAA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

 

Our Mission

The Mission of the National Aphasia Association is to promote public awareness and understanding of aphasia, to promote research that aims to improve the lives of people with aphasia, and to provide support to all persons with aphasia and their caregivers.

 

The NAA envisions a society in which aphasia is a commonly understood word and where all persons with aphasia, regardless of individual differences, their families, health professionals, and the public have access to appropriate education and resources that would enhance their potential for an acceptable quality of life.

 

Nondiscrimination statement

The National Aphasia Association does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, veteran status, age, language or languages spoken, dialect, accent, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, body size, or disability.

 

History & Mission

History

The National Aphasia Association (NAA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 by Martha Taylor Sarno, MA, MD,(hon) as the 1st National organization dedicated to advocating for persons with aphasia and their families. Several of our board members are people with Aphasia or family members.

 

Our goal is to provide access to research, education, rehabilitation, therapeutic and advocacy services to individuals with aphasia and their caregivers. The NAA acts as a syndicate of resources, promoting sense of community among individuals and caregivers.

 

NAA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

 

Our Mission

The Mission of the National Aphasia Association is to promote public awareness and understanding of aphasia, to promote research that aims to improve the lives of people with aphasia, and to provide support to all persons with aphasia and their caregivers.

 

The NAA envisions a society in which aphasia is a commonly understood word and where all persons with aphasia, regardless of individual differences, their families, health professionals, and the public have access to appropriate education and resources that would enhance their potential for an acceptable quality of life.

 

Nondiscrimination statement

The National Aphasia Association does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, veteran status, age, language or languages spoken, dialect, accent, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, body size, or disability.

 

Executive Director

Maura Silverman

Maura English Silverman

MS, CCC/SLP, Executive Director

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Board of Directors

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Darlene S. Williamson

MA, CCC-SLP, President

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Daniel Martin

Treasurer

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Barbara Kessler

Vice-President, Community Outreach and Education

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Members

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Roy D. Hamilton

MD, MS, FAAn, FANA

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Swathi Kiran

Ph.D., CCC-SLP

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Peter Turkeltaub, MD,  MedStar National Rehabilitation Network

Peter E. Turkeltaub

MD, PhD

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Lauren Wisniewski

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Chad Ruble

Vice President of Innovation and Programming

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Lynn Rozental

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Mike Hayden

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Seth Brunner

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Angie Cauthorn

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Steve Kessler

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Howard S. Kirshner

MD

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Elizabeth Galletta

Ph.D., CCC

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Jacqueline Hinckley

Ph.D., CCC-SLP

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Paul Richard Rao

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Doreen Mendez

Special Advisor to the Board of Directors

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Dr. Charles Ellis Jr.

PhD

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