Stephanie Mensh is Paul Berger's wife and co-author of How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude, and co-founder of Positive Power Publishing.
Stephanie found herself thrust into the role of personal caregiver and patient advocate in the same shocking instant that Paul suffered a severe stroke. Since then, Stephanie and Paul have both thrived due to teamwork, communication, and Stephanie’s caregiving mantra: 1. Push the survivor to be as independent as possible 2. Do what you (the caregivers) do best; and 3. Ask for or hire help.
Read Stephanie's recommendations to the U.S. Commission on Long Term Care, August 2013.
*** Stephanie receives “Kudos for Caregivers” award! ***
To help other caregivers, persons with disabilities and their families, Stephanie wrote the new E-Book, "Conquering Aphasia & Stroke for Caregivers," contributes periodically to the "Disruptive Women In Healthcare" blog, and wrote a series of articles for "StrokeSmart" magazine of the National Stroke Association. She serves on the consumer board of the Stroke Comeback Center in Vienna, VA, and as an appointed representative to the Fairfax County (Virginia) Human Services Council.
She served on the Steering Committee of the National Quality Forum’s project on Stroke Measures as a consumer representative. Previously, she served as co-chair (with Paul) of the Community Education Committee, of the “Operation Stroke” pilot sponsored by Inova Health Systems, Fairfax, Virginia and the American Heart/American Stroke Association Mid-Atlantic affiliate. She served as President of the Northern Virginia Brain Injury Association, and as a member (with Paul) of the Executive Board of the National Aphasia Association.
Stephanie co-authored books on stroke recovery with Paul, including “How to Conquer the World With One Hand…and an Attitude.” She works with Paul in their publishing company, Positive Power Publishing, writes a column for caregivers in their free monthly e-newsletter, and contributes to their website on stroke recovery, www.StrokeSurvivor.com. She has made numerous presentations to professional and consumer groups on caregiving and patient advocacy.
For Stephanie's CV, click here.
Stephanie works professionally for New Editions Consulting, Inc., as a Senior Associate on Federal disability policy and research. She served as Managing Editor, “Health & Healing,” an alternative health consumer newsletter with a circulation of 500,000. She served as Vice President, Reimbursement Policy, for the Neocure Group, a consulting firm specializing in strategic reimbursement policy for the medical device industry. She also served as Vice President, Payment and Policy, for the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed); for the American Urological Association as Director, Department of Health Policy: the American Academy of Ophthalmology as Assistant Director of its Washington, DC Office; for the National Association of State Development Disabilities Program Directors as Legislative Assistant; and the National Council of Community Mental Health Centers as Research Assistant/Editor.
Stephanie has written more than 50 books, reports, articles, and newsletters aimed at professional, medical, and consumer audiences. She has appeared on national and local TV programs with Paul, and delivered more than 50 presentations as guest speaker, panelist, and witness to government, consumer, professional, business and medical audiences ranging in size from 20 to 1,500 people.
Stephanie holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration, Finance, from George Mason University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & English from The American University.
She plans to continue to write about her experiences as the spouse of a stroke survivor, and to join Paul in making speeches and presentations.
Read about Stephanie's Caregiver's products:
“Conquering Aphasia & Stroke for Caregivers” This E-book provides an intimate perspective on 7 key caregivers’ issues and solutions, tested in her relationship & observed in others, with unique resources. (31 pages in PDF) $9.95 Read more this E-book Order Now
"How to Succeed in Life When Your Husband Has Aphasia" to NAA’s Speaking Out! Experience Stephanie’s message and take your first steps to regain your life! 20 minutes, DVD. $24.95 Read more about this presentation. Order now
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