Our Board
Members

David grew up just outside of Chicago where a slew of sports injuries sent him to physical therapy and on his own journey to become a physical therapist. He graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee with a double major in Biomedical Sciences/Psychology and from the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. There, he continued to foster his service learning through multiple medical missions trips to South America, adaptive sports volunteering, and as a volunteer for special olympics.

After graduating, he moved to California to escape the cold winters and work at Centre For Neuro Skills where he met his lovely wife Shannon. At CNS he developed a passion for treating individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries and stroke which inspired him to pursue further specialization. David passed his test to become a Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS) and has also pursued many other specialty certifications in neurologic physical therapy, including his Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS).

David and Shannon opened up Spark Rehab and Wellness in Bend, Oregon to further meet a need for specialized neurological rehabilitation in the community where they work with other outstanding physical and occupational therapists. In his free time he enjoys camping with his wife and his dog Harvey, rock climbing, fly-fishing, basketball, board games, and tennis.

Chris Piper is the Area Manager at BBSI Central Oregon and a former Bend City Councilor, leveraging strong business acumen to provide strategic consulting services. He is also a dedicated community volunteer in Bend, Oregon, serving as a Board Member for organizations including Stroke Awareness Oregon. He focuses on applying his experience and leadership to serve the community.

Lawnae Hunter holds both an Oregon Principal Broker’s License and a California Broker’s License. She is also Principal Broker/Owner of PLUS Property Management serving Central Oregon and California Central Coast. She has over thirty-five years of experience in general real estate brokerage including land development, commercial and industrial land sales, new home sales, property management and general resale. Lawnae was appointed by the Governor to the Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA) in 2018 and serves as Vice-Chair. Ms. Hunter thrives in a dynamic and competitive sales environment with a strong understanding of the market and economic forces affecting Central Oregon and the state.

In 2014 Lawnae suffered a severe stoke. After her stroke she began a rigorous rehabilitation program and committed to returning to a normal work and personal life. Public Service has always been an important part of her life. After the stroke she committed herself to prevention and stroke awareness. She is currently treasurer of Stroke Awareness Oregon, which she co-founded with Dr. Goins.

Bio coming soon…

Bio coming soon…

Mindy Laidlaw graduated from Pacific University in 1987 with her degree in Occupational Therapy. She completed her Acute Care internship at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, and knew this was where she wanted to start her career. She has now been with the organization for over 31 years. Most of her career has been practicing on the ortho/neuro floor. She then went on to supervise the Acute and Rehab therapy teams. Her teams were an inspiration to her because they had such a positive impact on patients and their families in the community. She is now the Intake and Post-Acute Community Coordinator. 

Mindy was drawn to Stroke Awareness Oregon because their mission was to educate everyone about the importance of FAST. She knew she wanted to be on this board because the team moved with intention. 

Other interests include Cooking, gardening and spending time with her family and friends. 

Dr. Newby,  a neurosurgeon retired from The Center in Bend,  graduated from OHSU in Portland in 1970. He looks forward to assuring SAO thrives as it strengthens its foundation to educate communities about stroke and to support stroke survivors and their families. 

Born and raised in Bend, Anne is a true local who enjoys the outdoors with her husband, Jon, and their rescued Great Pyrenees, Remington Liberty. She is a long-time, dedicated employee of the Bend-La Pine Schools, currently serving as Facilities Support Supervisor in the Maintenance Department. Throughout her tenure, Anne has built strong relationships across the District and within the broader community.

Anne also serves as President on the board of the Oregon School Facilities Management Association, where she collaborates with school professionals statewide to promote safe, healthy, and effective learning environments.

In April 2024, Anne experienced a hemorrhagic stroke following a workout. True to her nature, she remained focused on her recovery goals and was determined to leave the hospital as soon as possible. Since then, Anne has returned to work and become actively involved in support groups through SAO. She is committed to learning all she can about stroke recovery and to helping inspire others on their own recovery journeys.