Healthcare professionals involved in the care of stroke patients in GA.
About Us
Healthcare professionals involved in the care of stroke patients in Georgia are invited to join us in our endeavor to provide outstanding stroke care and education to the citizens of Georgia.
• Unique, voluntary grass-roots organization
• Began with 7 Atlanta Stroke Coordinators in 2007
• Founded in 2009 as Georgia Stroke Professional Alliance
• Reached Non-Profit Status in 2018
• Has submitted Abstract to ISC annually since 2012 and presented since 2013
• Now over 240 members throughout Georgia with representation from hospitals, physician, independent consultants, pharmaceutical and medical device industry representing stroke specific treatments, key stakeholders from the AHA, DPH, Coverdell and leading Research Institution
• Resource for best practice and mentor those new to stroke care, helps implement “best practices”
Mission Statement
The Georgia Stroke Professional Alliance is committed to stroke prevention and optimizing stroke care through networking and education.
2024 Officers & Committees
Officers
President (2025): Rachel DeShields MSN, RN, SCRN
Piedmont Mountainside
(rachel.deshields@piedmont.org)
Past President (2024): Denise Goings, MSN, RN, SCRN, ASC-BC
Atrium Health Navicent
(denise.goings@atriumhealth.org)
Vice President: Ginger Truitt, PhD, RN, SCRN
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Secretary: Christie Lawrence R.T.(R)(CT), ASC-BC
Houston Healthcare
Treasurer: Whitney Barfield, RN
St. Mary's Health Care System
Committee Chairs
Research: Jessica Giangrande, MSN, RNC,
Piedmont Rockdale
(Jessica.Giangrande@piedmont.org )
Professional Education: Susan Zimmerman, MSN, RN, CNRN, SCRN, CPPS,
Wellstar Health System
(Susan.Zimmermann@wellstar.org)
Community Education: Kirstin Knudson, MSN, N, SCRN
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
(Kirstin.Knudson@wellstar.org)
Bylaws: Chris Hobbs, JM, RN, EMT-P
Perry Hospital/ Houston Healthcare
Membership: Denise Goings, MSN, RN, SCRN, ASC-BC
Atrium Health Navicent
(Denise.Goings@atriumhealth.org)
Marketing (Social Media): Cristen Wood, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN
St. Joseph's Candler (Carlonc@sjchs.org)