About Us
The North Texas chapter of the United Spinal Association is dedicated to becoming an informational hub for persons with spinal cord injury in North Texas. We centralize the local resources of groups currently assisting our consumers, improve independence, help gain employment, encourage advocacy and foster social growth.
United Spinal was founded in 1946 by WWII paralyzed veterans in New York City who advocated for greater civil rights and independence for themselves and their fellow vets. Today, they have over 100,000 wheelchair users, 50+ chapters, 180+ support groups and 100+ rehabilitation and hospital partners nationwide as well as 10 distinguished Spinal Cord Injury Model System Centers that support innovative projects and research in the field of SCI.

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United Spinal Association - North Texas Chapter
Board of Directors

Joe Gavic
President
A wheelchair user for 25+ years, Joe brings business administration and financial reporting experience as Operations Manager for a tech company. He is a former board member for the United Spinal Chapter in Milwaukee.

Susann Roberts
Board Member
A relative newbie to life on wheels, Susann has been rolling for 2 years. Professionally, she has over 20 years of consulting experience that builds strategic leadership accountability such as managing change, collaborating across departments, influencing the business, developing talent, and effective communication skills. She brings her passion to NTUSA's "Pathways to Employment" Initiative.

Dr Katherine Froehlich-Grobe, PhD
Board Member
Katherine is the Associate Director of Research at Baylor Scott White Institute for Rehabilitation in Dallas, Texas. Her medical background and success in grant management in excess of 1 million dollars are a definite asset to NTUSA.

Bryan Shaner
Board Member
A wheelchair user since 1998 with a degree in Economics, Bryan brings his connections working in the Durable Medical Goods industry to consumers in the area. He also sits on the boards of Baylor Scott & White Support Group and UTSW Adaptive Sports Coalition.

Cayla Newkirk
Board Member
With an MS degree in Adaptive Sports & Recreation, Cayla is an athletic coach for the DFW Rangers Quad Rugby team. She brings her many connections with consumers of all abilities to the organization.

Amy Simmons, MOT, OTR/L
Board Member
Amy is an Occupational Therapist & Clinical Evaluator with Rehab Without Walls NeuroSolutions. A wheelchair user, she joined NTUSA to...