New SSA Board President Diane Vasquez
6.10.14
The Stroke Support Association, serving the Long Beach area, is pleased to welcome Diane Vasquez as the new Board President.
Diane has spent 9 years as police officer in Seal Beach. After a medical retirement, she attended Cal State Fullerton and received a BS in Human Services, Counseling Psychology. She became a full time substitute teacher for Paramount High School, and then attended Cal State LA, receiving a BA in clinical psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. A few years later, Diane attended Western State College of Law and earned a JD. She passed the bar and from 1989-2006, Diane was a police defense attorney. During the last two years of her law practice, she taught psychology and worked as Dean of Students at St. Joseph High School in Bellflower.
Diane retired in 2006 when her husband Michael suffered a major stroke. Michael had been a police officer, watch commander and Detective Sergeant at Seal Beach PD for 34 years. He was in the hospital for an entire year before he became conscious. After Michael participated in physical therapy, he regained his speech and ability to walk, which allowed him to go home.
Diane brings unique insight to her position as the Stroke Support Association President, having served as Michael’s primary caregiver since 2007, and having suffered a minor brain stem stroke herself in 2013.
Diane joined the Stroke Support Assocation immediately following Michael’s stroke. Diane shares, “The Stroke Support Association saved my sanity and provided me information, suggestions and support which helped me understand the changes we both were going through. I’m not sure I would have survived emotionally without my support group. I’m proud to be the President of the Stroke Support Association. It is a wonderful group, providing support to stroke survivors & caregivers.”
Diane and Michael Vasquez live in Seal Beach, and have two daughters and two grandchildren.
The Stroke Support Association is a non-profit organization and relies upon generous contributions to assist in our goals of support, education and communication to stroke survivors, family members and caregivers. Click here to donate now to support the Stroke Support Association.
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