Welcome to Strong After Stroke!

Welcome to Strong After Stroke!  I want to introduce us and let you know what Strong After Stroke is all about.

Who We Are

 Alex Ferrara

My name is Alex Ferrara and I have been an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years. I chose a career in OT due to my desire to have a career that helped people.  I received my undergraduate degrees from LaSalle University and my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Temple University. first job as an OT was at a large teaching hospital in Philadelphia where I had my first experience working with a wide variety of patients including stroke survivors. I was fortunate enough to be part of the “Neuro Team” at this hospital and over the years gained a vast amount of experience working with clients with neurological injuries and disorders.Over the course of my career, I have earned specialty certifications including becoming a Certified Hand Therapist, and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. Both of which have improved my ability to deal with the hand and upper extremity challenges that stroke survivors often face.

More recently, I became a Reiki Level II practitioner which was a fascinating and enlightening experience that expanded my thinking and knowledge of energy healing, and the powerful ability that we all possess to heal ourselves. It has been a great addition to my OT “arsenal” so to speak.

For me, the continuous process of learning, self-improvement, and sharing knowledge with others is an important part of my life and career. I am privileged to share my experience, and knowledge with you all and hope that you find it helpful.

Jason Staffieri

Jason Staffieri is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), a Certified Exercise Physiologist, ASCM Trainer and GEI with 17 years of Fitness Experience, with 4+ years of work in Occupational Therapy. His OT experience has been specifically geared toward Hands, Upper Extremity, and Post Stroke patients. He continues to gain specialized certificates geared towards furthering his knowledge in upper extremity and Brain injuries.He studied his Undergrad degree at Rowan University where he earned his B.A. in Health Promotion Fitness Management.  He was fortunate enough to acquire work experience as a Fitness Specialist guiding the journeys of multiple Special Populations, including M.S., Parkinsons, and all Athletic levels. He obtained immense knowledge throughout his training and sport specific years, with his passion towards helping others improve strength and function.He was first introduced into OT as a patient himself, suffering from Nerve Injuries requiring 3 surgeries. He developed a love for OT which set his return path to school for further education obtaining a COTA degree.Throughout his life and career, he has always known he wanted to be a guiding light for others to achieve their goals, and he found his passion in Stroke Survivors. 

Our Story

I met Jason Staffieri when we began working together three years ago.  We quickly became friends and realized we shared the same passion for working with stroke survivors.  We also shared the same belief that the current medical system does not meet the needs of many stroke survivors who want to do more than survive.  We listened to our clients.  We know their frustrations, their goals, their challenges.  They want to thrive!  They want to work hard and get back to their life.  They want the best recovery possible.  But, they just don’t know how to get there on their own after discharge from formal rehabilitation.  That is why we created Strong After Stroke.

Our Mission

Our Mission at StrongAfterStroke.com is to be the leading educational platform for stroke survivors looking to improve their movement, mindset, strength, and daily function. We believe that stroke recovery is never-ending process and that with knowledge, determination, and support, that stroke survivors are capable of making continued recovery.  Based on these beliefs, our primary goal is to provide stroke survivors with the knowledge, tools, motivation, and support to assist them in achieving their maximal recovery.

We do not take this mission lightly and we will do our best to provide you with the best information and resources possible.

We Want To Hear From You

We would love to hear more about you and your journey.  Please comment below and let us know a little about you and the biggest challenges you are facing right now. Also, let us know the kind of content you would like us to provide to assist you in your recovery.  Stay Strong.