Instructor Biography
Blake Surina MEd, CRT, CPFT
Blake J. Surina will be leading the online training sessions for the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) fall prevention program. For the past 20 years he has been employed as the Executive Director of the Exercise Science Center in Fircrest, Washington and was recently hired as a part time instructor for the Health and Wellness Center at Pierce College in Lakewood.
Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, Blake graduated from Western Washington University with undergraduate degrees in Education and Exercise Physiology, and earned his Master's Degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Puget Sound. He has also attained credentials as a Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist, Certified Respiratory Therapist, and worked in Cardiac Rehabilitation and Respiratory Therapy Departments at Saint Joseph's Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. Blake's specialty is exercise testing and planning exercise programs for at risk and special needs populations, with a passion working in the prevention of childhood obesity.
As a researcher Blake has developed and patented body dimension allometric scaling algorithms used throughout the world. Recently Blake completed and patented the development of a hydration monitor integrated into a pedometer for Coca-Cola.
Blake still enjoys competing in sports and was a former All-American in Track and Field's Decathlon, and National Team Member of the US Team Handball Team (Bronze medalists 1985). Blake was the former National Record Holder in the Masters Stone Throw in the Scottish Highland Games. Currently, and still competes in Masters Volleyball and Track and Field. Blake is married to his wife Carla for 24 years and has a teenage son named Trey.
Laurie Swan PhD, DPT, PT
Laurie Swan is a physical therapist and the President of Synaptic Seminars. Laurie graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Master of Physical Therapy in 1991. She practiced neurologic physical therapy for five years in a variety of settings before accepting a position as a tenure-track faculty member in a physical therapy program. Laurie taught neurologic and geriatric physical therapy courses for ten years at schools in Michigan and California, and at the same time, she completed a PhD in Applied Experimental Psychology from Central Michigan University in 2004, and a completion Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in 2006.
More recently, Laurie has gained expertise in marketing and management in the corporate sector by establishing and managing a fall prevention program for the elderly in Pierce County, Washington. Laurie has several publications in peer-reviewed journals, including Physical Therapy, Neurology Report, the British Journal of Psychology, and Gait & Posture. She has presented at national and international conferences, and has been teaching continuing education courses throughout the United States since 2003.
Laurie has been a continuous member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1988. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Vestibular Disorders Association.
Morgann Henry MOT, OTR/L
Morgann is an Occupational Therapist who currently works at Elder and Adult Day Services. She has worked in a variety of settings, gaining experience in mental health, vocational training and support and physical and cognitive disabilities. Morgann completed her studies at the University of Washington , culminating in her graduation with a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. She has published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and designed/implemented a CARF- accredited Vocational Training Program for adults with Developmental Disabilities who have had proven difficulty in obtaining and/or maintaining community employment.
Although not native to the greater Seattle area, Morgann has made her home here for the past dozen years, alternating between cursing the continuous gray and rain and praising sun-breaks and mild winters. She enjoys adventuring around the state of Washington with her husband to see and experience what Washington has to offer.
