- May 29, 2025
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Zack Watson demonstrates how the Bioness Vector System works. The harness helps those get out of chairs and walk following various injuries or stroke.
Shane Mosko and Kim McClowghan demonstrate how the EKSO Skeleton works. Mosko is paralyzed from the waist down, with some movement, but this equipment helps him walk around and improve muscle movement.
Physical therapist Jim Caron and Tyler Klingel demonstrate how the Biodex Treadmill works.
Eloise Doepker, 5, tests out some of the new equipment.
Speech therapists Alyssa Vaughan and Amy Arrant
Tonia Thompson, a coding quality specialist, and Mustafa Ozkan, a CRM Market Analyst and resident astronaut for the grand opening
Director of Gynecologic Oncology and Associate Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jim Florica and Jan Fiorica
Terri Klein and Mackenzie Jones
Chief Operating Officer Lorrie Liang claps as she welcomes Ana Gonzalez, a former patient, to the stage to share her story.
Ana Gonzalez shares her story with Sarasota Memorial Hospital supporters at the grand opening of the Rehabilitation Pavilion on April 1. Gonzalez was in a coma for four months and did rehab with the health care system.
Chief Operating Officer Lorrie Liang, VP of Rehabilitation Maria DeCarol, Ana Gonzalez, Director of Rehabilitation Services Laura Magnusson and Chairman of the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board Gregory Carter cut the ribbon.
Chief Operating Officer Lorrie Liang, VP of Rehabilitation Maria DeCarol, Ana Gonzalez, Director of Rehabilitation Services Laura Magnusson and Chairman of the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board Gregory Carter cut the ribbon.
Vice President of Rehabilitation Maria DeCarol and Ana Gonzalez, Director of Rehabilitation Services Laura Magnusson
Sally Schule, director of community engagement for the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, yoga therapist Paula Morris and Deb Coleman of the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation
Associate Chief of Legal Officer R. David Evans and Jordan Evans
Claudia and Camilla Benjamin
Dina Hobson and Althaia Vitikos
Carol Thibeault and Carol Grant
Sam Solie, Ana Gonzalez and Chris Parisi
Sarasota Memorial Hospital launched its new Rehabilitation Pavilion on April 1.
The opening included tours, photo opportunities with an “astronaut” and a short program and ribbon cutting to highlight the “out of this world” pavilion.
Visitors and supporters were greeted by smiling hospital employees in NASA-themed shirts as they were led around the five-floor, 74,000 square foot building that caters to both inpatient and outpatient therapy. As they wandered the halls, visitors watched demonstrations of various high-tech equipment pieces, such as the Bioness Vector System, which is a harness that attaches to the ceiling so patients can test out walking during their rehabilitation care.
The pavilion, which replaces two inpatient floors in the hospital, was three years in the making. Complete with gyms, a mobile garden, grocery shelves and apartment, the pavilion has everything patients need to get back in their routine. From the floor plan to the technology and equipment to the support and safety of patients and staff, the pavilion features the latest technology and treatment.
“We took the best of the best of the industry and put it right here in Sarasota,” Chief Operating Officer Lorrie Liang said.
During the galactic-themed opening, Liang and other hospital leaders spoke, as well as Ana Gonzalez who went through rehabilitation at the hospital after being in a coma.
After she shared her story, Gonzalez cut the ribbon alongside Liang and other hospital officials.
"It’s truly just a dream come true,” Liang said.
