Our Staff
Karla Cortez, Executive Director
Karla joined Laredo Stroke Support in November 2021. As Executive Director, she leads the development of the program, coordinates community partnerships and fundraising efforts, and ensures the organization stays true to its mission.
" This group has taught me that despite any circumstance it s okay to be afraid of the unknown."
Cintya Medina, Program Coordinator
We’re excited to welcome Cintya Medina to the Laredo Stroke Support Group team after her continued dedication as a volunteer since 2024. Cintya will be graduating this spring from Texas A&M International University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology Honors. Through her involvement with the TAMIU Hispanic Pre-Health Society, Cintya has played a key role in expanding LSSG’s reach, helping double our volunteer recruitment efforts and bringing more students into community-based service.
She supports weekly activities with our stroke survivors, represents LSSG at health fairs, and has been instrumental in our fundraising efforts for Stroke Awareness Month. We’re proud to have her on our team and grateful for the impact she continues to make in our community.
Vivien Gonzalez, Program Outreach Aide
We’re proud to have Vivien Gonzalez as part of the Laredo Stroke Support Group team, serving as our Program Outreach Aide. Vivien is currently a junior at Texas A&M International University, where she is studying Kinesiology and Exercise Science. After volunteering with LSSG over the past year, Vivien has become an essential part of our programming. She excels in working with stroke survivors, consistently demonstrating patience and empathy while helping assist with weekly activities that promote mobility, confidence, and overall well-being.
Vivien also represents LSSG at health fairs and community events, helping spread stroke awareness and connect individuals to our services. She plans to continue making an impact in rehabilitation and recovery as a future physical therapist.
Christopher Benavides, Program Outreach Aide
We’re proud to have Christopher Benavides as part of the Laredo Stroke Support Group team, serving as our Program Outreach Aide. Chris is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health with a concentration in Exercise Science. After joining LSSG as a volunteer, Chris quickly became a trusted leader through his compassion, reliability, and commitment to service.
Chris helps lead our Walking Club, assists with adaptive sports and weekly activities, and represents LSSG at health fairs and community events. Having witnessed the impact of stroke within his own family, he is dedicated to supporting survivors and their caregivers in Laredo. Chris plans to pursue a career in medicine, with a special interest in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, where he hopes to help individuals restore function, improve quality of life, and regain independence following injury or illness.
