Brain Injury Florida adds Dr. Rita Lenhardt to board

Brain Injury Florida has appointed speech-language pathology leader Rita Lenhardt, DHSc, CCC-SLP, CBIST-AP, to its Board of Directors. The move adds a TBI rehabilitation specialist and educator as the nonprofit expands advocacy, education and support for people with brain injury across Florida.

Why it matters: - Dr. Rita Lenhardt brings more than 15 years of experience in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation and cognitive-communication disorders. - Brain Injury Florida works with people impacted by acquired brain injury across Florida, so the board appointment adds clinical and academic expertise to an organization focused on direct support and advocacy. - Lenhardt’s background in education, support groups and professional leadership aligns with Brain Injury Florida’s statewide mission.

What happened: - Brain Injury Florida, Inc. appointed Rita Lenhardt, DHSc, CCC-SLP, CBIST-AP, to its Board of Directors on October 28, 2026. - Lenhardt currently serves as an associate professor in the Speech-Language Pathology Program at Gannon University’s Ruskin Campus. - Denny Armington, president of Brain Injury Florida, said the organization is delighted to welcome Lenhardt to the board.

The details: - Lenhardt holds a Doctor of Health Science degree and is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer. - Lenhardt serves as past president of the Florida Speech-Language-Hearing Association. - Lenhardt leads a weekly community support group at the Gannon University Speech Pathology Clinic focused on cognitive-communication skills and real-world application for brain injury survivors. - The Ontario Brain Injury Association named Lenhardt its Professional of the Year in 2015 for her work in evidence-based brain injury rehabilitation. - Brain Injury Florida is a nonprofit focused on advocacy, education, support groups and community resources for individuals with brain injury and their families. - The organization lists its website as more information and its contact email as info@braininjuryfl.org.

Between the lines: - The appointment adds a board member with both clinical credibility and experience in professional advocacy. - Lenhardt’s mix of university teaching, clinical work and community programming suggests Brain Injury Florida wants to strengthen both service delivery and outreach. - The announcement also signals continued emphasis on brain injury education and support infrastructure in Florida.

What's next: - Lenhardt will help guide Brain Injury Florida’s strategic vision and outreach efforts, according to the announcement. - Brain Injury Florida is likely to continue using board leadership to expand awareness, education and support for people living with brain injury in the state.