
KISS is organized as a four prong approach to the care of acute stroke.
- Organize and partner with EMS to provide screening, evaluation, and routing to ensure the fastest and safest delivery of care.
- Provide Education and support to ANY hospital that desires assistance in evaluation and treatment of stroke.
- Assist with the transport and evaluation/treatment through a network of both Primary and Comprehensive Stroke Centers;
- Improve the publics knowledge of stroke to provide the opportunity for treatment.
How does KISS do this?
- By providing free education at all levels for providers in each of the 6 ambulance regions in the state of Kansas through Stroke Bootcamps, “First Tuesdays” 30 minute stroke webinars, and statewide case reviews.
- By providing a free Physician 24/7 stroke support line to assist with the evaluation and decision on treatment/transfer for any of your stroke patients.
- Certification/Attestation for Emergency Stroke Ready Hospital. (see Resources)
Partners:
- University of Kansas Health System – Vascular Neurology Group
- Ascension Via-Christi Wichita – Neuro-Critical Care Team


Kansas Initiative for Stroke Survival Executive Board
Many of the members of the KISS executive board have participated in this initiative since 2011. There are members of varying backgrounds (Vascular Neurologist, Emergency Physicians, Intensivist, Hospitalists, Nurse Leadership, Stroke Coordinators, Administration and EMS) from different regions of the state. Our common goal is to improve acute stroke care for our patients across the state.
Colleen Lechtenberg, MD (Executive Director) | The University of Kansas Health System (KC) |
Sarah Langston, RN (Vice President) | The University of Kansas Health System (KC) |
Chaeli Stenuf, RN (Executive Board Member) | The University of Kansas Health System (KC) |
Wyssem Ramdani, MD (Executive Board Member) | Ascension Via Christi Wichita |
Mindy Olberding, RN (Executive Board Member) | Community Healthcare System |
Naomi Powers, RN (Executive Board Member) | Ascension Via Christi Pittsburg |
Jessica Cobb, RN (Executive Board Member) | Ascension Via Christi Pittsburg |
Brittan Zuccarelli, MD (Executive Board Member) | Salina Regional Health |
Leighann Persondek, APRN | Ascension Via Christi St. Francis |
Todd Brungardt, RN (Executive Board Member) | HaysMed |
Jessica Pfang, RN (Executive Board Member) | Stormont Vail Health |
Shamik Shah, MD (Advisory Board) | Stormont Vail Health |
Tim Stebbins, MD (Advisory Board) | Ascension Via Christi Pittsburg |
Jim Walker, MD (Advisory Board) | Ascension Via Christi St. Francis |
Christi Hilliker, NREMTP (Advisory Board) | Franklin County EMS |
Angela Von Feldt, APRN (Advisory Board) | Ascension Via Christi St. Francis |
Erin Waggoner, RN (Advisory Board) | The University of Kansas Health System (Olathe) |
Kristi Dryden, RN (Advisory Board) | The University of Kansas Health System (Paola) |
Sabriya Sowers (Website Developer) | The University of Kansas Health System (KC) |