About
New Start’s Mission
To provide individuals following Catastrophic Injury the opportunity to live independently.
New Start’s Vision
“A New Start to a New Life”
Our innovative Independence Training Program teaches, trains and most importantly empowers clients by equipping them with the tools to confidently pursue any goal they choose. We recognize the greatest resource is the human spirit. Our vision is that every spinal cord injured individual have the opportunity to take control of their own futures, pursue their own dreams, and enjoy a long, happy and healthy life.
Our Model
The place where New Start’s vision occurs is in the company’s Congregate Living Health Facilities (CLHF). New Start locates and signs long term leases for single level, accessible residential homes licensed as CLHFs to accommodate the needs of six clients with traumatic or acquired spinal injuries. The company currently operates seven CLHF houses in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County, serving the needs of up to 42 clients.
Executive Team
CEO – Mary Williams
Ms. Williams is a registered nurse with 40 years of experience in acute rehabilitation and the needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries. She founded New Start in 1982. She has extensive experience working with regulatory bodies and helped in the passage of landmark legislation benefiting catastrophically injured people.
Administrator/COO – Lisa Salazar FNP-BC, MSN, CRRN, CCM
Ms. Salazar is a board certified family nurse practitioner with over 20 years experience as a nurse and case manager in the areas of acute and post-acute rehabilitation. Certified in rehabilitation and case management, she has a demonstrated track record of leadership in directing nursing staff and coordinating care for clients following catastrophic injuries.
CFO – Tony Materna
Mr. Materna has extensive entrepreneurial financing experience and has held senior executive positions in sales, marketing and management positions in the hi-tech industry over the last twenty-two years. As founder and CEO of six start-up companies, Mr. Materna has raised $6.7 million in growth capital in more than a dozen different financing rounds.
Corporate Compliance Officer – Martha Perez
Ms. Perez has spent the last 12 years of her career at New Start where she as gained expertise in all aspects of the Company, especially the regulatory and administrative requirements associated with licensing and certifications.
Our Medical Team
Robert Robertson, MD Medical Director (Pulmonologist)
Ann Vasili, MD Rehabilitation Director (Physiatrist)
Primary Care Providers
Sohan Dua, MD (Internal Medicine)
Milton Kolchin, MD (Pediatrician)
Integrative/Alternative Therapist -Iris Koslawski
Respiratory Therapy Consultants – New Start Home Medical Equipment
