Hariklia Proios Receives International Recognition for Stroke Rehabilitation Leadership

The chair of the Adelphi University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is a worldwide leader in helping people survive and recover from strokes-from championing an intergenerational initiative to recognize stroke symptoms to international stroke organization leadership.

Hariklia Proios, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, has been internationally honored for her leadership in stroke education and rehabilitation. During ESOC 2025, the 11th European Stroke Organisation Conference in Helsinki, Finland, Dr. Proios was presented with the Angels Spirit of Excellence award, an honor given to just five recipients worldwide this year.

Dr. Proios was the only non-physician recognized with the award, which celebrates exceptional contributions to stroke care across disciplines. It was presented at the conference's formal dinner, where global leaders in stroke gathered to honor innovation, research and advocacy in the field.

"I am so moved and humbled to be recognized alongside global leaders in stroke," Dr. Proios said. This honor reaffirms the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving outcomes for stroke survivors, from clinical care to community education.

Earlier that day, Dr. Proios was also invited to speak at the ESOC morning session titled "Life After Stroke: The Next Big Thing." Her presentation explored innovations in long-term stroke recovery, focusing on empowering patients and communities through educational programs and support networks.

Bringing Stroke Expertise to Adelphi's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

At Adelphi, Dr. Proios leads a growing portfolio of academic and clinical initiatives that support stroke survivors and educate future clinicians. "In Communication Sciences and Disorders, we offer several courses, some of which I also teach, that focus on the diagnosis, consequences and treatment of stroke and related conditions like aphasia," she explained. "Our students also have the opportunity to provide services to stroke survivors through our Hy Weinberg Center for Communication Disorders."

The department recently launched the Adelphi Stroke Survivor Community Group, adding to the clinic's existing aphasia communication group, which has been supporting individuals with language challenges since before Dr. Proios joined the University. "In our group, we share experiences, offer advice and remind each other that recovery isn't just about therapy sessions and medications; it's about finding new ways to live a fulfilling life after a stroke. What worked for one person might help someone else, and those insights are invaluable," a stroke survivor in the Adelphi Stroke Survivor Community Group stated.

From Adelphi to the World: Expanding Knowledge to Increase Stroke Survival

Dr. Proios joined Adelphi in 2019 and brings more than 25 years of experience in clinical and academic roles across the United States and Europe. She holds a PhD from Teachers College, Columbia University, and has conducted research at Harvard University's Cognitive Neuropsychology Lab and the University Hospital of Zurich. A practicing speech-language pathologist, she currently serves as president of the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) and leads education efforts for the global FAST Heroes initiative, which teaches children and families to recognize the signs of stroke and act quickly. "We are now just 1,838 children away from reaching 900,000 who have been taught the FAST message globally," Dr. Proios added.

Founded in 2007, the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) is the leading authority on stroke in Europe. ESO brings together clinicians, researchers and policy leaders through annual conferences, education, certification and evidence-based guidelines, with the goal of improving stroke prevention, care and rehabilitation worldwide. ESOC is one of the largest and most influential stroke congresses in the world.

Dr. Proios' award is a reflection not only of her personal achievements but also of the strength and impact of Adelphi's Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Her leadership reinforces the department's dedication to preparing students for meaningful careers in healthcare, while advancing global dialogue around communication, health equity and rehabilitation.

To learn more about Dr. Proios' work, visit her faculty profile.