June Giddings

Co-Founder & Executive Director

June Giddings is the Founder and Executive Director of the Giddings Strong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting stroke survivors, caregivers, and families navigating life after stroke. Her work is deeply personal and driven by the life-changing experience of becoming a full-time caregiver after her husband, Bernard—a former University of Houston football player—survived two massive strokes in 2020.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience in education, nonprofit collaboration, and program development, June has spent her career building partnerships and creating programs that help people succeed. She has served in leadership and consulting roles with organizations including the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension, Houston A+ Challenge, and Houston ISD, where she led initiatives focused on college access, student success, and statewide education collaboration.

June holds a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision and has worked extensively with school districts, higher education institutions, and national organizations to develop programs, train leaders, and strengthen community partnerships.

After Bernard’s stroke, June’s life shifted dramatically. She stepped away from her career to become his primary caregiver and quickly realized how few resources and support systems exist for stroke families. Through this journey, she witnessed both the challenges and the incredible strength of caregivers, survivors, and the communities that support them.

Veronica Rasmussen

Vice President

Veronica Rasmussen brings a multidisciplinary approach to nonprofit governance, combining clinical excellence in occupational therapy with a master's degree in human resource management. As the Vice President of The Giddings Strong Foundation, she leads strategic initiatives to support stroke survivor caregivers. Veronica's professional background spans acute care and inpatient rehabilitation at premier institutions like St. Joseph Medical Center and Memorial Hermann. A graduate of Texas A&M and UH-Clear Lake, she is passionate about psychosocial health, geriatric advocacy, and building sustainable volunteer infrastructures.

Kristi Vela

Treasurer

Kristi Vela has been a neighbor and close family friend to June and Bernard Giddings for ten years. She was June's first call the day Bernard suffered his strokes and has provided unwavering support ever since. With degrees in Education from UH-Clear Lake and Lamar University, Kristi currently serves as an Educational Diagnostician. As Treasurer of The Giddings Strong Foundation, she combines her passion for helping others with her deep personal connection to honoring Bernard's story and supporting stroke survivor caregivers.

Tim Murphy

Secretary

Tim Murphy is a Houston-based digital artist, Navy veteran, and owner of TB Murphy Art Solutions, a commercial art business. His 12-year friendship with Bernard—built on football Sundays, cigars, and laughter—deepened when he witnessed June's extraordinary commitment as Bernard's full-time caregiver. As Secretary of The Giddings Strong Foundation, Tim combines three decades of business experience with his passion for advocacy and creative communication.