Leadership & Staff
Marcus Braz
Chief Executive Officer
Marcus joined HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota in 2010. He is responsible for the hospital’s day-to-day operations. Prior to his time at HealthSouth Sarasota, Marcus served in leadership roles at HealthSouth Sunrise Rehabilitation Hospital and several leadership roles at St. Lucie Medical Center on the east coast of Florida for 14 years. Marcus completed his undergraduate studies at Stonehill College in Massachusetts, received his master’s degree at Arcadia University as well as a doctorate in physical therapy from Temple University.
Alexander DeJesus, M.D.
Medical Director
Dr. DeJesus is medical director and chief medical officer at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota. A graduate of Harvard University, Dr. DeJesus completed his medical studies at Rutgers University Medical School. He went on to perform two internships in surgery at Staten Island Hospital in New York. Additionally, Dr. DeJesus completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at New York University’s Rusk Institute. He is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and twice has been awarded Medical Director of the Year by HealthSouth.
Nancy Arnold
Director of Marketing Operations
Nancy received a diploma in nursing from Deaconess Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to moving to Florida, she was an assistant professor at Columbia College of Nursing. Nancy also has served as vice president of clinical services for Pegasus Airwave, Inc. She has conducted and published research in the area of wound care and has presented the results both domestically and internationally.
Barbara Bierut
Controller
Barb has more than 25 years of accounting leadership experience. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from State University of New York at Buffalo, a master’s degree in accounting from Nova Southeastern University and holds an active Florida CPA license. Barb is a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Jackie Juenger, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
Jackie has 14 years of nursing and leadership experience with a focus on quality and patient satisfaction. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois and then completed her bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing from the University of Missouri. Prior to her position at HealthSouth Sarasota, Jackie served in leadership roles at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, Florida, and Boone Hospital Medical Center in Columbia, Missouri.
Karen Slade
Director of Therapy Operations
Karen Slade received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from McMaster University, in Ontario, Canada. Prior to joining HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota in 2010, she worked in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services in the Port Charlotte area for 17 years as a care provider and in leadership roles. She is certified in neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT), and a certified hand therapist. Most recently she served as the director of therapy services in a hospital-based inpatient rehabilitation unit. She also served on staff at Florida Gulf Coast University in the occupational therapy program.