The Rotary Club of Redlands was honored to welcome Dr. Helene Kalfuss, a retired Speech Pathologist and dedicated Rotarian, who shared her remarkable professional journey and deep commitment to Rotary’s mission of service, education, and global impact.
A Distinguished Career in Speech Pathology
Dr. Kalfuss built an impressive career specializing in post-operative head and neck cancer patients, swallowing disorders, and organic voice disorders.
She earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit and went on to serve as an Assistant Professor in the College of Medicine, as well as Chief of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan.
After relocating to California, Dr. Kalfuss became Director of the Camarillo State Hospital Children’s Speech and Language Clinic and later established her private practice in Palm Springs, where she continued her life-changing work with patients and families.
A Lifelong Rotarian and Global Leader
Today, Dr. Kalfuss devotes herself full-time to Rotary International, bringing the same compassion and professionalism that defined her medical career to her service within Rotary.
She frequently speaks on topics such as The Rotary Foundation (TRF), Global Grants, Membership, and Literacy. Her experience and leadership have inspired Rotarians across the district and beyond.
Dr. Kalfuss served as District Governor in 2006–2007 and continues to play an active leadership role on several district committees. Since 2019, she has also served as Chair of Global Grants, helping Rotary clubs expand their international reach and humanitarian impact.
Empowering the Next Generation of Rotarians
Dr. Kalfuss’s Rotary involvement is as varied as it is meaningful. She has served as a Group Discussion Leader and staff member at RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), guiding young leaders through personal and professional development.
She also serves as a Training Facilitator on The Rotary Foundation at the Rotary Leadership Institute, helping Rotarians deepen their understanding of Rotary’s mission, programs, and service opportunities.
A True Example of “Service Above Self”
From her groundbreaking work in speech pathology to her decades of Rotary leadership, Dr. Helene Kalfuss embodies Rotary’s core value of Service Above Self. Her career reflects both excellence in her field and an unwavering dedication to helping others — locally and globally.
The Rotary Club of Redlands is proud to celebrate and learn from her example of service, compassion, and lifelong learning.