We design stunning, functional gardens filled with beauty and harmony, bringing nature’s touch to your home and everyday lifestyle.

Contact Details

  • (727)461-7700
  • Arthritis Research Institute of America 2240 Belleair Rd, Suite 100, Clearwater, FL 33764

About Us

// About ARTHRIVE

Our Mission to Minimize Osteoarthritis Pain

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

ARTHRIVE exists to help people living with osteoarthritis lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives through movement, nutrition, and purpose.

Our Vision

ARTHRIVE’s aim is to create a world where individuals living with osteoarthritis are empowered to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially, regardless of age or physical limitations.

No one with osteoarthritis should have to navigate their journey alone. We connect individuals with the people, programs, and resources they need to move better, eat healthier, stay engaged, and live with purpose

// Our Story

From Groundbreaking Research to Community Action

ARTHRIVE was initially incorporated as the Arthritis Research Institute of America (ARIA). Originally founded in 1984 in Clearwater, Florida, ARIA had a singular, ambitious goal: to understand the ‘who’ and ‘why’ behind osteoarthritis (OA). While other organizations focused on general healthcare, ARTHRIVE dedicated 100% of its resources to the epidemiology of joint wear and tear.

The Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study (COS) – For over two decades (1988–2009), ARTHRIVE conducted the flagship Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study. This longitudinal project enrolled over 3,700 local volunteers, producing 13 peer-reviewed papers that changed how the medical community views evidence-based arthritis care.

Our researchers explored the links between joint injury, obesity, weather, and even smoking on the progression of OA.

Evolution into Advocacy – In 2010, armed with twenty years of data proving that lifestyle factors
significantly impact joint health, ARTHRIVE shifted from observing OA to actively fighting it.

We opened the Arthritis and Wellness Institute (AWI) to provide direct support

Today, ARTHRIVE serves as a trusted navigation and resource hub that assesses individual needs and connects members with vetted community programs, healthcare resources, wellness services, and support networks.”

// Our Approach

The 3 Pillars

Our history in research taught us that non-pharmacological arthritis relief is most effective when it addresses the whole person. We focus on:

Movement

Low-impact strategies to maintain mobility.

Nutrition

Anti-inflammatory eating to reduce joint stress.

Purpose

Social engagement to improve mental health and pain tolerance.

// Our Team

Leadership & Team

ARTHRIVE’s direction is guided by experts committed to senior health and evidence-based wellness.

Michele Skelly

Executive Director

Michele Skelly, former Executive Director of The Arthritis Research Institute, brings decades of healthcare experience in areas ranging from health education, public health research, healthcare marketing and non-profit administration to ARTHRIVE. Michele lives in Tampa with her husband and dog. Their four adult children live in Florida and Colorado. Read More Read Less

Sabrina Fisher

Operations Coordinator

Sabrina Fisher serves as ARTHRIVE’s Operations Coordinator, helping keep the organization’s programs, partnerships, and initiatives moving forward With a deep passion for ARTHRIVE’s mission, she works behind the scenes to coordinate the many moving pieces that turn the organization’s vision into action. Read More Read Less

Ron Gaunt, RN

Creative Consultant

As Creative Consultant, Ron brings over 30 years experience in Orthopedics and medical education and training to ARTHRIVE. Working closely with ARTHRIVE’s leadership team, he helps to shape direction, develop content and work with our partners to ensure that services and programs deliver the best possible outcomes to our clients. Read More Read Less
// vetted wellness programs

Partners & Collaborations

We don’t work in a vacuum. ARTHRIVE  serves as a bridge between the aging population and the vetted wellness programs they need. We are proud to collaborate with:

  • Tampa Bay Community Centers: Hosting local workshops and movement classes.
  • Regional Healthcare Providers: Ensuring patients have access to non-drug treatment options post-diagnosis.
  • Senior Health Advocates: Partnering with Florida-based organizations to advance aging-in-place initiatives.

Research Integrity Note: Every program we recommend undergoes a strict vetting process based on the findings of the Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study and contemporary clinical guidelines.

Get Involved