VOL. 7 NUMBER 1: February 2011 Most of you know that I spent the last six weeks on the receiving end of the healthcare delivery system, after my dad fell ill during my parents’ annual visit from the Netherlands. I’d like to thank all of you who sent us well wishes, food, and love. It helped us get through a very difficult period in our lives. Here are some of my personal experiences, and reflections on how I think they relate to the families we serve. “Control Issues” Dealing with disease is first and foremost about being forced to deal with a set of circumstances that you didn’t chose. It’s about not being in control, which caused me to feel angry, sad and scared. The parents of the kids we serve deal with a set of circumstances that they didn’t chose on a daily basis, and we should always keep that in the back of our mind. When a parent is acting a bit “controlling” about the schedule, or sets rather stringent “house rules” during your visits, do you take it personally (she’s trying to control “me”), or do you recognize it as this person’s attempt to have a degree of control over their life? “Emotional Disconnect” My dad went from being a healthy 72 year old, whose entire medical history consisted of “a tonsillectomy in 1970” to being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, metastasized to the liver, lungs and lymph system, and an “average life expectancy of two years.” With both of his parents having lived into their nineties, the prognosis is still sinking in. Attempting to process this in the hospital caused me to feel disconnected at times from the healthcare providers who seemed annoyingly determined to celebrate the “small victories” we experienced. Happy nurse celebrates my dad getting out of his bed by himself; sad Jerre is fighting away tears, thinking, “Dad has cancer.” Happy surgeon celebrates dad taking a few steps down the hall; angry Jerre feels like punching the stupid surgeon in the gut, as it’s clearly his fault that my dad has an “average life expectancy of two years.” As pediatric therapists, we are at risk of an emotional disconnect with our parents. While we celebrate independent wheelchair mobility, a parent might think “but I want him to WALK.” While we happily show off a child asking for a snack by pressing the correct button on a talk box, the parent might silently be wishing that their child could just SAY it. “Running on Fumes” Caring for someone is EXHAUSTING. With all the help in the world, with family and friends jumping in, the past weeks were truly exhausting. I found myself at times too tired to speak, smile or care about anything else other than getting some food and sleep. We should always have this in mind, and be mindful of the fact that we sometimes deal with families who do well finding the energy to get up and feed their child, let alone deal with us, or those “home programs” we come up with. “Board Certified in Communicating and Relating?” Overall our experience with the healthcare system was a very positive one. One of the moments that stands out as clearly negative, was our exchange with the twenty-something year old resident in the ER, who shared the initial results of the CT scan with us. Apparently unable to self regulate his nervousness, and probably not really trained to deliver this kind of news, he ended up telling us that the scan was suspicious for cancer due to numerous large masses with a huge smile on his face. The news that he delivered was bad enough. The fact that he didn’t know how to deliver it properly added extra pain and confusion. Watching him smile, I kept thinking that he would shout, “just kidding,” your dad’s fine. Although we at T2K don’t deliver news of this magnitude, we should ask how well we have trained ourselves to have certain conversations with our parents. How much training have you taken in preparing a parent for a discharge due to “no further progress expected.” How skilled are you in responding to wildly unrealistic goal requests from a parent? Do you deflect, laugh nervously? Being an excellent healthcare provider is about much more than clinical expertise. Whether you are board certified in pediatrics, have your Vital Stim certification, or know more than anyone else about a niche topic, you still need to know how to relate with other human beings first. Our programming for 2011 involves a number of non-clinical topics that deal more with regulating ourselves, and in relating with more skill to other human beings. I am asking you to commit to these classes, not in my role as administrator, but as someone who has been on the receiving end of the healthcare delivery system and who experienced firsthand how difficult, frightening and deeply painful the “patient role” can be. -Jerre P.S. My parents flew back to the Netherlands January 17 th . Dad will start chemotherapy in early February, once he is fully recovered from his surgeries. If you want to send them your well wishes, they are easiest to reach by email at : [email protected]ON THE RECEIVING END from the Administrator, Jerre van den Bent, PT
Transcript
VOL. 7 NUMBER 1: February 2011VOL. 7 NUMBER 1: February 2011
Most of you know that I spent the last six weeks on the receiving end of the healthcare delivery system, after my dad fell ill during my parents’ annual visit from the Netherlands. I’d like to thank all of you who sent us well wishes, food, and love. It helped us get through a very diffi cult period in our lives. Here are some of my personal experiences, and refl ections on how I think they relate to the families we serve.
“Control Issues”Dealing with disease is fi rst and foremost about being forced to deal with a set of circumstances that you didn’t chose. It’s about not being in control, which caused me to feel angry, sad and scared. The parents of the kids we serve deal with a set of circumstances that they didn’t chose on a daily basis, and we should always keep that in the back of our mind. When a parent is acting a bit “controlling” about the schedule, or sets rather stringent “house rules” during your visits, do you take it personally (she’s trying to control “me”), or do you recognize it as this person’s attempt to have a degree of control over their life?
“Emotional Disconnect”My dad went from being a healthy 72 year old, whose entire medical history consisted of “a tonsillectomy in 1970” to being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, metastasized to the liver, lungs and lymph system, and an “average life expectancy of two years.” With both of his parents having lived into their nineties, the prognosis is still sinking in. Attempting to process this in the hospital caused me to feel disconnected at times from the healthcare providers who seemed annoyingly determined to celebrate the “small victories” we experienced. Happy nurse celebrates my dad getting out of his bed by himself; sad Jerre is fi ghting away tears, thinking, “Dad has cancer.” Happy surgeon celebrates dad taking a few steps down the hall; angry Jerre feels like punching the stupid surgeon in the gut, as it’s clearly his fault that my dad has an “average life expectancy of two years.” As pediatric therapists, we are at risk of an emotional disconnect with our parents. While we celebrate independent wheelchair mobility, a parent might think “but I want him to WALK.” While we happily show off a child asking for a snack by pressing the correct button on a talk box, the parent might silently be wishing that their child could just SAY it.
“Running on Fumes”Caring for someone is EXHAUSTING. With all the help in the world, with family and friends jumping in, the past weeks were truly exhausting. I found myself at times too tired to speak, smile or care about anything else other than getting some food and sleep. We should always have this in mind, and be mindful of the fact that we sometimes deal with families who do well fi nding the energy to get up and feed their child, let alone deal with us, or those “home programs” we come up with.
“Board Certifi ed in Communicating and Relating?”Overall our experience with the healthcare system was a very positive one. One of the moments that stands out as clearly negative, was our exchange with the twenty-something year old resident in the ER, who shared the initial results of the CT scan with us. Apparently unable to self regulate his nervousness, and probably not really trained to deliver this kind of news, he ended up telling us that the scan was suspicious for cancer due to numerous large masses with a huge smile on his face. The news that he delivered was bad enough. The fact that he didn’t know how to deliver it properly added extra pain and confusion. Watching him smile, I kept thinking that he would shout, “just kidding,” your dad’s fi ne. Although we at T2K don’t deliver news of this magnitude, we should ask how well we have trained ourselves to have certain conversations with our parents. How much training have you taken in preparing a parent for a discharge due to “no further progress expected.” How skilled are you in responding to wildly unrealistic goal requests from a parent? Do you defl ect, laugh nervously? Being an excellent healthcare provider is about much more than clinical expertise. Whether you are board certifi ed in pediatrics, have your Vital Stim certifi cation, or know more than anyone else about a niche topic, you still need to know how to relate with other human beings fi rst. Our programming for 2011 involves a number of non-clinical topics that deal more with regulating ourselves, and in relating with more skill to other human beings. I am asking you to commit to these classes, not in my role as administrator, but as someone who has been on the receiving end of the healthcare delivery system and who experienced fi rsthand how diffi cult, frightening and deeply painful the “patient role” can be.
-Jerre
P.S. My parents fl ew back to the Netherlands January 17th. Dad will start chemotherapy in early February, once he is fully recovered from his surgeries. If you want to send them your well wishes, they are easiest to reach by email at :[email protected]
on tHe reCeiVing enD from the administrator, Jerre van den bent, Pt
Wellness Program by katie neal
THERAPY 2000 pays you to get healthy! It’s a win-win for everyone!
THERAPY 2000 offers several reimbursements for participating in our Wellness Program, "Care 4 You," and the best part is that every employee is eligible. We are truly living up to our Mission: We Improve Lives! THERAPY 2000 wants to help improve your life by offering extra incentives to help you become a healthier, happier, and less stressed version of yourself! If you have questions about any of the wellness reimbursements, simply call HR and we will be glad to answer your questions.
Who can participate?ALL employees of THERAPY 2000, including PRN and part-time. (PRN Therapists must see a minimum of 4 patients to qualify).
MONTHlY REIMBURSEMENTS- We offer each employee up to $70 every month to use towards two of these three activities below: $35 for fi tness fees$35 for diet program fees$35 for massage clinic fees
FITNESS REIMBURSEMENTThis reimbursement is up to $35 every month and can be used for o a gym/fi tness center membership feeo a personal trainer’s feeo A fi tness class fee (i.e. Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, etc.) (This reimbursement cannot be used towards the purchase of fi tness equipment)* BlueCross BlueShield Bonus Benefi tIf you are receiving your Health benefi ts from BlueCross BlueShield, you have the opportunity to sign up for a fi tness plan which allows you to visit several different gyms and fi tness centers at anytime for only $29 a month. If your partner is on your benefi ts, they can receive this offer as well.
How do I get reimbursed? We ask that you go to the gym/fi tness center 8 times in a month (twice a week), or attend every scheduled class (for fi tness classes). If you can’t make it every time (Texas weather!), or get sick one week, don’t worry, we can simply pro-rate the reimbursement. We also ask that you provide some proof of payment, proof of attendance and fi ll out the health reimbursement form.
WEIGHT CONTROl REIMBURSEMENTThis benefi t is up to $35 every month and can be used foro Weight control programs such as Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Etc.o A food program such as Nutrisystemo A plan set up by a dietitian or doctor
How do I get reimbursed?The main stipulation is that there must be some accountability, like going to meetings, checking in with the dietitian or doctor, participating in online discussions and/or check-ins. To be eligible, you must provide proof of payment, proof of attendance of required meetings (check-ins), and fi ll out the wellness reimbursement form.
CARE 4 YOUTHERAPY 2000
• Wellness Program ......2-3
• Chari-T2000 ..................... 4
• Holiday Party ................6-7
• Career Track ..................8-9
• Division Updates ... 10-17
• Education Calendar .....18
Inside This Issue:
editorial staff
Jerre van den Bent, PTEDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kyle ButlerMANAGING EDITOR
Alex ParisCOPY-WRITER/EDITOR
Katie NealHR UPDATE
Belinda WilliamsCAREER TRACK
Maicol NietoGRAPHIC DESIGN
3
Wellness Program by katie neal
MASSAGE THERAPY REIMBURSEMENTThe benefit is $35 every month and can be used in the following wayso Towards a monthly membership at Massage Envy, or a similar establishment (don’t forget! Massage Envy has given THERAPY 2000 a special corporate rate of $44 a month!) о A massage by a licensed massage therapist in a Spa or Health Center.
How do I get reimbursed?You must provide proof of membership (cost) or a receipt of services and fill out the wellness reimbursement form.
ANNUAl REIMBURSEMENTS- We offer these great annual reimbursement programs up to $600! Up to $500 for Smoking Cessation Program FeesUp to $100 for Nutritionist Consultation
SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAMWe want to help you stop smoking if you are embarking on that journey! This benefit is up to $500 annually (one time only). о Prescriptions, patches, gum о Anything that is approved for smoking cessation
How do I get reimbursed?Smoking cessation programs will be addressed on an individual basis. Contact the Wellness Coordinator: Katie Neal, for more information. You will also need to provide proof of costs and fill out a Wellness Reimbursement form.
NUTRITIONIST CONSUlTATIONThat’s right, we want you to eat right! So to help you along, we’re giving you $100 towards a visit with a licensed nutritionist.
How do I get reimbursed? Simply provide proof of payment and visit and fill out the wellness program reimbursement form.
Important reimbursement information:Employees can only be reimbursed for either the fitness center or diet program per quarter. Reimbursement for fitness centers and diet programs is a maximum of $35.00 per month.
Reimbursement forms can be found on MyT2k.com or at your office. Forms and receipts are turned in at the end of every quarter. For example, reimbursements for the first quarter (January through March) will be turned in before the last day of April. Human resources will issue quarterly reimbursement checks.Please send all documentation and forms to [email protected] or fax them to (469) 916-5800 Attn: Becky.
FAQ’sWho can participate?All employees of THERAPY 2000 including PRN and Part-time.
Can I only receive reimbursement for one monthly activity?Employees can receive a separate reimbursement for two monthly activities.
What if my gym can’t give me a printout of my attendance?Alternative documentation may be accepted, see HR for details.
What if I can’t make it to the gym 2 times a week?No problem. THERAPY 2000 will simply prorate your reimbursement.
If I only go to a fitness class, can I use the whole $70 that I'm allotted? No, fitness reimbursement is only for $35. If an employee only does one activity, they can only get $35 for it.
Chari-T2000 updaTe
4
Chari-T2000 Continues to Grow in 2011
2010 was the inaugural year of THERAPY 2000’s ambitious philanthropic endeavor, Chari-T2000. This program was put in place to help patients in need receive necessary services and equipment that might not otherwise be available to them. Though Medicaid and other social services cover a large number or items for most patients, there are often materials, equipment and services that are not covered, leaving families with few options. That is where Chari-T2000 comes in, to cover the gap for our patients in need. When you, one of our valued employees, comes across a patient in need please don’t hesitate to contact to Chari-T2000 to see if we can help, that is what this non-profit was set up to do!
Thank you to all of our amazing employees who have participated in this program thus far. Through your generous donations in 2010 we were able to help seven clients with equipment and services ranging from communication devices to legal funding. We look forward to growing and expanding the program to help even more children this year. Your donation of $10 or $20 per pay period will impact the lives of deserving individuals and families and assure the success of this new nonprofit organization. We currently have the commitment and participation of 42% of THERAPY 2000 employees and are striving to reach 100% participation. All you have to do is fill out a simple payroll deduction form and then you’ll be doing good for mankind without even having to think about it! Please don’t forget about this amazing program and contact your division social worker if you see an opportunity we might be able to help with.
Not sure what would make agreat referral for
Chari-T2000 assistance?Here are a few, for starters!
SHEENA ROMES Jan-09DEBORAH SMITH Jan-09LAURA BROWN Feb-09ASHLEY HOWARD Mar-09JOYCE CARTER Mar-09DONNA SNEED Mar-09HALEY ALLISON Mar-09CORINNE BAYER Mar-09MAYRA RIVERA Mar-09JAVIER TRILLO Mar-09
1 YEARALYSSA DE LA CRUZ Jan-10BRANDI DUNCAN Jan-10HOPE PLAUTZ Jan-10STEPHANIE WOODBRIDGE Jan-10NANCY WEST Jan-10PAMELA SIMPSON Feb-10CRISANN SKINNER Feb-10TERESA SCARMARDO Feb-10VIRGINIA CROSBY Feb-10RACHEL DORMAN Feb-10SARA BROWN Mar-10MATTHEW SPILLER Mar-10KIMBERLY JOLESCH Mar-10CYNTHIA GARZA Mar-10JAN WEHMEYER Mar-10PAMELA HOGUE Mar-10GIOVANNA DE LA ORTA Mar-10
Marina Lakhmanchuk, PT, PRN: Marina started on 8/13/10. She did a PT clinical rotation here with Patia Kinzler. She will start out PRN after school kids in Central Dallas district 7/8 anywhere off Hwy 75 – Central. Marina graduated from UT Health Sciences in San Antonio and lives in Plano. She is also working at Baylor Medical Center downtown. She is fl uent in English & Russian.
Sarah Loucks, OTR, PRN: Sarah started on 12/01/2010, Sarah was referred by our campus work at Texas Tech. Sarah graduated from Texas Tech and has worked OTR for 4.5 years, including home health care pediatrics. Sarah lives in central Dallas and will start PRN district 8, Oak Cliff area.
Richard Martinez, STA, PRN: Richard started on 11/15/10. Juan Ricardo (Richard) Martinez was referred by Michelle Acosta Nabarrette, Michelle was Richard’s ST assistant supervisory where they worked at Care Options For Kids. Richard previously worked for Plano ISD. Richard would like to build to full time but will start in the Love Field area Central District 7 with after school kids. Richard graduated from UTD BS in SLP & Audiology. He has over fi ve years STA at Care Options.
WELCOME OUR NEW EMPLOYEES
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A heartfelt thanks goes out to Emily Estes, a recent KRLD Community Hero, who planned this festive party for our patients. Emily is Speech Therapist, Nancy Estes’ daughter, and has been putting on this party for the last three years. Emily saves money throughout the year and provides gifts, snacks, arts and crafts, and gift baskets with gift cards for families. This year the kids even got to meet and get their picture taken with Santa! In addition to this fun photo opportunity, they made a snowman door hanger, decorated cookies, got removable tattoos, and made a frame to hold their picture with Mr. Claus. The Angel Tree we organized provided additional gifts to patients and their siblings. Thank you to everyone who donated to this great cause and thank you Emily for starting this tradition.
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MeeT our neW sTAFFer
North Division
Natalia is our new North staffer. She is thrilled to be part of the awesome North Division. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resources from Dallas Baptist University in December. She was born in Colombia and has been married for three years. She has two sweet Chihuahuas, Rita and Jamila. In addition to speaking English and Spanish, she also knows Italian and Portuguese. When she's not working at T2K, she does bridal hair, runs a makeup artistry company, and makes jewelry. Please be sure you introduce yourself to Natalia the next time you're in the North offi ce.
NEW BABIES IN THE NORTH
Ashlynn GraceBorn to Tami McCormick, SLP,
on October 1st, 2010 at 8:08 am. 8.8 lbs.
Ava Brielle AndrewsBorn to Rebecca Andrews, SLP,
on December 6th, 20107 lbs 14 ozs, 19 3/4 inches.
Born to Rebecca Andrews, SLP,on December 6
7 lbs 14 ozs, 19 3/4 inches.
Born to Tami McCormick, SLP,, 2010 at 8:08 am.
MeeT our neW eMployeesErron Dowers, PT: Erron is our newest physical therapist joining our North team. He received his master’s degree from UT Southwestern. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with his wife, Tina (another North PT) and his daughter. He also loves attending any and all OU sporting events. “Go Sooners!”
Karen Cannon, SLP: Karen works full-time in PISD and now will work PRN with THERAPY 2000. She received her master’s degree from California State-Northridge. She enjoys home decorating when she’s not busy doing therapy.
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Jean Belcher, SLP: Jean retired from the public school system in 2008 after working 30 years as a speech language pathologist. In her off time she enjoys traveling and country western dancing with her husband. “When I’m not working or spending time with my husband I love to curl up with a good book and a cup of hot tea!”
12
Johnnie Aven, OT: Johnnie spent her fi rst 14 years as in-home care and the last 19 in education, specifi cally in pediatrics. The desire to “play the game again” sends her back to the fi eld. Cheering her on from the home front is her long suffering spouse, Richard and two dogs, Trek and Trip. Two grown daughters and one adorable grandson complete her home team. Balancing out work she also has a passion for fabric arts, reading and energy medicine.
Jessica Reva, SLP: Jessica has been a speech therapist at Children’s Medical Center working both inpatient and outpatient for the last 4 years. “When not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, 13-month-old daughter, and 2 dogs!”
North Division
S U C C E S S S T O R Y: A N D R E W
MeeT our neW eMployees
Andrew, is a resilient 12-year-old boy who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth. In addition, he suffered a right MCA CVA several years ago, has profound hearing loss bilaterally and also has other internal organ abnormalities. Things have not been easy for Andrew or his family.
Andrew’s grandmother tells us they had tried therapy in different settings including out-patient facilities and in the school system prior to trying home health. Unfortunately, Andrew was discharged from therapy services due to lack of progress, poor participation, and poor behavior during therapy.
Jennifer Ellis, PT, began working with Andrew about six months ago. At the time of the initial PT evaluation, Jennifer talked with Andrew’s family about their expectations and goals for PT services. Andrew’s family voiced their desire for him to be able to kick a ball, get in and out of bathtub, and get in and out of the car. At the time of the initial PT evaluation, Andrew was able to walk around his house independently and performed basic transfers. However, Andrew was dependent for advanced transfers such as getting in and out of the bathtub and in and out of the car. Basically he needed his family to lift him.
Jennifer worked with Andrew implementing a work-and-reward system to improve participation in the planned therapeutic activities during the treatment session. Little by little, Andrew started to understand that Jennifer expected him to participate in therapy. Jennifer worked with Andrew on the basic components of each activity fi rst. One of the challenges of working with Andrew is his resistance to activities outside of the schedule time, for example, bath-time. Jennifer emphasized to his family the need to practice all the treatment activities during his daily routine.
In the last few months, Andrew’s family and Jennifer have seen a great amount of progress in Andrew’s abilities. He is now able to step in and out of his bathtub on his own with his grandmother providing trunk guidance. He is also able to transition in and out of the car with a family member providing a cue for his hand to hold the overhead handle, and it takes, “just a little push” at his hips to help him into the car seat. Andrew is also now able to kick a ball by himself with one hand held assistance.
Andrew’s grandmother has told Jennifer that Andrew has never been able to work as hard as he works with her. It has been exciting for Jennifer and THERAPY 2000 to see all the progress Andrew has made. We plan to continue to work with Andrew and his family to help him achieve even more independence.
East Division
Karen and Jim Neel are happy to announce the birth of their daughter. Elizabeth Luciana Neel was born November 24, 2010 at 3:52am. She weighed 7 lbs 6 oz and was 20.87 inches long. Karen says, “We appreciated all the thoughts and prayers while baby was in the NICU. ” Elizabeth is home now and doing well.
BOUNCING BABY GIRL!
THERAPY 2000 • 877.658.2520 13
Welcome our new rn case Manager Introducing Shane Basham! Shane came to THERAPY 2000 after several years of pediatric home health nursing. This experience has given him insight into the medically involved children that T2K often cares for. Shane is married and the busy Dad to three children ages 15, 13, and 7. Shane and his family live in McKinney. When he isn’t busy with work and his kids, Shane enjoys building computers, and helps out with his wife’s home based baking business. Welcome Shane!
Shane BashamRN Case Manager
West Division
� e Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to cel-ebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and in-clusion of people with Down syndrome.
Several Davisons and T2K’ers represented THERAPY 2000 at the Buddy Walk on October 16th. Many of our patients also attended this fun event. This walk is put on by the Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County and is a full of fellowship, inclusive activities and carnival games for the whole family.
HAVING FUN!Vanessa Schorn and her patient,
leighana
SMILE FOR THE CAMERA!Courtney Mullaney, Vanessa Schorn,
Cassie Brasher and Kim Spirrison.
Making Friends at the buddy Walk
Photos courtesy: fi ckleZeal Photography
14
Angel Tree FulFills WishesAs her final gift to us, Yalonda Pone, our former social worker, put
together a beautiful tree and a list of children we treat and their siblings in order for them to receive items for the holidays. Our therapists and office staff came together to make sure each angel on the tree received needed items. This year, we had an amazing fulfillment of requests, with our staff providing gifts for over 45 children! Tonya Ferguson helped us tremendously and performed as master coordinator of efforts after Yolanda passed the torch.
Thank you to all Davisons for participating in this great event and making our patients holidays special.Our Angel Tree Gets its Wings
West Division
San Antonio/Austin DivisioncelebrATing The seAson
Just like Terry Hutchings said in our division meeting, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” and time has been flying by here in San Antonio! Our referrals have doubled. We have hired many new PT’s and OT’s, and we had our first Thanksgiving feast together!
Our Thanksgiving feast was delicious, accompanied by great company and many laughs. We carried on the T2K tradition having Marcos serve the women. Marcos waited tables in college so the service was impeccable!
We also implemented the Holiday Assistance Program here. Many of our staff adopted our patients and their siblings for gift giving. Marcos Jimenez, AOS/Staffer said “I was filled with joy when I saw the willingness and generosity of our office staff and therapists who were willing to donate their time and money.” You wouldn’t think that so surprising if you met our employees. They all have great big hearts!
Theresa Mai, PT, graduated from Texas Woman's University with MSPT in 1996, but is an Aggie at heart (Class of '94). Since graduation, she has worked in hospital, pediatric rehab, outpatient, skilled nursing, ECI, and adult and pediatric home health settings. She has worked in pediatrics for the last 13 years. She just loves the fact that she gets to “play” all day at work.
Amy Payne, PT, received her Master of Physical Therapy Degree from the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2003. She began her career at University Hospital in San Antonio treating inpatients in post-surgical, intensive care, trauma, cardiac, rehabilitation and wound care. In 2005 she moved into pediatrics at Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center’s Early Childhood Intervention Program. Through Easter Seals she consulted with Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD recommending classroom modifications and therapeutic interventions for children with special needs. Amy has worked in home health care since 2009 treating children of all ages.
MeeT our neW eMployees
15
Michelle Painter, OT, is a graduate of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Michelle will have been an OT for fi fteen years this April, and has worked in just about all areas of OT. Having spent the last six years of her career in pediatric home health, she truly loves pediatrics and especially the personal aspect of home health care.She is a Mom to a nine-year-old son, Kirby, and a two-year-old cat, Stripe. She is looking forward to her marriage to fi ancé Jim in the spring of next year. Her favorite things to do include hanging out with her family, fi shing, watching her little boy play baseball, and just living life to the fullest. Michelle is excited to grow her professional life here at THERAPY 2000, and has already been extremely impressed by the people she has met and worked with so far.
Carissa Tracy, PT, MSPT, was born and raised an Austin, Texas girl. She spent all of her free time growing up in dance studios, on the stage competing, or outdoors. She is extremely close with her parents, her sister, and her twin brother. She graduated from Lake Travis HS and knew then that physical therapy was what she wanted to do after volunteering with the Special Olympics and working as a tech in an aquatic rehab facility. She earned her Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science (BESS) from Texas State University in 2006, and met the love of her life there in San Marcos, Texas. In 2008, she earned her Masters Degree in Science of Physical Therapy (MSPT) from Texas State University and married her college sweetheart, Tyler. They are now settled happily and enjoying life along with their family, friends, and their puppy, Jersey. Carissa has pediatric experience in outpatient clinics, children’s’ hospitals, and is now exploring home health as well. She fi nds it to be an honor to serve those little faces every day and feels blessed to have a career that she loves.
Melissa Smith, OT, graduated from UTHSCSA with Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2006. She began working in acute, OP, and inpatient rehab at Park Plaza Hospital in Houston, Texas. She then moved back to San Antonio to work with burn patients, at Brook Army Medical Center. These patients included soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and any civilians that had been severely injured in fi res. She decided to make a career change and started work in the pediatric fi eld. Her new career path began with working for Circle of Care home health agency and now she works PRN with Therapy 2000.
Brandi Mounce, SLP, has been working the last 8 years in school and home health settings. She enjoys working with patients with feeding and swallowing disorders. She is married with 4 children, two that she has fostered and is currently in the process of adopting. Her fourth child, a baby girl named Norah Grace, was born in December. In her spare time she enjoys raising money and awareness for Rett Syndrome, a condition that has greatly impacted my fi ve-year old-son. She is very excited to work for THERAPY 2000.
Eddie De La Cruz, PT Assistant, graduated from St. Philip’s College in 1994 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. He has lived in San Antonio since 1987 and has worked with a variety of patients and settings: including geriatric, neurologic, orthopedic, and pediatric. He has practiced exclusively pediatric PT since 2006. Eddie has extensive experience working with seating and positioning. He is committed to his families and community.
Jane Wilhelm, PT, graduated from the UTHSC-SA in 1984. For the last 27 years she has enjoyed helping people (mostly younger than 10) with neurologically challenging conditions. Jane considers her most valuable contribution to the profession to be a program she called 'Therapeutic Ice Skating' which was accepted by AACPDM for a conference presentation in 1998. She has 2 sons, ages 20 and 23, who are the light of her life. They taught her and her husband (passed on in 2006) that devoted, diligent, and wise parenting really does make a difference. Some of her other favorite things are fi gure skating and playing trumpet and fl ugelhorn in local community and professional bands.She says, “I love working for T2K and really look forward to rediscovering ways which I may be able to contribute to further growth and development of the PT (and other therapies) profession helping the younger therapists become strong and then, gracefully pass the baton.”
San Antonio/Austin Division MeeT our neW eMployees
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East Texas Division Welcome to east Texas, TherApy 2000!(Man, those are big scissors!)
THERAPY2000•877.658.252016
Things have really been “happening” out here in the Piney Woods. We have hired a physical therapy mentor, several new therapists, interpreters and we have also recently hired a licensed medical social worker. We officially joined the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and have done several presentations for area pediatrician clinics. We partnered with Kilgore College’s Physical Therapy Assistant Program and provided an ethics presentation to several East Texas physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. We also have hosted very successful CEU presentations, including; “Fit 4 Therapy,” “Hearing Impairment Identification,” “Latest Research in Treatment for Children with Down Syndrome,” and “Working with Children with Challeng-ing Behaviors.” We have been so busy with our travels, events and marketing that we haven’t really had time to allow our creative literary juices to flow! We still had time to share a few photos and descriptions. We have included some of the new therapists and others that were difficult to catch when we featured our employees during the last newsletter. Welcome to our family!
Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting (From left to right: two Chamber of Commerce members, Crystal Brown, Gina Suick, Crystal Marshall, Vanessa
Richardson, Stacey Willmon (hiding), Melody Millsap, Darla Grant and another Chamber of Commerce member. )
MeeT our neW eMployees
This is Andrea Beach, a brand new SLP for THERAPY 2000. She hasn’t actually attended orientation yet, but will be providing afterschool services for us in the Mt. Pleasant and Mt. Vernon area. She was an SLP Assistant for several years for Mt. Pleasant ISD and then graduated from TWU in Denton as an SLP. She is in charge of training all of her co-workers on the new software in her school district so I am looking forward to utilizing her technology skills.
This festive lady is Brandi Little, she is an OTR that works for THERAPY 2000 in the Lindale and Minneola area. She comes to us with twelve years of experience. Her specialties are Adaptive Technology and Autism. She shared with me that her 7-year-old daughter took this picture of her, it looks like her daughter might be talented just like her Mom!
East Texas Division
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Fun, TherApy 2000 sTyle
Meet Stacey Willmon, she is an OTR that is working for the East Texas Branch in the Mt. Pleasant and Sulphur Springs area. She has been an OTR for over fifteen years and is SIPT certified. She has primarily worked in pediatrics in small outpatient clinics or private practices. She told us that starting to work for us was just like Christmas because she received so many presents, by the way, it did take her two trips to get all of her stuff to her car on her first day.
MeeT our neW eMployees
Meet Bonita “Bo” Keeling, she is pictured here with one of her daughters (she just “swears” that there are no pictures in her house with her by herself). She is the physical therapy mentor for the East Texas Branch. She has been a pediatric physical therapist for twelve years and obtained her Pediatric Certified Specialist designation seven years ago. She has taught professional level classes on Kinesiotaping, Pediatric Treatment and Pediatric Evaluation. She has also initiated an East Texas Pediatric Networking/Mentoring Group. She aspires to continue teaching/mentoring and eventually wants to work with orphans in other countries.
Gina Suick graduated from University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree and then completed her Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has worked as a case manager in a domestic violence shelter and then worked for the Dallas County DA’s office in the Family Violence Division as a victim advocate. She then worked for Children’s Medical Center in the Pediatric Neurology Department. We were lucky because she decided to relocate to East Texas to be close to her fiance. She train horses and barrel races when she is not working for THERAPY 2000. She works for THERAPY 2000 part time now, but will be working full time for us near the end of January.
This is Constance Cooper on orientation day. I’m sure glad that we teach back safety as part of orientation. We really load down our therapists on their first day with us! Constance is an SLP Assistant that works for us seeing children afterschool in the Lindale area.
We are still having fun out here in East Texas and have been so fortunate in finding all of the wonderful therapists and office staff that we have. We still need your help in finding other therapists to join our East Texas Family. We desperately are in need of a fulltime occupational therapist in the Tyler area, a full time SLP (that has at least 3 years of experience and is interested in supervising an SLP Assistant) and a District Supervisor/Division Manager in the Tyler area. The management position would carry a small caseload in addition to management duties. There are HEFTY referral bonuses available and relocation expenses for those who are interested in moving our way. I can guarantee that the people that we hire will
not be disappointed in the BEAUTY of East Texas and the CARING attitude of the people that live here… not to mention a very cool boss. Please come see us!!!
THERAPY2000•877.658.2520
DFW11th
SI Neuro Review & Therapeutic Applications in Pediatric Rehab
