Clinical | Reliant Rehabilitation

Clinicians Who Inspire – Emilie Rodriguez – February 2026

This February we are highlighting Emilie Rodriguez, SLP and Champion Level I Therapist at Woodlands Place Rehabilitation Suites as our Clinician Who Inspires. She brings compassion, positivity, and dedication to the residents and team she supports each day.

Emilie shared that early in her career she quickly realized she had a deep love for helping people and discovered her true passion in working with the geriatric population. She finds great meaning in helping residents improve communication, regain abilities, and reconnect with others. Emilie values the opportunity to make a positive impact in her residents’ lives.

When asked what inspires her most, Emilie credits both her residents and her teammates. She spoke about the strong cohesiveness of her interdisciplinary team and believes the supportive environment and positive morale within the building contribute greatly to successful patient care as well as her own professional growth.

Emilie also highlighted the benefits of group therapy within her facility. She incorporates humor, riddles, and finish-the-song activities, encouraging residents to complete familiar song lyrics together. She shared that residents joke about how much they miss group therapy when it doesn’t occur, reflecting its value.

Emilie’s passion, teamwork, and dedication to growth reflect what it means to be a Clinician Who Inspires!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Carmen Martinez Valenzuela – January 2026

This January, we feature Carmen Martinez Valenzuela, COTA, DOR, and Champion Level II Therapist from Windsor Health and Rehabilitation, as Reliant Rehabilitation’s Clinician Who Inspires. During the interview, Carmen’s passion for people was evident as she discussed tips, priorities, and meaning behind the work she does in her building each and every day.

Carmen shared several key learning experiences that have allowed her to successfully manage her time and responsibilities as a clinician and DOR (at times covering multiple sites). First, she emphasized the importance of being personable. Through intentional communication with her colleagues, members of the interdisciplinary team, residents, and their family members, Carmen has found that better relationships result in an improved ability to communicate needs and expectations. Secondly, Carmen highlighted the value of point of service documentation, viewing it not as a task, but as an opportunity to connect with her residents on barriers and progress within their therapy plan of care while simultaneously assisting with time management.

Though time management is essential to Carmen’s success, it was clear that her primary motivation is her deep passion to serve her residents. Through personal and professional experience, Carmen is driven to “be a voice for those who need a voice”, especially for those living with dementia. She recognizes her invaluable impact to assist residents and their caregivers in recognizing signs and symptoms of dementia, bridging communication gaps, making the necessary referrals, and helping them to understand what is happening and what to expect. Carmen has climbed to Champion Level II therapist on Reliant’s Clinical Ladder, soaking up opportunities to learn more about best-practice dementia care in the process, and sharing her knowledge with those around her along the way. She aspires to assist each resident in finding their purpose every day.

In speaking with Carmen, it was clear that she puts people first. Thank you, Carmen, for sharing your experiences, empathetic approach to care, and passion for what you do. You are truly an inspiration to us all!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Abby Fore – December 2025

This month’s Clinician Who Inspires is Abby Fore, Champion Level I Therapist, PTA and DOR at The Blossoms at Prescott Rehab & Nursing Center. During the interview with Abby, it was clear that the rehab gym at Prescott is truly jingling with holiday delight.

Abby loves to incorporate seasonal activities into therapy interventions. Residents can be seen painting, coloring and constructing gingerbread houses, and decorating the Christmas tree in the gym, all while working on their patient specific goals! To enhance the festive atmosphere, Christmas music or holiday movies are often playing in the background while residents are busy in the gym.

Abby talked of how patience and encouragement are key to keeping a positive gym and therapy environment. She explains that if a resident is taking a nap, she allows them to finish resting and returns later for therapy. If they’re hesitant about participating, Abby educates them on the benefits of therapy and provides positive encouragement. Having music playing in the gym and snacks on standby helps encourage participation in therapy as well. Abby shares that “everyone loves to come to therapy. It’s a positive place.”

Abby leads by example with open communication and ensures everyone in the facility works together for the wellbeing of the patients. Abby, thank you for spreading positivity and being a Clinician Who Inspires!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Anya Gluszek – November 2025

This month, we celebrate Anya Gluszek, SLP/DOR and Champion Level I Therapist at Windsor House, whose love of language and passion for helping others shines through in everything she does. For Anya, language isn’t just communication, it’s what makes us human, and helping others regain that ability drives her purpose as a clinician.

Anya says that positivity and the meaningful relationships she builds with residents are a large part of her success as a therapist. She believes progress happens when therapy is a true partnership between therapist and patient, noting that therapy is best when you “do it with them—not at them.” She and her team focus on helping residents understand the ‘why’ behind their treatment, empowering them to take an active role in their recovery.

Group therapy is where Anya and her team bring creativity to life. Together, they create a welcoming environment filled with connection, laughter, and purpose. Their sessions often blend fun, function, and wellness by tying in activities from Reliant’s Year of Wellness program and incorporating nutrition and hydration to support overall health. Recently, the facility hosted a Fall Fest featuring multiple vendors. Through this event, therapy addressed discipline-specific goals reflecting the team’s shared commitment to making therapy meaningful and engaging for everyone.

Whether she’s leading a group session, collaborating with her teammates, or bringing her trademark enthusiasm to the therapy gym, Anya embodies the compassion, teamwork, and dedication that defines a Clinician Who Inspires.

Clinicians Who Inspire – Lauren Drapinski – October 2025

This October, we feature Lauren Drapinski, OT, DOR, and Champion Level I Therapist from Chestnut Woods Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, as Reliant Rehabilitation’s Clinician Who Inspires. In speaking with Lauren, her passion for learning and personal growth resonated as central themes that contribute to her success as a therapist.

After eleven years in her current position at Chestnut Woods, Lauren insists that she continues to learn something new every day. Whether it be a takeaway from a resident during treatment, a new clinical approach from a colleague, or a procedural shift in light of a new focus or regulation in the industry, Lauren believes that we can always evolve into better clinicians when we embrace these experiences as opportunities for growth. While sharing that her facility has seen a recent increase in the population of residents with significant weight-bearing restrictions and limited mobility, Lauren highlighted the creativity of her therapy team in adapting their approaches, thinking outside the box, and finding unique ways to meet each individual’s goals.

Lauren also discussed the benefits of her personal growth in participating in Reliant’s Clinical Advancement program. Focusing on the cardiopulmonary track, Lauren has been able to bring back specific resources to incorporate into her assessment and intervention, including resident and caregiver training. Furthermore, this knowledge base has equipped Lauren to feel confident in contributing to weekly rounds with her facility’s MD, Pulmonary NP, nursing staff, and respiratory therapist to collaborate and determine optimal care for each of their residents. She adds that these interdisciplinary meetings are an incredible opportunity for continued learning from other healthcare professionals.

Lauren, your ability to recognize change as an opportunity for growth is a true testament to your positivity, leadership, and passion for helping others in every way you can. Thank you for your inspiration!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Montana Heald – September 2025

This month’s Clinician Who Inspires is Montana Heald, DOR, PTA, and Champion Level II Therapist at Prairie Meadows Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. During the interview, Montana emphasized the importance of understanding each resident, talking with them about their interests, learning what motivates them, and building strong rapport.

She explained that making therapy fun, made possible through an understanding of each patient, is key to keeping the residents excited and engaged. Montana and her team utilize creative interventions that tie back to individual interests and motivations. A resident favorite at Prairie Meadows is a game where the residents use Nerf blasters to hit targets while also working on eye hand coordination, standing balance, reaching to grab the objects from the floor, and ambulating around obstacles. The team at Prairie Meadows inspires fun around the holiday celebrations as well. Each year just before Thanksgiving, residents take part in a “Turkey Bowl” using a frozen Cornish hen wrapped in plastic wrap and bowling pins. This event sparks plenty of holiday joy!

Montana reiterated the benefits of thinking outside the box with therapy interventions by encouraging creative, functional activities that promote both strengthening and function. Music, a powerful motivator for many residents, is often an excellent component to incorporate into therapy. Whether it’s working on standing balance while singing or playing a game that requires stopping movement when the music pauses, residents stay challenged with a blend of movement and music.

Thank you for your creative and fun approach to patient care, Montana. You truly are a Clinician Who Inspires!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Meghan Vaughn – August 2025

This month, we would like to honor Meghan Vaughn, Speech Language Pathologist, DOR, and Champion Level I Therapist, at Enumclaw Health and Rehab as our August Clinician Who Inspires. Meghan’s passion for working in long-term care and ability to create fun, effective, and meaningful interventions was evident throughout the interview.

Just last month, Meghan and the therapy team hosted a July 4^th festival. Patients were able to participate in corn hole, “plastic” ax throwing (fan favorite), and a parallel bars obstacle course with resistance bands. She explained that PT and OT incorporated patient specific goals such as hand-eye coordination, strengthening, balance, and ambulation into the activities. By adding a special popsicle treat to the festival line up, even those patients working with her on dysphagia needs were able to participate in feeding trials. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a staple for Meghan and her team. In the fall, OT and ST team up for mobility, sequencing, and safety skills while performing fun tasks such as baking pumpkin-shaped pizza goodies.

Meghan discussed how two of Reliant’s proprietary resources have been crucial to enhancing patient care within her facility. She credits the Vitality Behavioral Health Program for helping to bridge the gap in providing strategies that improve participation, especially for patients with frequent refusals. She also frequently turns to Reliant’s Clinical Resource Medication Use and Its Impact on Swallowing to stay mindful of certain medications that can affect swallow function.

A helpful tip shared by Meghan for building the partnership between therapy and nursing is the use of a white board with the names and times of the patients needing assistance to be up and ready for therapy. This proactive approach allows nursing to look ahead and plan for the day to prevent last minute scrambles.

Meghan, your creativity, collaboration, and dedication to patient engagement is truly inspiring! Thank you for thinking outside the box and finding creative ideas to keep everyone involved. You are a Clinician Who Inspires!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Alicia Bayird – July 2025

This month we had the pleasure of speaking with Alicia Bayird, COTA/DOR and Champion Level I Therapist at The Blossoms at White Hall Rehab and Nursing Center, who discovered her passion for rehabilitation through real life experience. After witnessing her father’s incredible recovery from a devastating accident, thanks to a team of dedicated therapists, she knew she was called to do the same for others. That early experience shaped her deep commitment to helping people regain not just strength, but the ability to live again with purpose and independence.

Alicia strives to make a powerful impact by focusing on what many overlook: the basics. Her team has “ADL focus” days where they dedicate Monday therapy sessions to hygiene and oral care, Wednesdays to showers, and Fridays to self-feeding and dressing. All disciplines participate to address their unique goals. Alicia expressed that this team approach helps residents reclaim their ability to care for themselves, and more importantly, feel the pride that comes with it. She believes those “small wins” are often the most life changing.

She also discussed the creation of “Leisure Legends”, a daily group focused on leisure engagement, technology skills, and meaningful peer interaction. The residents named the group themselves and took ownership of it from day one. Whether helping one another to reach goals or learn new skills, the group has become a space of community and empowerment. Residents are now not only participating—but leading and supporting each other. One resident even donated games, while another taught a peer to use a card holder with one hand. It’s these everyday moments that remind us how capable and connected our patients truly are.

Outside of patient care, she strives to lead by example; not only is she climbing Reliant’s Clinical Ladder, but her whole team is as well! Alicia promotes open, respectful communication between therapy and nursing, and helped roll out “Tag-In Therapy,” where nursing staff alert therapists when a resident may benefit from an extra set of skilled eyes. Whether she’s championing teamwork or showing up with a smile, Alicia is an inspiration to all!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Debra Switzer – June 2025

This month, we had the pleasure of speaking with Debra Switzer, PTA/DOR and Champion Level I Therapist at Hawkeye Care Center. In our conversation, Debra emphasized the value of creativity in therapy, specifically the need to think outside the box and connect each treatment session to something meaningful for the patient. For example, if the patient needs to work on balance, she might incorporate golf movements for a golf enthusiast or mimic household cleaning tasks if that better fits that patient’s interest.

Debra discussed the importance of educating on fall prevention. She explains that she works with patients on self-righting, core strengthening, rotational strategies while ambulating, and even teaching patient’s how to get up off the ground.

One of Debra’s favorite group activities was the “duck blind”. Debra and her team created a deer hunting group activity where the therapists were the deer and the patients were the hunters. The “hunters” were supplied with nerf guns while the therapists weaved between cardboard deer blinds trying not to get caught.

Debra also discussed an ongoing project at her facility to foster encouragement between patients. Hung on the wall are three canvases with the words “With helping hands, you can accomplish great things”. When someone discharges from therapy, they sign the canvas with a pen, handprint or thumbprint as a reminder to other patients to continue working hard and following in the graduate patient’s footsteps.

Debra also encourages her team to grow professionally by hosting students and through professional development. All full-time therapists at Hawkeye Care Center are on Reliant’s Clinical Advancement Ladder. Debra, you are a true motivator, not just within your facility, but to all of your therapy peers as well! Thank you for being a Clinician Who Inspires.

Clinicians Who Inspire – Kaylee Walter-Friede – May 2025

This May, Kaylee Walter-Friede, SLP/DOR, and Champion Level I therapist from Missoula Health and Rehabilitation Center, shares some insight and inspiration as Reliant’s featured Clinician Who Inspires.

In conversation, Kaylee’s passion for learning shines bright! Kaylee discussed the importance of continual growth and development as a therapist, encouraging others to take advantage of the many courses available on Reliant University and stay abreast of the latest recommendations in best practice rehabilitation. She then shared some of the learning experiences she has encountered as a clinical instructor for SLP students, as well as in her role as a DOR. Through her willingness to take on these roles and responsibilities, as well as providing services as an SLP, Kaylee finds herself continually learning from the unique clinical presentation of each resident, experiences of her students, and dynamic processes and communication of her interdisciplinary team.

While Kaylee continues to refine her ability to provide the highest quality of therapy to her residents through learning experiences, she also recognizes the importance of tailoring interventions and recommendations according to the individual needs and preferences of each resident. Though therapists may possess knowledge and expertise of a specific condition, Kaylee reminds us that we must consider what matters to the resident in everything we do. Kaylee shared several creative interventions that demonstrate her efforts to incorporate resident-specific interests and goals into the therapy session. One of Kaylee’s residents was a farmer with a goal to return to his duties that included vaccinating his cattle. Kaylee and her team prepared a treatment session that incorporated visual scanning, dual-task attention, cognitive organization, and dynamic balance to simulate this duty. Though color-coded cow printouts and a makeshift “swamp” may not be commonly used materials in Kaylee’s therapy sessions, they proved worthwhile for this particular resident. Kaylee shared that “if the resident sees the purpose of the task, we can get their buy-in”.

Through a passion for learning and resident-centered therapy treatments, Kaylee sheds light on a few practical ways that we, as therapists, can ensure we provide our residents with the highest quality of therapy services. Thank you, Kaylee, for your passion. Your example is an inspiration to us all!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Danielle Hodges – April 2025

This April, we feature Danielle Hodges, COTA/DOR and Champion Level II Therapist at Diversicare of Eupora, as Reliant’s Clinician Who Inspires!

In speaking with Danielle, her dedication to her work and desire to help others was evident. As Danielle shared a story of success that she experienced with one of her residents, she spoke with a spirit of gratitude for the opportunity to walk with this woman through her personal journey. Danielle discussed the impact that this resident’s success has had on her, and how she often recalls her role as a therapist in assisting this resident to achieve her goals, when facing a challenging day in her facility. It is through these types of success stories that Danielle has further developed her desire to help others and incorporated it into her everyday work as a therapist: “[Our residents] become our family. We are with them all the time! We celebrate every little victory, and we want them to know we are there for them. Not just for the physical stuff, but to connect on another level too. To know that we care about them.”

Beyond her inspiring dedication to resident well-being and connection, Danielle also provided some practical tips to ensure success as a therapist in the skilled nursing facility. Danielle believes her organization skills and flexibility to adapt according to the resident’s needs have allowed her the ability to keep up with the fast-paced environment, while always maintaining a focus on the highest quality of life for her residents. She also seeks out opportunities for growth and learning through participating in Reliant’s Clinical Ladder program and actively engaging with members of the interdisciplinary team.

Danielle, thank you for your dedication and desire to achieve the highest quality of life for your residents. Your efforts are an inspiration to us all!

Five-Star Refresh: A Look at Quality Measures

With the January Five-Star refresh on Care Compare, 1/3 of nursing homes in the nation saw a drop of at least 1 Star, leading many to wonder, what’s going on?

Although fifteen measures impact the quality measure Five-Star rating, last April four measures were paused, essentially halting their impact on the quality measure rating. Three long-stay measures required realignment from Section G to Section GG Pressure Ulcer/Injury, Ability to Walk Independently Worsened, and Increased Need for ADL Assistance; and the new Discharge Function Score measure (which replaced the improvements with function measure) required data collection.

The most recent refresh reflects the inclusion of these four previously paused measures. In reviewing the data and preparing for the quarterly release, CMS lowered the point ranges for long-stay, short-stay, and overall quality measure rating star thresholds, but the impact still remains. Whether a facility saw a positive or negative outcome with this refresh, best practice strategies can be implemented to ensure consumer facing platforms appropriately reflect the quality of care within each facility.

1. Access and review CASPER reports (i.e., Resident Level QM Report and Facility Level QM Report) to determine what measures were outliers and which residents triggered, or in the event of the Discharge Function Score, did not trigger for inclusion in the calculation.

1. Continue to monitor CASPER reports prior to Care Compare’s quarterly refresh and review confidential feedback reports from iQIES to identify necessary corrections.

1. Get to know the measures and understand the impact of Section GG data:

- - The Discharge Function Score reflects the percentage of Medicare A residents who achieved or met an expected discharge function score. CMS uses a complex calculation from the admission MDS to calculate an “expected” discharge function score for each qualifying resident. There are 26 risk adjustors based on clinical characteristics within the Initial Medicare Assessment, but the functional levels are derived from 10 Section GG items. Then the patient’s usual performance on discharge, as documented on the discharge MDS Section GG is used to calculate a discharge function score that is compared to the expected score. Residents who met or exceed that expected score trigger for this quality measure. Again, for the discharge function score, triggering is a positive event. CMS does not publish the expected score.
    - This measure also impacts SNF QRP compliance, and data collection now will impact the FY2027 VBP program.
  - The two measures, Need Help with ADLs Increased and Ability to Walk Independently Worsened are long-stay measures and are calculated from Section GG OBRA assessments. The late loss ADLs (Sit to Lying (GG0170B), Sit to Stand (GG0170D), Eating (GG0130A), and Toilet Transfer (GG0170F) generate the ADL measure, and Section GG item Walk 10 Feet (GG0170I) generates the ability to walk measure. The functional ability is compared to qualifying prior assessments to determine if the resident has demonstrated a decrease in ability.

1. Consider training and support needs

- - Ensure the team has a thorough understanding of the impact of Section GG.
  - Consider whether discharge GG levels align with observed patient outcomes.
  - Develop plans of care and care plans that target functional, person-centered goals.
  - Section GG is interdisciplinary and reflects usual performance. There is no “rule of 3” to guide coding, so review of all data collected is crucial.
  - Access and review quality measure reports from iQIES.

Reliant Rehabilitation team members are skilled in functional ability assessments and interventions. Support is available for analysis and training to achieve quality measure goals.

Clinicians Who Inspire – Kayla Bennett – March 2025

This month’s Clinician Who Inspires is PTA and Champion Level I Therapist, Kayla Bennett from Carter Nursing and Rehab. During her interview, Kayla explained that her love of mentoring students helps keep her skill set fresh. Though Kayla guides them in learning about rehabilitation in the long-term care setting, she shared that she typically gleans new knowledge from her students as well. Sometimes it’s a new technique they learned in school while others may reveal a different way of facilitating patient care.

In treatment sessions, Kayla loves to use music for motivation. She described how using the rhythm of the music can help residents decrease festinating gait patterns, facilitate a more normal cadence, and even help with motor planning. One of her favorite group activities utilizing music is “hot potato”. Kayla explained that using this well-known game through intermittent music allows her to work with the resident on their targeted goals of standing balance, coordination, bending and reaching, weight shifting, and even visual perception.

When asked about her team, Kayla shared that though she’s worked on her team for eleven years, she is “the baby of the group”, surrounded by experienced therapists with a wealth of wisdom. Kayla states that she feels like she works for “one of the absolute best teams,” where they help, motivate, and encourage each other to think outside the box for treatment ideas.

Kayla, we appreciate you and your efforts to provide the absolute best care to each and every resident by continuing to grow yourself as a clinician and inspiring students to do the same in the future. You truly are a Clinician Who Inspires!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Emily Morgan – February 2025

This February, we feature Emily Morgan, SLP and Champion Level I Therapist at Aurora Health & Rehab, as Reliant’s Clinician Who Inspires! While speaking with Emily, it was clear that her passion for team unity, eagerness to learn, and positive “spunk” (as described by her teammates) are key components to her success as a therapist.

Emily has been an SLP for 14 years and shared that her current work environment at Aurora Health & Rehab is one of the best she has ever experienced. From the beginning of her time in her facility, Emily recognized a unique sense of trust and cohesiveness with her team members. When asked how they have been able to accomplish this team unity, Emily shared that though different therapists have different personalities, all share a common respect for the knowledge they can glean from one another. Emily’s team constantly communicates barriers, progress, research related to evidence-based treatments, and needs of their residents. This communication allows her team to feel confident in their ability to improve their residents’ quality of life.

In our interview, Emily also shared her passion for her residents. As a speech therapist, Emily values the opportunity she has to significantly impact swallowing function. Though she feels that dysphagia evaluation and treatment is one of her strengths, Emily continues to seek out ways to expand her knowledge base to ensure that the latest and greatest approaches to care are provided to her residents. Furthermore, Emily shared the importance of working with each resident’s family as closely as possible. She has learned that family education and involvement is crucial in facilitating lasting success.

Emily, thank you for your passion to your team and quality care. Your efforts are truly an inspiration to us all!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Anna Brown – January 2025

January’s Clinician Who Inspires is Anna Brown, OT and Champion Level I Therapist at South Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation. In our interview, Anna shared that she has been an OT for more than 27 years and her biggest takeaway is that we should always treat patients as if they are family. Anna spoke with heartfelt sincerity about how helping patients with even the simplest but meaningful actions can create lasting impacts on their quality of life.

Anna likes to dive deep into each patient’s history including careers, hobbies, and traditions to intertwine them into treatment interventions. She says getting to know patients on a personal level and taking time to customize interventions shows your dedication for truly making an impact.

Anna talked with the same enthusiasm when discussing group activities. Whether it’s crafting or creative projects, patients love having their work displayed throughout the facility – a chance to highlight their talents and achievements! Similarly, patients love when Anna and her team fully participate in group exercise with them. These moments of shared camaraderie create a sense of community and motivation.

Beyond patient care, Anna radiates positivity within her team. She strives to keep the atmosphere upbeat, focusing to see the best in every situation. Her approach includes providing consistent feedback and showing her appreciation for all caretakers in the facility; it takes the whole village to provide the best quality care!

Anna, thank you for your enthusiasm, care, and passion in all that you do. Your efforts are an inspiration to us all!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Jermie Jackson – December 2024

This month’s Clinician Who Inspires is Jermie Jackson, PTA and Champion Level II Therapist, at Diversicare of Tupelo. During the interview, Jermie discussed the importance of adaptability during treatment sessions. Jermie explained that no matter how much planning goes into a session, there is always the possibility of a situation that will require the therapist’s flexibility. With an open mind, Jermie has found the ability to be flexible while always maintaining focus on the patient’s goals. Another key to Jermie’s approach to care is incorporating aspects of the patient’s home environment into his treatments as much as possible. Jermie explained that home simulations help keep patients focused on their goals and allows them to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Jermie and the team at Diversicare of Tupelo pride themselves on challenging each other daily. Jermie was excited to speak about the entire full-time team climbing Reliant’s Clinical Advancement Ladder, as well as their collaborative relationship. Therapists often discuss treatment suggestions with each other to optimize each patient’s therapy session. With the holidays in full swing, therapists plan their treatments to not only challenge their patients but also bring the season’s festive spirit to the therapy gym.

Thank you, Jermie and the team at Diversicare of Tupelo, for consistently raising the bar with flexibility, patient-centered care, and a collaborative approach that allows your patients to achieve their highest potential. You are an inspiration to us all!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Amy Hill, SLP/DOR – November 2024

November’s Clinician Who Inspires is Amy Hill, SLP/DOR and Champion Level I Therapist at Portland Health and Rehabilitation Center. In our interview, Amy shared a valuable perspective on resident communication, innovative strategies to ensure interdisciplinary communication, and creative treatment approaches that motivate her residents.

With the unique ability to speak three languages, experience working for a translation company, and current livelihood as a speech language therapist, Amy demonstrates a vibrant passion for communication. She spoke on the importance of a resident’s ability to communicate their needs, regardless of their native tongue or medical history. In her practice Amy has seen great benefit from the use of communication boards using pictures, visual aids and tools for use of resources, as well as continual education with all staff and caregivers on individualized speech strategies for each resident.

Along with resident communication, Amy esteems interdisciplinary communication of the utmost importance as well. In her building, Amy has implemented various communication strategies to allow therapy staff to provide valuable information related to resident appointments, planned groups, notable changes in function, and discharge plans. Through the use of communication binders and white boards, the therapy staff has found a way to remain connected, even when they are working at different times of the day.

One of Amy’s greatest learning experiences working in a skilled nursing facility has been to adapt her approach according to what is most meaningful and functional for each resident. She stated that “without patient buy in, you’re not going to get anywhere”. Amy always takes time during her initial encounter to interview the resident to learn about their interests, motivators, and what areas of function are most important to them, to in turn, develop goals and treatment approaches tailored to the individual. Some examples include treatment that focuses on turn taking and math to allow a resident to perform better at their weekly poker match or practicing finances with a short-term resident to allow them to pay their bills when they return home.

Amy, thank you for your enthusiasm, care, and passion in all that you do. Your efforts are an inspiration to us all!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Beth Sines – October 2024

This October, we feature Beth Sines, OTA/Director of Rehab and Champion Level II Therapist at South Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation, as Reliant’s Clinician Who Inspires! In speaking with Beth, her passion for her profession, residents, and teammates was radiant.

Beth has been an OTA for 17 years and is currently studying to achieve a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Through her studies she has reignited a vision for therapy interventions that are individualized and purposeful to each resident, without sacrificing fun. Beth uses Tik Tok, Pinterest, and Reliant group emails to spark ideas for individual and group activities that might be a little unexpected for residents who are used to ‘run of the mill’ therapy exercises. Take, for example, an activity that incorporates residents shooting Nerf guns at therapists wearing deer antlers (for the hunters of the group), or at helium balloons with pictures of ghosts on them for a ‘Ghostbusters’ twist. Another example Beth shared was providing the opportunity to prepare silverware sets as a functional task that would also allow residents to give back to their community. Beth continues to see increased enthusiasm in residents as her team garners creativity and meaning into their therapy interventions.

In our interview, Beth also discussed the importance of interdisciplinary relationships. Beth expressed gratitude for the support she and her therapy team receive from their facility partners. She highlighted the importance of being adaptable in her interactions, mediating challenges with open communication, and being open to constructive feedback as a few key ways to interdisciplinary success.

Beth, thank you for your passion for quality care. Your efforts are an inspiration to us all!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Jonathan Perkins – September 2024

This month’s Clinician Who Inspires is Jonathan Perkins, PTA/DOR, Champion Level II Therapist at Canton Oaks. Jonathan shared many thoughts on the role that having a positive attitude plays on both team members and each patient’s success. He believes that his playful and joyous demeanor sets the tone for having great workdays and therapy sessions. Even if he is having a bad day, he does what he can to turn things around and be a positive, light-hearted motivator for all.

Jonathan shared that on every Thursday, his therapy team leads “Fun with Therapy” for the facility. They walk throughout the facility encouraging residents to come out of their room to get them moving, stretching, and communicating. The activity motto is to “keep moving” and the therapy team also uses it as an opportunity to talk with residents and keep open communication about any changes that they may be experiencing.

Another unique activity that Jonathan helps to coordinate is working with the Activities Director to facilitate a daily activity for residents in therapy. The Activities Director comes into the therapy gym each day to initiate activities and/or discussions that are beneficial to each patient’s goal achievement.

Jonathan also discussed the importance of continuous education and sharing newfound knowledge with others. He has taken a plethora of courses centered around fall prevention and shares learned tips through daily communication with both the therapy team and facility staff. He encourages everyone to continually learn new things and share!

Jonathan, you are an inspiration to all of us! We appreciate your dedication to your patients, your team, and your entire facility’s success. Thank you for being a Clinician Who Inspires!

Clinicians Who Inspire – Julie Kidd – August 2024

This month’s Clinician Who Inspires is Julie Kidd, DOR and SLP at Faith Community Nursing and Rehabilitation. In conversation, Julie spoke of the importance of keeping patients involved both in the facility and out in the community. Since Faith Community Nursing and Rehabilitation is embedded within the city, a favorite activity for patients is signing out and walking/propelling to the nearby Dollar Store with therapy. Of course, Julie and the therapy team at Faith make this a functional activity by planning in the days prior – making a list of items needed, planning anticipated rest breaks needed with walking, and problem solving the best time of day for this adventure, in lieu of the Texas heat. Using an interdisciplinary approach, PT works with the patients on navigating around obstacles like potholes on the journey while ST works on memory tasks, such as remembering the items from the list, and safety awareness. A main goal that Julie hopes to accomplish this year is setting up the opportunity for patients to read books to the children in the nearby school. This would be another great way for them to connect with the community.

Julie proudly shared other fun and interactive activities that her team coordinates. They host a wheelchair “car wash” day. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the patients get to plan and then participate in washing their wheelchairs to make them sparkly clean. Patients also routinely water plants outside of the facility. Therapists make the activity functional for speech sessions by working on memory, sequencing, and problem solving throughout the watering task.

As a speech therapist, Julie spoke in detail about the importance of rounding during meals. She explained that it’s important to interact with the patients during mealtime to promote socialization, but also to allow for a closer eye on patients with dysphagia to ensure carryover of tasks from therapy to their real-life environment.

Julie, your out of the box approach to treatment and patient care challenges us all to stretch our imagination and put the “fun” back in function. You truly are a Clinician Who Inspires!