National Rehabilitation Awareness Week
Every year, National Rehabilitation Awareness Week gives us a reason to slow down and recognize the therapists and team members who show up for our residents, patients, and their families. These are their stories, in their own words.
Carrie Young
Rehab Director, Lapeer County Medical Care Facility
"Moments like that make all the hard days' worth it."
Emily Wiegel
OTR/L, Senior Program Manager, Sunrise of East Setauket
"Helping someone get safely in and out of a car so they could make it to a birthday celebration is the kind of win that stays with you."
William Cowger
Rehab Program Manager, Heritage Woods of Noblesville
"I've watched patients go from needing maximum assistance just to stand, to enjoying simple things again, like getting outside in the sunshine."
Tracy Intartaglia
Speech-Language Pathologist
"There's so much more to this job than working on specific skills."
Anthony Sawicki
Physical Therapist
"Patients have told me I gave them their life back, and that's something that sticks with you."
Amanda Anderson
PT, Rehab Director
"I've helped patients of all ages get out of bed and walk safely again, no matter where they're starting from."
Jennifer Shields
OTR/L, Senior Program Manager
"Seeing a patient's face light up over equipment that finally fits right, that's a good day."
April Mazzarelli
COTA, HPP Lakeland
"Finding the right tool to help a child succeed at something they'd been struggling with is one of the best parts of this job."
Jessica Carmichael
Program Manager, Silver Birch of Michigan City
"Hearing that a patient got to spend real, pain-free time with family over the weekend is why this work matters."
Mitali Shastri
PT, DPT, Rehab Program Manager
"I've had patients tell me our work together made a bigger difference than anything they'd tried before."
Jessica Strand
COTA, Director of Rehabilitation, Rocky Knoll Health Care
"I enjoy creating an environment where we can work hard, laugh together, celebrate successes, and genuinely enjoy coming to work."
Genesis Ramirez
Speech-Language Pathologist
"Families tell me their kids are using more gestures and words at home."
Rachel Foley
Occupational Therapist
"Watching residents build strength and confidence through the program I created is incredibly rewarding."
Ashley Aguiar
Speech-Language Pathologist
"The progress we make in therapy carries over into daily life at home."
Sharon Phelps
Speech-Language Pathologist
"Nothing beats a family hearing their child's first words in session."
Caroline Porter
Physical Therapist
"A patient once told me I was encouraging, and that's stayed with me ever since."
Marcia Orr
OTR, Rehab Director, RiverMead
"We've worked with couples to help them get back to doing the small things together that they'd missed."
Maria Bova
PT, Senior Program Manager, Brightview Warren
"Hearing that a resident did well during a family visit and couldn't wait to tell me about it, that's what makes this job worth it."
Mary Aragona
Speech-Language Pathologist
"Watching a child get more comfortable with their communication device and use it more independently is a huge moment."
Ryan Andrews
Rehab Director, Natchitoches Community Care Center
"Helping patients access the care they need is just as important as the treatment itself."