Maria Bova
Physical Therapist and Senior Program Manager, Brightview Warren, NJ
"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."
Maria has worked as a physical therapist for over seven years, serving as the NJ/PA senior program manager for Phylissa Meehan.
A moment that reminded her why she does this work
A resident really wanted to visit family but was nervous about managing stairs to get into the home. Maria's team worked on stair training for weeks, and the resident was able to make the visit. "She couldn't wait to tell me how well she did and how happy she was that she got to spend time with her family."
A win from this year
Maria helped a resident who mostly stayed in her apartment out of fear of falling feel comfortable enough to walk down to meals with her walker. "Both her and her family were so excited that she was able to do this and be able to socialize."
What people outside the field don't understand
"A lot of people outside this field wouldn't understand how much of it is building a relationship with each resident. It's not just having residents do exercises, but forming relationships with them so that they trust in your care."
What Maria would want for her own family
"I would want my family member to feel compassion and trust from their care team. I always say I try to treat all my residents how I would want my family treated."