Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
2014 AN N U A L REPORT
Transforming lives.
One moment at a time.
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
Board of Directors
Officers
Directors
CONTENTS
Christopher M. Dadlez, F.A.C.H.E.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Michael Cummings
1
A Message from the President and
the Chairman
2
A Message from the Medical Director
3
Summary of National Research
Delores Graham
4
Year in Review
Howard W. Orr
Chairman
Delores Graham
Vice Chairman
Christopher M. Dadlez
Brad Davis
Wendy E. Elberth
P. Anthony Giorgio, Ph.D.
Edward S. Johnson, D.D.S.
6
Memorable Moments
P. Anthony Giorgio, Ph.D.
Secretary
Surendra Khera, M.D.
8
A Competitive Coach
Jeannine Mara
Treasurer
Jeannine Mara
John Rodis, M.D.
Assistant Secretary
John R. Suisman
Andrew J. Mandell
Howard W. Orr
Reconnects with Life
11 Responding to the Call
14 MS Research
18 New Skills and Thrills
21 A Year of Research and Scholarship
David Bittner
Assistant Treasurer
22 Administration
22 Medical Staff
Mount Sinai Foundation, Inc.
Board of Directors
Robert B. Bruner
Stuart Rosenberg
Robert E. Cohn
Roslyne E. Rosenfeld
Samuel P. Cooley
Henry S. Scherer
Christopher Dadlez
John R. Suisman
Robert M. Fechtor
Samuel H. Title
E. Merritt McDonough, Jr.
Michael Wilder
E. Merritt McDonough, Sr.
22 Clinical Services
23 Rehabilitation Services
24 MIRACLES XXV
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE CHAIRMAN
“Miracles come in moments.
Be ready and willing.”
This quote from Wayne Dyer, a best-selling author and motivational
Each and every story emphasizes our commitment to providing
speaker, is a great description of this year’s annual report theme.
the best possible care to our patients and their families. From the
At Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, for so many of our patients
inpatient program’s multidisciplinary treatment team to the medical
— a single step, speaking again, or returning to work — may be the
rehabilitation staff of the Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center
miracle they are working towards.
campus, to the day treatment/outpatient staff, and the treatment and
And this past year has been full of many single steps, with
research teams of the Mandell MS Center, all of our staff have
patients continuing to benefit from our interdisciplinary team of
continued to achieve impressive results with patients, striving for the
professionals, and also from the Rehabilitation Hospital’s alliance with
highest standards of clinical outcomes. Unique programs like our
Saint Francis Care’s breadth of medical and educational services. The
rock-climbing for amputees, our veterans’ programming, and our
stories you read in this annual report are examples of how patients
adaptive cycling clinics have been developed to help our patients
and staff work together to improve their health and their lives. We
return to the lives they enjoyed prior to their arrival.
also are given a glimpse of the moments that are memorable to our
staff, as they work with each patient to reach their miracle.
As we look back at another successful year, we are inspired by
this team who have helped their patients achieve so many “moments
and miracles.”
Christopher M. Dadlez
President and Chief Executive Officer
Howard W. Orr
Chairman
Christopher M. Dadlez and Howard W. Orr
1
A MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR
As I reflect on the close of
another memorable year
for Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, I am struck by our ability
our mission and history as a faith-based healthcare institution, our
to succeed in a healthcare system that is in the midst of a
dedicated and expert staff use skill, cutting-edge technology, and the
transformational evolution. Health insurance exchanges and high-
spirit of caring to bring about healing that is often truly miraculous.
deductible insurance plans are providing both heightened access and
More frequently, but equally profound, are the “moments” that occur
scrutiny to a healthcare system which is increasingly emphasizing
between a patient and our staff which signify progress, small
quality, outcomes, and patient experience for each healthcare dollar
triumphs, evidence of spiritual and physical healing, or just a
spent. While a relatively small piece of the overall healthcare
reminder that what occurs within the walls of Mount Sinai
expenditure pie, inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) like Mount
Rehabilitation Hospital each day is truly special. This year we chose
Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital are being challenged to validate the care
to share a few of this past year’s “Moments and Miracles,” and in so
they deliver. It is for this reason that the recently published Dobson
doing, give you a “taste” of “the secret sauce” of our success. I hope
study is so timely and significant. The largest study of its kind, it
you will enjoy reading about a few of our patients’ journeys and the
looks at 100,000 matched pairs of Medicare beneficiaries, comparing
staff who touched their lives along the way.
outcomes over a two-year period for those who received their
rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) vs. an IRF. The results
are striking and clearly show the added value of the IRF to those
patients who require this specialized level of care. As the only
freestanding acute rehabilitation hospital in Connecticut, Mount Sinai
Robert Krug, M.D.
is proud of our outcomes which distinguish us as a top performer
Medical Director
compared not only to skilled nursing facilities, but to other regional
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
and national acute rehabilitation hospitals as well.
In prior years, my Medical Director message focused on the
“Mount Sinai difference” and “What makes us unique.” Grounded in
As the only freestanding acute rehabilitation
hospital in Connecticut, Mount Sinai is proud
of our outcomes which distinguish us as a top
performer compared not only to skilled nursing
facilities, but to other regional and national
acute rehabilitation hospitals as well.
Robert Krug, M.D., Physician Leader —
PM&R Service Line and
Maura Murray, C.R.R.N., M.S.N.,
Executive Director — PM&R Service Line
2
S U M M A R Y O F N AT I O N A L R E S E A R C H
Assessment of Patient Outcomes of Rehabilitative Care
Provided in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities and After Discharge —
the Dobson/DaVanzo Study
In early 2014,
a study was released
at a meeting of the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers
Association regarding outcomes of patients who had received care in
inpatient rehabilitation hospitals (IRFs). The study, conducted by
Dobson DaVanzo and Associates, LLC, is the most comprehensive
national analysis to date examining the long-term outcomes of
clinically similar patient populations treated in inpatient rehabilitation
hospitals or nursing homes (SNFs).
The results of the Dobson/DaVanzo study indicate that
Also, of matched patients treated:
complex, intensive rehabilitation — such as that delivered by the
• inpatient rehabilitation hospital patients showed an eight
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital — can minimize disability in
percent lower mortality rate than skilled nursing facility
those impacted by a traumatic event or illness, and help patients
patients
regain their maximum level of independence. The study’s key findings
indicate that, on average, inpatient rehabilitation hospital patients:
• returned home from their initial hospital rehabilitation stay
two weeks earlier
• remained home nearly two months longer
• stayed alive nearly two months longer
• inpatient rehabilitation hospital patients with seven of the
12 diagnostic conditions showed significantly fewer hospital
readmissions than skilled nursing facility patients
• inpatient rehabilitation hospital patients made five percent
fewer emergency room visits per year than skilled nursing
facility patients
And, how does Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital compare
with these national results?
Over the past year, Mount Sinai has outranked
other inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in many
outcome areas. It is higher than average, both
regionally and nationally, in the amount of
improvement compared to length of stay, the
percentage of patients discharged to the
community, the amount of improvement while
hospitalized, and the level of function at discharge.
By combining the benefits of being treated in an inpatient
rehabilitation hospital with Mount Sinai’s exceptional record of
exceeding national benchmark standards, we strive for better
outcomes and a higher quality of life for our patients.
Dobson DaVanzo & Associates, LLC, is a health economics and policy
consulting firm in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
3
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW
Highlights
from the
past year
October 2013
Molecular and cellular
immunologist, Nathan Karin,
Ph.D., whose research and
discovery about cell migration led
to the development of Tysabri ®, a
leading drug for multiple sclerosis,
visited the Mandell MS Center and the Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital.
During his visit, Dr. Karin met with MS patients whose
quality of life has improved in response to this treatment.
November 2013
This year marked the 90th anniversary of the
dedication of the former Mount Sinai
Hospital. To mark the occasion, Howard Orr,
Chairman of the Board, Mount Sinai
Rehabilitation Hospital, and Robert Krug,
M.D., Medical Director, placed a blessing for
the Hospital into the Western Wall in Israel.
December 2013
The Mandell MS Center was officially recognized as a Center for
Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care through the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program. This formal recognition
honors The Mandell MS Center’s commitment to exceptional patient care;
its provision of coordinated, comprehensive MS care; and its continuing
partnership with the MS Society to address the challenges of people affected by MS. This recognition was
presented to the Mandell MS Center by Cindy Zagieboylo, President and CEO of the National MS Society.
April 2014
Rehabilitation technician, Emilia Neves, received the 2014
Peter Wade, M.D., Medical Director for Neurology at the
Dr. Catherine Bontke Spirit of Rehabilitation Award. This honor is
Mandell MS Center, was presented with a Distinguished
awarded to a rehabilitation employee for exceptional dedication,
Physician of the Year award from
good spirit and professionalism.
Saint Francis Hospital and Medical
Center. The award is given to
medical staff members who have
demonstrated clinical excellence
and achieved a high degree of
recognition for their non-clinical
contributions in the Hospital,
regionally, or nationally.
4
April 2014
“Wade’s Warriors,” which included a group of staff and patients from
the Mandell MS Center, participated in Muckfest MS, which was held
outside of Boston, sponsored by the New England Chapter of the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society. MuckFest MS is a mud and obstacle
5K which raises money for the MS Society’s mission of supporting people
living with multiple sclerosis and bringing us closer to a world free of MS.
May 2014
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
began offering a free Lifelong
Education & Advocacy Program (LEAP)
for stroke survivors, caregivers and
family members. LEAP is a program of
the National Stroke Association
developed for hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to use in
educating their stroke survivors and caregivers about the
medical issues of stroke.
The Mandell MS Center clinical team offered a free
educational program that provided an update on key areas
important for the care of persons living with Multiple Sclerosis
Triple amputee, Cameron Clapp, visited the Mount Sinai
to over 250 MS patients at the Aqua Turf Club in
Rehabilitation Hospital to share his message of hope and
Southington. The program included a variety of topics
demonstrate how his state-of-the-art prosthetic limbs have
ranging from research updates, symptom management,
enabled him to surf, ski, run and jump off cliffs as he had
and new MS treatments.
before his injury.
June 2014
Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Research
at the Mandell MS Center, along with
several other Saint Francis Care researchers,
Moeid Khan, M.D., a
presented their work at Research Day 2014.
specialist in Physical
Dr. Lo detailed his research on the effects of
Medicine and
extended-release dalfampridine (Ampyra®)
Rehabilitation, joined
on patients with multiple sclerosis.
the staff of the Mount
Sinai Rehabilitation
July 2014
Hospital.
Members of the Men’s Support Group at the Mandell MS
Center traveled to New York at the invitation of the National
MS Society to attend the presentation of the 2014 John
Dystel Prize for MS Research. The highlight of the trip was
having the opportunity to visit with Richard Cohen, an
American journalist, television producer, and author who was
diagnosed with MS as a young man, and has inspired
members of the support group with his writings.
5
R E F L E C T I O N S F R O M O U R S TA F F
Memorable moments
in rehabilitation
Linda Mackay, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P.
“My moment is about the family of a
patient. I was working with a young
“The severe traumatic brain
woman who had been in a car
injured patient is often broken in
accident and was in a coma. Her
many ways, with a machine to
family did not know how to interact
assist with breathing and a
with all of the tubes and wires, and
feeding tube, recovering from
they were afraid they would hurt her,
so they stood back. We showed
brain surgery, fractures and
wounds. It is scary and sad for
Kathy Sylvia, R.N.
them some things they could do to
all involved, but on this
comfort and interact with her, and
frightening journey, there comes a day or a moment, earlier than most are able to see,
they were able to be more involved.
that the therapy team recognizes consciousness and recovery. They reach out to the
It meant so much to them when they
admission team with a heads-up, “This patient is going to be a great rehab patient.”
were able to be helpful, and part of
And, as an admission nurse, the moment is when the message changes to ‘This is
the healing process.”
good,’ ‘there is hope,’ and ‘we believe.’ I am honored and determined to coordinate all
the pieces necessary to transition patients through their next steps towards recovery.”
“I had a patient who was a young
gentleman from Osaka, Japan on a business
trip in the United States when he became ill,
resulting in his admission to the neurological
unit at Saint Francis. After 1½ weeks, he
was “medevaced” back to Japan, and I
promised him and his family that I would
get him safely to the plane. I followed him
out to the ambulance, and then traveled
with them at 3 a.m. to the airport to see
him safely on his way. His and his family’s
appreciation gave me my moment.”
Melanie Henry, O.T.
Jill Kossbiel, P.T.
“Our patient was here about one year ago following a tick bite that led to further
complications, including PEG placement and CVA. He spent a good deal of time
in the MSICU and then on 8-7 being discharged to MSRH followed by home
services at discharge. There wasn’t a clear “moment” with him. It was an overall
miracle. He came to visit us about a month ago, almost one year after he was
here. It was such a dramatic change from the man who was here with us in rehab
— the man who initially could hardly make it 10 feet, and who had a difficult
time standing straight despite the use of the walker and physical assistance.“
Victor Chandler, R.P.T.
6
“My moment(s) occurred with a
young trauma patient with a
severe brain injury, who was
excessively agitated. He was
clinically ready for a swallow
evaluation, but he was
uncooperative with the food
items we generally offer patients
during a swallow evaluation due
to his brain injury. By bringing
Elizabeth Bouchard, S.L.P.
this patient a couple of unorthodox requested items (pepperoni pizza and a
soda, actually), that were not in my trusty swallow eval basket, he calmed
considerably, cooperated with my evaluation and was placed on an oral diet.“
“I took care of a patient on rehab 4N last fall who was involved
in a motor vehicle accident. She had very limited mobility of all
Carley Hauser, S.L.P.
four extremities and was very
frustrated with her progress.
”I had a patient who had a total laryngectomy
She also desperately wanted
due to cancer. Following the surgery, she had no
to take a shower after many
voice and became quite frustrated with being
weeks of being in the
unable to communicate with her family, as pen
hospital. I was able to
and paper were just not working. I was able to get
provide her with her first
her an iPad and this device meant the world to
shower which was of great
the patient, and it was her way of communicating
comfort to her and each
with her family until she died. It is rewarding to
improvement felt like a
not only be able to help people get better, but
miracle to her.”
also to make available the tools that provide
comfort in their final days.”
Donna Rabbett, R.N.
“I went in to provide physical therapy to an older gentleman who had
been admitted to the hospital. After I worked with him, I offered to
turn on the television for him, hoping that looking at the television
would encourage better positioning of his neck and head. He refused
to watch TV, saying that the only thing he wanted to watch was a
movie he had watched as a child. I went home that evening and found
the movie on-line, then worked with Engineering when I got back to
the hospital the next day so that there was equipment in the man’s
room to view a movie. He was delighted when I arrived with the
movie, and the nurses said he watched it three or four times after I
left the room. It’s all about helping people.”
Amy Lambert, P.T.
7
A Competitive Coach
Reconnects with Life
Bill Baiocchi
gets back in the game
after a stroke.
“I’ve had a million challenges with my players
and with my coaching career, but the stroke
was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to
deal with in my life.” These are strong words
coming from Bill Baiocchi, a former high
school coach who lives with a rare genetic
condition that has left him legally blind.
8
“Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a disease that affects the
elastic tissues in the eyes, skin and blood vessels,” says Thomas
Miller, M.D., Medical Director, Brain Injury Unit and Day Treatment
Program. “Bill is the first patient I’ve ever seen with PXE and I’ve been
practicing medicine for 20 years.” Besides robbing Bill of his vision, PXE
was likely responsible for the devastating stroke he suffered in
December 2013.
“It was a total shock”
Bill’s life literally changed overnight. “I woke up one morning and it
felt like my right arm and leg were asleep,” he recalls. “I could still
move but there was no real coordination.” His response was to take
an aspirin and call the doctor who had been treating his PXE. Soon
he was on his way to a local hospital. During his first day there, Bill
lost the ability to use his right arm and leg at all. “It was more of a
shock than losing my eyesight,” he says. “I was losing control.”
While Bill was an inpatient, his doctor paid him a visit and made
a life-changing recommendation. “He said to me, ‘If you want to get
better, you’ve got to go to Mount Sinai,’” recalls Bill. “I said, ‘I’ll do
whatever I have to do.’” Three days after his stroke, Coach Bill
checked into Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital.
The push to recovery
Bill was indeed ready to do whatever he needed to do. “The first day
we walked in, he was ready to go,” says Jennifer Shockley, P.T., a team
leader on the inpatient unit. “He was looking for someone to push
him; he was a go-getter and he had the confidence.” Accordingly,
physical therapy was intense from the start. To help Bill regain the
mobility of his right leg, Jen worked with him on a variety of walking
and balance activities.
“We did side-stepping, step-ups, sit-to-stand, and we worked
on walking — always going farther and faster,” Jen says. It was a
challenge unlike any Bill had faced before. “I have never been pushed
like that in my life,” he remembers. “Jen would push, I’d do what she
wanted, then she would push more. At first, I couldn’t get past the
first half hour without wanting to lie down and go to sleep.”
Occupational therapy focused on retraining Bill’s brain so he
could function independently at home. “When Bill first came to
Mount Sinai, he needed help to bathe, dress and do other everyday
tasks we all take for granted,” says Christy Zarlengo, O.T., a team
leader on the inpatient unit. “We had to work with him on doing
things in a very different way than he was used to.” This presented
Bill with yet another set of challenges. “Nothing worked in my righthanded world,” he recalls. “I had to relearn everything with my left
hand. It was extremely difficult.”
“Bill’s inner strength, drive, motivation,
commitment and positive attitude have
helped him get through this. Every obstacle
that has been thrown in his way he has
been able to overcome.”
Dr. Thomas Miller, M.D.
9
A bright spot — and a positive attitude
A “graduate” — and a mentor
Language is often affected by a stroke, but Bill’s speech was
Coach Bill’s discharge from outpatient therapy was not the end of his
remarkably intact. “Bill’s stroke happened in the nerve fibers that
Mount Sinai experience. He wanted to do more, and the Hospital’s
affect movement and not the ones that affect speech,” explains Dr.
Graduate Day Treatment Program gave him that opportunity. “The
Miller. “If there’s anything lucky about a stroke, he was lucky in that
program is designed for patients discharged from therapy who still
regard.” In fact, when Bill was evaluated by speech therapist Jackie
want to do something structured,” explains Stephanie Strano, the
Bouchard, she found that he had intact cognition and speech
rehabilitation technician who coordinates this initiative. “There are
function. But Bill wanted more. “He had a weakness on the right side
currently five people in the program, and we work on strengthening
of his face which affected the movement of his lips and cheeks,” says
exercises, brain games, nutrition and wellness, managing stress and
Jackie. “So we worked on simple stretching exercises he could do
anything else people may be having trouble with.”
with his fingers on his cheek.”
It’s also a chance for participants to be
Through it all, Bill’s optimism and
with those who share the same experiences and
motivation prevailed. “His attitude about
“It’s amazing when you see it challenges after a stroke. “The program serves as
everything was very positive,” recalls Letitia
a support group,” Stephanie points out. “It’s
with
your
own
eyes
—
that
Marino, R.N. “He never sat around and said
someone holding you accountable for the goals
light bulb moment when
‘poor me.’ He always wanted to see what he
you’re setting to move forward with your life.”
could do on his own.” While nursing would step
It was also the perfect segue to Bill’s new role
patients can do something
in if Bill struggled, they respected his
as a mentor.
they couldn’t before.”
independence – and his stubborn streak. “He
More than two decades of coaching high
wanted no part of that wheelchair!” says Collette
school
girls’ basketball and softball have made
Christy Zarlengo, O.T.
Carroll, R.N.“Even when he was tired he would
Bill an engaging motivator. “We saw he had the
say, ‘I gotta keep moving.’”
qualities to be a peer supporter,” says Christy
Zarlengo, O.T. And so Bill accepted the invitation to join the Connect
Stroke Peer Program and become a coach once again. “I come once a
Good to go
week and work on the fourth floor with stroke patients,” he says. “It’s
“After four weeks as an inpatient, I was good to go home,” Bill
been a great experience. I feel like I’m giving people hope.”
remembers. “They encouraged me to do outpatient therapy here and
I jumped right on it.” With characteristic enthusiasm, Bill entered the
Day Treatment Program and came to the hospital twice a week to
work with Karen Smyth, P.T. and Robin Lindboe, O.T.
“We worked a lot on his arm and helping him to be more
functional at home,” says Robin. “This meant using one-handed
techniques to shower, dress and do light household tasks.” Bill and
Robin also worked on exercises he could do at home to improve his
upper body strength and range of motion. Physical therapy focused
on his balance and walking, and a particular challenge Bill set for
himself. “A big goal for Bill was to be able to get on and off a bus,”
Karen remembers. “We have a bus here that takes patients for
community outings and we used that to practice with Bill. We
also worked on gait training — with the LiteGait® at first, then later
on a regular treadmill.”
10
Responding
to the Call
Joe Chipman’s strength
and determination
prevail after a
traumatic injury.
Not everyone is cut out to be an emergency
medical technician. The profession demands a
clear head, physical strength, the ability to make
quick decisions under pressure, and a certain
calm confidence. In Joe Chipman’s life, these
qualities have cut both ways. They’ve enabled
him to step into the scene of an accident with
competent ease. They’ve also allowed him to
emerge from the scene of his own traumatic
accident — to heal, recover and return to work.
11
“This is going to be expensive.”
It was a beautiful day in early July and Joe was riding
his motorcycle, on his way to see a friend. When he hit
a patch of sand, his day changed in the blink of an eye.
His bike fishtailed, went out from under him and
collided with a telephone pole, throwing Joe off to one
side. His right leg caught a street sign post and he was
knocked unconscious.
“The first thing I heard when I woke up was,
‘he’s got a really bad open tib/fib fracture,”’ Joe recalls.
“LIFE STAR was landing and I remember thinking, do
I really need LIFE STAR? This is going to be expensive!”
It was a characteristically calm assessment, a testament to Joe’s
EMT training and experience. Just as he had assured dozens of
trauma patients, he assured himself. “I did a self-check — I’m awake,
I’m alive, it’s just a bump on the head and some road rash. I’m
gonna be OK.”
Joe would, in fact, be OK. It would just take a while.
Losing the battle with infection
The injury to Joe’s lower leg was severe. The street sign post had
penetrated his leg and the impact fractured his tibia and fibula.
After the initial surgery, he spent two weeks at Saint Francis Hospital
and Medical Center fighting off fever and undergoing multiple
debridements. Each time, more tissue and bone were taken. “I ended
up with foot drop and I couldn’t move my toes without severe pain,”
he recalls. “I realized I was losing the battle with infection.”
A frank discussion with his doctor and some online research
prepared Joe for the decision to amputate his right leg below the knee.
The task ahead
After surgery, Joe was ready — and eager — to start therapy. “The
pain was better, and he had his mind set on the task,” says Caitlin
Tracey-Bryne, P.T. “We worked on exercises for strengthening his left
leg and his arms so he could stand and get out of bed. After
amputation, a person’s center of gravity is different, so we also
worked on his balance.”
Elise Huehner, C.O.T.A. worked with Joe on his upper body
strength, using stretch bands for resistance exercises. “He did well,”
she says. “You could tell he was a healthcare professional. He
understood the importance of early intervention and persevering
through the pain.”
To rule out brain injury, Joe was evaluated by Gerald Nadeau,
S.L.P. “Speech therapy in the hospital setting looks at cognitive skills
as well as speech,” explains Gerald. “My job was to see if Joe had any
cognitive-linguistic impairments that could indicate a potential brain
injury.” Mercifully, he did not.
“Joe is an ‘I’ve got this’ kind of guy.
We didn’t need to push or motivate him.
We just needed to keep him safe and
make sure he didn’t overdo.”
Mary Osella, R.N.
12
Setbacks, then progress
A month after the accident, Joe was discharged from Saint Francis. He
arrived at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital determined to get his
life back on track. “He knew what to expect, what he had to do,”
recalls Mary Osella, R.N. “He just needed the practical part of how to
get back to normal.” But it would be a rocky start.
“When Joe arrived here, we took an ultrasound and it showed
blood clots in both legs, so we started him on anticoagulants,” says
Maria Tsarouhas, D.O. Two days later, Joe had chest and back pain,
and shortness of breath. It was back to Saint Francis for evaluation
and a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). “He was admitted
and put on an inferior vena cava filter and continued on
anticoagulants,” says Dr. Tsarouhas. “Once he was stable, he came
back to Mount Sinai.” This scenario would repeat with Joe’s other leg
before he was finally able to begin therapy in earnest.
“We worked on getting him walking,” says Todd Clayton, P.T.
“At first he used the walker but eventually he went to crutches, which
was a big accomplishment. The amputation was hard enough, but
then to have those setbacks and bounce back was huge.”
While physical therapy helped Joe with ambulation,
occupational therapy prepared him for life at home. “We worked on
balance — standing and reaching for things — for higher level
activities at home, in the kitchen for example,” says Melissa Dusza, O.T.
“We also worked on exercises to build more upper body strength,
such as bicep curls, the arm bicycle and tricep pushdowns.”
In early August, Joe left Mount Sinai using a rolling walker and
crutches. While it would be October before he got his lower-leg
prosthesis, he had done the tough preparatory work to build the
strength he would need to use it. “Joe was a very hard worker,”
remarks Karen Brusseau, R.N. “He was motivated to make a bad
situation better, to go back to his job and rebuild his life.”
Trial by fire
The following spring, Joe was back at work. “I went back to work in
April — ten months after the accident,” he recalls. “One of my biggest
fears was having to carry someone down stairs. Of course, my very
first call was the routine transfer of a patient from the second floor of
her home. I completed the call and after that everything seemed like a
breeze.”
Sometimes, Joe’s job brings him to Mount Sinai and he’s able to
visit with members of his care team. “I don’t always see patients after
they’re discharged,” says Todd Clayton. “So it’s great he comes back to
visit. For him to get back to work at a very physical job is a great
thing to see. It’s a sign of all the hard work he’s put in.”
It’s also a testament to his therapy and care, as Joe is quick to
acknowledge. “Mount Sinai did a great job preparing me to go home
safe,” he says. “I have to do some things differently now, and
everything I learned is coming back. But really the only time I feel
like an amputee is when I go home and take the leg off. I think back
and say, ‘What accident?’”
13
Integration of Research –
Taking MS Care to the Next Level
To say the work of multiple sclerosis (MS)
research often operates in an ivory tower is not a
stretch; much of it takes place in dedicated
centers and universities. It’s often a relatively
rare thing for researchers to rub elbows with the
clinicians and patients who will directly benefit
from their work. But this is exactly what happens
every day at the Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell
Center for Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis
Care and Neuroscience Research.
14
Integrating research and clinical care
Located in the Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, the
Mandell MS Center provides a comprehensive approach to
MS care that combines clinical treatment, rehabilitation
and research. The result is a unique collaboration between
researchers, clinicians and patients that advances the
understanding and treatment of MS. “We have real-time
access to patient-identified problems as well as clinicianidentified gaps in knowledge required to solve each patient’s
unique presentation of symptoms associated with MS,” says
Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Research for the Center.
The knowledge gained from our research, explains
Jennifer Ruiz, D.P.T., Research Manager, translates into new
strategies and protocols for improving daily life and function
for those with the disease. “We want to identify optimal
treatment for patients,” she says. “So we focus on the things
patients deal with on a daily basis — things like symptom
management, wellness, independence and the ability to stay in
the workforce longer.”
The ability to recruit patients for in-house research helps
sharpen this focus. “Research that is fully integrated raises the
level of rigor and quality standards for clinical practice,” says
Dr. Lo. In addition, “Research makes the newest treatments
accessible to patients in the clinic.” Patients’ participation in
research studies benefits others as well as the field of MS, just
as access to new technology, tests and therapies may benefit
them. “The availability of research to help patients deal with
the physical consequences of the disease contributes to the
comprehensive nature of treatment here,” says Peter Wade,
M.D., the Medical Director of Neurology for the Center. “By
participating in research, patients help themselves and others.”
“Everyone wants to have an integrative
relationship between research and clinical
care. Here at the Mandell Center we sit right
next to each other, giving us the opportunity
to blend the best of both worlds.”
Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D.
A way to give back
Karen Hooper, a patient with MS, has participated in several studies
at the Mandell MS Center, one of which focused on the drug
Ampyra® (dalfampridine-ER). Approved by the FDA in 2010 for
improving walking speed in people with MS, dalfampridine-ER holds
the promise of other positive effects. “Dr. Lo and co-investigator
Elizabeth Triche, Ph.D. received a $360,000 grant from Acorda
Therapeutics, Inc. to evaluate the use of dalfampridine in a clinic
setting,” says Jennifer Ruiz. “We observed 52 individuals prescribed
the drug to learn what else was affected.”
Karen was assessed once before starting the medication and
several times after. Testing included use of her hands and arms,
memory, endurance and functional walking. “I did the 6-minute walk
and the 6-spot step test,” she recalls. Karen’s performance on these
functional walking tests improved. Most important, she saw benefits
beyond better test results. “I went from bilateral crutches to no
15
“The collaboration of the people
here makes the difference.
Everyone is part of one team.”
Karen Hooper
assistive devices,” she says. The information gained
from this study will provide clinicians and insurance
companies valuable information to better understand
the importance of this medication.
Karen also took part in an ongoing study of upper
extremity function made possible by a $518,000 grant
Dr. Lo and Dr. Triche received from the National MS
Society to assess 300 persons with MS. Through activities
matched to participants’ lifestyles, needs and symptoms,
the study evaluates strength, range of motion, sensation,
activity and the ability to perform functional tasks in
order to help characterize how the hands and arms of
persons with MS are affected by the disease. The findings
will help identify which combination and severity of
symptoms affect patients’ daily lives and provide clinicians with
help to customize care to specific patient needs and deficits. In
everyday life, this can mean making daily tasks easier — from
showering and dressing, to using a computer or driving, to putting
on makeup and jewelry.
“As new treatments and drugs become available, we take part in
sponsored studies with our clinical team to build knowledge,” says
Dr. Ruiz. An example is the STRATIFY-2 study, designed to help
16
clinicians and researchers better understand whether antibodies to
JCV (James Cunningham virus) may be used to predict if a patient is
at a higher or lower risk of developing a rare brain infection known
as Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). TYSABRI®
(natalizumab), a medication Karen uses to slow her disease
progression, is associated with an increased risk for developing PML.
“The STRATIFY-2 study helps me make therapeutic decisions about
the choice of medication for my patients,”says Dr. Wade. For Karen,
whose periodic blood draws have indicated that she is free of JCV,
the study has provided peace of mind. “It’s important because it helps
me know if I’m safe on the medication. I feel more comfortable taking it
because of the testing.”
As new opportunities arise to take part in MS research, Karen is
ready. “She always asks if there is a new study going on,” says Kayla
Olson, M.A., Research Associate. “She wants to do everything she can
to be involved. It’s her way of giving back.” Participating in research
also gives Karen more control and confidence in dealing with MS. “If
I’m healthy enough to participate, if I have anything to give, I will,”
she explains. “It’s a way to be proactive with the disease.”
A mindset of innovation
Being proactive with the disease is vital to patients and clinicians
alike, and research at the Mandell MS Center is their common ally.
“If you look at any top clinical program in the country, you will see a
prominent position for research,” says Dr. Lo. “Research engenders a
mindset of innovation and pushing past known boundaries. It raises
quality standards for clinical practice, and it makes the newest
treatments available to patients.”
Those who participate directly in the Center’s research, like
Karen Hooper, can benefit directly from new treatments and new
hope for the future. They also make an invaluable contribution to the
prospects of other people with MS, people they may never meet.
“There is absolutely no substitute for the opportunity to work directly
with patients,” says Dr. Lo. “They have first-person knowledge and
insight. They inspire us. They motivate us with their life stories.”
“The Mandell MS Center
presents posters
(abstracts of research studies)
as part of the annual Saint
Francis Research Day, and also
at consortiums and conferences
attended by thousands of MS
clinicians all over the world.”
Matt Farr, Manager, Mandell MS Center
17
New Skills
and Thrills
Therapeutic recreation
offers a way back to
favorite sports and
leisure activities.
The events that bring
patients to Mount Sinai
Rehabilitation Hospital are
not only life-changing;
they can be game-changing
as well. People who once
enjoyed recreational and
competitive sports are
brought face-to-face with
their new limitations, and
with the prospect of giving
up activities they love.
For them, therapeutic
recreation at Mount Sinai
offers hope, independence,
new skills and new thrills.
18
Following the continuum of care
back to a meaningful life
Headed by Paige McCullough-Casciano, Certified Therapeutic
Recreation Specialist, the Therapeutic Recreation Program follows the
continuum of care from treatment, rehabilitation and education, to
the return to family and community life. “Therapeutic recreation has
evolved a great deal within rehabilitation medicine,” says Paige.
“We’ve moved from an entirely inpatient approach to outpatient,
Day Treatment Program and community-based programs.”
Inpatient activities and programs include animal-assisted visits
provided by volunteers (many of them former patients) who bring
their dogs to the Hospital. Programs such as the Connect Stroke Peer
Program [see Bill Baiocchi’s story on page 8], bring former patients
back as peer supporters to share experiences, feelings and
encouragement with those still undergoing treatment and therapy.
Support is also provided through the Spinal Cord Injury
Informational Series, Amputee Informational Series and Powerful
Tools for Caregivers Course coordinated through Therapeutic
Recreation Services. These programs offer opportunities for patients
and family members to tap into education, information and resources
needed to foster independence and a better quality of life.
For many patients, just a tune or shared activity can make a
difference. “There’s always something on the schedule, whether it’s
music, a community outing, or a seasonal or holiday event or
program,” says Paige.
Community outreach programs — ever expanding and growing
— take rehabilitation into the community to increase awareness and
19
opportunities for people with disabilities. Using adaptive equipment
and techniques, specialized recreation programs offer participants the
chance to relearn a beloved sport or leisure activity, and to pick up
new skills and adventures.
• Golfers in Motion conducts spring and fall sessions to give
people who have experienced an amputation, stroke, spinal cord
injury or other disability the opportunity to relearn or learn the game
of golf from PGA golf pros.
“The PGA instructors who come to our program are amazing,”
Paige says. “They meet golfers wherever they are in their abilities and
help them push forward in their game.”
• The Connecticut Adaptive Rowing Program,
in its tenth year, gives people with physical disabilities or vision
impairments the chance to row recreationally and/or competitively.
Offered in partnership with Riverfront Recapture, Inc., the program
operates out of the organization’s boathouse
on the Connecticut River. A highlight of the
program is the National Learn to Row Day
“There’s always something
in June for veterans and individuals with
on the schedule, whether it’s
disabilities.
music, a community outing,
For Alexia Bouckoms, rowing was one of
her first ventures into physical activity after a
or a seasonal or holiday
spinal cord injury. She has also participated in
event or program,”
the Adaptive Cycling Program, using a hand
cycle to compete in three half marathons.
• The Adaptive Cycling Program sponsored two clinics in
2014 and, with proceeds from the SWING golf tournament, was able
to purchase two adaptive bicycles — a hand cycle and a recumbent
bicycle manufactured by Ti-Trikes of South
Windsor, Connecticut. Clinics are held at CT
Adaptive Cycling’s Simsbury location, close to
the Farmington Canal Trail.
Ken Messier, the company’s Chief
Operating Officer, offers his extensive
knowledge of adaptive cycling, plus access to
30 adaptive bikes for program participants.
Injured in an off-road bicycling accident,
Doug Martel got back on a bike for the first time
in 14 years when he took part in an adaptive
cycling clinic. “It was one of those moments,”
recalls Paige. “He was there. He made it.”
20
• Adaptive Rock Climbing, the newest
addition to therapeutic recreation, brought
Amputee Information Series members to the
Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury, Connecticut,
to try the activity for the first time.
“There’s a real interest in climbing,” notes
Paige. “People want to try something new, get that
thrill and build confidence.”
While golf, rowing and cycling are associated
with warm weather, therapeutic recreation doesn’t
end when the snow flies. “We keep that fitness going year-round,”
explains Paige. “We have simulated rowing machines, and an
adaptive cycle that sits on a stationary trainer in our Fitness Center.”
Paige is also ready with referrals and information
for people whose interests and needs fall outside
the Hospital’s offerings. “I refer people to other
clinics and resources outside our system,” she says.
“I help them connect with whatever they might need.”
Whether it’s relearning and refining the skills of
a favorite sport, or simply finding new ways to stay
fit and active, therapeutic recreation helps people
push past boundaries and obstacles. “It’s part of the
adjustment process to find the motivation and say
‘I’m gonna do it,’” says Paige. “If you’re willing to
change the game a little, you can do anything.”
A Year of Research
and Scholarship
Staff members share
their knowledge and
receive professional
recognition.
October 2013 – Robert Krug, M.D. was
February 2014 – Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D.
September 2014 – Peter Wade, M.D.,
named as Associate Chair of the Medical
Directors Advisory Panel to the American
Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association
(AMRPA), the national organization
representing acute rehabilitation hospitals.
presented Rehabilitation Trials Using
Robotics in Multiple Sclerosis at the
Imaging Rehabilitation in Multiple
Sclerosis, 9th Annual MRI workshop of
ARSEP, Paris, France.
October 2013 – Linda Mackay is currently
May 2014 – Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D. was the
serving on the boards of the Council for
Clinical Certification (CFCC) and the
Committee on Clinical Specialty Certification
(CCSC) of the American Speech, Hearing and
Language Association. She was also invited
as one of fifty national experts to develop
evidence-based guidelines for the post-acute
rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury. This
effort is a collaboration of the Brain Injury
Association of America and the Brain Injury
Research Center at the Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.
AAN Frontiers in Neuroscience Plenary
Session speaker: Opportunities and
Challenges of Robot-assisted and Facilitated
Neurorecovery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
along with Amy Neal, P.-A.C., Jennifer Ruiz,
D.P.T., Beth Anderson, Ph.D., and Lindsay
Tuttle, M.P.H. presented a poster titled,
Assessing Tolerability of Interferon Beta-1a
Intramuscular Injections with a 30 Gauge
Needle sharing the results of his recently
completed study at the European Committee
for Treatment and Research in Multiple
Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) annual meeting in
Boston, MA.
November 2013 – Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D.,
Jennifer Ruiz, D.P.T., Michele Labas, and
Elizabeth Triche, Ph.D. published the study
A Combination of Robot-assisted and Bodyweight Supported Treadmill Training
Improves Gait in Persons with Multiple
Sclerosis: A Pilot Randomized Study in the
Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy.
January 2014 – Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D. was
a guest scientific presenter, Empowering
People with MS through Rehabilitation
Research, at the NMSS National Board and
Research Program Advisory Committee
Meeting, New York, NY.
February 2014 – Robert Krug, M.D.
presented ACOs: Opening the Door for
Rehabilitation and Post-Acute Care at the
inaugural American Medical Rehabilitation
Providers Association Medical Directors
Boot Camp in Washington, D.C.
September 2014 – Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D.
May 2014 – Thomas Miller, M.D.
participated in a panel presentation on
Transition to Home, from a Caregiver’s
Perspective at the Connecticut State Stroke
Conference 2014.
May 2014 – Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D.
presented Functional Electrical Stimulation
for Mobility in Multiple Sclerosis as well as
The Effects of Dalfampridine Extended
Release on Areas of Motor Function Beyond
Walking in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis at
the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers’
annual meeting in Dallas, Texas.
June 2014 – Robert Krug, M.D. presented
ACOs: Opening the Door for Rehabilitation
and Post-Acute Care at the 20th annual
Mediware Rehabilitation Conference in
Scottsdale, Arizona.
June 2014 – Laura Filipek, P.T. presented the
results of a research project titled Does the
Stroke Impact Scale-16 (SIS-16) Positively
Correlate with the Functional Independence
Measure (FIM) during Acute Inpatient
Rehabilitation following Stroke?, which she
collaboratively worked on with Steve
Kunsman, P.T., Christopher White, O.T., and
Michelle Russi, P.T.A. to the Saint Francis
community at Research Day 2014.
and Elizabeth Triche, Ph.D., along with
Jennifer Ruiz, D.P.T., Beth Anderson, Ph.D.
and Kayla Olson, M.A., presented a poster
titled, Changes in Functional Impairment in
Persons with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with
Dalfampridine to the international audience
at the European Committee for Treatment
and Research in Multiple Sclerosis
(ECTRIMS) annual meeting in Boston, MA.
September 2014 – Marlene Murphy-Setzko,
M.D., Director of Urology, and Matthew
Durst, P.T. participated in a focus group for
clinical planning specific to urinary issues
with MS. This group was led by Rosalind
Kalb, VP of Clinical Care of the National MS
Society, and consisted of clinical experts in
urology, neurology, nursing, psychology, and
physical therapy. These professionals will be
responsible for updating all patient education
and support services specific to urinary issues
for individuals with MS. In addition, this
group of experts will develop updated clinical
guidelines for treatment of urinary
dysfunction with MS.
October 2014 – Carley Hauser, S.L.P.
achieved board certification in Swallowing
from the American Board of Swallowing and
Swallowing Disorders.
21
Mount Sinai
Rehabilitation Hospital
Service Line
Administration
Christopher M. Dadlez, F.A.C.H.E.
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Robert Krug, M.D.
Medical Director
Maura A. Murray, C.R.R.N., M.S.N.
Executive Director
Steve Kunsman, P.T.
Director of Operations
Denise A. Erdman, A.A.S.
Office Manager
Colin B. Lavoie, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N.,
C.C.M.
Clinical Educator
Medical Staff Membership
ACTIVE STAFF
Kathleen Abbott, M.D.
Raymond Chagnon, M.D.
Moeid Khan, M.D.
Robert Krug, M.D.
Thomas Miller, M.D.
Maria Tsarouhas, D.O.
MEDICAL ASSOCIATE STAFF
Michelle Brisman, Ph.D
Cristina Ciocca, Psy.D.
Christopher Gaunya, L.Ac.
Corinne Harrington, Ph.D.
Howard Oakes, Psy.D.
William Padula, O.D.
Tracey Sondik, Psy.D.
MEDICAL ASSISTANT STAFF
Tara Breslin, P.A.-C.
Tracy G. Civitillo, P.A.-C.
Jane E. Clark, A.P.R.N.
Adrienne M. Clements, A.P.R.N.
Concepcion Cortes, A.P.R.N.
Eleanor Fritz, A.P.R.N.
Geriann Gallagher, A.P.R.N.
Sue Keefe, A.P.R.N.
Jannette Lopez, A.P.R.N.
Ann Navage, A.P.R.N.
Amy Neal, P.A.-C.
Thoa Thi Nguyen, A.P.R.N.
Francis Pasini, P.A.-C.
Jennifer L. Rivers, A.P.R.N.
Patricia Samuels, A.P.R.N.
Nancy Scheetz, A.P.R.N.
Frieda Winnick, A.P.R.N.
PER DIEM STAFF
Anat Bergner, M.D.
Syed Naqvi, M.D.
Ricardo Ruiz, M.D.
Gagandeep Singh, M.D.
Jaykumar R. Thumar, M.D.
Nailia Vodovskaia, M.D.
David Wolpaw, M.D.
CONSULTANT STAFF BY
SPECIALTY
DENTISTRY
Mark Schmidt, D.D.S.
22
FAMILY MEDICINE
Kathleen Mueller, M.D.
Susan Wiskowski, M.D.
MEDICINE
Ronald Bloom, M.D. (Cardiology)
John Cardone, M.D. (Cardiology)
William Carney, M.D. (Nephrology)
Russell Ciafone, M.D. (Cardiology)
Murali Dharan, M.D.
(Gastroenterology)
Meghana Gaiki, M.D. (Nephrology)
Ari Geller, D.O. (Nephrology)
Steven Goldenberg, M.D.
(Gastroenterology)
Bruce Gould, M.D.
Carolyn Kosack, M.D. (Cardiology)
Steven Lane, M.D. (Cardiology)
Michael Moustakakis, M.D.
(Nephrology)
Danilo Pangilinan, M.D.
John Polio, M.D. (Gastroenterology)
Eytan Rubinstien, M.D. (Infectious
Disease)
Niranjan Sankaranarayanan, M.D.
(Nephrology)
Cheryl Smith, M.D. (Infectious Disease)
Richard Stone, M.D.
(Gastroenterology)
Michael Teiger, M.D. (Pulmonary)
Christine B. Vigneault, M.D.
(Nephrology)
NEUROLOGY
Gary Belt, M.D.
Michael Krinsky, M.D.
Albert C. Lo, M.D., Ph.D.
Arjuna P. Mannam, M.D.
Keshav Rao, M.D.
Peter Wade, M.D.
NEUROSURGERY
Bruce Chozick, M.D.
Howard Lantner, M.D.
RADIOLOGY
Michael C. Biondi, M.D.
Robert Feld, M.D.
Michael Firestone, M.D.
Clifford Freling, M.D.
Jonathan Getz, M.D.
Pupinder Jaswal, M.D.
Amy Martin, M.D.
Sean McKeon, M.D.
Peter Morrison, M.D.
Harold Moskowitz, M.D.
Pongsa Pyn Muangman, M.D.
Robert Perez, M.D.
Anthony Posteraro, III, M.D.
Joseph Sala, M.D.
James Slavin, M.D.
George Stohr, M.D.
Michael Twohig, M.D.
John Ziewacz, M.D.
Stephen Zink, M.D.
SECTION OF PODIATRY
Richard Grayson, D.P.M.
Robert Kalman, D.P.M.
Eric Kosofsky, D.P.M.
Danielle Malin, D.P.M.
Loren Schneider, D.P.M.
Brian Wagner, D.P.M.
UROLOGY
Peter Bosco, M.D.
James Boyle, M.D.
Hugh Kennedy, M.D.
Marlene Murphy-Setzko, M.D.
Adine Regan, M.D.
G. Thomas Trono, M.D.
Clinical Services
NURSE MANAGER
Steven Fitch., R.N., B.S.N.
PERMANENT CHARGE NURSE
Carmen Martinez, C.N.A.
Zipporah Mbugua, R.N.
Kesha Murray, R.N.
Simone McDougall, C.N.A.
Joseph Nervel, C.N.A.
Kathy Olson, R.N.
Mary Osella, R.N.
Mayra Oyola, C.N.A.
Indraine Persaud, R.N.
Donna Rabbett, R.N.
Donna Ricketts, R.N.
Joanne Rose, C.R.R.N.
Sylvia Rubie, C.N.A.
Salwa Said, R.N.
Barbara Semple-Cort, R.N.
Dennis Sledge, C.N.A.
Otasha Stephens, C.N.A.
Kara Toole, R.N.
Louvenia Turner, C.N.A.
Yevgeniy Utnyukhin, R.N.
Margaret Vansteenburgh, C.R.R.N.
Errol Walters, C.N.A.
NURSING ADMINISTRATIVE
SUPPORT STAFF
Elaine Cloutier
Martha Curtis
Nancy Garthwaite
Pauline Howell
Guisella Quezada
Ana Santillan
PHYSICIANS OFFICE
PRACTICE MANAGER
Catherine Treadow, R.N.
PHYSICIANS OFFICE
PRACTICE SUPPORT STAFF
Marlene Holland
Zuleyka Maldonado
Ajlana Music
Patricia Ryan
Harmony Ventura
OPHTHALMOLOGY
William Maron, M.D.
Denise Naylor, C.R.R.N.
QUALITY & OUTCOMES
MANAGER
NURSING STAFF
ORTHOPEDICS
Jesse Eisler, M.D.
Andrew Gabow, M.D.
Robert Green, M.D.
David Kruger, M.D.
John Mara, M.D.
Paul Murray, M.D.
Steven Selden, M.D.
Anthony Spinella, M.D.
Aris Yannopoulos, M.D.
Gail Abel, C.R.R.N.
Ann Marie Alcide, R.N.
Chiquana Allman, R.N.
Nicovia Anderson, C.N.A.
Kathleen Barone, R.N.
Dianne Bernier, R.N.
Jajet Brown, C.N.A.
Debra Brown-Stephenson, C.N.A.
Karen Brusseau, R.N.
Amy Calvo, C.R.R.N.
Colette Carroll, R.N.
Minerva Clark, C.N.A.
Phyllis Cox-Garvey, R.N.
Jacqueline Dawkins-Jones, C.N.A.
Stephanie DeCampos, R.N.
Erin Dickson, R.N.
Samantha Duah, R.N.
Linda Fader, R.N.
Renee Fevrier, R.N.
Brandon Fortier, R.N.
Kiva Francis, R.N.
Darnell Glass, C.R.R.N.
Janette Gordon, R.N.
Maxine Harris, R.N.
Denise Jackson, R.N.
Kathleen Horgan, R.N.
Helen Johnson, R.N.
Beverly Jones, R.N.
Gosseth Jones, C.N.A.
Mary Lachapelle, R.N.
Veronica Laing, R.N.
Suzanna Leon, C.N.A.
Anne MacKenzie, C.R.R.N.
Letitia Marino, R.N.
Karen M. Prior-Topalis, R.N., B.S.N.,
M.B.A., C.C.M., A.-C.C.C., C.B.I.S.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Sheldon Nova, M.D.
Ronald Saxon, M.D.
Stephen G. Wolfe, M.D.
PSYCHIATRY
Paulo R. Correa, M.D.
Yana Frenkel, M.D.
Neelu Gill, M.D.
Luis Gonzalez, M.D.
Alejandro Gonzalez-Restrepo, M.D.
Ladan Hamdheydari, M.D.
Nina Jacobs, M.D.
Ernest Jermin, M.D.
Karen Jones, M.D.
Nayyara Malik, M.D.
Mehran Motamed, M.D.
Muhammad I. Munawar, M.D.
Yann Poncin, M.D.
Nick Ramandi, M.D.
Surita Rao, M.D.
Bruce Rothschild, M.D.
Larisa Yelunina, M.D.
QUALITY & OUTCOMES
STAFF
TEAM LEADER CASE
MANAGEMENT
Linda Alvarado, R.N., Admissions
CASE MANAGEMENT
Anita Caro, R.N., C.C.M.
Debra MacLean, R.N., B.S.N., M.B.A.
Josephine Oliano, R.N.
Susan Pearson, M.S.W.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF
Andrea Violette
TEAM LEADER QUALITY AND
OUTCOMES
Gina Waltos, C.O.T.A./L., B.S.,
Quality & Outcomes
COORDINATOR
Kelly Versteeg, C.O.T.A./L.
REHABILITATION ADMISSION
LIAISONS
Colette Carroll, C.R.R.N.
Denise Farrah, R.N.
Marianne Lauri, R.N.
Kathy Sylvia, R.N.
Robin Wachs, R.N.
MANDELL CENTER FOR
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
MANAGER AND STAFF
Matthew Farr, P.T., Manager
Jennifer Ruiz, P.T., D.P.T.,
Research Manager
RESEARCH STAFF
Beth Anderson, Ph.D.
Heather Hawks, M.S.
Joanna Jennens, M.S.
Kayla Olson, M.A.
Carolyn St. Andre, B.S.
Lindsay Tuttle, M.P.H.
CLINICAL STAFF
Amy Neal, P.A.-C., M.S.C.S.
Ronald Asai, R.N.
Nina Belfer-Tyler, M.S.W.,
Case Manager
Trisha Fairley, R.N.
Nancy Lopez, Rehabilitation Technician
Mary Osella, R.N.
Marilu Rivera, Medical Assistant
Rachel Wisniewski, Medical Assistant
Jacquelyn Wright, R.N., M.S.C.N.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND
SUPPORT STAFF
Judith Forrester
Shellaine Rose
Rehabilitation Services
ACUTE SAINT FRANCIS
HOSPITAL MEDICAL/
SURGICAL MANAGER
AND STAFF
Linda Mackay, M.A.,C.C.C.-S.L.P.,
B.C.S.-S, C.B.I.S.T.
Manager of Medical/Surgical
Rehabilitation Program
TEAM LEADERS
Georgia Angelopoulous, P.T.
Michelle Haudegand, O.T.R./L
Julie Logan, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P., C.B.I.S.
Gary Naples, P.T., C.B.I.S.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF
Laura Maldonado
Joanne Plaza
Yolanda Pruneau
AUDIOLOGISTS
Claudia Janusko, M.A., C.C.C.-A.
Angela Page, Au.D., C.C.C.-A.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Megan Bartos, O.T.R.
Deborah Drown, O.T.R./L.
Amy Goodwin, O.T.R./L.
Melanie Henry, O.T.R./L.
Christina Hillemeir, O.T.R./L, C.B.I.S.
Fatima Joao, M.S., O.T.R./L.
Bethany Pisati, O.T.R./L, C.B.I.S.
Kimberly Wilson, O.T.R./L.
Kimberley Wood, O.T.R./L.
CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Elise Huehner, C.O.T.A./L.
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
Timothy Addie, P.T., C.C.I.
Jeffrey Baker, P.T.
Katrina Banks, P.T.
Lauren Barker, D.P.T., C.C.I.
Sarah Begina, P.T.
Corey Burke, D.P.T., C.C.I.
Caitlin Tracey-Byrne, D.P.T., C.C.I.
Victor Chandler, R.P.T.
Amanda DeAngelo, D.P.T., C.C.I.
Amy Lambert, R.P.T., C.B.I.S.
Eric Marcus, D.P.T., C.C.I.
Marie McAnaw, R.P.T., C.C.I.
Catherine Milewski, P.T.
Mark Mitchell, P.T.
Amanda Neto, D.P.T., C.C.I.
Richard Pires, P.T., M.S., C.C.I.
Danielle Provost, P.T., M.S., C.C.I.
Michael Rigdon, D.P.T.
Peggy Romine, P.T.
Radhika Sangireddy, P.T.
Kathryn Streb, P.T., M.S., C.C.I.
Stephanie Voss, P.T.
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS
Thomas Carriere, P.T.A.
Christine Castler, P.T.A.
Denise Dieli, P.T.A.
Hollie Marshall, P.T.A., C.C.I.
Shirley Verner, P.T.A.
REHABILITATION TECHNICIANS
Kevin Chagnon
Sarah Fortin
Emilia Neves
Nadine Peynado
Chrisitan Ramirez-Colchado
Katherine Stoker
Jason Teles
Ana Thibodeau
Joseph Wojtkowiak
SPEECH-LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGISTS
Elizabeth Bouchard, S.L.P., C.B.I.S.
Allison Ezell, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P.
Melissa Flenke, S.L.P.
Bernadette Fowler, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P.
Carley Hauser, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.,
B.C.S.-S
Leslie Lessard, S.L.P.
Jessica Morris, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P., C.B.I.S.
Gerald Nadeau, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.,
C.B.I.S.
Ann Rooney, S.L.P.
Rachel Slater, S.L.P.
Kamie Sylvester, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.
INPATIENT REHABILITATION
HOSPITAL MANAGER AND
STAFF
Steven Fitch., R.N., B.S.N.
Manager of Inpatient
Rehabilitation Services
TEAM LEADERS
Jennifer Shockley, P.T.
Christy Zarlengo, O.T.
CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPIST ASSISTANTS
Jennifer Allyn, C.O.T.A.
Megan Stevens, C.O.T.A.
Magdalena Turner, C.O.T.A.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Janice Bane, O.T.
Melissa Dusza, O.T.
Heidi Fagan, O.T.
Stacy Godin, O.T.
Alyssa Greenberg, O.T.
Emily Hayes, O.T.
Lora Mason, O.T.
Nicole Morales, O.T.
Jennifer Morello, O.T.
Christopher White, O.T.
Katherine Zimmerli, O.T.R.
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
Todd Clayton, P.T.
Kathryn Costanzo, P.T.
Kathryn Coutu, M.S.P.T., C.S.R.S.
Laura Filipek, P.T.
Jillian Kossbiel, P.T.
Katherine Leduc-Griffiths, P.T.
Deborah Ludwig, P.T.
Jenna Murphy, P.T.
Kathryn Saylor, P.T.
Candice Schaff, P.T.
Bryan Tronosky, P.T.
Sarah-Louise Walsh, P.T.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Michelle Russi, P.T.A.
REHABILITATION TECHNICIANS
Kathleen Curtis
David McNamara
Avery Osella
Terrence Roberge
SPEECH-LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGISTS
Jacqueline Bouchard, S.L.P.
Elizabeth Brown, S.L.P.
Margaret Carpenter, S.L.P.
Alexandra Carso, S.L.P.
Kelly Coyne, S.L.P.
Kelly Freer, S.L.P.
Lyndsay Fry, S.L.P.
Julie Leska, S.L.P.
Molly Ruder, S.L.P.
Michael Scianna, S.L.P.
Ashley Zapata, S.L.P.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
SPECIALIST
Paige McCullough-Casciano, T.R.S.
OUPATIENT
REHABILITATION HOSPITAL
MANAGER AND STAFF
Andrew S. Lovig, P.T., D.P.T., M.B.A.,
O.C.S., Cert. M.D.T., C.C.I.
Manager of Outpatient
Rehabilitation Services
TEAM LEADERS
Lisa Farr, P.T.
Eric Fay, M.S.P.T., C.C.I., Team Leader
Rehab Therapy
Joan Karpuk, P.T., M.B.A., A.T.P.,
N.C.S., M.S.C.S., C.B.I.S., C.C.I.,
Team Leader Rehab Therapy
COORDINATORS
Philip Ahlschlager, A.C.E.-C.P.T.,
Rehabilitation Fitness Coordinator
Matthew Durst, M.P. T., L.S.V.T.-BIG,
Outreach Coordinator
Catherine King, P.T., Cert. M.D.T.,
S.T.A.R. certified, C.L.T./U.E.,
Outreach Coordinator
Tara Rothstein, O.T.R./L, M.S.W.,
C.B.I.S., Day Treatment Program
Coordinator
LYMPHEDEMA SPECIALISTS
Michelle Aafedt, O.T.
Gail Hendsey, P.T.
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
Keikhosrow Aboulian, P.T., A.T.C.
Michele Dery, P.T., C.B.I.S., C.C.I.,
L.S.V.T.-BIG
Thomas Gostyla, P.T.
Gail Hendsey, P.T., C.L.T., L.A.N.A.
Lauren King, P.T.
Joanne Lombardo, P.T., M.S.P.T., C.C.I.
Wendy McCabe, M.S.P.T., M.S.C.S.,
C.C.I.
Christopher Miller, P.T., D.P.T.
Jeremy Nash, P.T.
Michael Perin, P.T., D.P.T., Cert. M.D.T.
Barbara Robinson, P.T., C.H.T.
Deborah Ryan, P.T.
Tamra Ryan, P.T., Cert. M.D.T.
Karen Smyth, P.T., C.B.I.S., C.C.I.
Patricia Uhl, P.T., M.S.P.T.
Audrey Webber, P.T., D.P.T.
Sarah Wargo-Frank, P.T., D.P.T.,
M.S.C.S., C.C.I.
REHABILITATION TECHNICIANS
Mercedes Garcia
Leonardo Mason
Stephanie Strano
Nicole Violette
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS
Nicole Augustine, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.
Lori Kostich, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.,
L.S.V.T.-LOUD
Arlene Rande, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.,
C.B.I.S.
Sara Tye, S.L.P.
MANAGER, OUTPATIENT
BUSINESS OFFICE
Holly Johnson
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF
Melinda Agosto
Stacey Brundrett
Janet Cormier
Giuseppina Corpaci
Shantell Daniels
Joanne DeJohn
Sally Gencarelli
Laura Gold
Catherine Green
Nancy Lopez
Jeffrey Maltz
Marsha McKenzie
Evelyn Medina
Deborah McGuire
Eunice Rodriguez
Theresa Turgeon
Carleen Young
DIRECTOR, FITNESS CENTER
Frank Bud Gouveia, A.T.C., L.A.T.,
C.S.C.S.
FITNESS CENTER STAFF
Melissa Frain, M.S., A.F.A.A.-P.F.T.,
Manager
Mike Jones, M.S., C.S.C.S.
Tony Fonseca, B.S., A.C.S.M.-C.P.T.
Tom McWalters, B.S., A.C.E.
Marcelle Mitchell, Membership
Services
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Timothea Kimball, O.T.R./L., C.H.T.
Robin Lindboe, O.T.R./L., C.B.I.S.
Cynthia Robbins, M.S.O.T., C.L.T.
Megan Stevenson, O.T.R./L.
Elizabeth Taber, M.S.O.T.
Robin Tripp, O.T.
Emily Vincent, M.S.O.T., M.S.C.S.,
L.S.V.T.-BIG
23
MIRACLES XXV
Honors Affiliation
of Mount Sinai
and Saint Francis
It was another sellout evening with nearly 1,400 guests at the
Connecticut Convention Center for this year’s MIRACLES XXV gala,
hosted by the Saint Francis Foundation. This year’s beneficiary
was Saint Francis’ Mount Sinai campus — the catalyst site behind the
creation of the first MIRACLES gala in 1990.
The black-tie event, the largest of its kind in Connecticut, raised
over $1,000,000 for initiatives at the Mount Sinai campus. The
evening featured a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing and an
exclusive silent auction offering an outstanding array of wines.
“This new funding will enable the Mount Sinai campus to begin
shaping its future as the centerpiece for a progressive network of
integrated, leading-edge services,” said Christopher M. Dadlez,
President and Chief Executive
Officer of Saint Francis. “As an
innovative campus, Mount
Sinai will be a model for the
provision of uniquely
comprehensive services
dedicated to post-acute
recovery and rehabilitation
programs — a concept unlike
anything presently offered in
Connecticut.”
Since its inception in 1990, the MIRACLES galas have raised
more than $14 million for the Hospital. The first MIRACLES gala
celebrated the affiliation between the former Mount Sinai Hospital
and Saint Francis — the first of its kind between a Jewish and
Catholic healthcare institution in the U.S.
Today, the Mount Sinai campus on Blue Hills Avenue is
comprised of the Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital; the Mandell
Center for Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care and Neuroscience
Research; the Wound Care Center; comprehensive inpatient and
outpatient Behavioral Health Services; and an array of related and
other specialized programs and services.
Mount Sinai programs are recognized nationally and
internationally for the care they provide to individuals afflicted with
strokes, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, orthopedic injuries, and
those with medically complex illnesses.
“Mount Sinai will be a model for the provision
of uniquely comprehensive services dedicated
to post-acute recovery and rehabilitation
programs — a concept unlike anything
presently offered in Connecticut.”
Christopher M. Dadlez,
President and Chief Executive Officer
24
Helping Make
“Moments and Miracles”
Over 350 golfers and tennis players united for the 25th Anniversary of
the SWING Golf and Tennis Outing held at Tumble Brook Country Club.
It was again a huge success, raising almost $150,000. It was a glorious day
and all attendees had the opportunity to see firsthand how part of the
proceeds from the event would be used.
Paige McCullough-Casiano, MSRH
Recreation Therapist, brought a hand cycle
and a recumbent cycle, which are used in the
newly created adaptive cycling initiatives.
Additionally, the proceeds from the event
support the many nursing education programs
at both Mount Sinai and Saint Francis.
Our presenting sponsor was Arrow
Pharmacy, with Angelo DeFazio serving as
Honorary Chair. Throughout the day the
guests were treated to sliders by Catsup and
Mustard, massages by Integrative Medicine at
Saint Francis, chips and salsa by Chili’s, beer
from Sam Adams and Rogo Distributors, and
The adaptive golf cart and adaptive bicycle are tools used in
the Therapeutic Recreation Program, thanks to the generosity
of those who participated in this event. Staff from Mount Sinai
tested out the adaptive equipment that was on display.
margaritas from Maximum Beverage.
Design: John Johnson Art Direction
is offered Spring/Fall for 6 consecutive weeks focusing on relearning skills or learning to golf for
Photography: Joe Driscoll
There was a hole-in-one contest to win a lease on a Ford Escape from Mitchell Auto Group.
If you would like to participate in our events or support the Mount Sinai campus with a donation,
And foursomes were challenged to “outdrive the amputees.” John Redfield, Hanger Clinic, and
Todd Blosser, golfer, volunteered their time to promote the Golfers in Motion Series. This program
individuals who have experienced limb loss, a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke or
another physical disability.
This event is another example of how together we can make miracles happen!
please contact the Saint Francis Foundation, 860-714-4900 or [email protected].
490 Blue Hills Avenue
Our Mission
Hartford, Connecticut 06112
860-714-3500
We are committed to health and healing through excellence,
800-789-7709
compassionate care and reverence for the spirituality of each person.
www.rehabct.com
Our Core Values
RESPECT
We honor the worth and dignity of those we serve and
with whom we work.
INTEGRITY
We are faithful, trustworthy and just.
SERVICE
We reach out to the community, especially those most in need.
L EA D ERS H IP
We encourage initiative, creativity, learning and research.
STEWARDSHIP
We care for and strengthen resources entrusted to us.