Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
2013 ANNUAL REPORT
“My Mount Sinai team
is working to get me
back in the game!”
Kevin H., stroke survivor
(His story on page 12)
C O N T E N T S
1
Message from the President and
the Chairman
2
Message from the Medical Director
3
MS BRAIN Symposium
4
2013 Selected Highlights
6
Working Together, Rebuilding Lives
12 Making the Bunker Shot
14 A Push in the Right Direction
16 A Story of Courage and Valor
19 Administration
19 Medical Staff
19 Clinical Services
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
Board of Directors
Officers
Directors
Christopher M. Dadlez, F.A.C.H.E.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Michael Cummings
Howard W. Orr
Chairman
Brad Davis
Delores Graham
Vice Chairman
Christopher M. Dadlez
Wendy E. Elberth
P. Anthony Giorgio, Ph.D.
Delores Graham
Edward S. Johnson, D.D.S.
P. Anthony Giorgio, Ph.D.
Secretary
Surendra Khera, M.D.
Jeannine Mara
Treasurer
Jeannine Mara
John Rodis, M.D.
Assistant Secretary
John R. Suisman
Andrew J. Mandell
Howard W. Orr
David Bittner
Assistant Treasurer
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 M. Dadlez
John R. Suisman
Robert M. Fechtor
Samuel H. Title
E. Merritt McDonough, Jr.
Michael Wilder
E. Merritt McDonough, Sr.
A Message from the President and the Chairman
“W
orking Together, Rebuilding Lives" — the tagline of the Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital is more than a phrase: it
expresses the overall mission and passion of a team dedicated to restoring lives each and every day. The patients we treat, the
milestones we reach, and the improvements we make are all examples of that dedication.
The year began with the Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell Center for
Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care and Neuroscience Research’s first
international symposium — The Multiple Sclerosis BRAIN. The symposium
was an opportunity for patients, researchers, clinicians, and scientists from
all over the world to gather in a stimulating and interactive educational
setting. Experts covered diverse aspects of comprehensive multiple sclerosis
(MS) care and research, including epidemiology, genetics, rehabilitation
research, molecular research considerations, international perspectives on
MS health economics, drug therapy, symptom management, and the role of
philanthropy and advocacy for MS. It was an overwhelming success, and
helped to highlight the comprehensive MS care offered at the Center.
The annual symposium was just one example of the Rehabilitation Hospital’s
commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients and their
families in a supportive, restorative environment. Work has continued
throughout the year to further enhance the comprehensive range of
programs offered through Mount Sinai. The inpatient program’s
multidisciplinary treatment team, for example, continued to achieve
impressive results with patients, resulting in clinical outcomes that have
been among the highest in the country. Medical rehabilitation staff on the
Howard W. Orr and Christopher M. Dadlez
Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center campus have continued to provide
active rehabilitation services during the acute medical/surgical phase of a patient’s recovery, laying the groundwork for improved
recovery at Mount Sinai. Rehabilitation Hospital staff have also expanded their focus on partial hospitalization and outpatient
programs to best meet the needs of diverse populations. There has been an increased focus on new health and wellness
initiatives, fitness programs, and the addition of integrative medicine modalities to help support the healing process.
As we look at another successful year, we are proud to say that with each patient we have helped, with each research project we
have completed, and with each clinician who has received more training, we increased the scope of our mission on behalf of
people with disabilities, giving them the ability to rebuild their lives and renew their joy for living.
Christopher M. Dadlez
President and Chief Executive Officer
Howard W. Orr
Chairman
1
A Message from the Medical Director
I
t’s been another eventful year for the Mount Sinai Rehabilitation
Hospital. As healthcare costs have escalated ever higher, the focus on
value has intensified; and as patients have been asked to be more
responsible for a portion of their healthcare costs, they have become
increasingly more sophisticated consumers. Our patients and insurers
are demanding not only a good outcome, but a good experience, and
at a reasonable cost.
At Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital we strive to deliver an
experience and outcomes to our community that distinguish us as a
destination for rehabilitation services both regionally and nationally.
We talked last year about this being “The Mount Sinai Difference.”
We also recognize that for each individual and their family, recovering
from an illness or accident, or living with a chronic condition like MS
presents a multitude of individual challenges and experiences. We
strive to optimize the healing through personalized and compassionate
care. It’s why so many of our patients who have come through our
doors refer to us as “My Mount Sinai.”
Robert Krug, M.D., Physician Leader — PM&R Service Line
In this annual report, you will see snapshots of how we are working together with each patient to improve their health,
and their lives. The individual patient stories give us a glimpse of what Mount Sinai has meant to a stroke patient, a
woman working with her family to fight MS, and a man who has had health problems since birth, now focused on
maintaining his functional mobility. We also see snapshots of Mount Sinai staff who individually, and as part of the
treatment team, provide each patient with the care and tools needed to help rebuild their lives.
We believe that this year’s annual report captures the spirit of both our patients and dedicated staff, highlighting how
we strive every day to make our Mount Sinai your Mount Sinai!
Robert Krug, M.D.
Medical Director, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service Line strives to facilitate and enhance individual
recovery, function, and optimal performance, with an emphasis on those populations with impairments
that either place them at risk or result in temporary and/or permanent disability. It serves as a regional
and national leader in the delivery of coordinated rehabilitation services, providing:
•
•
•
•
Value-driven rehabilitative care across the continuum
Education and training for rehabilitation professionals, patients, and the community
Research and clinical innovation to advance the field of Rehabilitation Medicine
Advocacy in partnership with local, regional and national organizations to ensure the needs
of those with disabilities are recognized, understood, and addressed by policy makers.
Maura Murray, C.R.R.N., M.S.N., Executive Director – PM&R Service Line
2
T
he Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell
stimulating and interactive educational
Center for Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis
setting. Agenda items included
Care and Neuroscience Research was very proud
comprehensive MS care and research,
to sponsor its first international symposium –
epidemiology, genetics, imaging, stem cell
The Multiple Sclerosis BRAIN.
regeneration, rehabilitation research,
The symposium was held October 4 - 6, 2012,
international perspectives on MS health
at the Connecticut Convention Center in
economics, healthy diet choices, molecular
Hartford, Connecticut.
research considerations, MS drug therapy,
The goal of the symposium was to identify
symptom management, personal financial
critical new opportunities for interdisciplinary
management, and the role of philanthropy
collaborations to effectively facilitate research,
and advocacy for MS. The agenda for day
integrate multidisciplinary patient care, promote
two had a patient-centered focus, and 200
education, and advance public health advocacy,
patients from throughout the region
according to Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D., the
gathered to learn more about MS drug
Chair of the MS BRAIN Symposium Planning
therapy, molecular research, symptom
Committee. The committee worked to convene
management, diet, financial management,
a distinguished group of internationally
and philanthropy and advocacy. Patients and
renowned speakers who focus on ways to
families were given the opportunity to ask
develop and sustain effective approaches to
questions of the distinguished group of
improving the quality of life for MS patients
clinicians and researchers.
and their families.
The symposium was an opportunity for
patients, researchers, clinicians, and scientists
Feedback from the 2012 BRAIN
Symposium was overwhelmingly positive,
and plans are underway for future programs.
from all over the world to gather in a
3
2013
Year in
Review
Dr. Catherine Bontke Spirit of
Rehab Award recipient is
Paige McCullough-Casciano.
Paige has earned this award through her dedication to
patient service, her support of the “whole person”
addressing both emotional and physical needs, and her
outstanding customer service.
OCTOBER 2012
Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation Clinical
Excellence Award
recipient is Kathryn Streb.
The Rehabilitation Medicine service line launched a Research
Interest Group to promote research activity throughout
rehabilitation.
Kathryn has earned this award for her
Mandell MS Center hosts
commitment to rehab services and for
the first-ever international
demonstrating skills that are highly
symposium “The MS BRAIN”
professional, efficient and accurate.
at the Connecticut Convention
Center. Clinicians, researchers,
and patients gathered from
around the world to attend
JANUARY 2013
this event.
Outpatient pharmacy services were initiated at the Mandell MS
Center providing services for management of polypharmacy to
promote patient safety and medication compliance.
FEBRUARY 2013
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital received a CT Section PGA Golf
Colette Carroll, R.N. received her
Foundation grant in support of the Golfers In Motion Program.
certification as a Certified Rehabilitation
Registered Nurse (CRRN). According to
the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses,
the certification in rehabilitation
demonstrates that these nurses are
committed to excellence in caring for
people with physical disabilities and/or
chronic illnesses.
Community
acupuncture services
were initiated at the
Mandell MS Center.
Services are being
provided in
collaboration with
the Center for
Integrative Medicine
at Saint Francis.
4
MAY 2013
Donna Ricketts, R.N., a nurse from Mount
Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, was the
recipient of a Nightingale award in May. The
Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing
is Connecticut’s largest statewide nursing
recognition program.
Albert Lo, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Director of Neuroscience Research,
and Kayla Olson, a research associate, presented at Bodies in
Motion, a half-day symposium devoted to the presentation of
scientific data and research on the importance of physical activity in
maintaining health in individuals with chronic disease. Dr. Lo and
Kayla presented on the benefits of exercise with MS and research
on accelerometry.
JUNE 2013
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital hosted the National Learn
to Row Day in collaboration with Riverfront Recapture, Inc.
The National Learn To Row event provided an opportunity for
veterans and Wounded Warriors to learn the sport of adaptive
rowing.
Staff from the Mandell MS Center’s Neuroscience Research
Center presented four posters at the annual Saint Francis
Research Day. During the Research Day, the Rehabilitation
Hospital received two inpatient and one outpatient BestCare
grants, and the Mandell MS Center received one grant.
JULY 2013
The MSRH Spinal Cord Injury
SEPTEMBER
2013
Informational Series received a grant from
Cindy Zagieboylo,
the United Spinal Association in support
President and CEO of
of providing education and resources.
the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society, toured
the Mandell MS Center.
AUGUST 2013
The Mandell MS Center’s Neuroscience
Research Center received a $500,000 grant
from the National MS Society to research upper
extremity function in individuals with MS.
5
Dr. Miller is proud to be a part of the
outstanding patient care and teamwork
that occurs every day at Mount Sinai
Rehabilitation Hospital. He acknowledges,
“My Mount Sinai colleagues
are great teammates.
All members of the staff work together to
create a treatment plan that is focused on
the individual needs of each patient. The
treatment teams, whether in the inpatient
or outpatient setting, approach both
patient and family needs with a kind,
caring and compassionate attitude that
is the necessary ingredient for great
rehabilitation outcomes.”
Suzanne was involved in a car accident resulting in an incomplete
spinal cord injury. She was left with no functional use of any extremity.
Suzanne was referred to Mount Sinai by her surgeon but would not
go without a “scouting report” from her sister. Her sister noted,
compared to other facilities, the level of caring seen in a short amount
of time at Mount Sinai was impressive. In the end, Suzanne chose
Mount Sinai on her sister’s recommendation as well as the desire to
stay with her Saint Francis family. During her stay, Suzanne’s
expectations have been exceeded. “My Mount Sinai
nurses, therapists and doctors are passionate
about the job of caring. They deliver a care plan with
compassion that is well organized and well thought out,” she reports.
With hours of therapy, Suzanne has regained movement in her arms,
improved her sitting balance and is starting to move her toes.
“Working Together, Rebuilding Lives”
is our motto and our pledge at the Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital.
A Saint Francis Care Provider accredited by The Joint Commission, the hospital is dedicated
to providing state-of-the-art medical rehabilitation and offers a comprehensive range of
programs designed to prevent and minimize disability.
6
Mayra came to work at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital six
years ago as a Certified Nurse’s Aide. When asked about her
position and time working at Mount Sinai, Mayra had this to
say: “When I took the position I didn’t know exactly what to
expect since it was my first experience working for a
rehabilitation hospital. After six years of being here I can
honestly say I
love my Mount Sinai position.
It is challenging work but rewarding in so many different
ways. It is a new learning experience every day. It gives me the
opportunity as well as the satisfaction of knowing that we are
making differences in the lives of every single person we see.”
Tracey comes to Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital for lymphedema
rehabilitation. It prevents pain, reduces the swelling in legs and feet
considerably, causes the lymphatic fluid to circulate better, and prevents
infections. Tracey reports being much healthier when she has treatments. It's
good to walk without pain and to feel somewhat healthy again. Tracey had
this to say about her therapist and rehabilitation at Mount Sinai: “Michelle,
you're a fantastic therapist; all the therapists at the Lymphedema Center are,
without exception. My
Mount Sinai therapists are
patient, innovative, imaginative and cheerful.
I've been to many fine therapists, but this is, bar none, the best place that
I've ever been for lymphedema therapy. If I could recommend the Center and
the therapists to prospective patients, I would do so, because a place like this
that makes you feel better, both physically and emotionally...that’s rare.”
Rehabilitation Medicine
at Saint Francis
To maximize outcomes for both patients and
families, active rehabilitation begins during the
patient and family education provided in this
traumatic brain injury, the inpatient rehabilitation
acute phase lays the groundwork for the
team assists people in relearning abilities such as
recovery process.
walking and taking care of themselves to talking,
thinking and eating. At Mount Sinai, patients
acute medical/surgical phase of recovery at
Inpatient Rehabilitation
and their treatment teams operate within a fully-
Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.
The inpatient rehabilitation programs at Mount
equipped, nurturing environment that includes
The rehabilitation services of physical therapy,
Sinai offer the most comprehensive and intensive
an inpatient gym, the latest technologies and
occupational therapy, speech/language
rehabilitation services in post-acute care,
state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment to a
pathology and audiology begin at admission to
providing services to a wide spectrum of
Town Commons, an area of simulated
Saint Francis and continue throughout the acute
patients. From persons who have sustained a
environments including a supermarket checkout
admission. The assessment, evaluation, and
hip fracture to those who survive a stroke or
counter, a full-size automobile and gas pump.
7
Maureen sustained a severe concussion from a fall and
required hospitalization. Upon leaving the hospital she had
physical, occupational and speech therapy to regain her
functioning. Her participation in daily activites returned
the quickest while re-learning names, colors and other
cognitive functions were the hardest. Maureen had such
a great experience with therapy previously that she has
returned for therapy due to hip pain and reports,
“My Mount Sinai care has allowed
me to return to work!” Maureen was able
to return to her position as owner of two competitive
gymnastic schools serving over 600 participants in the
Hartford area.
Jacqueline began therapy due to having pain in both of her knees.
She attended therapy at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital where
she was able to participate in aquatic therapy and clinic-based
therapy. Upon improvement of her knee pain she decided to join
our graduate program where she regularly comes to exercise in the
pool to prevent knee pain from returning. Jacqueline even reports
losing weight in the process. “Every
week I look
forward to my Mount Sinai pool therapy.
It really makes my knees feel great.”
8
Day Treatment Program
Outpatient Services
care, hand therapy, oncology rehab, spine care,
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital’s Day
Patients arrive at outpatient rehabilitation from
sports rehab and return to work. Clinics are also
Treatment Program provides services for people
any point in the continuum of care, transitioning
offered for wheelchair, orthotic and prosthetic
with brain injury and stroke who are able to live
directly from acute care or acute rehabilitation,
fittings. In addition to the outpatient services
at home, but whose daily lives can be improved
from a skilled nursing facility or even from the
at the North Campus, there are two satellite
through organized, intensive outpatient therapy.
home or work environment. A full complement
locations at the 95 Woodland Street Campus
The focus of the Day Treatment Program is to
of services and clinical expertise is available,
across from Saint Francis Hospital and Medical
successfully reintegrate individuals into home,
enhanced by high-level technology and a
Center and at the Mandell Jewish Community
community, and vocational environments. This is
therapeutic pool for aquatic therapy. These
Center Campus in West Hartford.
achieved through individual physical, occupational
programs and services include orthopedics,
and speech therapies as well as specialized groups.
neurologics, aquatics, lymphedema, pelvic region
Lisa, a patient at the Mandell MS Center, shares her experience: “I feel so
cared for by the staff at the Mandell MS Center and in the infusion suite.
Although I have been on Tysabri for a some time now, it is still intimidating
to know that once a month I have to hope that everything goes just right
in order for me to receive my infusion due to my poor viens. However, with
the staff in the infusion suite, once I walk through the door, there is a
comfortable atmosphere where I feel welcomed and feel
the compassion that my MS Center caregivers
have for me. It is then that I am no longer afraid.”
As the Director of Research at the Mandell MS Center, Albert Lo,
M.D., Ph.D. states, “The focus of my Mount Sinai research group is
on conducting research involving technology and rehabilitation, as
well as to understand how neurological impairment from MS
impacts people’s daily professional and personal lives. The body of
literature for evidence-based rehabilitation is still a maturing field,
and we are still on the path to learn the answers to basic questions
such as what is the most important component or combination of
components in rehabilitation that is most effective, or what is the
optimal dose, or what level of intensity is safe. My Mount
Sinai research is embodied by our brilliant
research team who makes things happen properly while
accounting for a million important details and implementing
research protocols at an extraordinary level of quality and care,
while also valuing every person with MS who has generously given
their time and commitment to work with us.”
Mandell MS Center
function. Neurologists, physiatrists, therapists,
with MS, and access to the latest technologies
The Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell Center for
urologists, a dedicated nursing staff, and support
including LOKOMAT® locomotion therapy,
Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Care and
staff all take part in the multidisciplinary teams
ARMEO® hand and arm therapy and other
Neuroscience Research offers multiple sclerosis
and have one goal in mind: helping patients
robotic therapy equipment.
(MS) care at its best, with an emphasis on early
make strides toward a better life with
and ongoing treatment. The Mandell MS Center
comprehensive care tailored to individual needs.
brings together a full range of services and
The treatment plan may include physical therapy,
programs for MS care and research — providing
speech therapy, occupational therapy, aquatic
a coordinated approach to help with the
therapy, robotic therapy, a therapeutic pool
rehabilitation of disease and restoration of
temperature-regulated specifically for persons
9
As both a volunteer and a rower, Mady has participated in the
CARP adaptive rowing program since its inception five years ago.
She recalls, “Over those years I have seen the program grow in
breadth and depth. Each year more volunteers and adapted
rowers join and, with the inclusion of more boats/adapted
equipment, the program is enriched through an increased ability
to serve the unique, individual needs of the participants.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the CARP program is
the growth that develops in the rowers like Shellie, pictured here,
who experienced a spinal cord injury. From tentative to confident;
from inexperienced to actively assisting with setting up their
equipment; from rowing in a confined area to rowing in a
competitive regatta at the end of the season, these are the
reasons for the program. Being
able to share a skill
and passion with my Mount Sinai friends
has been the program’s gifts to me.”
Dave came to Mount Sinai to learn to adapt to his new
prosthesis after suffering the loss of his right leg. His
determination and inner strength were major factors in
his recovery, as he worked steadily with his team to regain
his mobility in hopes of returning to his daily activities and
recreational pursuits. “Golfers In Motion was really the
first thing that I attempted after losing my leg.
My Mount Sinai therapy was the
only stepping stone I had in getting
back into all the things I could
possibly do now, from golfing all the
way to rock climbing. Now nothing
can stand in my way.”.
COMMUNITY
OUTREACH
10
Golf Program
CARP program
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital offers
The adaptive rowing program provides an
individuals who have experienced an
opportunity for individuals with a physical disability
amputation, a stroke, a spinal cord injury or
or visual impairment to participate in the sport of
another disability an opportunity to re-learn or
rowing, recreationally and competitively. In
learn the game of golf. In collaboration with
collaboration with Riverfront Recapture, Inc.,
Willow Brook Golf Course, the program offers
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital offers a
teaching from PGA Instructors with input from
season-long opportunity for individuals with
a physical therapist, occupational therapist and
disabilities to increase their physical activity level,
a recreational therapist during spring and
enhance overall health and enjoy the benefits of
fall sessions.
engaging in a community-based sport.
John is a five-year member of the Fitness Center at
95 Woodland Street. He had his hip replaced nearly
three years ago at the Connecticut Joint Replacement
Institute at Saint Francis. As well, he previously injured
his shoulder to the point of tearing his rotator cuff.
Both injuries were rehabbed at Mount Sinai at the
Woodland Street campus. “Following my
Mount Sinai rehabilitation, I was
able to return to my membership at
the Fitness Center where I work on general
health and fitness and participate in a personal program
set up by Bud, the Fitness Center director.”
Carolyn had heard of Mount Sinai rehabilitation before she
even needed our services. When ankle and knee pain became
too much to tolerate she followed up with her physician for a
referral for rehabilitation with Mount Sinai at our 95 Woodland
Street Campus. “My Mount Sinai rehab went
great!,” she recalls. After her initial recovery, Carolyn was
able to join our graduate program to exercise independently
and maintain her progress.
Fitness Center
exercise classes, such as cardio-kickboxing,
The Fitness Center provides affordable access to
cycling, Zumba, and aerobics. Personal training
a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Our goal is to
and massage therapy are also available. The
provide members with the expertise to guide
Center offers special membership rates and
them to a healthier lifestyle through physical
classes for seniors. The Fitness Center is staffed
fitness. Utilizing the latest in cardiovascular and
by certified fitness professionals, bringing
strength training equipment, our staff will
together fitness, wellness and rehabilitation
develop a custom exercise program based upon
services.
your fitness goals and current health status.
The Fitness Center also offers a variety of group
For more information on Fitness Center
membership, call 860-714-4414 or visit
www.saintfrancisfitness.com
11
Making the Bunker Shot
An avid golfer battles back to his life – and his game – from a debilitating stroke.
O
n or off the golf course, Kevin Hogan
has drive to spare. Now retired after a highpowered career as a financial analyst with
General Electric, he may walk a little slower
but still exudes energy and humor. “I don’t
know what it is about me, but I love a
challenge,” he says. As it turns out, this was
exactly the characteristic that got him through
“Kevin is a great example
for other patients. His stroke
opened his eyes about lifestyle
and healthy living. He told me
that, because of what he
experienced, he wants to
help others.”
the biggest challenge of his life.
In late August, 2012, Kevin suffered a
Arlene Rande, Speech Therapist
devastating stroke. “It was a Saturday
percent. There was no pain but something just
wasn’t right. I lay down for a nap and when I
woke up, my legs didn’t work.”
What had happened to Kevin that
summer night was a pontine stroke. Thomas
Miller, M.D. explains. “Typically we think of
stroke in the cerebrum, but Kevin’s stroke
occurred in the brain stem. That’s where the
spinal cord and brain meet, and where all the
nerves are concentrated. It’s like the main
electrical cord going out of the power plant.
A stroke in that area can have a significant
impact.”
And it did. The stroke weakened the right
side of Kevin’s body. His speech was slurred,
he had a right side facial droop, and his
balance and coordination were off. The
muscles in his right arm and leg were tight and
stiff — a condition called spasticity. He was
unable to walk.
After two days at Hartford Hospital, Kevin
was transferred to Mount Sinai Rehabilitation
Hospital. There, his competitive spirit kicked in.
Game on
“I’ll never forget the first morning at Mount
Sinai,” says Kevin. “Chris came roaring into
the room at 7:30 and said, ‘We’re going to
take a shower.’ I said maybe you are but I
don’t know about me.”
12
go really fast and we would have to slow him
down.” Ultimately, Kevin’s energy, motivation
and willingness to do whatever his therapists
asked, worked to his advantage. But there
were bumps along the way.
Getting help to cope
Depression and frustration affect many stroke
patients, and Kevin was no exception. “You
can go into the dumps pretty easily,” he says.
“But you’ve got to play the cards you’re
evening,” he recalls. “I had played golf that
day and it was hot. I didn’t feel a hundred
Filipek, Physical Therapist. “He would always
The shower was not optional though.
dealt.” To help Kevin play his cards, Maria
“When you get here, you hit the ground
Tsarouhas, D.O. brought in a neuropsychologist.
running,” explains Chris White, Occupational
“Dr. Michele Brissman met with him to discuss
Therapist. “The goal is to get out of bed, get
how he was coping, talk about frustrations he
into the bathroom and get washed and
was having and guide him through the rehab
dressed.” What spurred Kevin to action was a
process,” says Dr. Tsarouhas. “We also started
target. “Chris told me the shower usually takes
him on an antidepressant, and he did well
about 45 minutes,” he says. “When I’m given
with it.”
a goal, I try to do 10 to 15 percent more. So
we got through it in about 35 minutes from
that point on.”
In fact, while many stroke patients must
The personal touch helped, too. “Often
the conversation is about medical issues,” says
Chris LaPietra, R.N. “So when I had the time I
would sit down and we’d just shoot the
be brought back up to speed, this was not the
breeze. It was about golf, or how’s your day,
issue with Kevin. “When I first met him, I could
what’s going on.”
tell he was really motivated,” recalls Laura
Making healthy changes
All the while, Kevin was receiving care to
transform his overall health and help him avoid
another stroke. He was put on medications for
high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He
was started on a nicotine patch. And he
learned about making healthy lifestyle
changes. “We did stroke education with him
and had a dietician talk with him about
changing his eating habits,” Dr. Tsarouhas
explains. “We also made sure his wife
understood where he needed help.”
In therapy, Laura and Chris worked with
Kevin on walking and strengthening his upper
body. “We did exercises and transfers in and
out of the wheelchair,” says Laura. We also
used a lot of technology with him, like the
Kevin Hogan suffered a pontine stroke — that is, a stroke within the brain stem.
Symptoms of a pontine stroke include severe headache, vertigo, weakness on one side of
the body and visual disturbances, such as double vision. While high blood pressure and high
cholesterol are key risk factors for stroke, smoking and heredity can contribute as well.
More strategies for strength and
coordination
I suggested, and his speech improved
significantly.”
A key goal with Kevin was to get back
After three weeks of home care services
Lokomat®, Litegait® and Bioness®. He made a
arranged by Mount Sinai, Kevin Hogan
to driving. Robin worked with him on the
great deal of progress from the first day to
entered the Day Treatment Program. From
Dynavision, a visual motor scanning board
discharge.”
October 2012 to January 2013, he worked
that tested his reaction time and eye-hand
with his outpatient team on walking, upper
coordination. She recommended that he have
knew it was just a start. “I came here on a
body strength and coordination, speech —
an on-road test with an AAA driving instructor
stretcher and 23 days later, I walked out,”
and golf.
after discharge, which he passed with flying
Kevin was encouraged by his gains, but
he says. “Then I began phase two.”
“He had pain in his right shoulder from
colors.
an old rotator cuff injury, plus he was dealing
Back in the swing of things
with weakness from the stroke,” recalls
During Kevin’s inpatient stay, Chris White and
Robin Lindboe, Occupational Therapist.
“But it didn’t hold him back that much.
Paige McCullough-Casiano, Recreation
Specialist, had told him about the Golfers in
He was very motivated and
Motion program. “His time here was in the fall
competitive.” While occupational
therapy challenged Kevin’s motor
when the season was winding down, so we
skills with timed tasks and tests,
set our sights on the spring session so he could
physical therapy continued to
participate,” says Chris.
improve his walking and balance.
“We used the Lokomat and the
“The experience was exhilarating and
inspirational,” recalls Kevin. “There were
people who could only swing one-handed. But
LiteGait for gait training,” says
Karen Smyth, Physical Therapist.
if the ball went in the air you would think it
We also did a lot of balance training
was Christmas. I know the first time I swung
®
with the Balance Master as well as a
®
foam balance beam and the Bosu .
I knew he loved golf so we used the
and hit the ball, it was a huge
accomplishment.”
Today, Kevin continues to recover and
Wii golf program to work on his
build a healthier lifestyle. He has graduated
swing, and putting and chipping.”
from wheelchair to walker to a cane, and now
To improve his speech and oral
walks without assistance. Inspired by his
motor control, Arlene Rande,
remarkable recovery, Kevin has completed
Speech Therapist, gave Kevin
orientation and training to join the Stroke
exercises and strategies — which
Peer Program at the Hospital. “I had a good
he attacked with characteristic
experience and a good outcome,” he says.
vigor. “I gave him an exercise
“I feel very beholden to everyone who worked
program for tongue mobility
with me at Mount Sinai. I want to give back by
and coordination that he could
helping people who went through what I did
use at home,” Arlene explains.
in any way I can.”
“He was motivated and
driven, which helped him in
recovery. He followed
through with everything
13
A Push in the Right Direction
A determined MS patient commutes to Connecticut and regains her strength.
K
New Jersey neurologists. A convergence of
Rehabilitation Hospital began with a call from
factors put her on the road to Mount Sinai
Her meeting with Peter Wade,M.D.,
her uncle five years ago. Dr. Alan Melton had
Rehabilitation Hospital. Her physician was
Medical Director of Neurology, on day two of
just read an article that his wife, Diane, had
recommending a new drug — Tysabri — for
her evaluation was an important turning point
written for Seasons of West Hartford, a local
which Karen wanted a second opinion. She
for Karen and her family. Wary of the new
magazine. The subject of the article was the
had also suffered a setback after emergency
medication proposed by her neurologist, she
recently-opened Mandell Center for Multiple
abdominal surgery in 2011.
was looking for assurance — and she got it.
aren Labe’s journey to Mount Sinai
Sclerosis.
Dr. Wade agreed that Tysabri was the best
explained. “I was in the hospital for eight days.
drug for her. “We use two types of
said to me, ‘You’ve got to come to this
And while it may not have made my MS
medications with MS,” he explains. “One to
place.’” At the time, the trek from her home in
worse, it affected my strength and ability to
decrease the chance of another attack and the
New Jersey to Hartford was not practical for
walk.” Add her uncle’s persistence, and Karen
other for symptom control. Tysabri decreases
the mother of two active, growing children. So
was ready to come to Connecticut. She arrived
the chance of another MS attack by about
she demurred. But her uncle didn’t give up.
at Mount Sinai in January, 2013.
70%.”
Karen remembers his excitement. “He
Over the years, he continued to push. And
The first step was a meeting with
“Hearing that was progress,” recalls
once her son and daughter were both in
Matthew Farr, Manager, Mandell MS Center,
Karen. “But we were about to make a lot
college, he pushed harder. “Now you have no
who gave Karen a tour of the Center and
more progress because I met some really great
excuses,” he insisted. “This is the time to do
described its comprehensive approach to
people who helped me on my path to feeling
something for yourself.”
MS care. Then Karen underwent a three-day
a lot better.”
It was indeed time. Karen had been living
comprehensive evaluation. “They covered
with MS for nearly 20 years, cycling through a
everything — PT, OT, speech,” says Karen.
McCabe, Physical Therapist. Karen’s evaluation
number of medication regimens with her
“I met with Dr. Krug, Dr. Wade and Dr.
had confirmed that she did not need
Karen Labe’s children, Brett and
Shelby, pictured at right, are both
Biology majors with an interest in
medicine. They spent the summer
compiling research data as interns at
the Mandell MS Center.
14
“It really threw me for a loop,” she
Murphy-Setzko. It was very intensive.”
One of those people was Wendy
“Karen has gotten very good care over
the years from some eminent MS
neurologists. But she was not involved
in a comprehensive program of MS
care. One of the unique assets of the
Mandell MS Center is our ability to
treat both the disease and its
consequences.”
Dr. Peter Wade, Clinical Neurologist
occupational or speech therapy, so the focus
harder as we went along,” Wendy says. “Every
was on physical therapy to help her regain
day she would do her exercises. It was really
strength and improve her walking. “After her
impressive.”
surgery, Karen couldn’t get back to her normal
So were Karen’s results. “People notice
baseline,” Wendy explains. “She had weakness
my walking is better. I feel stronger. It’s been a
in her hips and left ankle, so we set up an
lot of hard work but I feel that I’m improving
intensive strengthening program for her. And
every day.” Wendy agrees. “Now Karen can
she was gung ho! She was really devoted to
hold herself upright,” she says. “Her core
driving up here twice a week from New Jersey.”
With her daughter at Trinity College in
Hartford, and her aunt and uncle in West
Hartford, Karen had a home base of sorts. For
strength is better. And to keep her going, we
transitioned her to Kessler Institute for
Rehabilitation, close to her home.”
These days, Karen receives therapy at
over two months, she made the trip to
Kessler but stays in touch with her Mount
Connecticut for therapy. “Whatever she did,
Sinai team. “I can come up whenever I
she did 150%,” says Wendy. “She loved being
need to,” she says. “I kept Dr. Murphy-
on the Lokomat and pushing herself.” In
Setzko as my urologist and I see her
Did You Know?
addition, Karen worked with the GaitRite®
once a year. She gave me her personal
Most MS patients — 60% to 70% —
mat, LiteGait® treadmill and NuStep® seated
cell number and said, ‘Text me, tell me
are women. They are most commonly
cross trainer. There was also a program of
how you’re feeling on the medication.’ Plus,
home exercises that she could do between
Wendy emails to see how I’m doing. That’s the
visits to Mount Sinai. “We would make them
personal care and attention you get here.”
diagnosed between ages 20 and 40.
15
A Story of Courage and Valor
Battling back from spinal surgeries to walk with a friend.
H
oward Geltman weighed two pounds at
birth. He jokes about it (and many other
things) in his autobiography, A Few Moments
in Time. “My wife Terri picks up a small
chicken in the store and tells me, ‘This is bigger
than you were when you were born.’ I always
feel somewhat awkward for the chicken when
she says that, but boy, you should see me now!”
To see Howard now — walking across his
living room with a quad cane, shadowed by his
dogs — is to see determination in motion.
Since entering the world in 1953 as Yale-New
Haven Hospital’s smallest preemie on record,
he has survived and thrived against incredible
odds. He is legally blind. He lost an eye and
part of a lung to tumors. He has struggled
with spinal stenosis, COPD and acromegaly
giantism. He had a stroke in 1994. And he’s
had surgeries. Lots of them.
“My body likes doctors,” he explains.
“My lot in life is to support them and I’m
doing a pretty good job. Since 1989, I’ve had
69 surgeries.” His three most recent surgeries
Some people just go above and beyond — that’s why Howard
stands out. He’s a great example to other people who’ve
gone through multiple surgeries.
— in April, June and August 2013 — would
Renee Fevrier, Registered Nurse
bring him to Saint Francis Hospital and Medical
Center. There his neurosurgeon, Bruce
Chozick, M.D., performed an operation to
decompress his spine. Therapy at a subacute
rehabilitation facility followed, during which
his back pain grew worse. There was yet more
surgery.
“When I first saw Howard, he was in for
walking. After mastering these skills, Howard
and he was in danger of having his companion
was ready for discharge and his next step:
taken away. He knew that walking with an
inpatient rehabilitation at Mount Sinai
assistive device — a walker or a cane — might
Rehabilitation Hospital.
his second surgery,” says Melanie Henry, an
occupational therapist at Saint Francis. “At
A singular focus
that point he was hesitant to work with us
At Mount Sinai, Howard was under the care
to walk without a walker or I won’t be able to
because of his previous experience. So we
of Maria Tsarouhas, D.O. “Our goal was to
get back to my dog,’” recalls Renee Fevrier,
educated and encouraged, trying to put his
increase his independence, so he could rely less
R.N. “He was very motivated. It was always at
fears at ease so he could trust therapy.” A
on others,” she says. “We wanted to get him
the back of his mind.” And so Howard set to
slower, gentler approach won Howard over.
to where he was before and, at the same time,
work with his therapy team.
“With OT it’s about functional mobility,”
Melanie says. “We get our patients up and
16
mean walking without Valor. A tug on the
harness could pull him off his feet.
address his medical issues.”
Howard’s goal involved a friendly, five-
“He would say to me, ‘I need to be able
“When Howard came to us, he was
walking with a walker, with some assistance,”
walking so they can do what they need to do
year-old yellow Labrador retriever named Valor.
says Katie Leduc-Griffith, Physical Therapist.
each day.” Melanie and Howard worked on
By the time he arrived at Mount Sinai, it had
“His lower left extremity was weak so we gave
the basics — eating, dressing, bathing and
been months since he had used his guide dog,
him what we call an AFO, or ankle foot
As an acute rehabilitation facility, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital was able to address Howard Geltman’s complex medical needs
while providing the intensive therapy he needed to walk with his guide dog, Valor.
orthosis. It kept his ankle in neutral so he
wouldn’t drag his toes, and it gave him an
added sense of security.” The AFO also helped
Howard’s balance, but there was still work to
be done — and a key challenge to overcome.
“A lot of things we do with balance rely
on being able to see,” Katie explains. “So we
had to be creative. We did a lot of walking —
long and short distances, fast and slow. We
A visit from Valor
“Howie’s other senses are very
heightened. He could recognize
the sound of my footsteps when
I came into the room. And he
would always say that when we
left the gym he could hear the
air circulating differently.”
walked outdoors to see how he did on uneven
surfaces, and we went up and down stairs.”
Most important, physical therapy and
“On my second to last day, Terri brought Valor
in a harness,” Howard relates. “We must have
walked up and down the hall three or four
times. Nurses, doctors, aides were all lined up
along the hall to see it. There were many tears
and smiles.”
Katie recalls the emotion of the day. “I
was a little nervous about it,” she remembers.
“But he did it, and a lot of people were very
Katherine Leduc-Griffiths,
Physical Therapist
excited and happy for him. It was huge.”
Despite the long interruption in their
occupational therapy worked together to
move Howard toward his goal.
“We’re a team,” says Maggie Turner,
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant.
“Katie would focus on things like walking
and stairs. I worked with Howard on ADLs
(activities of daily living) like washing and
dressing. We also did upper body exercises
with a weighted bar, pulleys and the arm
bike.”
Therapy didn’t end when Howard left
the gym, as Meg Vansteenburg, R.N., explains.
“I worked with him on transfers,” she says.
“He went from wheelchair to bed, wheelchair
to toilet, using breathing to control the pain.
I spent time giving him support and hugs, too.
It’s part of my job.”
For his part, Howard served as educator
and role model. “Howard has been in the
health care system long enough to know how
it works. So when he came to us, he knew
what he wanted and could direct his care very
well,” recalls Meg. “He was also a good
instructor in common courtesy for the blind.”
Despite his pain and complex medical needs,
Howard maintained his good humor and a
positive outlook. “He never took things too
seriously,” says Renee. “He had a lot going on
but he handled it so well. He’d try to cheer
other people up.”
One day toward the end of his stay, it
was Howard’s turn to be cheered.
17
Howard Geltman is the author of an
autobiography — A Few Moments in Time
— that recounts his experiences (and antics)
at Oak Hill School for the Blind. All proceeds
from book sales are donated to the School.
caption here
walks together, man and dog had hardly missed a
beat. “There was an instant chemistry between
them,” says Dr. Tsarouhas. “It was like they were
picking up where they left off. It was such a
rewarding moment.”
Back again
About a month after his discharge in late June,
Howard’s back pain returned with a vengeance.
Dr. Chozick ordered an MRI and myelogram, which
revealed bone pressing on Howard’s spinal nerves.
The diagnosis was spinal stenosis with a herniated
disc, and Howard underwent surgery once again.
After a stay at Saint Francis, he returned to Mount
Sinai, where he enjoyed celebrity treatment.
“Everybody said, ‘Howard, what are you doing
back here again?’ Nurses I didn’t even have
recognized me and welcomed me back,” he recalls.
“It was amazing.” Among the staff, the feeling was
mutual. “We didn’t like that he had to come back a
second time,” says Renee. “But it was nice to see
him again. Everybody loved him.”
During Howard’s second stay, he worked
again with Katie, reprising many of the exercises
and activities of his first stay. After a week of more
therapy — and more pain — he was able to return
home and walk once again with Valor. “At Mount
Sinai, by the time you’re done with therapy, you just
crawl into bed,” he says of his rehab experience.
“But you know it’s a good hurt. You gotta put
something into it to get something out of it.”
18
Dr. Maria Tsarouhas,
clinical physiatrist,
with Howard Geltman
and his dog Valor.
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., CAP-OM
Office Manager
Medical Staff Membership
ACTIVE PHYSIATRY STAFF
Kathleen Abbott, M.D.
Raymond Chagnon, 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.
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.
Laurie Kennedy, 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.
Priti Khanijou, M.D.
Syed Naqvi, M.D.
Ricardo Ruiz, M.D.
Christian Sarra, 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.
FAMILY MEDICINE
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)
Ari Geller, D.O. (Nephrology)
Steven Goldenberg, M.D.
(Gastroenterology)
Bruce Gould, M.D.
Carolyn Kosack, M.D. (Cardiology)
Steven Lane, M.D. (Cardiology)
Robert Lyons, M.D. (Infectious
Disease)
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)
Paul Stroebel, M.D. (Cardiology)
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.
Zachary Macinski, M.D.
Arjuna P. Mannam, M.D.
Keshav Rao, M.D.
Peter Wade, M.D.
NEUROSURGERY
Bruce Chozick, M.D.
Howard Lantner, M.D.
OPHTHALMOLOGY
William Maron, M.D.
ORTHOPEDICS
Jesse Eisler, M.D.
Andrew Gabow, M.D.
Robert Green, M.D.
David Kruger, M.D.
John Mara, M.D.
Harold Moskowitz, M.D.
Paul Murray, M.D.
Steven Selden, M.D.
Anthony Spinella, M.D.
Aris Yannopoulos, M.D.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Sheldon Nova, M.D.
Ronald Saxon, M.D.
Stephen G. Wolfe, M.D.
PEDIATRICS
Ellen Marmer, M.D.
PSYCHIATRY
Paulo R. Correa, M.D.
Yana Frenkel, 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.
Tracey Krasnow, M.D.
Nayyara Malik, M.D.
Mehran Motamed, M.D.
Annette B. Muller-Schwarze, M.D.
Muhammad I. Munawar, M.D.
Yann Poncin, M.D.
Osman Qureshi, M.D.
Nick Ramandi, M.D.
Surita Rao, M.D.
Bruce Rothschild, M.D.
Larisa Yelunina, 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.
Elinor Kron, 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.
SURGERY
David Cherry, M.D. (Colon/Rectal)
N. Chandra Narayanan, M.D.
SECTION OF PODIATRY
Richard Grayson, D.P.M.
Robert Kalman, D.P.M.
Eric Kosofsky, 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
Denise Naylor, C.R.R.N.
NURSING STAFF
Gail Abel, C.R.R.N.
Ann Marie Alcide, R.N.
Lanitea Allen, R.N.
Chiquana Allman, R.N.
Nicovia Anderson, C.N.A.
Kathleen Barone, R.N.
Dianne Bernier, R.N.
Mary Brasel, R.N.
Jajet Brown, C.N.A.
Debra Brown-Stephenson, C.N.A.
Karen Brusseau, R.N.
Keyla Cage, C.N.A.
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.
Erin Dickson, R.N.
Samantha Duah, R.N.
Maude Edwards, R.N.
Kristen Emmons, R.N.
Linda Fader, R.N.
Renee Fevrier, R.N.
Kiva Francis, R.N.
Yashina Frank, C.N.A.
Emily Ganjel, R.N.
Darnell Glass, C.R.R.N.
Janette Gordon, R.N.
Maxine Harris, R.N.
Saly Huertas, C.N.A.
Denise Jackson, R.N.
Helen Johnson, R.N.
Beverly Jones, R.N.
Gosseth Jones, C.N.A.
Kaitlyn Kennedy, R.N.
Veronica Laing, R.N.
Audrey Langston, R.N.
Christopher LaPietra, R.N.
Suzanna Leon, C.N.A.
Anne MacKenzie, C.R.R.N.
Letitia Marino, R.N.
Carmen Martinez, C.N.A.
Zipporah Mbugua, R.N.
Simone McDougall, C.N.A.
Joseph Nervel, C.N.A.
Kathy Olson, R.N.
Nora Osafo, 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.
Otasha Stephens, C.N.A.
Kara Toole, R.N.
Louvenia Turner, C.N.A.
Margaret Vansteenburgh, C.R.R.N.
NURSING ADMINISTRATIVE
SUPPORT STAFF
Elaine Cloutier
Martha Curtis
Nancy Garthwaite
Pauline Howell
Ana Santillan
Patricia Williams-Wynter
PHYSICIANS OFFICE PRACTICE
MANAGER
Catherine Treadow, R.N.
PHYSICIANS OFFICE PRACTICE
SUPPORT STAFF
Ajlana Music
Marlene Pagan
Guisella Quezada
Patricia Ryan
Harmony Ventura
QUALITY & OUTCOMES
MANAGER AND STAFF
Karen M. Prior-Topalis, R.N., B.S.N.,
M.B.A., C.C.M., A.-C.C.C.,
Manager
TEAM LEADERS
Linda Alvarado, R.N., Admissions
Colin B. Lavoie, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N.,
C.C.M., Quality & Outcomes
19
ADMINISTRATIVE
SUPPORT STAFF
Andrea Violette, Admissions
CASE MANAGEMENT
Stacy Godin, O.T.
Susan Pearson, M.S.W.
COORDINATOR
Gina Waltos, C.O.T.A./L., B.S.,
Quality & Outcomes
REHABILITATION ADMISSION
LIAISONS
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,
Mandell MS Center
RESEARCH MANAGER AND STAFF
Albert Lo, M.D. P.h.D.,
Director of Neuroscience Research
Jennifer Ruiz, DPT, Research Manager
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.
Nancy Lopez, Rehabilitation
Technician
Nina Belfer-Tyler, M.S.W.,
Case Manager
Mary Osella, R.N.
Rachel Wisniewski, Medical Assistant
Jacquelyn Wright, R.N., M.S.C.N.
ADMINISTRATIVE
SUPPORT STAFF
Judith Forrester, Medical Secretary
Shellaine Rose, Medical Secretary
Rehabilitation Services
ACUTE SAINT FRANCIS
HOSPITAL MEDICAL/
SURGICAL MANAGER AND
STAFF
Linda Mackay, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P.,
B.R.S.-S., C.B.I.S.T.
Manager of Medical/Surgical
Rehabilitation Program
TEAM LEADERS
Georgia Angelopoulous, P.T.
Michelle Haudegand, O.T.
Julie Logan, C.C.C.-S.L.P.
Gary Naples, P.T.
ADMINISTRATIVE
SUPPORT STAFF
Joanne Plaza
Yolanda Pruneau
AUDIOLOGISTS
Claudia Janusko
Angela Page, Ph.D.
20
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Megan Bartos
Deborah Drown
Amy Goodwin
Melanie Henry
Christina Hillemeir
Fatima Joao
Shannon Miller
Colleen McDermott
Bethany Pisati
Kimberly Wilson
Kimberley Wood
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
Timothy Addie
Lauren Barker
Sarah Begina
Corey Burke
Victor Chandler
Amanda DeAngelo
Amy Lambert
Eric Marcus
Catherine Milewski
Mark Mitchell
Amanda Neto
Richard Pires
Danielle Provost
Michael Rigdon
Peggy Romine
Radhika Sangireddy
Kathryn Streb
Caitlin Tracey-Byrne
Stephanie Voss
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS
Thomas Carriere
Christine Castler
Denise Dieli
Hollie Marshall
REHABILITATION TECHNICIANS
Kevin Chagnon
Sarah Fortin
Laura Maldonado
Emilia Neves
Nadine Peynado
Katherine Stoker
Jason Teles
Ana Thibodeau
Joseph Wojtkowiak
SPEECH-LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGISTS
Elizabeth Bouchard
Melissa Flenke
Bernadette Fowler
Carley Hauser
Leslie Lessard
Jessica Morris
Gerald Nadeau
Ann Rooney
Rachel Slater
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
Magdalena Turner
Kelly Versteeg
Katherine Zimmerli
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Janice Bane
Melissa Dusza
Heidi Gauthier
Alyssa Greenberg
Lora Mason
Nicole Morales
Jennifer Morello
Christopher White
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
Todd Clayton
Kathryn Costanzo
Laura Filipek
George Giannoni
Jillian Kossbiel
Katherine Leduc-Griffiths
Deborah Ludwig
Jenna Murphy
Kathryn Saylor
Candice Schaff
Beth Slupek
Bryan Tronosky
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Michelle Russi
REHABILITATION TECHNICIANS
Kathleen Curtis
David McNamara
Avery Osella
SPEECH-LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGISTS
Jacqueline Bouchard
Elizabeth Brown
Margaret Carpenter
Alexandra Carso
Kelly Coyne
Kelly Freer
Julie Leska
Molly Ruder
Ashley Zapata
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
SPECIALIST
Paige McCullough-Casciano
OUPATIENT
REHABILITATION HOSPITAL
MANAGER AND STAFF
Andrew S. Lovig, P.T., D.P.T., M.B.A.
Manager of Outpatient
Rehabilitation Services
TEAM LEADERS
Lisa Farr, P.T.
Eric Fay, P.T.
Joan Karpuk, P.T.
COORDINATORS
Philip Ahlschlager, Fitness and
Wellness Coordinator
Matthew Durst, P.T., Outreach
Coordinator
Catherine King, P.T., Outreach
Coordinator
Tara B. Rothstein, O.T.R./L., Day
Treatment Program Coordinator
LYMPHEDEMA SPECIALISTS
Michelle Aafedt
Gail Hendsey
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS
Timothea Kimball
Robin Lindboe
Megan McCarrick
Elizabeth Taber
Robin Tripp
PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
Katieanne Christian
Michele Dery
Clint Galamgam
Thomas Gostyla
Gail Hendsey
Lauren King
Joanne Lombardo
Wendy McCabe
Lauren McMahon
Christopher Miller
Jeremy Nash
Michael Perin
Barbara Robinson
Deborah Ryan
Tamra Ryan
Karen Smyth
Patricia Uhl
Sarah Wargo
REHABILITATION TECHNICIANS
Daniel C. Boughton
Mercedes Garcia
Leonardo Mason
Nicole Violette
SPEECH-LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGISTS
Lori Kostich
Arlene Rande
Sara Tye
MANAGER, OUTPATIENT
BUSINESS OFFICE
Holly Johnson
ADMINISTRATIVE
SUPPORT STAFF
Melinda Agosto
Janet Cormier
Giuseppina Corpaci
Joanne DeJohn
Catherine Green
Jeffrey Maltz
Deborah McGuire
Eunice Rodriguez
Linda Smith
Theresa Turgeon
Carleen Young
The Fitness Center
DIRECTOR
Frank Bud Gouveia, A.T.C., L.A.T.,
C.SC.S.
MANAGER
Melissa Frain, M.S., A.F.A.A.-P.F.T.
FITNESS CENTER STAFF
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
My Mount Sinai –
Honoring the Past,
Preparing for the Future.
On a lovely summer day, Lynn Rossini, Vice President of the Saint Francis Foundation,
met with Irma Klein Schachter and learned about her family’s rich history and
commitment to Mount Sinai Hospital.
Her father, Dr. Abraham Klein, was a
primary care physician and on staff at the former
Mount Sinai Hospital. Her mother, Rose Gilstein
Klein, was a founding member of the Mount Sinai
Women’s Auxiliary, serving as President and a
lifetime member. Her brother, Mark Klein, was
born in the original Mount Sinai building on
Capitol Avenue and he passed away in the
Cancer Center.
Irma shared her desire to make a
significant contribution to honor her family’s ties
to Mount Sinai. By leaving a generous gift through
her trust, it was agreed that the Multi-purpose
Maura A. Murray, Executive Director, Rehabilitation Services; Lynn B. Rossini,
Vice President, Saint Francis Foundation; Irma Klein Schachter; Robert J. Krug,
M.D., Medical Director, Rehabilitation Services
Room, located on the Mount Sinai campus, would
be renamed the Klein Conference Room. In
October, with 36 of her friends and family around her, Irma cut the ribbon and the
celebration began. Dr. Robert Krug, Director of the Mount Sinai campus, detailed the
history of the Hospital and the proposed upgrades to the newly named room. It will
become a high-tech conference room used for internal and external education with the
ability to teleconference.
Irma’s incredible gift will honor her family’s history with the Mount Sinai
Campus (Rehabilitation Hospital) as well as prepare the facility for ever-changing
healthcare needs. We are grateful to Irma and her husband Joe for their trust in our
ability to be good stewards of their generosity.
If you would like to support the efforts of everyone on the Mount Sinai Campus, please contact
the Saint Francis Foundation at 860-714-4900 or [email protected].
Our Mission
We are committed to health and healing through excellence,
compassionate care and reverence for the spirituality of each person.
Our Core Values
490 Blue Hills Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 06112
860-714-3500
RESPECT
We honor the worth and dignity of those we serve and with whom
we work.
800-789-7709
INTEGRITY
www.rehabct.com
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.