DECEMBER 2021
ISOLATION ENDED ON THANKSGIVING... As I mentioned in my “Mid-month Communication” I had the good fortune of attending the Private Practice Section of the APTA’s annual conference in Dallas a few weeks ago. It is one of the best annual meetings that I have an opportunity to attend. It was cancelled last year, so I was looking forward to reconnecting with my peers and having the chance to step back to look at the “bigger picture.” Unfortunately, it was on that trip that I also contracted Covid. I am fully vaccinated so I guess I am technically a “break-through” case. Not the type of break-through I was looking for! I want to thank all of you have reached out with words of encouragement and have shared some of your personal experiences with this pandemic. Considering that the current death toll in the US has exceeded 773 thousand, my infection and subsequent recovery can’t be viewed as much more than an inconvenience. I had to avoid my wife, son, family and friends and essentially “lived in isolation” for a few weeks. Reflecting on those ten days, a couple of things come into focus for me. On some level I have always known I was more of a social creature. This experience confirms it. I enjoy and need people in my life. To me, it’s all about relationships!
As I consider the “sacrifice” of staying away from my 11-year-old son and my 93-year-old father, I feel a little disappointment and a lot of gratitude. The Thanksgiving holiday is traditionally one defined by the gathering family and friends, and I’m a little disappointed Blake, Sandra and I were not able to be part of a larger gathering this year. That disappointment is tempered by the gratitude that comes from knowing we are fortunate to gather frequently with family and friends outside of the holidays. We missed a single holiday; however we will not miss the laughter, joy and love that comes from having a close immediate family and a “core group” of friends. We are extremely fortunate. Having been isolated from work throughout the period, I am also grateful for my colleagues and the amazing PTSMC people who make who we are and what we do special. Gathering with our people – whether at meetings, happy hours or just in passing – is one of my great joys.
HR Buzz Holiday Schedule D4D & Goals and Objectives 2022 HR Information Virtual HR Visits Wellness Program #GetMoving Team Challenge The Extra Mile by Kristen Forster Give Thanks! 2021 Halloween and PT for Life Photos
StriveHub Fab 5
“I am treated by Jane Rosadini and she is exceptional! She listens to what I need as a patient and works hard to help me. She has very good splint making skills. She also has a wonderful personality, making her patients feel at ease and comfortable. Thank you!” - Guilford
Thanks,
Patient Trends New Patients per Month
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Conner Gavin, PT, DPT Liza Peressini, PT, DPT Orange PT Danbury PT
Clinician’s Corner by Jillian Cristaldi, Wethersfield Physical Therapist Balance and Fall Risk Measures for Patients 65 Years or Older in the Outpatient Setting
I hope that each of you found a way to safely celebrate Thanksgiving. “Kaitlyn (Murray) has been a great person to Be safe and enjoy the rest of the holiday season with those in your work with. She is personable and respectful. Her life that make this journey so special. gracious spirt makes me feel comfortable as she helps me with the activities needed. She is I am thankful for all that you do! great!!!!” - Windsor
Alan
WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS!
IN THIS ISSUE
Blue = Actual | Orange = Budgeted
“My physical therapy success from full knee replacement comes from the extremely professional staff at the Southbury location. They have guided me from day one on working hard to reach my goals.” - Southbury “My PT, Ann (Hall) is the best. She first started treating me on telehealth after I broke my foot last year. Imagine trying to do physical therapy via video. Well, I’m walking again, and I needed her help again more recently and I finally got to meet her. She has been such a huge help in getting me mobile and functional. The atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable. It’s really a great place to go.” - Essex “From the minute you enter, everyone from the staff at the front desk to the physical therapists are so friendly and helpful. Everyone says hello to you and makes you feel comfortable even if they aren’t helping you that day. I really can’t say enough good things about my experience there, and I would definitely go there again and recommend it to others. Thank you Anthony (Ciaburri) and staff!” - Orange
CLINICIAN’S CORNER BALANCE AND FALL RISK OUTCOME MEASURES FOR PATIENTS 65 YEARS OR OLDER IN THE OUTPATIENT SETTING By Jillian Cristaldi, PT, DPT, GCS Wethersfield Physical Therapist Falls are the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions in older adults, and balance is a potentially modifiable factor known to contribute to falls. Occurrence of falls in older adults contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, exponential healthcare costs, and decreased quality of life. Nearly 1/3 of all adults 65 years and older fall annually due to numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors including neuromuscular impairments, functional mobility deficits, lower extremity muscle weakness, medication side effects, and environmental obstacles. Fall incidents are the leading cause of unintentional death and are the most common mechanism for fractures and traumatic brain injuries for patients 65 years and older.1-2 Choosing proper tests and measures is a critical part of balance and fall risk assessment. Due to the large amount of outcome measures that have been developed to evaluate balance and predict fall risk, selecting the optimal outcome measure is challenging.3 A significant number of fall risk assessment tools have been identified as having good reliability and good validity for identifying fall potential with community dwelling older adults. Park (2018) performed a systemic review and meta-analysis on diagnostic studies through June 2016 to assess which of these tools best predicts the risk of falls in the elderly. Results suggested that two assessment tools used in combination, as opposed to a single assessment tool, maximizes the characteristics and predictability of each test. Furthermore, it was concluded that for assessing the risk of falls among community dwelling older adults, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) should be used in combination to increase diagnostic accuracy of the older adult’s fall risk.4 Lusardi, et al (2017) also performed a systemic review and meta-analysis using post test probability of the existing literature to assist clinicians with selecting the best diagnostic tool(s) to examine an older adult’s risk of falling. They concluded that the Berg Balance Scale score (≤50 points), Timed Up and Go times (≥12 seconds), and 5 times sit-to-stand times (≥12 seconds) are currently the most evidence-supported functional measures to determine the risk of future falls for community-dwelling older adults.5 A study by McDowell, et al (2020) was designed to explore physical therapists’ and physical therapist assistants’ utilization of evidence-based outcome measures to screen and assess for balance and fall risk in adults 65 years and older within the outpatient physical therapy setting by use of a survey. Numerous representatives for this population, including the American Geriatric Society (AGS), American
Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT), Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (AGPT), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states that all individuals over the age of 65 years should be screened for risk of falling, regardless of their condition or diagnosis.6-8 A total of 574 survey responses were recorded, with 205 participants meeting the inclusion criteria for this study. Of the 205 responses, 185 (90.24%) were licensed physical therapists and 20 (9.76%) were licensed physical therapy assistants. Of the 205 participants, 51.71% reported that at least 50% of their caseloads involved patients who are 65 years or older. Only 66.83% of participants reported that they screen balance and fall risk on all patients age 65 years and older, regardless of their diagnosis or condition. The Timed Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and 5 times sit-to-stand (FTSTS) test were the three most frequently utilized measures, with rates of 86.57%, 68.16%, and 64.18%, respectively. It was noted that there was a significant positive relationship found between years of practice and whether or not patients were screened for balance and fall risk regardless of diagnosis or condition.9 As healthcare professionals, it is in our patients’ best interests to recognize that it is essential that utilization of balance and fall risk outcome measures are incorporated into our practice to improve the standard of care when treating adults 65 years and older in order to improve overall health outcomes for the geriatric population. References:
1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website. Facts about Falls. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html. Accessed November 14, 2021 2. Burns & Kakara R. (2018) Deaths from Falls Among Persons Aged >/= 65 Years – United States, 2007-2016. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (CDC). 67(18): 509-514. 3. APTA Geriatrics Website. Outcome Measure Toolkit for Geriatric Fall/Balance Assessment. https://geriatricspt.org. Accessed November 14, 2021 4. Park SH. (2018) Tools for assessing fall risk in the elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aging Clin Exp Res. 30:1-16. 5. Lusardi M, et al. (2017) Determining risk of falls in community dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis using posttest probability. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 40(1): 1-36. 6. American Geriatrics Society. Summary of the Updated American Geriatrics Society/British Geriatrics Society Clinical Practice Guideline for Prevention of Falls in Older Persons. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011; 59(1): 148-157. 7. American Physical Therapy Association website. Balance and Falls. https://www.apta.org/Balance-and-Falls/. Accessed November 14, 2021 8. Avin KG, et al. (2015) Management of falls in community-dwelling older adults: clinical guidance statement from the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. Phys Ther. 95(6): 815-834. 9. McDowell D, et al. (2020) Balance and Fall Risk Outcome Measures for Patients 65 Years or Older in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Setting: What are the Current Trends? Global Journal of Medical Research, 20(11).
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE Upcoming Courses INTERNAL COURSES
INTERNAL COURSES
Introduction to the Assessment & Treatment of the Concussion Patient
Myopain Dry Needling 3: Advanced
December 4, 2021 8:30 am - 2:15 pm PT for Life Southbury Instructor: Rick Purdy DOCS Requirement
March 18-20, 2022 8:30 am - 2:15 pm Quinnipiac University, North Haven Campus *Myopain DN-2 prerequisite required
STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE
Cervicothoracic
March 5, 2022 6 hour course Location TBD Instructor: Danielle Dunn DOCS Requirement
Email Mallory Mason at ConEd@ptsmc.com for all sign ups or questions.
PTSMC CASE DISCUSSION & JOURNAL CLUB Case Discussion is a requirement of the Development of Clinical Success (DOCS) Program. In the first year of the DOCS Program, clinicians are required to attend & participate in a minimum of 6 case discussion sessions. Sign up via the Case Discussion 2022 Sharepoint site. Contact Danielle Dunn for access. All sessions are hosted on Go To Meeting.
Case Discussion Dates 12:00-1:00pm • 01/11/2022 • 02/08/2022 • 03/08/2022 • 04/05/2022 • 05/03/2022 • 06/07/2022 • 07/12/2022 • 08/09/2022 • 09/13/2022 • 10/11/2022 • 11/08/2022
Pictures from Myopain DN-2 at Quinnipiac University.
This month, PTSMC welcomes Michael Poplizio from Husson University. Michael will complete his clinical affiliation in Glastonbury with Brian Greer.
As 2021 comes to a close, we want to send out a big THANK YOU to all of our PTSMC clinicians who “gave back” by helping to educate future PTs. It was a very strong year for the PTSMC Student Program. Twenty-six students were hosted during the year! Look for the 2021 program recap in next month’s PULSE.
Journal Club is a monthly review of a recent journal article relevant to clinical practice. All PTSMC clinicians are welcomed to join and participate. It is a strongly encouraged component of the DOCS Program. However, it is not required. Sign up via the Journal Club 2022 Sharepoint site. Contact Danielle Dunn for access. Calling all clinicians! PTSMC is planning for 2022 Sponsored Courses, and we want to host what YOU are All sessions are hosted on Go To Meeting. most interested in. Sponsored Courses are courses in which PTSMC brings outside experts in-house for our Journal Club Dates 12:00-1:00pm clinicians. • 01/25/2022 • 02/22/2022 Please use this survey to choose courses and give us • 03/22/2022 feedback for the best topics and courses by • 04/19/2022 December 15th. • 05/17/2022 Survey Link: • 06/21/2022 • 07/26/2022 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022ClinicalExcellencePTSMC • 08/23/2022 • 09/27/2022 • 10/25/2022 2021 Continuing • 11/29/2022
Recorded Presentation: “Navigating the Behavioral Health Field: How to Help Our Patients with Depression & Anxiety” If you missed out on Sam McMullen’s, PT, DPT (PTSMC Orthopaedic Resident and Southington PT) presentation use this link to watch the recording: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/kPj7FJPiz3 You can also use this link for the PowerPoint to follow along and save for future reference: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/Zj8X8gn9F8/Navigating_the_Behavioral_Health_Field.pdf_
2022 PTSMC Sponsored Courses Survey
education opportunities list
https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/mcbFLYwFkg/2021_Clinical_Excellence_List_of_Courses.xlsx_
Use the link above for a list of PTSMC Internal, PTSMC Sponsored, and External course opportunities. Please reach out to Mallory Mason via coned@ptsmc.com if you have any questions.
HUMAN RESOURCES
HR IS HERE FOR YOU
HR will continue the Virtual Clinic Visit format for the month of December. Check your email for more details. The links to sign up are listed below. We will be available from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm each day. Meet with Karen Monday, December 6th https://calendly.com/karen-havlicek/hr-is-here-for-you Meet with Jenn Wednesday, December 8th https://calendly.com/jennifer-detlefsen/hr-is-here-for-you Meet with Sandra Thursday, December 16th https://calendly.com/sandra-boccialetti/hr-is-here-for-you
Christmas Holiday for 2021 and New Year’s Day Holiday for 2022 will be observed as follows: Friday, December 24th Christmas Day Friday, December 31st New Year’s Day All PTSMC offices will be closed.
DIALOGUE FOR DEVELOPMENT (D4D) & GOALS AND OBJECTIVES TIME IS HERE Employees who participate in the Dialogue for Development and Personal Goals and Objective process will be contacted by your Supervisor to schedule your meeting time. Fillable D4D forms are now located in ADP • Home Page • Company Documents & Links • Click on D4D Performance Feedback Forms Note: PTSMC employees who work less than 20 hours may or may not participate in this process. Check with your supervisor. Supervisors will be emailing completed D4D’s to D4D.GO@ptsmc.com Want to review your prior D4D’s and Goals and Objectives? They can be found in ADP • Myself Tab • Employment • My documents
2022 LIMITS HAVE INCREASED!
401(k) Participants • Employee elective deferrals has increased to $20,500 up from $19,500 in 2021 • If you are 50 years old or will be turning 50 in 2022, you are eligible for additional catch-up contributions for a total deferral of $27,000. This means you can contribute the maximum of $20,500 plus the catch-up amount of $6500. Health Savings Account (HSA) Participants • Individual contribution limit has increased to $3650 up from $3600 in 2021 • Family contribution limit has increased to $7300 up from $7200 in 2021 • If you are 55 years old or turning 55 in 2022, you are eligible for catch up contributions in the amount of $1000. This means you can contribute the maximum of individual or family plus the catch up amount of $1000; $4650 and $8300 respectively. Requests for changes to your HSA contribution can be emailed to payroll@ptsmc.com.
401(k) REMINDER
Employees who would like to make a change to their 401(k) biweekly contributions for the 1st quarter of 2022 must complete the request by Friday, December 17, 2021, to be effective with the January 12, 2022 payroll. Login to your account at https://myplan.johnhancock.com/login and click on Manage and Contributions.
Employee Eligibility Covered employees are eligible for CTPL program benefits if they have: • Earned wages of at least $2,325 in the highest quarter in the first four of five most recently completed quarters; and • Are currently employed OR have been employed within the last 12 weeks. Benefit Rates Benefit rates will be equal to 95% of an employee’s average weekly wages if the wages are less than or equal to the CT minimum wage multiplied by 40. If wages exceed the CT minimum wage multiplied by 40, the employee’s benefit rate will be 95% of the employee’s average weekly wage up to the CT minimum wage multiplied by 40 PLUS 60% of the amount the average weekly wage exceeds the CT minimum wage multiplied by 40. The benefit rate is capped at 60 times the CT minimum wage. Qualifying Reasons for Leave Covered employees may receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave benefits in a 12-month period, with certain exceptions. Starting or Expanding a Family To bond with a new child — by birth, adoption, or foster placement. For serious health conditions resulting in incapacitation during pregnancy, covered employees may qualify for two (2) additional weeks of paid leave benefits. Personal or Family Health Needs To address a serious personal or family health condition. Those serving as an organ or bone marrow donor may also be eligible to receive CTPL benefits. Impact of Family Violence Employees impacted by family violence may be eligible to receive CTPL benefits to seek medical or psychological care, to seek care from a victim services organization, to relocate, or to participate in any civil or criminal proceeding relating to family violence. Benefits for these reasons are limited to 12 days. Military Specific To care for a family member who is injured while on active duty or to address specific issues relating to a family member’s call to active duty or active duty in the armed forces.
CONGRATULATIONS! Patient Services Coordinator
Congratulations to the following PT Aides who have Middletown completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for Orange Waterbury PT Aides) Program: Chase Phillips, Westbrook Noah Dargenio, Southbury Lauren Cummins, Avon
Westbrook Windsor
EMPLOYEE NEWS
NEW EMPLOYEES
Danielle Casey, Executive Coordinator
Melissa Fiero, Fairfield PT Aide
Rebecca Infosino, Wallingford PT Aide
Ryan McGowan, New London PT Aide
Shannon Merritt, Fairfield PSC
CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES Athletic Trainer East Hampton Westbrook
Welcome Back!
Welcome Back!
Stevie Fell, Float PSC
Marilex Santiago, Administrative Coordinator
Physical Therapist Assistant Groton Naugatuck/Watertown Patient Services Coordinator Avon Fairfield (part-time) Middletown Orange Waterbury (part-time) Westbrook Windsor
Lia Scala, New London PT Aide
Elizabeth Veilleux, West Hartford Physical Therapist
NOT PICTURED
Amanda Zarabozo, Wallingford PSC
Christine Allen New Milford PSC Tyler Carmen Wallingford PT Aide Adam Duran Lock Street PT Aide Brianna Glen Southington PT Aide
Patient Care Coordinator Westbrook Authorization Coordinator Admin Content Coordinator Admin
Physical Therapist Fairfield (per diem) Groton Lock St Naugatuck New Haven New London Newington Shelton Wallingford Waterbury (part-time) Watertown PT Aide Branford Essex Groton New Haven New Milford Southbury Southington Waterbury Watertown West Hartford Westbrook Windsor
Check www.PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share! Call Jenn or email at Jenn.Detlefsen@ptsmc.com for PT Aide positions. Call Karen or email at karen.havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in another position.
Employee Spot light Tina Bocialetti After 38 years(!) of an unmatched work ethic, impeccable organization, laser sharp attention to detail, just the right amount of sass, and a whole lot of heart, Tina Boccialetti of the Administrative Office, is retiring from PTSMC. Tina has held almost every position for PTSMC and touched the lives of many PTSMC employees. She has been a foundational part of the company from its earliest days, and her tenure mirrors the growth and development of PTSMC. Tina was originally connected to PTSMC by her sister-in-law Sandra Boccialetti (Director of Human Resources) before Alan Balavender owned the company. She started in a very part-time role in November of 1983. Soon, PTSMC moved to the location most are familiar with: Vernon Street in Waterbury. Everything was under one roof, with a clinic on the first floor and the administrative office in the basement. In reflecting on the early years, Tina gave a special shout-out to Sandra, Carol Corbo (Waterbury PT Aide), and Mike Durand (VP of Business Development), because they too are PTSMC’s “day ones.” To give some insight into how times have changed since then, Tina explains that at first it was just her and Sandra doing the insurance “1500 Forms” by hand to be sent to the insurance companies. As Tina’s kids grew older and she could give more time to her job, she went full-time. Tina began to fill that time transcribing PTs’ dictations, manually typing out the voice recordings of daily notes submitted by the Physical Therapists...all of them (OMG!). Tina says she does not miss that work, but she did enjoy it! She learned a lot, especially medical terminology that she never would have learned otherwise. Alan bought PTSMC in 2000. One of Tina’s special memories from when they were all in the Vernon Street location is the time spent with Alan. She remembers how Alan would just sit on the floor or on a chair and just chat with her about life. She loved those moments. Eventually, the administrative office moved to a location in Watertown, and Tina moved into billing. The new billing system, Lytech, allowed the company to go electronic (one of Tina’s favorite company milestones). Tina was one of 3-4 people managing in-house billing and collections. When reflecting on her time with PTSMC, Tina could not hold back her gratitude for Sandy Wickman Mason (“Sands”), VP of Operations, for the 25+ years they worked together. Tina says, “Her mentorship was huge. There is no way I could ever repay her. She was and still is ALWAYS there for me, no matter what.” When PTSMC shifted to an external billing system (BMS), Tina’s role became focused on Accounts Receivable. As the company continued to grow, the Administrative Office moved once again to a location in Farmington and then to West Hartford a few years after that, with Tina now doing what we all know her for best – Accounts Receivable, collections and attorney liens. Tina loved the cash-balancing. She compared bank records, clinic records and the billing system’s records to make sure everything balanced. While it could drive her crazy on some days, it also was her favorite responsibility. With a mind for problem-solving and an eye for detail, she had the skillset required for the job and found the work challenging and interesting. Above all, Tina loved working with the wonderful people at PTSMC. She loved the feeling of family that PTSMC had cultivated, as well as the culture that allowed her to put her family first. One moment Tina will cherish forever was at the Regional Organization Inservice, where she was recognized for 35 years of service. She was brought to tears and almost no words when she saw her husband Paul and two daughters, Lynn and Laura, join the audience for her recognition. She saw it as, “Bringing my two families together under one roof.” While cause for celebration after so many years of service, stepping away from PTSMC is harder for Tina than you may think. After having to take a leave of absence due to a medical scare in 2020, she knew in her heart that she couldn’t return to work. The quality time she was able to spend with her family and grandkids was now more important than ever. She is now able to attend events and games, help with pick-ups and drop-offs, and generally be available at times of the day that her previous full work schedule hadn’t allowed. While she knows it is the right decision and the right time to step back, Tina still says, “if anyone from PTSMC calls, I will be there to help.” In her retirement, Tina is looking forward to many things. She will continue to focus on her grandchildren, Brynne, Cole, Lydia and Sofia. She has a brother in Florida and will make plans to go visit him. Tina and her husband, Paul, are also hoping cruises become safe again soon, as they look forward to venturing out to new places. Quality time with immediate and extended family are Tina’s source of happiness – she calls it her main hobby. PTSMC is over the moon grateful for Tina, and those who know her will tell you how amazing she is. Knowing and working with Tina is an unmatched experience. She has a level of knowledge and excellence in Billing and Accounts Receivable that she has passed along to her colleagues and mentees over the course of years and decades. More than anything else, she’s built an innumberable amount of lifelong relationships. Thank you, Tina!
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS Travis Lytle Francesca Esposito Merin Mathews Alan Balavender Danielle Butsch Heather Erb-Dowling Meagan Hoffman Nick Maltese Joan Porper Cory Wolski Mallory Mason Nikki Matarazzo Alex Zablan Jennifer Neri Michelle Linicus Rob Bass Naomi Rascati Juliann Chacko Maria Grice Lia Scala Keaton Mangi Jenna Hancock Alyssa Griffo Mike McGowan Bryan O'Neill Amanda Orsillo Christine Raffone Scott Cameron Luke Manjooran Kilah Mendes Mary Clark Becca Ferlazzo Allyson Hickey
1 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 8 9 9 10 14 14 16 16 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 30 30 31 31 31
Avon West Hartford Middletown Admin Lock St West Hartford Westbrook Guilford Admin Avon Admin Wallingford Orange Simsbury New London Middletown Wallingford Orange Southbury New London New London New London East Hampton Windsor New Milford Plainville Admin Westbrook West Hartford New Haven New Haven New Haven Wallingford
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Taylor Conklin Quinn McAnaney Rebecca Ferlazzo Renee Gallant Hannah Joyner Jacob Minor Jamie Collimore
PSC Physical Therapist PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide
Essex Guilford New Haven New Haven New London Simsbury Southington
Josh McAdams Traci O'Brien Nick Almonte Emma Graham
Partner & Director Physical Therapist Partner & Director PSA
Danbury New London Shelton Westbrook
CONGRATULATIONS LAUREN MACDONALD Promoted to Patient Services Administrator!
Team experience, whether being an athlete or coach, is something Lauren brings to PTSMC Essex. Lauren’s team experiences started as a soccer player. Over the past six years, Lauren coached middle school soccer, moved to high school as an assistant and is now in her third season as head coach at Valley Regional High School. She joined Essex in August 2019 as a PT Aide. Less than one year later, she was promoted to Patient Services Coordinator, and now - 16 months later - she has established herself as the Patient Services Administrator. The analogy here is sort of a player to coach. Lauren excels at communication, organization and creating a welcoming team environment for all. Director Craig Katko commented, “Lauren is always keeping everyone informed of what’s happening, she thinks ahead and anticipates ‘What is next?’ I have come to rely on her tremendously and look forward to growing her skills, using her community connections and continuing to develop her management and administrative skills for our patients and staff.”
The
Extra MILE
By Kristen Forster, Director of Operations
GIVE THANKS! This doesn’t just apply during the holiday season. Gratitude goes a long way in building relationships and strong teams. Take a look around you and say, “Thank you!” to those tremendous people you get to work with every day! BE GENUINE. Take the time to thank your co-worker and let you know how much you appreciate them. GIVE A SHOUT OUT. If you are at a staff meeting and have a great shout out to share, call it out in front of the team to show some recognition for that awesomeness! TREAT THEM. A cup of coffee or a sweet (or healthy) treat might be a nice way to let that co-worker know you value them.
In Lauren’s free time, you can find her (you guessed it), coaching soccer or spending time with family. With her fiancé, Colin, she likes to take their dog Remi for walks and spend time with SHARE IT. Send an email to leaders in your office and include your co-worker to share friends when they can. your gratitude.
Lauren is excited about her new role of PSA because of the community involvement, assisting Craig with the administrative side of managing the clinic and building the Essex team. From growing up and coaching in the area, she enjoys being out in the community and working alongside new and familiar faces.
CONGRATULATIONS KELLY COZZOLINO Promoted to Patient Services Administrator!
Kelly joined PTSMC Plainville in July 2019. She immediately proved she was a “gift” for partner Kevin Connellan and staff. Kelly brings a five-star customer service presence to the Plainville clinic along with superior organization and administrative skills. Her previous experiences included client and vendor relations, hiring, training, staff management and support, and participation in community events. A perfect fit for the Patient Services Administrator role.
Kevin said, “Kelly is amazing. She has been a breath of fresh air for our patients and our clinic. She has a natural talent that makes every one of our patients feel special and welcomed. She makes sure that everyone, staff included, feels good, ensures we acknowledge the positive, and even makes us dress up in tights to celebrate! Kelly has helped Plainville volume grow and I look forward to her continued leadership.” In her free time Kelly loves to be with her large family and go on adventures with them. She loves traveling and shopping with best friends. Born and raised in Southington, she values her continued closeness to her community. Kelly is very excited to deepen her understanding of the operations in Plainville and the organization in order to help even more. She looks forward to learning, growing, and contributing to the PTSMC community, all while helping Kevin and our amazing staff!
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” - William Arthur Ward
uglyisweater contest Get ready for our 5th Annual Ugly Sweater Contest! Dress in your best (or worst) holiday fashion and Facebook will decide the clinic with the “best” attire. The winning clinic gets breakfast treats on Admin! Choose any day before December 24th to dress up and submit your group photo to Mallory Mason. Pictures will be live on Facebook December 21-26. The photo with the most reactions and comments will be crowed the winning clinic.
Pictured is last year’s winner, Newington!
PTSMC Happenings!
Congrats to Karin Larsen, Groton PSC, who ran in the New York City Marathon.
Plainville had a “Worksgiving” while doing their compliance safety training.
Wethersfield threw a baby shower for Kasey Adinfoli, Partner & Director, who is expecting a baby with her wife Annie.
Fairfield celebrated a patient who ran the New York City Marathon. He’s pictured here with Partner & Director Rebecca Petrosino. He wrote a note and brought in flowers as a thank you to the Fairfield staff.
LMDP - Presentation Skills program with consultant Mary Jo Leahy.
The admin office got together to celebrate Tina Boccialetti (pictured in the front center in the pink sweater), who retired after 38 years with PTSMC.
Guilford donated 125 items in their first of two food drives!
2021 Holiday Food Drive! The Holiday Food Drives are in full swing. A couple of clinics have already brought donations to their local communities. Currently PTSMC has donated 167 items to those in need. Amazing start, every item makes an incredible difference. GOAL If your clinic is just beginning your collection, reminder to please reach out to Mallory Mason with the following details:
Jeff Hoerst, Glastonbury PT got engaged to Mary Wojtowicz, former Westbrook PT.
1. Name of your food drive leader 2. Name of the local group your clinic will donate to. 3. The dates of your collection window. 4. If your clinic would like to run a raffle for those who donate (we will provide raffle tickets). Looking forward to seeing pictures of smiling faces when more items are delivered!
167
PT FOR LIFE FALL 2021
Thanks to our staff and patients for being
Orange
Waterbury
Southington
Avon
Simsbury
Fairfield
Wallingford
New Milford
Watertown
Windsor
Plainville
Halloween 2021 Wethersfield
as a cat, volleyball player, and Carmen Sandiego
Naugatuck
Glastonbury as the Avengers
West Hartford
as Descipable Me
as the “Breakfast Club”
Orange
Lock Street
Middletown
Guilford
as styles from different decades
Fairfield
as Harry Potter
as the Pain Scale
as the running man
as Dodgeball
Engagement & Wellness Calendar December
#GETMOVING TEAM CHALLENGE - WINNERS! AMAZING job by all challengers. It was a long six weeks, and we had 54 members in our Slack group. Congrats to all teams who battled each other for 40 days and made incredible commitments to each other. Ultimately the winning team had the most team bonus points to solidify their victory! The first ever Team Challenger winner: TEAM HUSTLE & MUSCLE Allyson Melillo, Angela Riehl, Ben Romann, Betsy Holt, Carole Pimenta, Channing Harwood, Eric Horne, Julianne Balavender, Karin Larsen, Katy Sullivan, Laura Nicklis, Lauren MacDonald, Mary Clark, Melinda Cayetano, Mikayla Raffone, Miranda Jasienowski, Sandra Boccialetti Congratulations also to all challengers who achieved the individual goal of at least 30/40 activity days: Allyson Melillo, Admin Becky Sauve, Naugatuck Ben Romann, Plainville Caitlyn Ayotte, New London Carole Pimenta, Guilford Channing Harwood, Plainville Danielle Butsch, Lock Street Danielle Dunn, Wallingford Debra Philcox, Naugatuck Emily Fillion, Admin
Janet Tarasuk, Admin Jen Bastos, Naugatuck Jen Neri, Simsbury Kailey Hanks, Lock Street Karin Larsen, Groton Katy Sullivan, Orange Kendra Lennon, Waterbury Lauren MacDonald, Essex Mallory Mason, Admin Mary Clark, New Haven
Meghan Blanusa, Naugatuck Michelle Gallerani, New London Mikayla Raffone, New Haven Miranda Jasienowski, Groton Natalie Swanson, Lock Street Sandra Boccialetti, Admin Sara Miller, Wethersfield Shelby Howe, Simsbury Stephanie Weyrauch, Orange Steven de Castro, Groton
What are you grateful for?
Shoutout to PTSMC employees who shared what they’re grateful for! Thanks to: Julianne Balavender, Joan Porper, Nicole Skirkanich, Danielle Casey, Debra Philcox, Stephanie Weyrauch, Rebecca Sauve, Kevin Connellan, Lindsey Scianna, Christine Hill and Becky Passante.
Food Drive
Dates vary by clinic Nov-Dec
Flu Shot Raffle Winner
Announced Dec 1
Ugly Sweater Contest
Voting Dec 21 – 26
Your 2021 Holiday Helper As soon as November hit, the “consumer” in us all (and everyone else across the country) rose from hibernation. Thus began the holiday sales, busy department stores, Black Friday Sales, Cyber Monday Deals, Anit-Black Friday Sale sales, AKA TOTAL CHAOS! The world is stressed out enough already, and now we have the worry that gifts will run out or not arrive in time. So here is a solution- AVOID IT ALL! Open up your creative mind and give meaningful, homemade, DIY or locally bought gifts this year. Here is a list of alternative ways to give gifts to avoid the shipping delays, the mall and family snooping for their gift on your shared Prime account. A picture calendar or book - can be made online or local print shop Make meals or have a cookie swap Gift baskets made at local stores - great hostess/host gift and supports small/local businesses Gift a class - cooking, workouts, art (wine & paint anyone? Goat yoga?) - make “a flyer” or make a card with details Homemade seasonings Homemade hot chocolate bombs Homemade chapsticks Homemade snow globes Homemade limoncello Coupons - “I’ll cook tonight”, back scratches, chores, carwash, shovel driveway - all written by hand or typed and printed Framing - local framing store or DIY Lotto tickets! - find at grocery shops or convenience stores Cannoli of the month member ship from a local bakery (WOW!) Delivery subscription - Misfits Market, FunFitFab, Daily Harvest, Winc, Ranger Rick Magazine for kids (give these a google there’s something for everyone) Gift card for Long Island Ferry to do Lighthouse Tours Gift cards to wineries and breweries Babysitting If any of these catch your eye and you want to know more, reach out to mallory.mason@ptsmc.com. Shoutout to Christine Hill, Danielle Casey and Debra Philcox for contributing a few of these great ideas!