JANUARY 2024
MY DAD IS A PART OF “THE GREATEST GENERATION”
History has never been a strong interest of mine; however, a few things recently collided and sent me down a different path. My son Blake, now 13, has always been curious about history, especially World War II.
A while back one of Blake’s assignments was to interview an older person about their life. He had to prepare open-ended questions and provide a written summary report for his class. He elected to interview my dad who is approaching 96 years old and is easily the oldest person Blake knows. Although my dad’s memory remains sharp, he doesn’t hear well at all. Blake is aware of this and prepared each question verbally and in writing. Somewhere around question five Blake asked, “Did you serve in World War II?” My dad replied, “Yes, I did. I left high school at 17 and joined the Navy.” Blake followed with, “Did you serve on a ship?” For the first time in my life, I could feel the disappointment in my father’s response. “No”, he said, “I was stationed in Washington DC. I volunteered expecting to join my brothers in battle; however, the government wouldn’t allow me to go overseas because two of my brothers were already fighting.” I never realized he was prohibited from a combat role because his brothers were in active battle. His brothers, John and Steve, both survived D-Day. Blake’s interview with my father left me with questions. I had heard a few stories about the war from my uncles when they were alive, though the tales were brief and the details scarce. I recalled hearing about Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation and decided to read it. The book was written in 1998.
The read was fascinating to me. Brokaw essentially interviewed individuals who served both at home and abroad. Through his interviews Clinician’s Corner by Lisa Guilbault and insights, he painted a picture of the generation that “came of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to Danielson Physical Therapist POTS in the Rehab Setting build modern America.” Within the pages, I found a greater understanding and appreciation for 2023 Student Program Recap my parents. The stories, while not my parents’, provided me with a historical framework that undoubtedly shaped the way they approached Employee Spotlight: Lauren MacDonald, Essex PSA some of the “big things” in life. My parents lived through the Great Depression and WWII. Many of the stories Brokaw highlighted in the book reinforced the lifestyle my parents lived. For example: • Marriage: A life-long commitment. They were married 58 years before my mom passed away. • Work: You worked hard to provide for your family to give them a better life than you had. My parents both had small businesses. My mother worked in real estate and my father worked two jobs until he was able to co-own a small neighborhood auto repair shop. He finally retired well into his seventies! • God and Country: My dad still attends church and prays nightly. He is of Polish decent; however, he bleeds the red, white, and blue of an American Patriot.
Employee Resource Center (learn how you can win a prize!)
For me, the book was a great read. I learned a lot about our country and more about my family than I expected. All of this came from Blake’s interest in World War II and the conversation between him and my dad. I’m grateful that both Blake and I were able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of my parents and the historical events that shaped their perspectives.
2023 Recap
Thanks, Alan
Congrats to the Ugly Sweater Contest Winner....
Wallingford! Check out all the Ugly Sweater Pictures on Page 11.
IN THIS ISSUE
Techy Tips: Top 3 Issues Sent to PTSMC Ticket System: First Line Troubleshooting by End-Users By David Lawrence
DEI: DEIB- What’s the “B?” By Marilex Santiago Ugly Sweater Contest Entries Food & Holiday Drives
Q4 PATiENT TRENDS
CLINICIAN’S CORNER POTS in the Rehab Setting By: Lisa Guilbault, PT, MSPT Physical Therapist at PTSMC Danielson
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, commonly known as POTS, is or cycling on a recumbent bike are recommended initially to avoid a condition affecting an estimated 1 to 3 million people in this country. being in an upright position. Initial exercise should occur at a target It is important to recognize these individuals in a rehabilitation setting heart rate equivalent to approximately 75% of maximum predicted as this condition can cause an intolerance to exercise and will affect your heart rate and a rating of perceived exertion of 13 – 15 (somewhat hard treatment plan. to hard). POTS is a blood circulation disorder characterized by two factors: a group RPE is an important reading as some POTS patients may be taking of symptoms that frequently occur when standing upright and a heart beta-blockers or other medication which may affect the heart rate and rate increase from horizontal to standing of at least 30 bpm in adults, or may not accurately reflect exercise intensity. The patient should closely at least 40 bpm in young adults measured during the first 10 minutes of monitor their heart rate during treatment. As the patient advances, standing. Symptoms of this condition occur due to a lower amount of emphasis should be placed on leg and core strength and cardiovascular blood in the circulation, excessive pooling of blood below the level of the exercise. Resistance and endurance training for the lower body and core heart when upright, and elevated levels of certain hormones such as is recommended since the lower leg muscles act as pumps when they adrenaline and norepinephrine. In POTS individuals when hormones are contract which helps increase venous return to the heart. released that help tighten blood vessels to increase the heart rate to push blood flow to the brain and heart, they do not respond efficiently. Recommendations for exercise from the article by Fu Q, Levine BD This inefficiency leads to less blood flow to the brain and heart and can (2015) starts the patient at a frequency of one time a week for provoke symptoms such as dizziness, brain fog, chest pain, nausea, and resistance training for 15 to 20 minutes at a time with progression to headache which can lead to exercise intolerance. two times a week for 30 to 40 minutes. Lower body exercises include the leg press, leg curls, leg extension, chest press, and seated row. Core POTS is diagnosed using a ten minute standing test or a head up tilt exercises include crunches, back extensions, side planks, or Pilates. The table test. Blood work and a physical exam are also performed for a patient starts at two sets of 10 as they were able to tolerate. As patients proper diagnosis. POTS is also diagnosed when orthostatic hypotension become more fit, the duration and intensity of exercise should increase is ruled out and there is no acute dehydration or blood loss. Orthostatic and upright exercises should be incorporated as well. As with all hypotension is a form of low blood pressure: 20 mmHg drop in systolic or patients, the plan of care should be modified according to patient’s 10 mmHg drop in diastolic in the first three minutes of standing. response to treatment and compliance. Treatment for these individuals can include diet changes, medications, and physical therapy. Diet should include proper water intake and adequate sodium. An exercise program should include endurance and resistance training for the lower body. Therapy should start slowly and be based on the patient’s tolerance. Initial treatment should include exercising in a horizontal or reclined position. Aquatic therapy, rowing,
References Fu Q, Levine BD, Exercise in the Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome. Auton. Neurosci 2015; 188: 86-89. (Pub Med) Fu Q, Levine BD, Exercise and the Autonomic Nervous system. Handb Clin. Neurol. 2013:147-160(PubMed) Fu Q, Levine BD, Exercise and Non-Pharmacological Treatment of POTS. Auton. Neurosci, 2018: 215: 20-27.
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE Upcoming Courses NEW PTSMC SPONSORED COURSES
CASE DISCUSSION & JOURNAL CLUB
Myopain Dry Needling 1 Foundations I: January 12-14, 2024; at Quinnipiac University
All meeting are 12:00-1:00 pm on TEAMS. Upcoming CD dates: 01/09, 02/06, 03/05 Upcoming JC dates: 01/23, 02/20, 03/19
Myopain Dry Needling 2 Foundations II: March 15-17, 2024; at Quinnipiac University
Go to the ERC Clinical Excellence Folder for CD & JC 2024 information.
Myopain Dry Needling 3 Advanced: May 17-19, 2024; at Quinnipiac University
Email Meghan.Blanusa@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting invites.
Visit the ERC Clinical Excellence folder for all future course information.
Click here to access the ERC Clinical Excellence Folder.
Email ConEd@ptsmc.com to register for PTSMC courses or with any Clinical Excellence questions.
STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE Thank you to 2023 Clinical Instructors! 2023 was a hugely successful year for the Student Program! Here’s a quick overview of what was accomplished: • Goal was 30 students- 41 students successfully began clinical affiliations with PTSMC (40 PTs, 1 PTA) – triple clap!! • 50% of students in final clinical experience • 2 job offers accepted The goal for 2024 is to host 45 students, and we’re off to a great start! There are already 30 placements on the books. A huge thank you to those who have joined the CI team in 2024. Interested in becoming a CI? Email Juliann Chacko at Juliann.Chacko@ptsmc.com.
Cait Ayotte, New London Matt Baronowski, Bristol Meghan Blanusa, Naugatuck Bri Boulerice, Waterbury Scott Cameron, Westbrook Roy Colter, Newington Amy Demers, Branford Chaylea Finn, Branford Jeff Hoerst, Glastonbury Kevin Howard, Orange Andrew Kalach, Fairfield Craig Katko, Essex Collin Ketchel, Branford Tom Kirsch, Avon Kristina Lipeika, Watertown Jeff Lo, Westbrook Josh McAdams, Danbury Quinn McAnaney, Guilford Mike McGowan, Windsor
Sam McMullen, Southington Liz Miller, New London Dan Pagliuca, New Milford Mario Paredes, Orange Emily Pelz, Waterbury Andrew Perazella, New Haven Liza Peressini, Danbury Natalie Peterson, Plainville Rebecca Petrosino, Fairfield Jen Powers, Fairfield Xantiana Sanchez, Southington Nic Sauerbrunn, Windsor Lindsey Scianna, Watertown Emily Searle, Branford Vlad Smolgovskiy, West Hartford Alyson Whelan, Essex Russ Woodman, New Haven Keeley Yarish, Avon
HUMAN HUMANRESOURCES RESOURCES
New Employees
JOB OPPORTUNITIES ATHLETIC TRAINER Essex Middletown
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Emily Mantz Fairfield Physical Therapist
Talya Palmer New Haven PT Aide
Emma Rodjenski Plainville PT Aide
Not Pictured
Agata Sarna Newington Physical Therapist
Jillian Smiley Shelton Patient Services Coordinator
Carmela Badolato, Fairfield Patient Care Coordinator Marissa Goncalves, Windsor PT Aide Gabriela Kramer, Essex PT Aide Samantha Miller, Southbury PT Aide Sophia Starkey, Orange PT Aide
Avon Danbury Groton Guilford Lock Street New Haven New London Southington Windsor
PATIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR Glastonbury (part-time) Groton (part-time) Shelton
Westbrook
PT AIDE
EMPLOYEE RESOURCE CENTER (ERC) The PTSMC Employee Resource Center has arrived! As with many things at PTSMC we are abbreviating and calling it “The ERC.” The ERC is a one stop shop, centralized location for tools and resources to help employees get the information they need. Ever feel like you can’t find important information that you know was somewhere in your email? Look to the ERC instead! The content in the ERC ranges from insurance updates, documentation and billing tips to the phone log, org chart, acronym chart, and even mental health resources. Updates to the information are live as soon as there is a change made.
Interested in a PTSMC “Stanley?” Take the ERC “Found It” quiz by February 1st and be entered into the drawing for a black PTSMC cup! Click here to take the quiz.
Branford Danbury Danielson Essex Fairfield Groton Guilford Middletown Plainville Putnam Simsbury
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE REPRESENTATIVE Admin
Important HR tools and resources such as policies, hiring, pay, and benefits will remain in ADP, and are not included the ERC. If you haven’t already, take a moment to explore the ERC! It will continuously built up with content throughout the year, so now is the time to create the habit of using this link to find the info your need: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/fl/PleuwJHjoI/Employee_Resource_Center_ Be sure to favorite, bookmark or shortcut the ERC to your devices!
Check PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share! Call Karen or email at Karen.Havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in a position.
e
loye p m E
SPOT LIGHT
Lauren MacDonald Essex PSA
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
January birthdays are now located in the ERC! Click here to see the list of January birthdays.
By Mallory Mason, Director of Culture & Engagement The Essex clinic was acquired in January of 2019, and eight months later, Lauren MacDonald joined the team as a PT Aide. She had come with four years of experience managing a gym and an undergraduate degree in sports medicine and psychology. Lauren at the time was interested in a PTA program which led her to joining PTSMC. Lauren quickly began to take on additional responsibilities. She assisted the front desk and described her day to day then as similar to the more recently created PCC position. Then of course, COVID hit, and Essex needed PSC support. Lauren stepped in to provide exactly what they needed. Shortly after, in October of 2021, Lauren was promoted to PSA. She took on managing and hiring Essex PT Aides as a part of this step up. Lately, Craig Katko (Essex Director) has encouraged Lauren to get involved in projects with the administrative staff. Lauren helped support Donna Baribault (Senior Verification Coordinator) and her team with the 2022 reverification process last January, and believe it or not, is looking forward to it again. January is a crazy month for the Verification Team and Lauren is ready for it! Who is Lauren? Lauren is also putting her sports management and psychology background to use through coaching. She is a high school soccer coach and has been coaching for eight years. She absolutely loves it. Lauren was a soccer player herself, before tearing her ACL senior year of high school. She didn’t let that stop her from having soccer in her life and being a part of a team. At Endicott College, she became the manager of the women’s soccer team. Laruen is currently assistant coaching the East Lyme High School girls’ team. Prior to that she spent three years as the head coach of the Valley High School girls’ team. She has enjoyed stepping into the assistant coach position at East Lyme, and more than anything, loves to help shape the girls into
great soccer players AND good humans. High school is her favorite age to coach because you can really see the development of the players on and off the field. She loves to change it up and coach clinics for little kids who always have so much fun while learning the game. Lauren especially loves to coach and play with her nieces and nephews! Family is very important to Lauren and her husband Colin, and they spend a lot of time with their families who live locally. Lauren is the youngest of four, and her sister and brothers all have kids. She thrives at being “the fun aunt” for all the nieces and nephews! Lauren and Colin married this past June in front of 18 immediate family members in her in-laws’ backyard. Now this was no ordinary backyard… her mother-in-law is a “Master Gardener!” There are multiple tiers of flowers and plants expanding down the hillside of the backyard down to a pond; it’s simply beautiful. They did not go on a honeymoon right away and are looking forward to planning one for 2024. They are deciding between a big trip out to the west coast to see various national parks or St Lucia! For their perfect getaway, “there’s no in between…It’s a tropical island or national parks.” When Lauren first met Colin, he said he always wanted to go to the Grand Canyon so one day they will venture west! In 2024, Lauren is also looking forward to a few new things and continuing with routines that are good for her. She’s welcoming both a niece and a nephew this year! She also just started to get into yoga and is going to make it a larger part of her routine. She has been going every Wednesday for some time now. Hot, vinyasa style yoga is her go to, and she much prefers the heated classes. They are also renovating their kitchen! Something that feels like a very “adult thing” to be looking forward to. Finally, Lauren looks forward to her outdoor activities with their dog Remi, a Pitbull and Catahoula mix. They spend a lot of time out and about with their “fur baby” and 2024 will only bring more.
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES Keegan Biancur Michele Zemaitaitis Drew Coisson TJ Bresnahan Olivia Tarca Anna Scortichini Emily Clegg Kenny Markwat Amanda Kell Lauralee Pelletier Rachel Slater
PT Aide Patient Services Coordinator Physical Therapist Physical Therapist Physical Therapist PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide Physical Therapist PT Aide Speech Language Pathologist
Branford Groton New Haven New London Windsor Wallingford East Hampton Essex Middletown Southbury West Hartford
Alyson Whelan Kelley Cahill Ann Hall Craig Katko
Physical Therapist Assistant Director Physical Therapist Director
Essex Essex Essex Essex
Nancy Chilson
Patient Services Administrator
Avon
SIPTA FINISHERS Congratulations to the following PT Aides who completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program: Amanda Akerley, Simsbury Anthony Vignola, Middletown
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT January Wellness: Prioritize Yourself A new year can signify a fresh start, a new 'shiny' you. Take a few moments to yourself as you transition into 2024 to reflect on how to make your wellbeing a priority. Start with this 2-min video on what wellbeing is and tips to boost your wellbeing. Then follow the prompts below.
Engagement & Wellness Calendar JANUARY
Well-being Theme: Prioritize Yourself Annual Routine Physical Raffle: Jan 2 - Feb 16 Virtual DEI Forums: Jan 23 at 12:00pm & 6:30pm, Jan 24 at 1:30pm
FEBRUARY Well-being Theme: Heart Health Annual Routine Physical Raffle: Ends Feb 16 Virtual DEI Forums: Feb 20 at 12:00pm & 6:30pm, Feb 21 at 1:30pm
DEI
DEIB- What’s the “B?”
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
By Marilex Santiago, DEI Lead & Administrative Coordinator 1. Take stock of what is enhancing your quality of life and wellbeing and what is not. 2. Set an intention to practice kindness to yourself and to others. 3. Make space for healthy habits such as taking breaks, getting organized and getting enough rest to keep your immune system rejuvenated. 4. Evaluate where you can set healthy boundaries in your personal and work life to prevent burnout.
#GetMoving Challenge: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
Triple clap for the 56 participants (28 teams) of the fall #GetMoving Challenge: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work! Originally the top 3 teams were going to be rewarded with $50.00 grocery gift cards… and in the end a top 8 were rewarded! Each of these pairs got moving for 30 min every day of the challenge and completed all of the bonus opportunities to put them into the top slots. Additionally, there were 7 teams that achieved the 27/32 days team goal and earned themselves a “goal getter” reward: PTSMC sweatpants. Congratulations to all! Get ready for the next #GetMoving challenge in Spring 2024!
In the ever-evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), there's a letter that has quietly found its place in the acronym. DEI has also recently been stated as DEIB, adding the profound concept Belonging. The "B" introduces us to a world of deeper connections where individuals have a seat at the table and then discover a sense of community there. Our commitment to the familiar trio of DEI is a continuous journey. It is essential that we get curious about this new concept of belonging to continue to create a workplace that honors our diverse team. One of the best ways to understand the “B” is to investigate the interplay between inclusion and belonging. Inclusion: The Core of Our Community Inclusion is the foundation that ensures diverse voices are not only heard but valued. Inclusion means more than just opportunities; it's about providing a space where every individual is seen and acknowledged. For example, in the workplace there are things like practices and policies that create inclusive and safe spaces. Inclusion is the steppingstone to belonging. By actively including everyone, we lay the groundwork for a profound sense of belonging. Belonging: The Soulful Connection Belonging, within DEI, is the emotional side of being part of something greater; it’s the connection. In the workplace, belonging is about cultivating an atmosphere where each staff member not only has a presence but feels a genuine bond, acceptance, and shared purpose within their team and the company. When someone feels like they belong, they are then empowered to show up exactly as themselves. Belonging is closely tied to psychological safety, where individuals feel safe to express their authentic selves in their environment. A team can foster belonging by encouraging, accepting, and celebrating their teammates for being themselves. A Unified Call to Action With our DEI commitment as our guiding principle, we will continue to strive to celebrate differences, encourage authentic expression, and embrace the collective strength that belonging brings. We need your voices to explore our sense of belonging. Please join us at our virtual January forum to talk about belonging at PTSMC. Email Marilex.Santiago@ptsmc.com to reserve a spot! Topic: Belonging • Tuesday 23rd 12pm-12:30pm • Tuesday 23rd 6:30pm-7pm • Wednesday 24th 1:30pm - 2:00pm
CONGRATS TO STEVIE FELL:
Promoted to Customer Experience Coordinator!
Stevie has been promoted to Customer Experience Coordinator. In this role, Stevie will be focused on ensuring Patient Services Coordinators and Patient Services Administrators receive training and support to prepare them to deliver the most customer-centric service, in line with our PT for Life culture. This role will focus on workflow improvements, problem-solving, quality assurance and reporting for front desk operations. Additionally, this role will include collaboration with leaders of remote service operations to maintain seamless service for patients.
Stevie started her career with PTSMC in 2015 as a Patient Services Coordinator in Waterbury. After five and a half years, she left PTSMC and returned one year later as the Float PSC. When asked what motivated Stevie to return to PTSMC, she emphatically responded, “the people at PTSMC are what brought me back!” She came back for the relationships with coworkers that she had formed before leaving. Those relationships drive her to continue doing the work she does. Stevie stated, “We have such a great support system of smart creative-minded people that I am so glad I came back and rejoined this team!” When asked what she is most excited about in her new role, Stevie remarked that although she will miss working in multiple clinics as a Float PSC, the opportunity to focus solely on the customer experience is incredibly appealing for her. Stevie has a strong desire to add value to PTSMC by improving our training systems for onboarding new employees, as well as adding content and materials that will aid PSCs and PSAs in their everyday roles. Her goal is to be a leader, trainer and mentor for front desk staff and be a resource for front desk operations for clinical leaders and all staff. One specific goal Stevie has is to create a center for easy access to any questions that may arise from the front desk positions. Kristen Forster, Director of Operations, commented; “Stevie is the PTSMC front desk guru, with her multiple years as a PSC in one clinic and over two years as a Float PSC and Customer Service Trainer, she is poised to bring greatness to her new role!”
LET’S GET ‘PHYSICALS’, ‘PHYSICALS!’ A key factor to health is taking the time each year to get your routine annual physical. Also called an annual wellness visit. Preventive exams and other routine health screenings provide early detection of more serious health issues and gives you a chance to ask questions about your overall health and wellness. With health insurance, preventative care is covered and at no cost to you.
If you took this step for your health this year or are planning to get a physical before February 16, 2024, let us know! - What you earn: $20 gift card & entry into a raffle for $250 gift card. There will be 2 winners! - What counts: Annual routine physical/annual wellness visit - Who is eligible: All Employees - How to get credit: Schedule & attend your appointment. Send in the date of your appointment to Mallory at Wellness@ptsmc.com. Please do NOT email PHI information! - Timeline: Appointment attended between March 1, 2023 and February 16, 2024 Employees who are United Health Care (UHC) members through PTSMC and would like specific information on the preventative services that are available. Log in to your UHC app: Benefits > Preventive Care > Annual Physical Or visit https://member.uhc.com/myuhc Coverage & Benefits > Benefits > Preventive Care Services
TECHY TIPS
By Dave Lawrence,
Director of Information Technology From the hundreds of tickets that get sent into the PTSMC Ticket System there are 3 top issues that end-users (YOU) can troubleshoot before sending a ticket. Issue 1 – I cannot connect to the Internet. Troubleshooting steps: • Restart the computer to refresh the computer connections. • If the device receives network connection with a network wire, then ensure it’s plugged in securely to the device and the network jack on the wall. If all attempts fail, submit a ticket to the IT ticketing system, and include the steps you already took to try to resolve. Issue 2 – I cannot print. Troubleshooting steps: • Ensure you are connected to “PTSMC Corp” Wi-Fi if using a laptop/mobile device. • Attempt to print various documents from different programs, including WebPT. • Restart the computer to refresh the computer connections. • Check with another user within the same office space to see if you are connected to the right printer. • If more than one person cannot print to the same printer device, then restart the printer itself and try again. If all attempts fail, submit a ticket to the IT ticketing system, and include the steps you already took to try to resolve. Issue 3 – My mouse/keyboard does not work. Troubleshooting steps: • Ensure that the devices are turned on. You can locate the on/off switch on the back of the device. • Replace the batteries with new ones to ensure the battery is not the problem. • Ensure nothing is blocking the “line of sight” between the device and the receiver (USB receiver). If all attempts fail, submit a ticket to the IT ticketing system, and include the steps you already took to try to resolve.
PTSMC Happenings!
!
UPCOMING PTSMC
EVENTS JANUARY
New Haven stretched runners out at the Christopher Martin’s Christmas Run for Children.
Essex celebrated the holidays and their five year anniversary at Cafe Routier in Westbrook.
Waterbury PT Bri Boulerice celebrated her student John’s birthday.
January 1
Guilford Frosty 5k
January 17
Guilford Town of Guilford Employee Health Fair
Are you participating in an event?
Reach out to Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com
Danielson gave out gifts to patients who donated to their food drive that were handmade by PSC Melani Hayes.
Plainville PSA Kelly Cozzolino goes all out dressing for the holidays. PT Nate Gockel joined in on the fun and dressed as Kelly.
Southbury had an “ax-cellent” time celebraring the holidays by going ax throwing. Orange celebrated the holidays at the Omni Hotel in New Haven.
2023 LMDP GRADUATES
Congratulations to Liza Peressini (Danbury PT), Quinn McAnaney (Guilford PT), Cait Ayotte (New London PT), Jen Powers (Fairfield PT), Kailey Hanks (Lock Street PT), Keely Yarish (Avon PT), Katie Redman (West Hartford Assistant Director), and Tom Harney (Putnam & Danielson Director). This picture is not them impersonating pirates! It was part of the final session that included group development and team building.
Naugatuck celebrated the holidays by dressing up (not just Ugly Sweater) and enjoying a dinner out.
Did you miss the December monthly video?
President Alan Balavender discussed PTSMC and personal holiday traditions and how the greatest gift we can give our loved ones is our time.
PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS StriveHub Fab 5
Happy 5 years to PTSMC Essex! The Essex clinic was acquired 5 years ago on January 1, 2019.
Westbrook raised over $1500 for Operation Hope, an organization that flies veterans to be honored in Washington, DC. Pictured from left to right: Dan Sparks, President of Operation Hope; Adam Rosenblatt, Westbrook PT, who coordinated the fundraiser; and Scott Cameron, Westbrook Partner.
Social Media
CATCH UP
“The entire stuff is so warm, kind, professional, and knowledgeable. No other number would do justice other than a perfect 10.” - Groton “Seeing good results so far. PTSMC are very flexible and work with my schedule. I've been making good progress while doing rehab there and would definitely recommend to others. Their staff are kind, personable, and very helpful.” - Wallingford
BLOG POST
“The two therapists I have been treated by were so kind, caring, and knowledgeable. I had many questions, and they were answered thoroughly and without condescension. I have had an extremely painful recovery to surgery, and they were gently firm (an oxymoron I know) and reassuring. I have a long way to go but am confident in my recovery and it is because of them!” - Putnam
ReelS
“Every person I worked with were very knowledgeable and though receiving knowledge from three different people, the information was not contradicting. Three different experiencing all with the same outcome.” - Lock Street
PTSMC is celebrating one year of the Virtual PSC! It started one year ago in East Hampton. Pictured from left to right: Todd Cacopardo (East Hampton Partner) Cody Morrissey (East Hampton PT) Alyssa Griffo (East Hampton Assistant Director) Jack Pearce (Senior Virtual Operations Coordinator)
I have made such good progress as a result of my (ongoing) sessions with Katie (Redman). Her knowledge and her ability to instruct and plan for each individual is impressive and exudes a confidence that is contagious. PTSMC is a professional and exceptional organization that has continued to improve my quality of life.” - West Hartford
Elena Masiello, Wallingford PT, created a reel about PT for TMD.
Take a tour of PTSMC Bristol!
Bri Boulerice, Waterbury PT, created a reel about PT for concussions.
2023 Social Media Recap Top Post
Congratulations to John Allen (Newington) and Samantha Jarry (Essex) for being promoted from PT Aides to Patient Care Coordinators!
137 new followers
122 new followers
427 new followers
Westbrook PT Brittany Kearney’s reel about PT for headaches has over 8,000 views!
Follow PTSMC on social!
FOOD & Holiday Drives Thank you to all who collected and donated to the various PTSMC holiday drives this year! The generosity was over pouring. Each donation from staff, patients, friends or family will make a difference in someone’s life.
Here is a list of all the local collections and donation sites we were able to support: Access Shelter Danielson Amazing Grace Food Pantry City of Hartford Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway Branford Food Pantry Bread For Life Clinton Human Services Holiday Giving Program Connecticut Foodshare Connecticut Children's Hospital Middletown PD Toy Drive Daily Bread Food Pantry East Hampton Food Bank
Ecumenical Food Bank Eno Hall Senior Center Gemma Moran Food Center Gifts of Love Groton Food Locker Guilford Food Bank Hands on Hartford Loaves and Fishes Master's Manna Newington Food Bank Operation Hope
Orange Food Pantry Plainville Pantry Salvation Army Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries Southbury Food Bank Veterans Coat Collection Waterbury Baptist Ministries Watertown Food Bank Weekend Wheels West Hartford Food Pantry Wethersfield Food Bank
2023 UGLY SWEATERS
Avon
Branford
Bristol
Danbury
Essex
Glastonbury
Groton
Guilford
Lock Street
Middletown
Naugatuck
New Haven
New London
Newington
Orange
Plainville
Simsbury
Southington
Wallingford
Waterbury
West Hartford
Westbrook
Wethersfield
Admin
Admin
2023 by the NUMBERS
Total New Patients 33,006 Total New Visits 388,857 2023 NPS Score 93%
Happy Moments Celebrated in the PULSE
CLINIC UPDATES
New Clinic Bristol Renovations Avon Danielson New Haven Simsbury
Clinic Anniversaries
Zack Currie, Guilford Conner Gavin, Groton Mario Paredes, Orange Liza Peressini, Danbury
Danielson 1 year in January 2023 Putnam 1 year in January 2023 Westbrook 20 years in March 2023 Windsor 10 years in March 2023 Middletown 5 years in May 2023 Naugatuck 15 years in September 2023
2023 DOCS GRADUATES
VPSC
Babies 10 Engagements 4 Weddings 15
OCS Certifications
Matt Baronowski, Bristol Brianne Dwyer, Southington Kailey Hanks, Lock Street Kenny Kregling, Wallingford Sam Ostrowsky, Guilford Jen Powers, Fairfield Lauren Randall, Wallingford Steph Santos, Watertown Natalie Swanson, Plainville
Jan 2023 VPSC Clinics East Hampton
Dec 2023 VPSC Clinics Branford Bristol Danbury East Hampton Fairfield Guilford Waterbury Wethersfield
2023 Promotions Name Colleen Menard Jeff Lo Katie Redman Kelly Cahill Rob Bass Jim Hungerford
Promoted To…
Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Associate Vice President of Finance Kirsten Reaves Credentialing & Payer Coordinator Marilex Santiago DEI Leader & Administrative Coordiantor Amanda Leiss PSA Renee Corsillo PSA Alexa Medor PSC Nate Panico PSC Jake Siedel PCC Katya Lazor PCC Rob Perra PCC Samantha Jarry PCC Christine Rasile Senior Accountant Karen Havlicek Senior Human Resource Coordinator Emily Fillion Senior Marketing Coordinator Christine Hill Senior Referral Coordinator Donna Baribault Senior Verification Coordinator Jack Pearce Senior Virtual Operations Coordinator