NOVEMBER 2023
PRIORITIES...OF A SEVENTHAround GRADER! the third or fourth question on his list was, “Do you have school on
IN THIS ISSUE
We are fortunate to send Blake to private school. It’s a luxury that neither Sandra nor I had growing up in blue collar homes in New Britain and Enfield. He started Renbrook a few days a week in the “Threes” program. He is now thirteen and attends seventh grade. None of us can explain how quickly that happened.
Saturday morning?” Every school representative that answered yes was met Clinician’s Corner by Xani Sanchez with a solemn nod. As we walked away, I could see Blake crossing out the Southington Physical Therapist school in his notepad!
Each year, Renbrook organizes a “Secondary School Fair” that is designed to help eighth graders get a better understanding of what the area high schools offer. Seventh graders are invited to attend so they “become familiar with the schools and the process.”
Employee Spotlight: Jared Lynch Data Analyst
Renbrook provides those attending with pointers on what to wear and suggested questions to ask school representatives. One of the bullet points was: “Take the lead asking questions and meeting the representatives from the schools you are interested in. After you are done, your parents may have questions.” The night before the event, we identified five schools of interest. We accompanied Blake to the fair after Sandra and I agreed to let him handle most of the interactions. This year is really a practice session for him, and he is usually comfortable conversing with adults. Armed with a small pad of prepared questions, Blake jumped right in. Unbeknownst to us, the top priority for Blake was, “Do you have electronic gaming as a team sport?” He LOVES gaming. More surprisingly, Kingswood Oxford and a few others actually have an “E gaming” team that competes with other schools. He went on, quizzing about the types of games they competed in. I could see the disappointment on his face when all the games were Super Mario or driving games. Clearly, there were not enough explosives or high-tech weapons involved for Blake!
Every school that had boarding as an option asked, “Are you planning on attending as a day student or boarding?” Blake’s answer was always “day student” until the last two schools. For those he answered, “maybe boarding.” I am sure he is envisioning a life without the responsibilities of cleaning the cat’s litter box, overseeing the garbage and recycling, or cutting the lawn. I could almost see him imagining no screen time limitations as his eyes glazed over.
Money Beat: A Checklist for Newlyweds By Jim Hungerford
On the ride home, I asked him about his impressions. “Blake, why did you ask about Saturday classes?” He answered without hesitation, “Not happening!”
DEI: Military Family Appreciation Month: An Interview with Veteran Terran Travis, Lock Street PT “What about the E-sports games?” He responded, “I played those when I was By Marilex Santiago a kid, I guess I could go back if I had to.”
Lastly, “I was surprised you asked about boarding, what’s up with that?” “Well Dad, I need to consider what the best experience will be. I know you and Mom will cry; however, I need to consider all the options.” I looked over at Sandra and we both shrugged. Welcome to the “teen years!”
StriveHub Fab 5 “It’s quite amazing. I had no idea what to expect. Mario (Paredes) my PT explains things we are going do and pushes at right level. A lot of this experience depends on how happy people are. All I see is happy people, including me. Great place, great PTs...glad I was referred here” - Orange
I hope you can take time in the coming months around the holidays you celebrate to connect with those you are closest to. If you have teenagers in your circle and you’re fortunate to get insights into their priorities, drop me a “The team at PTSMC Windsor is invested in each patient’s outcome. They work to ease pain, restore note. Let me know what you find out too! mobility, and provide instruction on functional training that complements each visit. They do all of this with a compassionate, positive, respectful approach.” - Windsor
Thanks, Alan
“I feel truly cared for here. Kenny (Kregling) has been working with me for a while now & keeps my goals In mind pushing me toward progress. I feel the goals have been realistic & he always asks for my feedback too. I feel like a person here not just a patient.” - Wallingford
PTSMC Bristol Opens November 1! Bristol officially opens its doors on November 1st! Here are some photos post-construction before furniture and equipment. Congrats to Partner Matt Baronowski on the opening!
Rehab Considerations for Patients with HSD/EDS
Interested in planning, improving or contributing to the PULSE in 2024? Join us on December 6th at 11:30am for a meeting on how to make the PULSE the best it can be. To attend the meeting, email Emily at Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com. Can’t make the meeting? We still want your input! Send an email to Emily with your ideas.
Everyone at PTSMC is very welcoming and kind. Conner (Gavin) is amazing! He is a great physical therapist and has helped me so much through my knee surgery recovery. Every time I leave a session I feel energized and proud of the progress I have made.” - Groton First, I’d like to say that Jen Ashman is an amazing PT. She’s empathetic and truly cares about her clients well-being. Second, the staff is phenomenal. From Betsy (Holt) at the front desk, to all the aides, to all the other physical therapists - they all care about everyone who comes in for therapy. They also offer a fun and friendly atmosphere that keeps all of us smiling and enjoying therapy even on the days when we don’t feel like being there. They’re a terrific team!” - Simsbury
CLINICIAN’S CORNER
Rehab Considerations for Patients with HSD/EDS By: Xani Sanchez, PT, DPT, COMT Physical Therapist at PTSMC Southington Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) are a group of connective tissue disorders that can affect multiple systems throughout the body. The prevalence of EDS/HDS is low and rare, however, it is understood that more milder cases are likely underdiagnosed in our population. Therefore, it is very important that we have a better patients does not function well, it is important to treat postural faults, understanding of how to identify and care for these patients. subluxations, and fascial tension that might alter mechanics before advancing to a higher level strengthening program. Healthy connective tissue is strong, limits stretching of the tissue, and heals well so it does not break. Faulty or disorganized connective tissue is weak, The right intensity of intervention is key, and that is especially important with stretches easily, and does not heal well when it breaks. Its main structural exercise selection and dosage. It is important to avoid mechanical pain, component is collagen, and it is found in skin, bone, tendon, blood vessels, prioritize stabilization and motor control, and allow for slow progressions to organs, the cornea, tissues of the lymphatic system, and the placenta. Patients support histological changes. Be aware of stresses on adjacent joints that may with connective tissue disorders will present more globally than a patient who also be hypermobile (i.e. wrist extension in quadruped). Regress and progress is solely hyperflexible or hypermobile in a joint, which more directly effects the patient’s strength program in the ways in which you are already familiar, the musculoskeletal system alone. such as providing more tactile/verbal cueing versus less, utilizing gravity assisted versus against gravity positions, focusing on joint stability versus The most recent classification system of EDS and HDS was published in 2017 joint integration, and working through midrange positions for shorter and is based on genetic testing and strict clinical diagnostic criteria. There is a duration versus working full range positions for longer durations with varying wide variety of connective tissue involvement in this population across the speeds. Oftentimes, subtle changes can be very important and make the integumentary, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, neurological, psychological, biggest impact. Stretching in this population is also totally acceptable with and genitourinary systems. For example, we may observe a patient who has proper alignment and stabilization of joints to protect them. It is advised to skin splitting with minor trauma, slow wound healing, cigarette paper perform about 80% stretch and hold 3-5 seconds in the patient with scarring, or bruising that comes on easily. They may demonstrate varying joint peripheral sensitization to minimize flares. hypermobility, recurrent joint dislocations, history of congenital hip dislocations, progressive kyphoscoliosis, and/or chronic, widespread pain. We Lastly, due to the global impact connective tissue disorders can have, this may also observe vascular issues, hernias, decreased GI motility, dysphasia, patient population may struggle with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, chronic gastritis, neural inflammation and hypersensitivity, hypotonia, anxiety postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and fatigue. Cardiovascular disorders, and various pain processing problems, to name a few. Each patient training and strengthening exercises can help improve blood volume, cardiac presentation can involve various systems in some way and will be unique to output, and vascular compression required to combat related symptoms. the patient. Other lifestyle modifications worth assessing and recommending can include hydration, regular meals, prioritizing protein, utilizing compression garments, When evaluating this patient population, we should identify their primary elevating the legs, progressing exercise from the horizontal to vertical concerns and the systems that may be involved. This patient will benefit from positions as tolerated, practicing breath work (paced breathing/using a multidisciplinary approach, and the patient may or may not present to you imagery), and improving vagal tone. Addressing all underlying issues will with a care team already set in place. We may be required to assist in providing assist us in being more successful in our exercise prescriptions and achieving referrals for the appropriate physician to address the patient’s complaints, and rehab goals. identifying a lead physician, likely the person who has provided them with a diagnosis, is helpful for efficient coordination of their care. A biopsychosocial approach to care for HSD/EDS patients is most successful, and a stepwise approach to manual intervention and exercise is often needed, requiring modifications based on patient feedback and response. Patient education will help validate the source of symptoms, discuss pain management, and build trust. Pain management may include pain neuroscience education, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation and meditation techniques, to name a few. Addressing body mechanics will assist in assessing joint position and causes for recurrent malalignment and reinjury. Indirect manual therapy, such as positional releases, will benefit more sensitive patients, while direct manual therapy techniques, such as myofascial and trigger point release, will work better for deep, achy, radiating pain or stiffness of the more tolerant patient. Since connective tissue in EDS/HSD
References:
Are the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Rare or Common? The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/is-eds-rare-or-common/ Bovet C, Carlson M, Taylor M. Quality of life, unmet needs, and iatrogenic injuries in rehabilitation of patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome hypermobility type/Joint Hypermobility Syndrome. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A. 2016;170(8):2044-2051. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.37774 Chopra P, Tinkle B, Hamonet C, et al. Pain management in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics. 2017;175(1):212-219. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31554 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology. eMedicine. Published online June 30, 2023. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1114004-overview#?form=fpf Engelbert RHH, Juul-Kristensen B, Pacey V, et al. The evidence-based rationale for physical therapy treatment of children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome/hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome. American journal of medical genetics Part C, Seminars in medical genetics. 2017;175(1):158-167. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31545 Purdin H, Stott S. General Rehab Strategies for HSD/EDS. MedBridge. Accessed Oct 13, 2023. https://www.medbridge.com/courses/details/general-rehab-strategies-for-hsd-eds-heather-purdin-patricia-stott Purdin H, Stott S. Introduction to HSD/EDS. MedBridge. Accessed Oct 13, 2023. https://www.medbridge.com/courses/details/introduction-to-hsd-eds-heather-purdin-patricia-stott
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE
2024 PTSMC Sponsored Courses Survey All clinicians were asked to participate in a survey to rank 10 different courses that PTSMC can sponsor for 2024. Thank you to the 86 clinicians who completed the survey. The results are in! Below are the 4 ways votes were reviewed. The courses highlighted on the left in yellow are the Top 3 that the Clinical Excellence team will work to schedule for 2024.
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POSTER PRESENTATIONS AT CTAPTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE Elena Masiello, Wallingford PT & PTSMC Resident, presented “Optimizing Treatment of Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis Utilizing Physical Therapy in Conjunction with Corticosteroid Injection: A Case Study.” Click here to view her presentation. Bri Boulerice, Waterbury PT & PTSMC Resident, presented “Delayed Restoration of Overhead Motion Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.” Click here to view her presentation. Brittany Kearney, Westbrook PT & PTSMC Resident, presented “Delayed Intervention Status Post Patella Open Reduction Internal Fixation: A Case Report.” Click here to view her presentation.
Students Starting in November:
John Grimes from FPU will be starting with Bri Boulerice and Emily Pelz in Waterbury. Jenna Skerritt from FPU will be starting with Xani Sanchez and Sam McMullen in Southington. Emily Rada from UHart will be starting with Kristina Lipeika and Lindsey Scianna in Watertown.
Coming in November:
Attention all recent DOCs grads! Are you interested in being a CI? We’d love to have you involved in PTSMC’s Student Program! Juliann Chacko will be holding info sessions to share a brief overview, review FAQs and provide an opportunity for a Q&A. Upcoming Ino Sessions: Tuesday 11/28 1:30 – 2pm Wednesday 11/29 1:30 – 2pm Check your email for a Teams invite and please reach out to Juliann.Chacko@ptsmc.com with any questions – thank you!
CASE DISCUSSION & JOURNAL CLUB All meeting are 12:00-1:00 pm on TEAMS. Upcoming CD dates: 11/7, none in December Upcoming JC dates: 11/28, none in Decemeber Stay tuned for the 2024 schedule! Email Meghan.Blanusa@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting invites.
HUMAN HUMANRESOURCES RESOURCES
REMINDER
The HR Buzz is now located on the ADP homepage!
New Employees
JOB OPPORTUNITIES ATHLETIC TRAINER Essex
PHYSICAL THERAPIST Samantha Aldrich New Haven PT Aide
Joredin Ashe New Milford PT Aide
Kat Doran Bristol Patient Care Coordinator
Jenna Dower New Haven PT Aide
Danbury Fairfield Groton Guilford New Haven New London Windsor
PATIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR Teri Elliott Avon Patient Services Coordinator
Tom Fahy Avon PT Aide
Daniel Kostoss East Hampton PT Aide
Alyssa Pearce Newington PT Aide
Not Pictured Galen Thomas West Hartford Physical Therapist
Daniel Abraham, Danbury PT Aide Dominique DiBiaso, Fairfield PSC Ben Huynh, Groton PT Aide Isabelle Notaro, Guilford PT Aide
Know someone who would be a great addition to PTSMC?
Groton
Shelton Westbrook Windsor
PT AIDE
Avon Branford Danbury Essex Fairfield Groton Guilford Middletown Plainville Putnam Southbury Waterbury Westbrook Windsor
PRACTICE LIAISON Admin
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.
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SPOT LIGHT Jared Lynch Data Analyst By Mallory Mason, Director of Culture & Engagement In October 2021, PTSMC created the Data Analyst positiona unique job at PTSMC. The person for the job turned out to be Jared Lynch. He directly reports to VP of Business Development, Mike Durand, and his work touches all areas of PTMSC to help make us better while increasing automation and efficiencies. In 2021, he had been ready for a job change and looking for a company that would support him through his master’s degree program. He completed his undergraduate degree in statistics from UConn in 2016 and completed his master’s in public policy from UConn in May 2023. Public policy at first may seem like a big jump from statistics and data, but Jared explains that data is just one tool when it comes to decision-making, one that’s easily misused. Being able to pull data is one thing, but having the skillset to understand and utilize the data is something that helps drive better decisions everywhere, especially in the public policy sphere. In the simplest words, Jared explains that he helps answer questions using data. It is a combination of gathering data as well as creating reports, visualizations and maps to drive better decision-making. Additionally, he creates avenues of reporting that are automated and efficient with the goal of reducing manual entry. Automatically feeding data into reports increases the integrity, accuracy, and consistency of reporting. One project that Jared has been working hard to support leadership on is the streamlining of “End of Month” (EOM) reports that Partners and Directors receive after the month has been closed. Typically taking hours of manual work, these reports contain over 50 pages of information, data, and analysis both company-wide and clinic-specific. Jared has been creating processes to pull and organize the information to have more efficient and timely results. As you can imagine, Jared spends a lot of time in Microsoft Excel. Some may say he’s a wizard! A few areas where Jared’s work can be recognized are the EOM reports, the CLCX templates (tracking for news, visits, cancels/no shows and clinical hours), and the Incentive Programs. He often creates templates so that data can easily be filtered and entered to help analyze different results when changes are made. For example, he can toggle with factors to calculate and breakdown productivity.
The Man Behind the Data
Jared grew up in Glastonbury, CT and currently lives in Middletown, CT. In March 2023, he popped the question to his now fiancé, Savannah-Nicole, on top of Talcott Mountain in Simsbury, CT. Jared and Savannah-Nicole are waiting for Savannah-Nicole to finish her first year of Law School to start wedding planning. This is totally okay with Jared, because there have been a lot of engagements and weddings at the Admin office. Through the office chatter, he’s heard all the craziness of wedding prep! Outside of PTSMC Jared loves to read! He’s a non-fiction reader, specifically historical books. Of the current books he’s reading, one is on the battle of New Orleans from the War of 1812. Because Jared is an avid reader, he has a nightstand book, a couch book, a car book, and a home office book. Yes, they are all different! He explains that with non-fiction and history books, he’s not worried about confusing a book on the War of 1812 with a book on the Roman Empire
😊
When he’s not reading, Jared enjoys playing basketball with friends. They get together weekly to play pick-up, a low-key and fun outlet. Jared is an avid fan of collegiate and Olympic wrestling. He also loves going to museums. He loves the CT New Britian Museum of American Art, especially their collection of American landscape paintings. One painting in particular that Jared recommends seeing at that museum is ‘Off the Greenland Coast, Under the Midnight Sun’ by William J. Bradford. When Jared and Savannah-Nicole go on trips, they like to visit museums in new places. One of their most recent trips was to Block Island over the summer. This was their second year in a row taking this trip, and they plan to go again next summer.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS Amanda Warner 1 Ryan Sember 2 Pauline White 2 Nicole Dorosh 3 Emily Hansen 3 Molly Mayenschein 4 Jenna Engels 4 Grayson Dull 4 Michaela Bull 4 Matt San Angelo 6 Cara McEvoy 10 Emily Fillion 11 Sandy Wickman Mason 13 Susan DeCarli 13 Emma Topper 13 Laewa Forrest 14 Ryan Balavender 16 Cindy Hales 16 Liza Peressini 16 Todd Cacopardo 16 Brian Vo 16 Dave Domkowski 17 Mike Antunes 18 Amber Manville 18 Quinn McAnaney 19 Jules Pera 19 Bianca Tata 19 Kathleen Dyrkacz 20 Jules Lusk 21 Cameron Rathke 23 Hannah Jenkins 23 Debra Desmarais 25 Reilly Merrill 25 Vlad Smolgovskiy 25 Linda Mullin 26 Alison Michaud 26 Ameen Parks 26 Taylor McDermott 27 Galen Thomas 27 Paige Gomez 27 Christine Rasile 28
Plainville Branford East Hampton/Admin Admin Simsbury Admin Fairfield Groton Westbrook Southbury Guilford Admin Admin Glastonbury Southington Admin Admin Admin Danbury East Hampton Windsor Orange Middletown Southbury Guilford Guilford Newington Middletown Essex Avon Middletown Putnam Wallingford West Hartford Lock Street Shelton Westbrook Lock Street West Hartford Windsor Admin
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Amanda Baldwin Bridget Bognanno Maggie Olson Jessica Green Sam Zhu Jennifer Melaragno Chaylea Finn Terran Travis Amanda Warner
Patient Services Westbrook Coordinator PT Aide Guilford Director Of Marketing Admin Patient Services Westbrook Coordinator Physical Therapist New Haven Patient Services Avon Coordinator Physical Therapist Branford Physical Therapist Lock Street PT Aide Plainville
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT FINANCIAL WELLNESS WEBINAR: MANAGING DEBT
Engagement & Wellness Calendar NOVEMBER Monthly Awareness: Military Family Appreciation Month PTSMC Holiday Food Drives: November & December #GetMoving Challenge: Ends November 30
DECEMBER PTSMC Holiday Food Drives: November & December Ugly Sweater Contest: December 1-22
Click the link below for the recording of the recent webinar by CT Wealth Management for PTSMC about Managing Debt. If you’re looking to take more control of your financial wellbeing, and learn about good versus bad debt, credit score, financing techniques (home buying) and student loan debt, you’ll want to press play! Click here to view the webinar.
Fall 2023 #GetMoving Challenge
There’s still time to join the Fall 2023 #GetMoving Challenge! Grab your “dream team” partner and email wellness@ptsmc.com. The challenge runs Oct 30 – Nov 30. Get active for 30 min a day for 27/32 days to earn a reward. Finish in the top 3 teams and win an additional prize of a $50.00 grocery card!
DEI
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Military Family Appreciation Month: An Interview with Veteran Terran Travis, Lock Street PT
By Marilex Santiago, DEI Lead & Administrative Coordinator In November, the United States honors Veterans and their families with Veterans Day on the 11th and the designation of Military Family Appreciation Month. It is a time to honor those who served our country and the resilient families who support them. To bring awareness to our military members, we had the privilege of a Q&A with Lock Street PT Terran Travis. Terran is a military veteran, military spouse and dedicated physical therapist. The conversation with Terran touched on DEI topics along with his military experiences. Q: Can you share your background as both a military veteran and a PT? Absolutely! I previously served in the United States Navy as a Supply Corps officer. I was stationed onboard a forwardly deployed Destroyer out of Japan, as well as with the West Coast based Navy SEAL teams and some time with Riverine expeditionary forces in San Diego. After doing a lot of running, jumping, and playing, I experienced injuries, went through PT and decided I wanted to make a career transition. I loved the conservative nature of [PT] treatment, as I had numerous physicians recommending surgery for me. One of the things I enjoy about being a PT, is it feels like you’re a bit of a musculoskeletal detective at times, trying to solve a problem based on clues with some cases more challenging than others! How can the healthcare industry better support the needs of Veterans, particularly those with service-related injuries or conditions? Whew buddy, that’s a tough nut to crack. I think collectively, we need to provide our front-line clinicians (including PTs!) increased mental health skills to recognize signs of crisis, as well as provide greater care from the “psycho” component of the Bio-Psycho-Social model. Right now, a lot of Veterans are not feeling seen or heard in their experiences with pain or mental health. An empathetic heart goes a long way. We need to do a lot both in the military and as a culture to understand military service better. Personally, I don’t feel like the general population has a good understanding of the day-to-day demands, benefits, or work that service members undertake, and it creates a divide that many military members and military adjacent individuals feel. How can PTs contribute to improving the wellbeing of veterans? Advocate for them. Often times, the system is mired in bureaucracy, and some Veterans drop out of the system because they’re trying to balance a military transition, school, work, family and reintegrating into normal day-to-day. Recognize that the transition experience is challenging, and Veterans often find themselves geographically displaced or in entirely new areas without support networks. You might be able to become a part of a network for a Veteran! As we honor Veterans Day, what message would you like to convey to fellow veterans and the broader healthcare community about recognizing and supporting Veterans' health & wellbeing? “Health and wellbeing” is a very broad term, and we should be cognizant that overall health includes physical and mental wellbeing. Physical health is health. Mental health is health. Mental health right now is a challenge for Veterans and military members in general. Society, Veterans, and active military, need to hear more stories from leaders (both civilian and military) at every level, especially senior leadership, discussing their struggles, challenges, wins, and successful treatment. Mental health affects all levels, all ranks, and we need to work to let everyone know that they deserve treatment and compassionate care. We thank you Terran for your service and thank all veterans and military families a part of PTSMC and our communities.
PTSMC Happenings!
!
UPCOMING PTSMC
EVENTS NOVEMBER
November 1 HR & Bristol UHART Recruitment Event More photos of the CTAPTA conference! Pictured top left: PTSMC residents Elena Masiello, Brittany Kearney, and Bri Boulerice with Lauren Randall (Wallingford PT), Danielle Dunn (Wallingford PT & Director of Clinical Excellence and Residency Program), and Melissa Boutagy (Guilford PT & Clinical Compliance Officer). Top Right: Danielle presented “Unleashing Your Full Potential: How Understanding the Pelvic Floor Can Transform Your Orthopedic Physical Therapy Practice.” Pictured right: Lauren, Melissa, and Sandra Boccialetti (Director of Human Resources) at the PTSMC booth.
Guilford enjoyed a pickleball outing for some team-building and friendly competition. They made sure to stretch too!
Shelton had a Jersey Day to show spirit for their favorite teams. Pictured from left to right: Katie Scalora, Kevin Robinson, Nick Almonte, and Mike Stofko.
Employees attended Newington Director Christina Mogelnicki’s wedding.
Simsbury raised money for Healing Meals through the Eversource Hartford Marathon races. Pictured from left to right: Jen Ashman, Kate Olson, Eric Horne, Emily Hansen, and Jake Minor.
CASINO NIGHT Click here to view all of the photos from Casino Night.
Are you participating in an event?
Reach out to Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com
Plainville and Southington stretched runners at the Apple Harvest Festival Race. Pictured from left to right: Kelly Cozzolino, Brianne Dwyer, Veronica Rondinelli, and Xani Sanchez.
Clinicians attended the DOCS Cervicothoracic course taught by Danielle Dunn.
Did you miss the October monthly video?
President Alan Balavender was joined by Director of Clinical Excellence & Residency Program Danielle Dunn to highlight the PTSMC Clinical Excellence Program.
PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS Congratulations to Rob Parra (New London) and Jillian Spindel (Fairfield) for being promoted from PT Aides to Patient Care Coordinators!
Congratulations to Windsor Partner Brian Vo, Westbrook Partner Scott Cameron, and Windsor PT Jason Smutnick! They attended the TPI Power Level 3 course in Oceanside, California, September 27 – 29 and obtained the “TPI Certified - Power Level 3” distinction.
Social Media
CATCH UP BLOG POST
BV SC JS
Congratulations to the following PT Aide who completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program: Carlos Arteta, Glastonbury Erin Duffy, Glastonbury Jolie Galasso, Waterbury Emily Glamper, Wallingford Isabella Matarazzo, Wallingford Kenney Markwat, Essex Julia Ricardo, Wallingford Anna Schortichini, Wallingford
Congratulations to Xavier Gibson, Naugatuck PT, for winning the APTA Minority Scholarship Awared from the APTA CT!
NATIONAL PT MONTH WHY DO YOU LOVE BEING A PT? Thanks to everyone who shared videos talking about why they love being a PT! Make sure to check out the reels by clicking on them below.
Congrats to the winner of the raffle: Elena Masiello, Wallingford PT!
PATIENT TESTIMONIAL
Samantha Ostrowksy, Guilford PT, married Brandon Bico.
Andrew Kalach, Fairfield Assistant Director, married Katherine Quick.
Christina Mogelnicki, Newington Director, married Quinton Swan.
Glastonbury worked with Dylan Carneiro, Content Coordinator, to produce this patient testimonial. If you’re interested in filming a testimonial, please reach out to marketing!
Follow PTSMC on social!
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST Here are just a few of the amazing pumpkins from this year’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Check out all the photos in the Facebook album HERE. Stay tuned for the winner to be announced on November 1st!
CONGRATULATiONS TO STEF CAGNO - PROMOTED TO STAFF ACCOUNTANT! Stefanie “Stef” Cagno has been promoted to Staff Accountant, joining the Accounting and Finance department. Stef started with PTSMC almost eight years ago in 2016 as the part-time evening Patient Services Coordinator in Naugatuck. Within four months, she transferred to Orange as a full-time PSC. While all this was going on, Stef was diligently working towards completing and receiving her associate degree in accounting from Naugatuck Valley Community College. Stef spent a couple years in Orange as the PSC, and then in October 2018, she transferred to the administrative office as a Patient Benefits Coordinator (now called Verification Representative). When the Staff Accountant position was posted, Stef was ready to put her accounting skills to use and get back on her original career path. Kristen Forster, Director of Operations, has worked with Stef in all her roles at PTSMC. Kristen commented, “It has been incredible to see Stef’s personal and professional development over the years she has been with PTSMC. She has a strong work ethic, is an amazing team player and has a track record of success and performance in her roles. I have no doubt she will bring her great talents to the Accounting & Finance department.”
Holiday Food Drive Join in this special PTSMC tradition to give back to and serve our local communities in need.
Stef enjoys problem-solving, analyzing, and most of all, learning new things. She is thrilled to bring all three to the Accounting and Finance department. PTSMC has more than doubled in size, from the 15 clinics when Stef started almost eight years ago to 32 clinics and counting. Stef is excited to see PTSMC’s and her own continued growth over the next eight years and beyond!
For 2023, PTSMC is setting the goal to donate 3,200 items! How can your clinic start preparing? 1. Designate a Food Drive Leader. 2. Choose the local group your clinic will be donating to. 3. Choose a time frame for collection. This can be any time from now through the first week of January. It’s best to contact your donation site to see what items are most needed and base your collection on their needs and delivery dates. 4. Once decided, the designated leader needs to complete this survey with donation information: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PTSMC-holiday-drive-2023 Colored flyers will be made specific to each clinic’s collection. They will be mailed to clinics as soon as possible once the details have been submitted so they can be posted in the Welcome Center and around the clinic. 5. Once it’s time to start collecting, set up a collections box. Lots of clinics like to decorate around their box with a theme related to Fall, Winter or the holidays. Email or call Mallory Mason Mallory.Mason@ptsmc.com with any questions.
Do you have a coworker that goes above and beyond? Someone who is 110% engaged in PT for Life? Then it’s time to recognize that person in a “BRAG!” A BRAG is an opportunity to “boast” about a coworker that goes ABOVE & BEYOND their job for patients and fellow staff members. Let everyone know how this person shows up in the PT For Life mindset, or a specific moment where the PT For Life way shined through. As the “bragger” you can choose to have your name stated or remain anonymous. Recognitions will be displayed in a special addition of the December PULSE! Click HERE to submit
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Reminder that supervisors cannot be a bragger for the employees they supervise. Submissions will be open through November 20th. Email Mallory.Mason@ptsmc.com with any questions.
A CHECKLiST FOR NEWLYWEDS
By Jim Hungerford, Associate Vice President of Finance My daughter Cierra recently got married and was stressed about updating the many documents she needed to consider when changing her name. That got me thinking about creating a list of important documents for all the newlyweds out there to consider for when you tie the knot! First off, she used a site called NewlyNamed, which offers a kit designed to help navigate the process. I believe she would say this was well worth the $79 fee.
Documents to Update Social Security Card: If you change your
name after you get married, you will need to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your new legal name. To update your name on your social security record, you will need to provide a photo identification (see the next bullet), birth certificate and marriage certificate. Once you have gathered those documents, download and fill out Form SS-5 from the Social Security Administration website (www.ssa.gov). You should get your new social card within 10-14 business days.
Driver’s License: Once you have your new social security card, bring it, your marriage certificate and your current driver’s license to DMV to get a new license in your new name. You must do this in person and can do it at the DMV or a local AAA if that office has the ability to do this.
You will need to take this step prior to filing your first tax return as a married couple. If the name on your tax return does not match the name on file with SSA, the IRS will delay processing your return (and refund if you have one coming).
Insurance: Marriage is considered a “qualifying life event,” which means you can add your spouse to your health plan or be added to theirs without going through open enrollment. If both you and your spouse have employer-provided health insurance, run the numbers to determine whether it makes sense to keep the plans separate or join a plan.
Bank Accounts: You can now use your new
TSA: For those who like to travel, you will need
driver’s license, as well as your new social security card, to update the name on your bank accounts, or open a new joint account (or merge accounts with your spouse).
Retirement Accounts, IRA’s, etc.: You can also
update at this time the beneficiary on your 401(k) and IRA accounts. By law, your spouse must be named beneficiary on your 401(k) unless they sign a waiver. IRA has no such requirement.
to update the TSA with your new name. This can be done via email from the TSA website (www.tsa.gov) by providing your new name and Known Traveler Number. If you don’t update your name, you will be unable to use TSA pre-check.
Loans: Any loans you have, such as student loans, should be updated with your new information. This usually can be done directly on the website of your service provider.
Passport: This one is a bit tricky as it depends on when your current passport expires. You will need to update your passport for your new name with the US State Department. If your current passport was issued in the last year, and you have been married less than a year, you can submit the following with no fees to get a new passport: • Form DS-5504 from the US State Department website (www.travel.state.gov) • Your most recent US Passport • Your original marriage certificate. • A new passport photo. If your current passport was issued over a year ago, or you changed your name over a year ago, you will need to renew your passport (and pay a fee) using Form DS-82 from the state department.
Wills: If you have a will, you will probably want to update your will to name your spouse as the beneficiary of your assets.
Hopefully this checklist helps newlyweds going through the process of updating documents!