August 2023 PULSE

AUGUST 2023

LUCKY 13

PTSMC has received the summary data from the 2023 Energage (Top Workplace) Survey. PTSMC has participated in this survey 13 times dating back to 2011 with the goal of learning from and engaging with our employees. The feedback allows PTSMC leadership to identify the things we are doing well and the areas that need improvement.

One current area of focus is Burnout. Within the 648 comments, “documentation burden” and “documentation time” are the standout phrases most commonly used in negative comments. The challenges and administrative burdens of documentation are real and can lead to Burnout.

Based on these concerns, PTSMC has started interviewing EMR providers to see if we can find an alternative to WebPT that could make life easier on our clinicians and front desk. One significant limitation we have observed in our current system is the lack of seamless integration, which results in information duplication and inefficiencies. For instance, data that has already been keyed into the system is not being properly This year, PTSMC had a participation rate of 73.6%; out of 443 employees surveyed, integrated, leading to unnecessary redundancy and time wastage. We have had 326 responded. Although I do wish participation were closer to 100%, we exceeded proposals and presentations from Raintree and Prompt thus far and our Lock Street office has been using WebPT’s SOAP 2.0 since December 2022. My thanks to the clinical, the Energage average for survey participation! administrative and front office staff who participated in these demonstrations. Your PTSMC scored 81% in overall employee engagement, standing above the benchmark input is extremely valuable in deciding if we remain with WebPT. of similarly sized rehab companies average of 74%. An engagement score of 81% As part of our internal efforts, we are conducting a thorough review of our means that the vast majority of employees rate their personal experiences with documentation standards and expectations. We are delving into crucial questions: Are PTSMC as positive. Additionally, PTSMC employees left a record-breaking 648 we capturing the necessary information effectively? Can we streamline our comments. documentation without compromising quality? Are there instances where we're overdoing it or providing excessive updates? Are there more efficient alternatives to THE INFORMATION achieve similar outcomes?

There are four categories of questions within the survey labelled: Culture Drivers, The Basics, Healthcare, and Engagement.

I would also like everyone to know that burnout is the lead topic in all the Partner and Questions within the Culture Drivers category are related to the themes: Perform, Director calls this quarter with the JAMS group (Jim Hungerford, Alan Balavender, Coach, Align, and Connect. The majority of the survey questions are in this category. Mike Durand and Sandy Wickman Mason). The health and wellbeing of our people It is also our strongest category because the “percent favorable” (percent of positive is critical, and the topic of burnout is a top priority. We need to understand what we are currently doing that is helping and consider alternative solutions. responses) for each theme was within the range of 85-89%.

My thanks to Mallory Mason, Director of Culture and Engagement who has been combing through the survey results and providing the statistics and information for this column.

The Basics category contains questions about: Benefits, Expectations, Formal Training, Pay, and Work-life. Expectations, Formal Training, and Work-life percent favorable were within 82-88%. Benefits and Pay ranged from 44-51%.

Healthcare consists of questions about: Tools & Resources, Burnout, Mission, Patient Safety, Patients First, and Excellent Care. In all themes related to patients, 88% or more of responses were positive. The Burnout percent favorable was 67%.

Engagement is derived from Loyalty, Motivation and Referral. The frequency that employees responded positively to these questions results in an “Engagement Score”: 81%.

Congrats to Recent DOCS Graduates Employee Spotlight: Allyson Melillo Remote Services Coordinator Money Beat: The Benefits of 529 Plans

By Jim Hungerford DEI: Embracing Language Diversity in Physical Therapy

By Marilex Santiago

Reminder !

Join us for two PTSMC Social Hours!

AUGUST 24TH @ Hammonasset AUGUST 25TH @ Admin Office Flyers with more details have been mailed to clinics and emailed to all employees.

StriveHub Fab 5

“I appreciated the skill and professionalism of my therapist, Olivia (Tarca). She adapted to my needs and complexities providing outstanding care. The team is welcoming and supportive and the environment is relaxed. Whether you are a I will continue to keep employees updated as we gain more insights and determine patient who is younger rehabbing a sports injury actions from this survey. You can expect to see a report on the comments coming out in or older with different issues, a patient can feel a future PULSE. comfortable.” - Windsor As for our Lucky 13, we will have the results of the Top Workplace award in September.

Thank you for your commitment to making us better and thank you for making this a GREAT place to work.

CONGRATS TO NEW BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS!

Conner Gavin, PT, DPT, OCS

Clinician’s Corner by Quinn McAnaney, Guilford Physical Therapist Hot Topics in Baseball: Weighted Balls and Pitch Counts

Statistically Pay and Benefits are typically the lowest scoring categories on Employee surveys. That is true at PTSMC. Our plan is to dig deeper on the Energage results and obtain more detailed information from staff to identify where changes can be made.

Thanks, DEEPER DIVE The “initial” dive into the feedback indicates PTSMC has a strong culture and is made up of people who care about what they do and each other. We are thriving as an organization.

Alan

Zack Currie, PT, DPT, ATC, OCS Guilford

IN THIS ISSUE

Orange (transferring to Groton soon!)

Mario Paredes PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT Orange

Liza Peressini, PT, DPT, OCS Danbury

“Jackie (Skirkanich) has been great to work with! Her positive energy together with her compassion & knowledge make it a great experience. The staff work together to help. The front desk staff are friendly and helpful.”

- Westbrook “It’s easy to see how much the employees care about you reaching your goals. Everyone is so friendly and makes you feel welcome right away.

I highly recommend PTSMC!” - Putnam “My therapist, Natalie (Peterson), is wonderful. She listens to me and always has an exercise plan for me to do at home. I call her the miracle worker. She has helped me tremendously over the last few years.” - Plainville “Mike (Stofko) is a great PT who listens to my concerns & cares about my wellbeing. He is intelligent & very passionate about his job which is why I would recommend anyone to work with him. I have felt an improvement in mobility & a major decrease in pain. He’s amazing at what he does.” - Shelton

CLINICIAN’S CORNER Hot Topics in Baseball: Weighted Balls and Pitch Counts By: Quinn McAnaney, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS Physical Therapist at PTSMC Guilford

If there is one thing that matters most to developing baseball pitchers, it’s velocity. Whether it’s advancing up levels in travel ball, high school, or the college recruitment trail, these numbers can dictate a lot. Over the last 5-10 years, the topic of weighted baseballs has taken over as a way to increase throwing velocity. The concept is simple: train with a heavier baseball to then perform with more speed with a standard baseball. Some of major league baseball’s best pitchers continue to advocate for its effectiveness in the offseason and as part of a warmup during the regular season. With so many young eyes on social media and the never-ending need for a competitive edge, youth baseball continues to see an uptick in the utilization of weighted baseballs. But at what risk?

Mike Reinold, a leader in the field of sports medicine, recently conducted a study in 2020 examining the performance benefits and injury risks associated with weighted baseball training programs in high school baseball players.

Over a six-week period, the study demonstrated a 3.3% increase in pitching velocity and a 24% injury rate in the weighted baseball group. Additionally, 67% of the control group demonstrated an increase in pitching velocity just based on the weight training program that both groups were performing throughout the study. Lastly, there was a significant increase in shoulder external rotation ROM between 3-8 degrees depending on the weight of the ball in the weighted ball group. Reinold believes that this acute gain in “layback” or ER ROM is the reason for the increase in velocity and injury rates found in this study.

I think the results of this study are fascinating. As a sports resident in South Carolina in 2019, I was fortunate to treat an abundance of little league, high school, college, and professional baseball players and I cannot tell you how many times this topic was brought up by parents and athletes in the clinic.

Because weighed baseballs are so well utilized among the professional ranks,

naturally it will trickle down to youth sports. However, we need to consider the impact that the extra stress of weighed balls is placing on elbows and shoulders at such a young age. If injury rates were this high in the high school population, I cannot imagine the stats among little leaguers. In general, we need to proceed with caution in athletes who have incomplete growth plate closure, poor throwing mechanics, and underdeveloped musculoskeletal systems. As clinicians, we can utilize this study to better educate patients and parents about the risks associated with this tool and feel a bit more comfortable with its use in the college and professional setting if performed using a structured program.

On the subject of youth baseball, I also wanted to also bring up the topic of pitch counts. One of the biggest predictors of injury in youth baseball is overuse. While many coaches follow appropriate pitch count guidelines, there are still many conversations I have with parents about their kids pitching on back to back days in tournaments and not getting adequate rest. As clinicians, we can improve strength/ROM, throwing mechanics, force development and kinetic chain usage, but all of that falls apart with elevated pitch counts. Major league baseball and USA baseball have put together age appropriate pitch count charts that outline recommended pitches and rest days for coaches to better protect these athletes. I highly recommend having a copy in your clinic to provide parents and athletes to better control this variable and help reduce injury risk.

Bibliography:

Reinold MM, Macrina LC, Fleisig GS, Drogosz M, Andrews JR. Acute Effects of Weighted Baseball Throwing Programs on Shoulder Range of Motion. Sports Health. 2020 Sep/Oct;12(5):488-494. doi: 10.1177/1941738120925728. Epub 2020 Jun 29. PMID: 32598234; PMCID: PMC7485027.

Pitch Smart Guidlines URL: https://www.mlb.com/pitch-smart/pitching-guidelines

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE Upcoming Courses SPONSORED COURSES

INTERNAL COURSES

Modern Management of the Older Adult September 16-17, 2023 Instructed by ICE

Cervicothoracic (DOCS) October 14, 2023 Intructed by Danielle Dunn

Click HERE for full descriptions of the upcoming courses:

https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/KxtTDaeeIf

Email Mallory Mason at ConEd@ptsmc.com for all sign ups or questions. All course attendance must be approved by Partner/Director.

CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES LIST

Click HERE for full list of Internal, Sponsored and External con-ed opportunities. https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/RCnzB8GqVU/Clinical_Excellence_List_of_Courses.xlsx_

UPCOMING JOURNAL CLUB AND CASE DICUSSION DATES All meeting are 12:00-1:00 pm on TEAMS. Upcoming CD dates: 08/08, 9/12, 10/10 (all on Lower Extremity) Upcoming JC dates: 08/22, 9/26, 10/24 (all on Lower Extremity) Click HERE for the full 2023 schedule.

Email Meghan.Blanusa@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting invites.

STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE

PTSMC’s CI training video is updated for 2023! New and experienced CIs are encouraged to complete the (brief) training to learn the latest documentation and compliance guidelines as well as review strategies for maximizing efficiency while hosting students. It will be sent out to all CIs within one month of their students starting.

Are you interested in hosting your first student and want some more information? Contact Juliann.Chacko@ptsmc.com for more information and to view the brief training video.

Congrats to DOCS Grads!

The Clinical Excellence Team would like to recognize and congratulate the recent graduates of the Development of Clnical Success (DOCS) Program!

Matt Baronowski, PT, DPT, CMTPT - Avon Jen Powers, PT, DPT, CMTPT - Fairfield Lauren Randall PT, DPT, ATC - Wallingford The graduates were asked to reflect on their DOCS Program experience and share the most influential parts of the program, as well as what they look forward to pursuing next for continuing education.

Matt: For me, the most influential part of the DOCS program was the mentorship. Having an experienced clinician work through challenging cases was invaluable as a new graduate. The coursework built on the basics of explaining and demonstrating new examination techniques, as well as treatment. The DOCS program built confidence, progressed my examination and interventions, and added to my ability to effectively communicate with patients. In the next few years, I will be looking to obtain my OCS, but for now I would like to focus on my ability to improve my vestibular knowledge.

Jen: For me, the most influential part of the DOCS program was gaining knowledge and learning from different mentors and partners in the company in a close-knit environment, as well as forming relationships with other clinicians from across the state. It is so amazing being part of a big company in which you can share resources and develop friendships and professional relationships and learn from each other with lecture and hands-on application all through PTSMC. My hope is to pursue a certification in manual orthopedic skills to improve and learn more hands-on techniques to help better my knowledge and give my patients the best care possible.

Lauren: The most influential part of the DOCS program was getting to learn from other skilled PTs in the company that come from different clinical backgrounds and learning new perspectives and treatment skills. Next, I plan to pursue more clinical education courses about vestibular rehabilitation.

HUMAN HUMANRESOURCES RESOURCES

NEW EMPLOYEES

Stephen Delaney Orange PT Aide

Sydney Gill West Hartford Patient Services Coordinator

CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Justin Marceau Wallingford Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist Groton Guilford New Haven New London West Hartford Windsor

Patient Services Coordinator Middletown New London (PT)

Alisha Mohamed Admin Office Assistant

Skyler Rapuano Essex PT Aide

Patient Care Coordinator Fairfield (PT) New London (PT)

NOT PICTURED:

Practice Liaison Admin

Jeffrey Panepento New Milford Physical Therapist

Zack Brown, Middletown PT Aide Jolie Galasso, Waterbury PT Aide Kaylee Hall, Plainville PT Aide Kelly Hylton, Fairfield PT Aide Carlee Swanson Fairfield PT Aide Isabella Thompson, Simsbury PT Aide Chelsea Wadle Westbrook Patient Services Coordinator

Athletic Trainer Essex Westbrook

PT Aide Branford Danbury East Hampton Essex Guilford Lock Street Middletown Orange Plainville Southbury Westbrook Wethersfield Windsor

Staff Accountant Admin

Check www.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.

Employee

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Spot light

By Mallory Mason, Director of Culture & Engagement

Allyson Melillo, Remote Services Coordinator Evolution with PTSMC Allyson Melillo joined PTSMC in 2015 through the acquisition of the New Haven (Prince Street) and Branford locations. At that time, she was doing PSC work and continued to do that for the next 3-4 years. Back then, Allyson shared an office with Cindy Hales (Accounts Receivable Coordinator), who was also a part of the acquisition. They worked in close quarters, and Allyson fondly remembers she was always hot with a fan, and Cindy was always cold with a heater.

In late 2019, Allyson joined what was then called the Verification team in the administrative office. She was looking for more responsibility and growth, and this was that next step for her. She continued to work out of the New Haven clinic until COVID hit. In the height of COVID, Allyson went back to her roots and supported the Wallingford clinic as a PSC for a few months. As COVID reshaped the work world, Allyson went back “behind the scenes” and fully remote from home.

Even though she does “not like change,” Allyson took on a big new sector of PTSMC when she started managing Guilford remote authorizations in 2021. This was a big change for PTSMC and one that Allyson took in stride and still manages today. Additionally, Allyson began what is affectionately known as “balancing” in 2022. There is a team of Admin staff who are dedicated to ensuring visits and new patients in WebPT EMR and WebPT Billing match. As that team evolved, so did Allyson, and she is now the lead of this team and refers to balancing as her “baby.”

Allyson’s current title is Remote Services Coordinator. In this role, she verifies benefits for six clinics, manages Guilford authorizations, manages balancing throughout the month, and also fills in for the Authorization and the Verification departments when coverage is needed. In all her roles throughout the years, Allyson has kept a special work relationship with the original New Haven staff who are still working for PTSMC. Especially Cindy and Christine Raffone (Senior Authorization Coordinator) who also joined other Admin departments. Allyson & Christine still go to happy hours with the New Haven crew

😊

On Personal Time Allyson is a consistent gym goer- she works out every day! Her current workouts of choice are HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts. She’s been using the Ladder App, and she’s “kind of obsessed with it.” Every Sunday night she goes on to the app, picks a team associated with one of the 10 trainers, and gets her workouts for the week!

Allyson likes to work out in the evenings during the week, because “it’s the 5 am alarm that is the struggle.” Allyson is an avid participant in the PTSMC #GetMoving challenges. Since she consistently works out, it’s a no-brainer. On the days she doesn’t want to go to the gym, the challenges always keep her motivated.

Another love of Allyson’s is concerts- mostly country concerts. She is going to TidalWave Music Festival in Atlantic City this summer for a 3-day country concert extravaganza! Other than the festival, Allyson plans to spend her weekends this summer hanging out with friends and going to the beach. She likes to take all of her trips in the winter to escape the cold. (She tried the skiing and snowboarding route and was not her thing.) Her sister lives in Jacksonville, FL, and brother in CA, so she has a few warm places to visit. She visits FL most often! Allyson also loves sports, and you can always count on her to go to at least one Giants game each football season.

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES Rebecca Petrosino Partner Fairfield

Erik Lanese Athletic Trainer Waterbury

Jason Smutnick Physical Therapist Windsor

Megan Morgan Carly Rabinovich Dan Vala Kevin Connellan Alayna Taylor Colleen Menard Isabella Thompson Anna Donato Zack Brown Celia Debrocke Justin Danville Michelle Kijewski JoAnna Moomjian Michael Castleberry Kayla Wong Lucille Meyer Lauren Roy Jessica Owens Kaitlyn Carrubba Kelly Goddard Craig Katko Morgan Brown Skyler Rapuano McKenzie Daniels Tom Kassan Erik Schmitt Katherine Fan Briana Boulerice Carl Rosa Elena Masiello Olivia Tarca Wesley Cheng RJ Harkin Katie Castillo Adam Antunes Jack Pearce Jake Siedel Olivia Matlosz Erik Olsen Kailey Hanks Nick Almonte Casey DeLucia Jovan DuBose Jeff Lo Stevie Fell Andrew Kalach Tracy Laramore Alyssa Wright

2 3 3 3 5 5 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 11 12 12 14 15 15 16 16 16 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 21 22 22 22 24 25 25 27 27 27 29 29 30 31

Admin Avon Middletown Plainville Glastonbury New Milford Simsbury Essex Middletown Newington Simsbury Wallingford Admin Orange Shelton Shelton Wethersfield Orange Southington Wallingford Essex New Haven Essex Newington West Hartford Westbrook Shelton Waterbury Watertown Wallingford Windsor Avon Danbury Orange Naugatuck Admin Middletown Naugatuck Southbury Lock Street Shelton Branford Groton Westbrook Admin Fairfield Admin New Haven

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES Jocelyn Lucero Payton Anastasio Kriti Patel Samantha Jarry Samantha Amico Jurni Soares Chase Cole Michelle Colar Thomas Cruz Aaliyah Rodriguez Nicholas Lopez Anna DeBellis Brianna Galeazza Morgan Cannin Meghan Burke Andrew Varcoe Miranda Smith Katya Lazor Annalise Kieley Kimberly Schor Justin Danville Emma Topper Kaitlyn Carrubba Nicole Carter Serena Trinh Justin Cyr Allyson Hickey Nicholas Parker

PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PSC PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PSC PSC PCC PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide Physical Therapist PT Aide

Branford Branford Branford Essex Fairfield Glastonbury Glastonbury Groton Groton New Haven New Milford New Milford Orange Orange Orange Orange Putnam Simsbury Simsbury Simsbury Simsbury Southington Southington Southington Wallingford Wallingford Watertown Wethersfield

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

DEI

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Embracing Language Diversity in Physical Therapy

Enhancing Patient Care and Cultural Inclusion

By Marilex Santiago, DEI Lead & Administrative Coordinator According to the 2020 Census, 22.3% of people in Connecticut speak a language other than English at home, which means about 1 in 4 people are non-English speakers. The CT community is a melting pot of languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Italian, French, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian - talk about variety!

Read on to learn why language diversity plays a pivotal role in PT, and what resources are available to help create an inclusive environment.

So, why does this matter? It's all about leveling up patient care and creating an inclusive healthcare space. When patients can communicate in their native language, magic happens! They can describe their symptoms and medical history more accurately, which helps therapists diagnose and treat them better. Improved communication also facilitates a stronger therapeutic relationship, as patients feel more comfortable and supported during their rehabilitation journey.

It’s not just about the patients; therapists also get to learn from different cultures, making them more well-rounded and empathetic professionals. PTs who are familiar with cultural nuances can tailor their approach to better align with patients’ beliefs and values. This cultural sensitivity aids in building trust and also prevents misunderstandings that could impede progress and recovery.

To help foster an inclusive environment, PTSMC has created a language resource that can be found here. This language resource is an up-to-date list of clinicians, PT Aides, and front office staff who can speak another language and feel comfortable translating for patients.

If a patient would like to seek care at your location and no one speaks their language, there are resources online such as Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, and DeepL Translate. In addition, PTSMC is working on paperwork translations and office signage in various languages.

If you have any suggestions or questions, we’d love to hear it – Marilex.Santiago@ptsmc.com By embracing language diversity, physical therapy becomes an awesome experience for all, and it shows that we value every single patient, no matter what language they speak. So, let's celebrate language diversity and make patient care as diverse as our community.

Engagement & Wellness Calendar Email wellness@ptsmc.com to subscribe to the Employee Engagement & DEI Calendar.

AUGUST Monthly Awareness: Immunization Month PTSMC Social Hours: August 24 (Hammonasset) & August 25 (Admin Office)

SEPTEMBER Monthly Awareness: Hispanic Heritage Month starting September 15 PTSMC Casino Night: September 30

OCTOBER Monthly Awareness: National PT Month!

Fall/Winter Gear Order Store: October 16-26 #GetMoving Challenge Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Life Beat:

National Immunization Awareness Month National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for people of all ages.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offer a number or resources to help plan for vaccinations you or your family may consider or need.

The FDA explains that vaccines work by stimulating the body’s immune system to safely provide protection against viruses or bacteria that cause infection. After vaccination, the immune system is prepared to respond quickly when the body encounters the disease-causing organism.

Furthermore, vaccines help provide protection from an infectious disease and can lessen the severity of illness. If you are immune to a disease, you can be exposed to it without becoming sick. Simply put, because of advances in medical science, vaccines can help protect us against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of people have been eliminated primarily due to vaccines.

Utilize the links below for further education and resources about vaccines and immunizations: • Learn about vaccines & immunizations from the CDC • Review Immunization Schedules for any age • The Adult (19 year or older) Vaccine Quiz from the CDC • Childhood Vaccine Quiz from the CDC • FDA Recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month

Casino Night September 30th 7pm - 11pm Dunkin’ Park in Hartford

PTSMC employees 21 and older are invited to a night of casino games with “funny money.” More details coming soon!

By Jim Hungerford, Associate Vice President of Finance I have fielded many questions about 529 college saving plans lately, so I compiled a quick snapshot of things you should know about these great college savings accounts. A 529 plan is a savings plan designed for educational costs and is tax friendly, flexible, and available to anyone.

Here are five things that not only parents, but grandparents and anyone hoping to get a leg up on college costs need to know.

1. Offer Considerable Income Tax Benefits to The Account Owner

529 plans offer federal and state tax-free compounding for as long as invested within the plan and there is never a required minimum distribution. Withdrawals for qualified educational expenses are federally tax-free and Connecticut tax-free, if the money is used for college expenses.

Further, Connecticut offers up to $10,000 per year in an income tax deduction (about a $500 tax savings) for contributions to its own 529 program, CHET, managed by Fidelity.

2. More Flexible Than You Think

There are no income or age limitations, and any adult can open an account for any person's future educational expenses. Account owners may change beneficiaries for any reason at any time. You can even name yourself as a beneficiary.

Additionally, the lifetime account contribution limits are generous, ranging from $235,000 up to over $500,000 per beneficiary. The plans are state-sponsored, and you can participate in any state's plan.

Funds from a 529 plan may be used tax free for most expenses at college, as well as other institutions such as art or cooking institutes, community colleges, trade and vocational schools and some eligible international school expenses. You may even be able to use 529 funds for up to $10,000 in elementary and high school tuition annually. Additionally, under recent legislation, you can now use up to $10,000 to repay qualified student loans and to cover certain costs for qualifying apprenticeship programs.

With the passage of recent legislation, 529 account owners may be able to roll their leftover assets into a Roth IRA—for a designated beneficiary—making 529 plans an even more robust solution for long-term financial planning.

3. Serve as An Estate Planning Tool

One of the great features of a 529 plan is that while you invest money for future education expenses, you also are reducing the size of your taxable estate. 529 plans are generally excluded from your taxable estate and thus not subject to estate taxes. It's important to note that you still control the assets and can access your money at any time.

Another important benefit of 529 plans is that they offer a way for grandparents and other family members to pass on assets to subsequent generations while enjoying certain tax advantages. With no withdrawal requirement, as owner with full control, you can designate who the account should be transferred to upon your passing and change such successor owner at any time, without any tax, cost, penalty, or fee.

Anyone, including grandparents, can contribute up to $17,000 per year ($34,000 for married couples) to any individual’s 529 plan, without triggering the gift tax. Additionally, they can bundle five years of contributions into one $85,000 contribution ($170,000 for married couples), provided they make the required election on a gift tax return for the year of the contribution.

4. Minimal Impact on Financial Aid

The impact on financial aid is typically minimal for 529 savings plans. The short explanation: If a parent is the account custodian, the child's financial aid will decrease by no more than 5.64% of the account value.

5. Wide Variety of Investment Choices

Connecticut’s 529 plan, the CHET, offers a wide variety of investment choices within the plan. CT’s plans are managed by fund manager Fidelity Investments. You can choose either an age-based strategy or a custom strategy based on your specific investment goals. With an Age-Based Strategy, you invest in an Age-Based Portfolio that corresponds to the Beneficiary’s birth year. Each Portfolio becomes increasingly more conservative over time as the Beneficiary approaches college age.

PTSMC Happenings!

UPCOMING PTSMC

EVENTS AUGUST

!

August 6

New London Kelly Half Marathon August 24 Social Hour #1 August 25 Social Hour #2 August 25-26 Plainville Plainville Balloon Festival

Lock Street is hosting spirit days throughout the summer. Left: College Shirt Day. Right: Pride Day

Spencer Lebel, West Hartford PT, presented at REI in West Hartford on running training and injury prevention.

SEPTEMBER September 23 Simsbury Simsbury River Run September 30 Casino Night

Andrew Perazella (right), New Haven PT, celebrated his student Jacob’s last day of his clinical rotation.

Fairfield stretched runners out at the Fairfield Police Sunset 5k. Pictured from left to right: Assistant Director Andrew Kalach, PTA Harrison Picard, Partner Rebecca Petrosino, and PT Jennifer Powers.

Watertown had a staff outing in July.

They played laser tag and hit golf balls at the driving range at The Sports Center in Shelton. After that they went to Badsons Brewery for pizza and beverages.

SIMSBURY OPEN HOUSE On July 12th Simsbury hosted an Open House and ribbon cutting to celebrate three years in business and recent renovations. Having opened on March 16, 2020, Simsbury never got to have a celebration before!

Are you participating in an event?

Reach out to Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com

Danielson had a raffle for the 4th of July. Pictured is the winner, Rita! The prize was everything needed for a July 4th celebration from smores, soda pop, chips, handmade wreath, decorations and more.

Did you miss the July monthly video?

President Alan Balavender introduces his peer-to-peer group, and they share how the group has built lifelong relationships and helped them grow personally and professionally.

PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS

Social Media

CATCH UP

CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to the following PT Aides who completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program: Erin Corbett, Plainville Catie Dow, New Haven Kelly Goddard, Wallingford Carly Rabinovich, Avon

BLOG POSTS

REEL Channing Harwood, Plainville PT, broke down “Jumper’s Knee.” He covered how it occurs and his favorite exercises to treat it.

Traci O’Brien, New London Physical Therapist, welcomed Daniel O’Brien on July 15th.

SoCIAl Media Sensation Employer Services

Ted Raczka, Branford Partner, and his wife Madison welcomed Amelia Eloise Raczka on June 19th.

Quinn McAnaney, Guilford Physical Therapist, and his wife welcomed Margot on June 20th.

Employer Services Specialist Shelby Pocius, MS, ATC, CEAS III, ITAT, PES, NASE-CSS, and Injury Prevention Specialist Jeffrey Sheridan, OT, wrote multiple blog posts about employer services. We shared the first one this month. Stay tuned for more blog posts!

Follow PTSMC on social!