May 2021 PULSE

MAY 2021

GREAT PEOPLE DOING GREAT THINGS… It’s hard for me to believe that it has been almost 13 years since my Mom’s passing. I still seek her guidance, and many of the life lessons she taught me have become part of the narrative to my son Blake as he approaches 11.

One of the lessons I found myself leaning on extensively over the past year is, “count your blessings.” In our home growing up, that simple line was a gentle reminder to be grateful for the “small stuff.” Taking the time to recognize and appreciate the good things created a resilience that paved the way over, around, or through bigger challenges that inevitably came along.

As I read Sandra Boccialetti’s email encouraging PTSMC employees to consider submitting a “BRAG Award” for a peer, I couldn’t help drawing the parallel to “count your blessings.”

The Brag Awards at PTSMC are about taking a few minutes to recognize and thank someone for improving the quality of other people’s lives. The BRAG might be about something big and out of the ordinary, or it may represent a public “thank you” for a consistent positive attitude or commitment to a job well done.

Often, it’s both!

Over the years I have been humbled by the BRAGs written to celebrate PTSMC’s great people doing great things. One of the most amazing things about the process is that it’s a rare occasion in which everybody wins! The person recognized, the individual (or group) submitting the BRAG, and the rest of us get to celebrate the accomplishments of those we are fortunate to work beside.

I honestly believe showing gratitude to those who make PTSMC a special place to work strengthens our ability to “survive and thrive” in challenging times.

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us all as well.” - Voltaire Great people doing great things.

PTSMC Glastonbury opened its doors on Monday, April 12th at 124 Hebron Avenue with Partner & Director Brian Greer. Take a video tour of the clinic here: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=V6uhWPL-s2k

Clinician’s Corner by Mike McGowan Advancements in Ankle Surgery: Doc Talk with Dr. John Reach, Orthopaedic Surgeron with Connecticut Orthopaedics HR Buzz HR Virtual Visits Time Off Reminders 401(k) Reminders HR Crossword Puzzle!

Wellness Program #GetMoving March On Challenge Upcoming Wellness Webinars

StriveHub Fab 5

“Josh (McAdams) is an outstanding physical therapist. He is easy to talk to, and pushes his patients on their path to recovery. He is up on all of the latest techniques and trends. The environment and staff are relaxed and friendly great place.” - Danbury

I am lucky to be able to BRAG about our amazing people so often. “PTSMC is exceptional because they do everything right. The reception staff is always You are awesome. Thank you!

friendly and efficient. The facility is open, clean, organized, and uncrowded. The therapist I worked with, and all the other therapists, took my recovery seriously, individualized my treatment, and were very personable and encouraging. The aides were helpful and always looking for ways to provide assistance and support. It is possible that I could have had success at another facility, but it is hard to imagine that the complete experience would have been as positive.” - Guilford

Life comes at you fast, and in the blur of days, weeks and months spent taking care of patients and your own families, taking a few Alan minutes to praise a colleague is something often overlooked or not done enough. Saying to someone; “You’re awesome. Thank you!” can be so powerful and meaningful.

PTSMC Glastonbury Now Open!

IN THIS ISSUE

Patient Trends New Patients per Month

Visits per Month

Blue = Actual | Orange = Budgeted

“Todd (Cacopardo) is absolutely wonderful.

Greatly improved my back and provided great care, great exercises! He is very patient and extremely knowledgeable. Now, I’m back in for my cervical spine. I trust him with my neck now because we built up a great rapport - I don’t let just anyone work on my neck. Great trust!!”

- East Hampton “I have been seeing Danielle (Dunn) for pelvic floor PT and she has been wonderful! She is so knowledgeable and really takes the time to listen and educate. Danielle has been such an important resource for me throughout my pregnancy and I'm glad I have established care with her for postpartum help as well!”

- Wallingford “I feel that all the therapists take a personal interest in you and getting you back to normal.

They are knowledgeable and encouraging.

Everyone is very friendly. The staff work well together.” - New London

CLINICIAN’S CORNER

ADVANCEMENTS IN ANKLE SURGERY: AN OVERVIEW OF OUR VIRTUALDOC TALK WITH DR. JOHN REACH,ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON AT CONNECTICUT ORTHOPAEDICS

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

By Mike McGowan, PT, DPT Windsor Physical Therapist Twenty-eight bones, 35 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles. Yes, that is what comprises our foot and ankle anatomy. On March 30, 2021, PTSMC was lucky enough to have Dr. John Reach Jr., foot and ankle specialist out of CT Orthopaedics, as a guest host for our recent series of virtual meetings with local doctors.

From the onset of the discussion, Dr. Reach was able to provide to us knowledge in a case-based format, highlighting injuries as simple as anterior-lateral ankle sprain to Total Ankle Replacements and even as far as discussing “Tennis Leg” - nope, not Tennis elbow, but rather tennis leg (yup, new to me too) which involves tearing of the medial gastrocnemius head. He was able to provide to us valuable knowledge, whether it be new to us or a good review of foot/ankle assessment strategies.

One of Dr. Reach’s claims to fame is pioneering custom cartilage implants for the foot and ankle joints (those applicable), in which he then admitted to how he sold off his idea which resulted in him sitting in his waterfront beach house delivering his talk. Hey, work hard and reap the benefits!

What made you want to be a Physical Therapist?

I wanted to work in healthcare and as soon I was exposed to the world of PT. I just knew it was where I wanted to be. The environment is fun and interactive. There are many challenges, but the greatest thing about it is sharing the journey of recovery with our patients. It's such a rewarding feeling to assist others getting back to enjoying the things they love most in life.

What's an interesting skill you have?

I love to bake! I'm constantly trying new recipes and have an obsession with cookbooks.

If you could be any animal what would you choose and why?

An owl. They’re such fascinating and beautiful creatures known for their wisdom, knowledge and a bit of mystery.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world where would you go?

Nevertheless, this custom cartilage implant consists of the idea of taking cartilage from other areas of ankle and transplanting it to the joint surface causing pain in a custom/precise approach through 3D technology. This strategy and technique really helps to propel patients to improve their function without the typical loss of ROM that fusion or other types of surgeries may have as a lasting side-effect.

Ireland

Dr. Reach has performed over 2,000 Total Ankle Replacements, recently showing that >85% of patients receiving this surgery demonstrated a 20-year life of the hardware. Fun fact, this percentage is one that is a higher when comparing to a typical total knee arthroplasty. Dr. Reach goes on to say that the Total Ankle Replacement is not for all joints of the foot and ankle - but, it does help tremendously impact the joints that it can address and limit deficits as residual effects of having to fuse other joints within foot/ankle complex. One of the more effective areas that this procedure can assist is the talar dome. This procedure becomes a valuable option for those involved with having to undergo a procedure like this but as I stated above, a lot of patients do not realize that the total ankle replacement is even in existence. Now that we have Dr. Reach as an outlet, we can successfully use him as referral partner to assist our patients to the best possible outcomes. And as he stated, even if patients have had prior failed surgeries with other docs, including fusions or internal fixators, Dr. Reach has the capabilities to restore function and continue to promote highest functional levels of our patients.

Hand Therapy has become my passion. I was mentored by a friend who is a fellow CHT and she encouraged me to pursue my certification training. A CHT or certified hand therapist is a hand therapist with advanced training in upper extremity disorders. Hand therapy is a unique specialty that includes fabricating custom orthosis for many diagnoses, patient education with joint protection, adaptive equipment, ergonomic training, post op care, as well as therapeutic exercise and modalities. We use our hands to manipulate most everything in our environment and with a hand injury you quickly realize how important each movement is no matter how small.

You can catch up and watch the full presentation here: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/6gxh3uCni0/?

What population or specialization for physical therapy is most interesting to you and why?

If you could have any super power what would you choose?

To stop or slow time What's the best advice you've ever received?

Always be yourself and treat others the way you would like to be treated.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE Upcoming Courses INTERNAL COURSES

PTSMC SPONSORED COURSES

Upper & Lower Extremity August 21: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lower 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Upper PTSMC Wallingford Participants can attend one subject or both. Both subjects are DOCS requirements.

Myopain Trigger Point Dry Needling-1 June 25-27 PTSMC Shelton

Concussion: A Framework To Guide Evaluation & Treatment October 23-24 PTSMC Orange Taught by Rick Purdy Not a DOCS course

2021 Continuing education opportunities list Clinicians, we are back up and running with a list of continuing education opportunities for this year. You can use the link below (we suggest save to your favorites) to see PTSMC Internal courses, PTSMC Sponsored courses, and External course options. Please reach out to Mallory Mason via coned@ptsmc.com if you have any questions. https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/mcbFLYwFkg/2021_Clinical_Excellence_List_of_Courses.xlsx_

STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE

Email Mallory at coned@ptsmc.com for all sign ups or questions.

This month, we’re pleased to welcome the following students who will begin clinician rotations with PTSMC!

On Saturday, April 24th, Melissa Boutagy, Clinical Compliance Officer & Guilford Physical Therapist, and Brian Greer, Glastonbury Partner & Director, taught the Lumbar Internal Course to 22 PTSMC clinicians at the Guilford clinic.

Victoria Catizone (SHU) will be hosted by Rebecca Petrosino in Fairfield.

Colin Ketchel (Duquesne University) will be hosted by Ted Raczka in Branford.

Catherine Kwiecien (AIC) will be hosted by Vlad Smolgovskiy in West Hartford.

Georgea Mitas (Marist College) will be hosted

by Josh McAdams in Danbury.

Jaclyn Skirkanich (Mercy College) will be hosted by Erik Schmitt in Westbrook.

Amanda Ursillo (Marist College) will be hosted by Kevin Connellan in Plainville.

HUMAN RESOURCES

HR Buzz Crossword Puzzle

HR IS HERE FOR YOU!

We so look forward to seeing all of you again in person! In the meantime, HR is excited to continue the Virtual Clinic Visit format for the months of May and June. Check your email for the link to sign up. We will be available from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm each day.

Meet with Karen Tuesday, May 11th

Meet with Sandra Thursday, June 17th

NEW TIME OFF REQUEST FOR PAYCHEX FLEX

Complete crossword puzzle and email your answers or take a picture of completed crossword and send to sandra.boccialetti@ptsmc.com by May 14th to be entered into a raffle to receive a $25 gift card of your choice.

With the new Paychex Flex layout, the time off request has a new view. Click on the link to view the video with instructions on how to complete your request for time off: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/0IYJ9kWNCK Be on the LOOKOUT for the instructions in your email also.

TIME OFF REFRESHER

Vacation Time Use it or lose it!

Unused vacation hours are deleted on employee's reset date, also called anniversary date.

Full time employees are allowed to use up to 40 hours vacation before the hours are actually accrued. Part time employees are allowed to use up to 20 hours vacation before the hours are actually accrued. Balances will be displayed as a negative. The system will not allow entry of a vacation request if that request will make the total exceed negative 40 hours or negative 20 hours, respectively.

Sick Time Roll it over!

Unused sick hours will rollover each year to a maximum of 160 hours for (FT), 120 hours for PT (30) and 80 hours for PT (20) employees.

Holiday Time Holiday Time includes holiday and personal hours. The holiday time off schedule is listed below: Full Time (FT) Part Time 30 (PT 30) Part Time 20 (PT 20)

56 hours (48 holiday and 8 personal) 42 hours (36 holiday and 6 personal) 28 hours (24 holiday and 4 personal)

Holiday hours and personal hours must be used during the calendar year. Holiday hours must be used on the actual holiday PTSMC observes. Holiday and personal hours rest January 1st.

For eligible employees, Holiday Hour balance is located under “Holiday” in Time and Attendance and includes Peronal Hours.

401(k)

Employees who would like to make a change to their 401(k) biweekly contributions for the 3rd quarter of 2021 must complete the request by Wednesday, June 16th to be effective with the first 3rd quarter payroll. It only takes 3 quick steps to change your contributions.

• Login https://myplan.johnhancock.com/login • Click on Manage and contributions • Your current Before Tax and/or Roth contributions will be displayed. Click on the arrows to adjust your percentage then click continue at the bottom of the page.

• Sandra Boccialetti will be notified of the change and it will be effective with the July 14, 2021 payroll.

ACROSS

1. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, what day is the holiday observed?

5. What day is included with employees Holiday Time?

7. How often are employees compensated?

9. Can unused vacation time be carried over?

DOWN

2. What hourly employees are paid who work over 40 hours in a 7 day work week 3. Employees who work 40 hours a week are considered 4. When timesheets should be completed 6. Number of holidays PTSMC observes 8. What employees must take if working 7.5 or more hours a day

CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to the following PT Aides who have completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program: Adam Antunes, Naugatuck Jen Bastos, Naugatuck Mike Bozarth, Wallingford Keren Deoliveira, New Milford Heather Minue, Wallingford Caroline Murphy, Orange Melissa Rivera, Danbury Shirley Siguenza, Danbury

EMPLOYEE NEWS

NEW EMPLOYEES

Michael Castleberry, Orange PT Aide

Caitlynne Dawson, Windsor PT Aide

Camille Mogelnicki, Glastonbury PSC

Jake Trotter, New Haven PT Aide

CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES Physical Therapist Danbury New Haven Wallingford Westbrook

Athletic Trainer Essex New London

Physical Therapy Aide Essex Plainville Westbrook Windsor

Patient Services Coordinator Waterbury Windsor

Check www.PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share!

Call Jenn or email at Jenn.Detlefsen@ptsmc.com for PT Aide positions.

Call Karen or email at karen.havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in another position.

Kendra Lennon, Waterbury Physical Therapist

Jacob Wall, West Hartford PT Aide

NOT PICTURED Makayla Bigard, New Haven PT Aide

PTSMC 401(k) Plan A Message From Your Investment Consultants

• Stocks have continued to climb, although we have seen some rotation in the categories of stocks that are driving returns. Diversification among geographic regions, sectors, and sizes has proven prudent.

• More conservative investors may see subdued or even slightly negative returns this year. We expect this trend to continue as interest rates rise. We look to bonds to provide stability not necessarily appreciation. High quality, short term bonds remain a solid option for risk averse investors given the alternatives.

• As always, stay focused on the long run. In a given month

Return U.S. 3/31/2021 Stocks

World Stocks

Bonds

YTD

6.18%

4.68%

-3.37%

3 Year

18.44%

14.13%

5.35%

1) S&P500 2) MSCI All Country 3) Barclays Aggregate Bond

or even year, stocks can fluctuate but as the chart below shows, they are positive 100% of the time over 16 years.

We will take those odds!

TECHY TIPS

By Dave Lawrence, Information Systems Coordinator

Keep All Workstations On Keeping all desktop computers on after work is completed for the day allows for quick response times for patching the systems from immediate security threats. This is a requirement that helps the entire organization as we work in an ever-changing cyber world.

See Something, Say Something We are the best defense mechanism against threats. One of the first things we do to prevent threats from entering our domain is speaking up when something looks odd followed by adhering to current policies in place.

A case in point is recently The State of Connecticut’s DMV Emissions portal was shutdown due to intrusion. This has impacted the entire state for weeks as drivers’ were unable to perform routine maintenance of this kind until systems were operable.

Computer not acting right? Reboot Some issues that you may experience with the operation of your machine can be cured with a simple restart of the machine. Examples of issues include computer slowness or inability connect to network resources.

Thank you to everyone for keeping PTSMC safe and aiding in defending against threats!

MAY BIRTHDAYS Madeline Lynch Michelle Gallerani Vicki Palmieri Kathryn Flodquist Jenn Detlefsen Sierra Gelsomini Traci O'Brien Stephanie Bologa Drew Gallagher Vaishwan Dave Emily Searle Samantha Grandich Hannah Joyner Karen Havlicek Caroline Murphy Carter Gavin Nicole Kowalski Jeff Daley Brittany Kearney Angela Perricone Taylor Conklin Rebecca Petrosino Kenny Kregling Mike Krukiel Noah Tedeschi Christine Hill Anthony Faria Kiley Vermette Tom Mango Cailee Mathewson Rebecca Sauve

1 2 4 4 5 6 8 10 10 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 17 17 18 19 20 20 20 24 25 27 28 29 29 30 31

New Haven New London Admin Waterbury Admin Wallingford New London Simsbury Southbury Windsor Branford Lock Street New London Admin Orange Avon Avon New London East Hampton New Haven Essex Fairfield Wallingford Wethersfield Newington Admin Middletown Middletown New London Groton Naugatuck

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

Wanda Figueroa Todd Cacopardo

Accounts Payable Representative Partner & Director

Admin East Hampton

PTSMC Happenings!

Simsbury visited Burn Boot Camp in Simsbury and gave members assessments and provided individualized stretches. Pictured are Health Fitness Specialist Shelby Howe, Health Fitness Specialist (left), and Physical Therapist Jen Neri (right).

Middletown hosted a March Madness bracket. Physical Therapist Rob Bass (left) and Partner & Director Mike Antunes (right), are pictured here giving the winning patient his prize!

Wethersfield accidentally dressed alike and snapped a photo! Pictured from left to right: PT Aide Noura Awad, intern Emily Claros, Partner & Director Kasey Adinolfi, and PSC & Health Fitness Specialist Leah Szot.

Groton threw PSC Paulina Davidson a baby shower!

Essex Director Craig Katko celebrates with Keith, a patient who went from knee surgery to running a race in only 8 weeks thanks to Craig and the Essex team.

CONGRATULATIONS! Kasey Bascetta, Windsor PSA, welcomed Grace Kimberly on April 13th.

SoCIAl Media Sensation Kyle Wolf & Christina Mogelnicki, Newington Physical Therapists

Bethany Grady, Groton Athletic Trainer, welcomed Owen on February 25th at 8lbs 11oz.

Kyle and Christina filmed an in-depth, informational video on common upper and lower extremity injuries for athletes as well as prevention and treatment for the injuries. They demonstrated specific exercises and explained what the purpose of each one was.

PTSMC Wellness CalendaR May UHC Motion June Financial Webinar

May 25th June 10th

#GetMoving MARCH ON CHallenge

Congratulations to all challengers who participated in #GetMoving March On 2021. This group achieved the most goals of any #GetMoving challenge thus far: 90% achieved 20+ activities 57% achieved 30+ activities The last day of the challenge we also got together in the first ever #GetMoving LIVE! Challengers joined together on a Go To and either did their own activity or an ABC challenge.

Want to try out that challenge? Using the picture below, spell out these words at your own pace: GET MOVING LIVE – do exercises in order for 13 min & start back from GET if you make it all the way through REST for 1 - 2 min MARCH ON CHALLENGE – do exercises in order for 13 min & start back from MARCH if you make it all the way through Cool down by stretching!

Employees who are insured with United Healthcare through PTSMC, Save The Date: Tuesday May 25th at 12:00pm Want to learn how you can earn up to $1,095* this year to your HSA? Join our Webinar with UHC to learn about the Motion program.

This is an incentive program available to exclusively to UHC members. By simply walking and meeting “FIT” goals members can be rewarded financially directly to their HAS account or towards a fitness device. Tune in to the Webinar to find out all the details!

RSVP to Wellness@ptsmc.com

by May 18th Please arrange your lunch to attend or talk to your partner/director about adjusting your schedule.

Financial Wellness

This year we will be hosting Financial webinars presented by Connecticut Wealth Management for all PTSMC employees. The exact topics will be based on what YOU want to learn! We are running a survey through May 7th to determine the first webinar - so weigh in by clicking this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FinancialWellnessTopics21 Then save the date:

June 10th from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm More info coming via email soon.

Speak to your partner/director to arrange your lunch & schedule to attend.

BRAGS! Orange PT Mario Paredes Mario has been a great asset to the Orange clinic. It’s been super helpful that he is bilingual and is able to get a wider range of patients in our office. He is ALWAYS more than willing to open up his schedule to stay later or get his patients and new patients in the door, as well as skipping his lunch to fit someone in last minute. His patients always have nothing but nice things to say about him and always enjoy coming into their appointment. He always asks for help if needed and communicates any concerns he has. His contagious laugh makes every day better and his hard work in the Orange office does not go unnoticed.

Bragger: Anonymous

Southington PT Aide Jamie Collimore Jamie has been such a great add on to our Southington crew. Always comes in with a smile and go get it attitude. She welcomes and greets patients in a cheerful way and makes them feel like they’re part of our extended family. She is a great team player and represents what PTSMC’s mission is all about!!

Bragger: Anonymous

Southington PSC Michael Sousa The only time I met Michael in person was many years ago at a PTSMC Inservice. We were in the same group for a team building event that involved racing M&M’s or some small candy around by blowing on them with straws. Most of us were going at it halfhearted, goofing around and blowing candies off the table and all over the floor. Not Michael. He was trying to organize us. He wanted it right, he wanted it clean, he wanted our team to win. And I think he was getting a little annoyed with the rest of us for slacking off. I thought he might be a little uptight.

As the years went by and I got to know him better I found out he is a little uptight – in the best possible way. He is a perfectionist. This attention to detail makes him a pleasure to work with, and he is funny, he always makes me laugh.

I would like to give him a special shout out for his help with benefits re-verification this past January. His organizational skills really come in handy with this type of project. The Southington schedule was pristine as usual, all the patients that needed re-verification were marked ahead of time. He knew it was going to be a crazy week or two for the benefits department, and he did everything he could in advance to make his clinic as easy as possible for us.

About two days into the start of the year I got an email: Southington is all set. I didn’t know what he meant so I looked at the Southington schedule. All the Southington verifications were done. He re-verified them all himself!

Bragger: Donna Baribault, Patient Benefits Administrator

Southington PSC Cindi Theriault THANK YOU FOR COMING IN!!!!!

Bragger: Anonymous

Lock Street PT Shradha Rana Shradha is always willing to teach coworkers her expertise of the hand and going out of her way to provide instruction regarding her knowledge to help particular patients. I really appreciate her dedication to her patients, positive energy and patient centered care, exemplifying the PT for Life motto.

Bragger: Anonymous

Lock Street PTA Natalie Swanson Natalie displays excellent work ethic, getting to clinic early to tend to needs of the clinic including answering voicemails, looking at the schedule and preparing for her patients. She is always willing to help out whenever needed.

Newington PT Aide Ariana Kelly I’d like to give a shout out to Newington PT aide Ariana Kelly! She is always on top of everything, she brings a positive, fun vibe to the clinic, patients love her, and she makes fantastic artwork on our monthly chalkboard. On top of being an awesome PT Aide, Ariana is my right-hand girl when it comes to making sure the front desk is covered before I come in or after I leave. All in all, she is always willing to lend a hand, whether it’s picking up an extra shift, or helping me with a PSC task that needs to get done.

Ariana is the best, Newington is lucky to have her, I am glad to call her my co-worker and my friend!

Bragger: Emily Sargent, Newington PSC

Bragger: Anonymous New Haven PT Brooke Uliano

Lock Street PT Alex Rosenberg I appreciate Alex’s knowledge and expertise she brings to the clinic. She is willing to educate her co-workers regarding her treatment plans in an effective way. She is dedicated to her patients, providing quality treatments that is patient centered.

Bragger: Anonymous

Newington PSC Emily Sargent Emily continues to be one of the most versatile members of the PTSMC Newington team. She has seamlessly made the transition from aide to PSC, however, in times of need, she is willing to help out on the floor. She is always bringing a smile to our patients’ faces with her upbeat and positive personality, and she is an integral part of our team!

Bragger: Anonymous

Brooke is a joy to have in the office. No matter how busy she is, she takes the time to ensure that her patients receive the highest quality of treatment. She genuinely cares about her patients & fellow co-workers, and she makes it evident in the work she does every day!

Bragger: Anonymous

New London Assistant Director & PT Michele Gallerani and PT Aide Jenna Hancock Jenna, Michelle, & Avery (Michelle’s daughter) all helped in tidying up the clinic after a weekend of renovations. Their assistance on the weekend allowed the clinic’s Monday start to be stress free and organized. Pictured: Michelle and Avery (left) and Jenna (right).

Bragger: Anonymous

Guilford PSC Julia Rubbo When I first met Julia, I honestly thought that she was 25. Her maturity, personable energy, and kindness have made a significant impact on our PTSMC community Julia always completes her job with poise and a smile and never gets frazzled while dealing with patient insurance issues, handling schedules of over eight therapists or any other behind the scenes work.

She goes out of her way to form connections with each patient, either greeting or sending them away with a special and kind remark, unique to them. Through working with Julia, she has become more than just a co-worker. She has become a true friend, and I have realized that her “front desk persona” is fully genuine; she gives me the same respect and sincerity she would any patient who walks in our front doors. Julia is not only a highlight of every patient’s visit, but during my day as well.

Lock Street Director Danielle Butsch Danielle exemplifies our PT for Life motto in how she selflessly puts her patients and employees needs first. She creates a positive environment that is welcoming and accepting to all who walk through our doors.

Bragger: Anonymous

Bragger: Anonymous Guilford PT Aide Emma Rusconi Emma is a key member of the clinic community.

She has a positive attitude throughout her shifts, and it is infectious. She is really focused on the patients and assisting them throughout their sessions. She encourages and guides where appropriate. She is quick to respond to the fluidity of the situation in a busy clinic and is always more that willing to help out where needed. Awesome job Emma!

Bragger: Anonymous Lock Street Customer Service Representative Alina Lisowitch Alina has been such a HUGE help and addition to our team in Lock St. She has transitioned quickly and easily into the position, handling anything thrown in her direction without any issues. She is always willing to help out in the clinic/gym when needed and available. Alina is always on top of completing her eval scheduling and following up with admin/referral groups to ask any questions necessary to improve efficiency amongst the groups. She communicates with each clinician in a timely manner regarding patient scheduling and any patient changes that need to be addressed. We can always count on her to show up and get stuff done!

Bragger: Anonymous Lock Street Customer Service Representative Alina Lisowitch Alina makes our clinic run smoothly, providing attention to our schedule, anticipating our needs. I appreciate how she willingly jumps in to help the aides with cleaning tasks and always asking what she can do to help out.

Bragger: Anonymous

Lock Street PT Aides Abe Abdel-Hack, Nicole Brissette, Giovanni Colatruglio, Samantha Grandich, Caley Nigro, Erik Wagner Every single aide/customer service rep has stepped up to the plate when needed without needing to be asked. They all help/teach each other to make the clinic run more efficiently, in a clinic that has 4-5 therapists daily. During busy and chaotic times, they handle it without issues and ask for help from clinicians/each other when needed. They are all willing to learn new exercises and anatomy, asking appropriate questions to improve their skill sets and apply it to their own schooling. They are all on top of making sure the clinic and patient equipment is thoroughly disinfected and cleaned prior to and after use to ensure COVID safety.

Bragger: Anonymous

Admin Practice Liaison Sara Gareiss

East Hampton PT Aide Heather Vieira-LeMay

I am so very grateful to have Sara Gariess on my team. She is full of ideas on how to bring value to our role as Practice Liaisons! I look to Sara for her insight and support on work that I am presenting to providers. She is a great sounding board on addressing challenging issues and we keep each other in check. I appreciate her as a colleague and friend!

Heather is our newest aide, and from the very start she has been an enormous help. She has learned everything so quickly. She is the most proactive person and is always on top of the “things” we as PTs need for the day to run as smoothly as possible.

Heather has been a great addition to our team!!

Bragger: Janet Tarasuk, Practice Liaison

Bragger: Anonymous Admin Patient Benefits Coordinator Allyson Melillo

Groton PT Emma Hart

Allyson is our go-to person for auth’s and moral support when dealing with the weird and wonderful things that come across our desks at Guilford. Combining patience with a fantastic sense of humor, she is always approachable and ready to help. She amazes us with her ability to respond at such quick notice. We will always be grateful for her wisdom and guidance that got us through the first few scary months!

Emma is extremely dedicated to her patients and the clinic. She treats every patient like they are family and always greets her patients with a smile.

Not only does she go above and beyond for her patients, but she goes above and beyond for the staff. When an aide is running around, she is the first person to help them out. She is often seen helping the aides clean things just so they don’t get too behind. I know we all appreciate her hard work.

Braggers: Bella, Carole, Julia, Sarah (Guilford PSC’s) East Hampton Partner Todd Cacopardo

Guilford PT Aide Summer Adams

Todd is the best boss you can ask for. His commitment to PTSMC and this clinic is beyond words. He does everything he can to allow all his employees to succeed while still having our own personal time. He is very understanding of our personal matters outside of the clinic and allows us to change things as needed. At the same time, he is professional and expects high quality care out of his clinicians. I couldn’t be happier than I am at East Hampton PTSMC and a big reason for that is Todd.

Summer instantly made me feel welcome as the newest hire at PTSMC in Guilford. She is super warm and kind to every patient that walks in.

When people need her help, she is always very knowledgeable and readily available, always looking to assist anyone in need. She has since become one of my closest friends in and out of work! Summer is one of the sweetest most positive people I have ever met.

Bragger: Anonymous

Bragger: Julia Rubbo, Guilford PSC

East Hampton PT Alyssa Griffo

Guilford PSC Bella Olmstead

Alyssa has been such a team player for the East Hampton clinic. We have been picking up in patient volume since early March and she has done everything she can to extend her time in order to offer services and find timeslots to patients who are in need. There have been times when another PT will see Alyssa’s patients and she goes above and beyond to give us the information about the patient so we can provide the best care possible. Alyssa’s first thought is always the patient and does whatever she can to accommodate.

Bella showed such a patience with the very “green” front desk at Guilford. Circumstances meant that the vast majority of team had only a matter of weeks experience in any front office, let alone one like Guilford in late fall. Bella showed us how to do things, numerous times, even when we pushed the adage “there’s no such thing as a stupid question” to its fullest limit. There must have been days where she felt like “Alexa” with question after question. When she didn’t know the answer, we worked out together who to ask. We are so happy when she decided to join us permanently.

Bragger: Anonymous

Bragger: Carole Pimenta, Guilford PSC

Admin Senior Authorization Coordinator Christine Raffone Admin Customer Experience Coordinator Alison Pearce Alison is always there and ready to help, whenever there is a question. If she doesn’t know the answer (which is rare!), she’ll find out. She might say she’s just doing her job, but she goes above and beyond. Thank you, Alison! I know I couldn’t do this without you!

Bragger: Anonymous

Admin Referral Coordinator Christine Hill Christine has been awesome since we started in Lock St back in September. She has been super helpful in guiding our transition into the Yale Health System. She shares insights about patients and staff, and she manages difficult and/or high anxiety people well.

She is a tireless worker, managing our schedules and all the YHP referrals. Patient have often talked about how pleasant and professional she is. We are lucky to have her!

Bragger: Danielle Butsch, Lock Street Director

Christine has helped to make the transition to remote authorization incredibly seamless. She is very communicative and helpful with any questions our clinic may have for her. I have really enjoyed working with Christine on remote authorization and I am very appreciative for all of her hard work and dedication to PTSMC. She is always ready to answer any question I may have and somedays I do have a lot (LOL). I am very thankful that our clinic has successfully transitioned to remote authorization and that I get work with Christine. She has been wonderful!

Bragger: Lauren MacDonald, Essex PSC Admin Employee Engagement & Program Coordinator Mallory Mason Mallory is someone who is there to help with logistics.

Prior to Covid, I leaned on Mal for help with event planning for In-Service Provider Talks. She was always instrumental in making the event come together. Now that her role has gone remote, I call on her for help. She is terrific on all things TEAMs and Survey Monkey!

Thanks so much, Mal! Pictured: Janet (left) and Mal (right).

Bragger: Janet Tarasuk, Practice Liaison Admin Marketing Coordinator Emily Fillion I want to thank Emily Fillion for her continued behind the scenes work in providing me the materials I need to be effective at my Practice Liaison role. An example of the way Emily assisted me, was when I needed a concise report for a provider presentation, she was right there to develop a great finished product. I appreciate all you do!

Bragger: Janet Tarasuk, Practice Liaison

Admin Patient Benefits Administrator Donna Baribault Donna’s ability to teach the fundamentals of the health insurance industry to the front desk is not to be taken for granted. Her ability to explain things and make us laugh at ourselves helped us form as a team. Although she works away from our office, we consider her a true coworker. Her daily humor and tips make every day better. Sincerely, “The Evil Triplets” Braggers: Bella, Carole, Sarah (Guilford PSC’s)

Admin Director of Marketing Peter Decoteau Peter Decoteau is a terrific support to me! He is flexible and willing to help at any moment. He makes our Marketing group stand out as being well informed, prepared and accommodating to providers and community organizations. Peter creates polished and eye-catching marketing materials in order to make my job easier. Thank you, Peter for all your hard work!

Bragger: Janet Tarasuk, Practice Liaison