Meet Our Team

Jennifer Larsen, RN BC, Registered Nurse

Why did you pick your profession?

I always wanted to help people.  My mother was a nurse, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps.

Practice Background

I worked in a small community hospital on a medical-surgical floor where I was able to fine-tune my skills with multiple levels of care.  Then I went to a city hospital where I worked on an orthopedic floor.

Strengths

Certified in Medical-Surgical nursing, Diabetic teaching, Wound Care, Pain Management, Oasis Certified.

What I like about working in home health

I feel we make a difference in the elderly quality of life.

What I like about Freedom Home Health

That Freedom Home Health is evidence based and we always put the client first.

Top of Page

Kimberly Payne, MSPT - Physical Therapist

Why did you pick your profession?

I was working in advertising in Chicago, Illinois when I ended up with multiple knee injuries from playing women’s rugby.  I realized that I enjoyed being at the therapy clinic, more than I enjoyed being at work.  Every physical therapist I asked told me that they loved their career.

Practice Background

I enjoyed working in acute rehabilitation at Grant Hospital, since everyone worked together as a team.  I transitioned to home health and worked in multiple environments prior to starting Freedom Home Health.  I have training in spine and manual therapy, orthopedic, cardiovascular, vestibular, and issues involving home health.

Strengths

I have significant training in dealing with the vestibular system, having served a clinical affiliation with a specialist and attended the extensive Vestibular Competency Course.
I set up a vestibular rehabilitation program at Grant Hospital prior to leaving and continue to assist patients with complaints of dizziness and dysfunctions related to their vestibular system and balance deficits.
I accepted an appointment to serve on the OT, PT and AT Board for licensure and laws that involve therapy issues.  I continue to work at the state and federal levels to address legislative and legal issues for patients.  I currently serve on the Ohio Council of Home Care for governmental affairs.

What I like about working in home health

I have never regretted my change in career.  I love going to work each day, knowing that I can make a difference in enabling a client to stay independent at home safely

What I like about Freedom Home Health

I am very proud of being part of such a talented, dedicated team of clinicians.

Top of Page

Pamela Davis, Physical Therapist

 Why did you pick your profession?

 I thought that physical therapy would be the perfect marriage of teaching, art, and science.  I started teaching people how to swim as an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor at the age of 15.  This experience was one that helped me to decide to pursue physical therapy at Ohio State.  Since graduation, my teaching career has continued as a licensed practitioner in the state of Ohio.

 Practice Background

 I received my Bachelor’s of Science at The Ohio State University. I have worked at Dodd Hall, Grant Hospital, Ohio State University Hospital East, Traveling Physical Therapist in Seattle WA, and Several Long Term Care facilities.

 Strengths

 Neurological Rehabilitation, Joint Replacement, Geriatrics, Inpatient Acute, Management Experience.

 What I like about working in home health –

 I enjoy helping people maximize their independence so they may live well in their golden years.

 What I like about Freedom Home Health–

 It’s a diversified team that emphasizes patient care and customer service.

Top of Page

 Why did you pick your profession?

 My mother was receiving home IVIG therapy her home care nurse told me about a customer service opening at the home care pharmacy that she worked at.

 Practice Background

 I graduated in 2006 from University of Phoenix with my BSBM. I have worked in home care for seven years, I have ten years of customer service. Previous home care agencies that I have worked for include: Apria Healthcare, Home Reach, and University OptionCare.

 Strengths

 I adapt well to a changing environment; I like challenges, work well under pressure; I ‘m a problem solver and learn quickly.

 What I like about working in home health –

 I like having one on one contact with the patient so that I am able to make them feel more comfortable about their home care experience. I also like to know that I am a part of their improved quality of life.

 What I like about Freedom Home Health–

 I like working for a smaller company that is focused on patient care. Freedom Home Health sets a high quality standard  of care that other home care agencies cannot attain. Kimberly, Jennifer and David are easy going, understanding, respectful and open to new ideas.

Top of Page

Dr. Sara Knox, DPT, Physical Therapist

 Why did you pick your profession?

 Whenever anyone asked me what I was going to be when I grew up I always said the same thing, “A Doctor.” But during high school that changed. I was required to shadow a professional for a day. I thought this was going to be my start down the path to becoming a physician, I was wrong.  Instead, I realized that I wanted something different for myself.  I knew I wanted the opportunity to spend substantial time with my patients and just had to find that profession that would let me do that.  Then fate intervened and an ankle injury landed me in physical therapy.  I knew almost instantly that I had found what I had been looking for.  Physical therapy was the perfect combination of medicine, caring for others, and the opportunity to spend time with patients.  I have been in love with this profession ever since!

 Practice Background

 I received my Master’s of Physical Therapy and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University in Winchester Virginia.  After graduation I returned to Ohio and began practicing at Banyan Tree Rehab in Gahanna, Ohio where I treated individuals of all ages with primarily orthopedic injuries.  Next, I treated middle school and high school aged athletes while working for Children’s Hospital’s Sports Medicine program.  In addition to presently working for Freedom Home Health, I am also an adjunct faculty member for Clark State’s Physical Therapy Assistant Program.  I am an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association at the state and national levels.

 Strengths

 Strong background in orthopedics and balance training.

 What I like about working in home health –

 I love being part of a profession that centers around helping others to live their lives and go after their dreams.  Helping others is the biggest reward!  The smiles on my patients’ faces when they have finally overcome that obstacle that has been in their way is priceless and I feel fortunate to be a part of those moments and to help make those moments possible.

 What I like about Freedom Home Health–

 Working for Freedom Home Health does not feel like work at all, it feels like a family joining together to achieve their goals.  Most importantly though, it is great to work with a company that puts the patient first and foremost! 

Top of Page

 Why did you pick your profession?

 I spent a summer volunteering at an orthopedic handicapped day camp and an Easter Seals day camp.

 Practice Background

 I began as a LPTA in Skilled Nursing Facilities. I graduated from University of Findlay “two-in-two” program in 1998. I worked in SNF’s specializing in neuro, ortho and Alzheimer’s; as well as an out patient clinic that was hospital based most recently home care with University Option Care for the past seven years.

 Strengths

 Strong Orthopedic background; especially knees, hips and shoulders. Very comfortable with the general population.

 What I like about working in home health –

 Personally, I enjoy the relationship that forms with the patient and family. Professionally the progress and eventually improving the patients function is very regarding.

 What I like about Freedom Home Health–

 The mission of the company and the commitment of the partners to achieve that mission; as well as the emphasis on “team.”

Top of Page

Why did you pick your profession?

 Working as a Team Liaison is an excellent opportunity to learn about the home health field and the detailed work that goes into patient care plans.

Practice Background

Before coming to Freedom Home Health, I worked as a pharmacy technician for Grant Hospital, a nurse’s aide for First Community Village and legislative assistance for Columbus City Council.  I have also been a group fitness instructor for almost two years for Lifestyle Family Fitness.

Strengths

Having an awareness of the nature of Assisted Living facilities and medication knowledge has helped me catch on quickly.  I believe in working hard and in doing something right the first time.  I have taken Science pre-requisites in preparation for nursing school. I also have certification in Aerobics and Fitness Association of America group fitness and I am a State Tested Nurses Aide.

What I like about working in home health –

I will be continuing my education into nursing where I hope to have the opportunity to change many lives.

What I like about Freedom Home Health–

  I love the team of people I work with and enjoy staying busy.

Top of Page

Why did you pick your profession?

I chose Speech Pathology as a profession because of the ability to combine communication and science to help people regain independence.

Practice Background

While in the greater Cincinnati are, I have worked in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Home Health, Private Practice and the Jewish and University of Cincinnati Hospitals.

Strengths

Specializes in voice and swallowing recovery from head and neck cancers; specialty training in diagnostic and treatment options, certified to perform FEES (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallow); was part of an interdisciplinary team that established FEES diagnostics at the University of Cincinnati Hospitals. Also has worked in neurology, trauma and intensive care units evaluating and treating dysphagia, speech, language, cognitive and voice disorders.

What I like about working in home health –

I enjoy helping people maximize their independence so they may live well in their golden years.

What I like about Freedom Home Health–

I like working with the team at Freedom Home Health where commitment to client care is not just talked about, but truly is performed and ethical lines are not even approached, let alone crossed.

Top of Page

Why did you pick your profession?

I chose to be a speech therapist after taking my first communication disorders class as an elementary education major.  It was the perfect blending of medical and educational disciplines for me.

Practice Background

I have been a practicing therapist since 1990; I have worked with both pediatric and adult clients in a variety of settings including private practice, long term care and home health.  I earned my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Speech Pathology-Audiology, from Bowling Green State University.  I received my Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the Ohio State University.  I am licensed to practice in the state of Ohio and I am certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association.

Strengths

The work I find most rewarding is the rehabilitation of older adults with communication or swallowing disorders.  They are typically appreciative of any skill or bit of independence they can regain.

What I like about working in home health –

I enjoy being a therapist because I enjoy people and I believe in the importance of communication.

What I like about Freedom Home Health–

Freedom Home Health is a great company to work for because they support me in putting my clients’ needs first.

Top of Page

Why did you pick your profession?

As an athletic child I suffered from shoulder and knee injuries that required Physical therapy.  Also I witnessed my grandfather undergoing home Physical Therapy while he lived with us following open heart surgery.

Practice Background

I graduated from Bucknell University in 1992 with my Bachelor’s.  I graduated from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia in 1995 with my Masters.  I worked at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Philadelphia and HomeReach Home Care, and the Forum at Knightsbridge in OH.

Strengths

I have worked in all areas of Physical Therapy including pediatrics, neuro/ortho rehab, outpatient rehab, aquatic therapy and home care for many years. I have a strong general background, primarily in orthopedics.  I have various continuing education classes focusing on geriatrics, balance and strengthening.  I am a member of APTA the Ohio Chapter.

What I like about working in home health –

I enjoy “hands on” working with patients and having the time to educated patients and focusing on the source of the problem rather than just the symptoms.

What I like about Freedom Home Health–

The team work approach and patient focused care are the number one priority. 

Top of Page

 Why did you pick your profession?

 I was always interested in a medical field and didn’t really think about being a nurse.  I actually first heard about PT at a school career day. After checking out all the Allied Medical Professions at OSU, I confirmed that PT was probably for me. 

Practice Background

I have worked at many various positions, but most recently, I was the Academic Clinical Educator at the PTA program at COTC from 1990 until the program closed. During that same time, from 1993 to 1996 I worked on the joint implant floor at Grant doing acute care for surgical pts, and also at the Joint Implant Office doing pre-admission evaluations and follow-up outpatient care.  I have been doing home health for 6 years now and have enjoyed it more than anything else. 

Strengths

I feel my strength lies in being a compassionate, professional caregiver.  I love working with people, problem solving, and seeing quantitative results reflected in the improved quality of life for many of our patients.  I have taken courses in home care, many different balance, exercise, and fall risk courses for the geriatric population, as well as course updates on various diseases such as Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Osteoarthritis. I have also been a Member of APTA since 1972.

What I like about working in home health –

I have always loved my profession for it’s flexibility in work areas and good part-time positions, and I have met so many wonderful people that happen to be Physical Therapists.  But I think I am a caretaker at heart and the patients are the best part of it.  It is such fun to get to know them and have the privilege to work with them!  I love the geriatric population and the one-on-one contact.

What I like about Freedom Home Health–

Freedom Home Health is the best company I have worked with. The Principals in the company are there for all the right reasons, have the patient’s best interest in mind always, and have hired a fantastic staff.  I am very pleased to be a part of it!

Top of Page

Why did you pick your profession?

I choose Occupational Therapy because of its holistic approach to treating the patient.

Practice Background

I have worked at Bethesda Hospital, Zanesville,

OH-Psych Unit 1984-1989

OSU Neuropsych., Columbus, OH 1989-1991

Providence Montessori School, Lexington, OH 1994-1995

St. Joseph Hospital, Lexington, KY 1995-1998

Bryden Place, Columbus, OH 2001-2005

BA in Psychology from Ohio University in Athens

BS in Allied Health, Occupational Therapy at OSU in Columbus, OH

Strengths

I have a strong background in mental health which helps me identify additional barriers to progress.  I am a strong team member both with peers and patients. I have strong communication skills.

What I like about working in home health –

I like helping people get back to purposeful lives, and helping patient regain their independence.

What I like about Freedom Home Health–

It’s incredibly rewarding to work with people who are some of the best in their field.  All the therapists here work well as a team and are open to ideas from colleagues.  It’s a fun, friendly working environment that encourages all of us to reach our potential and holds us to high professional standards.

Top of Page

Why did you pick your profession?

I chose to be a Physical Therapist because I enjoy working with people and wanted to be in a profession that made a difference in the quality of someone’s life.

Practice Background

2000 Worked at Grant Hospital in acute care setting which included; ICU, CCU, Trauma, Joint Implants, and general surgery patients.

2000-2005 Grant Acute Inpatient Rehab; primarily worked with stroke, head injuries, spinal cord injuries and general debilitated patients.  Lead Physical Therapist 2004-2005.

2005-2006 Worked at Riverside Acute Inpatient Rehab; primarily worked with stroke, head injuries, and general debilitated patients. Senior Physical Therapist.

Strengths

I am NDT trained and have utilized this type of treatment during my work in inpatient rehab and with patients’ who have neurological impairments.  I have taken several courses in this area, which included gait analysis and training, UE evaluation and treatment, and a 3 week course which included treatment and analysis of patient’s with neurological dysfunction.

What I like about working in home health –

I enjoy being a physical therapist and establishing relationships with both my patient’s and their families.  The greatest thing about my job is seeing the progress and improvement in functional mobility and quality of life a person can achieve from physical therapy intervention.

What I like about Freedom Home Health–

Freedom Home Health truly puts the patient first.  They do not compromise ethical standards in providing the best care and treatment for the patient.

Top of Page

Why did you pick your profession?

I always knew that I wanted to be in the medical field and I started out in medical technology, but soon realized that I wanted to work with people on a more personal basis.  It was also a way to combine my love of athletics with a career that is physical in nature.

Practice Background

I have worked in most every setting, including hospital, outpatient, home health and now, more specifically assisted living and senior living facilities.  In the early years of my career, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work in a chronic pain outpatient program, working with other health professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapist, physical medicine physicians specialized in chronic pain, and nursing.  I learned so much about the psychological aspects of pain and also the basics of how to work with people.  This experience has been invaluable to me.  Another specialization I have is treating mechanical spinal pain including headaches, neck and back pain.  I have taken 3/4 McKenzie courses toward certification in the McKenzie method which has been very effective with significant positive results.  I have been able to use these techniques in many of the outpatient settings that I have worked and continue to use them currently with the elderly population.

Strengths

Spine and Manual Therapy, McKenzie Method, Joint Replacements, Chronic Pain, Geriatrics

What I like about working in home health –

There is so much satisfaction in assisting patients to improve their functional status and improve their lives!  I thoroughly enjoy working with the elderly population with the stories they tell and appreciativeness that they show toward any assistance that they receive.  Total joint patients are fun and satisfying to work with because of the fast progress that they make post surgery.  Each patient is special and should be treated with respect and kindness.

What I like about Freedom Home Health–

The first thing that drew me to the company was their advertisement offering a flexible schedule, which is one of my favorite things about the job, but the people are what keeps me at this job.  After working in several situations in other companies where I was uncomfortable with company practices, I feel confident that we as a team are working with integrity and always trying to do the right thing.  The company believes that if we are doing the right thing, even though it doesn’t seem to benefit us at the current moment, it will eventually work out toward our good.  I like that sense of security!  Our team has different strengths and we are comfortable consulting with one another to ultimately give the client the best care possible.

Top of Page