Rachel

Why did you pick your profession? I had a dynamic anatomy teacher in high school as well as a father who was a nursing home administrator who both recommended the profession of PT to me.

Practice Background: 10 years. - OSU Outpatient Interdisciplinary team member for adult neuro - Home health x 2yrs - SNF rehab director x 4yrs - Gait analysis and body wt support treadmill training

Strengths: - Gait analysis - W/C seating and positioning - Orthotics and prosthetics - Neurological clinical specialist

What I like about working in home health: - Having "the real thing" to practice - Bathroom, kitchen, bed - Getting to know families or other caregivers in the home

What I like about Freedom Home Health: - Adherence to ethics - Evidenced based practice

Linda Bogenschutz

Physical Therapist

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Rachel Botkin

Physical Therapist

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Anne Bott

Physical Therapist

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Shelley Cameron

Physical Therapist

Why did you pick your profession? I have always been fascinated by the human body in form and function. Physical Therapy is unique in that our knowledge of the body's function directly impacts our ability to help our patients with their function. I like the challenge of trying to solve the puzzle and make our patients' lives a little better.

Practice Background: In 2009, I retired from the US Air Force after 20 years. During that time I worked in various settings to include outpatient orthopedics/sports medicine, acute rehab and health and wellness. My first "after Air Force" job was working with the frail elderly. I knew after the first day there I would always work with seniors.

Strengths: I have a strong orthopedic background. My experience in the Air Force allowed me to function as an independent medical provider. I think my real strength lies in the wide variety of experiences I have had and how I have tried to learn something from all the great people I have worked with in the past.

What I like about working in home health: I enjoy working with older adults as the ability to maintain as much independence as possible improves someone's quality of life in so many ways.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: As a new employee I was attracted to the philosophy of doing what's best for the patient as job one.

Stephanie Carter

PT, MS, PhD, OCS

Why did you pick your profession? I made the decision in high school to pursue physical therapy as a career and never looked back. I cannot imagine doing anything else because it is truly the greatest profession. I have enjoyed teaching others to become physical therapist and I hope that I have shared my enthusiasm for for the profession.

Practice Background: I graduated in 1990 from The Ohio State University with a bachelors in physical therapy. I moved to southeast Florida to work and also got a masters degree from the University of Miami. From there I decided to go into teaching and moved to Athens, Ohio where I got my PhD at Ohio University. I have spent most of my career teaching and doing research. However, through the years I have maintained a practice in orthopedics with an emphasis in spine. In 2005 I became an orthopedic clinical specialist.

Strengths: I love to learn, so moving into the new practice area of geriatrics has given me many reasons to continue to study. My strength has always been challenging patients to overcome their impairments. I have done research in the area of outcomes and geriatric practice has many tools to measure change and show the progress that patients have made through physical therapy.

What I like about working in home health: The challenge of complex patients. Not only the complexity with their physical impairments, but the social, family, and living environment. I also love the geriatric patients. Their lives are so interesting and I have been able to gain new insights about the later stages of life.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: What I like about Freedom Home Health: Freedom truly has a great team that is dedicated to providing "best practice".

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.

Angie DeBolt

Registered Nurse

Why did you pick your profession? Nursing was something I wanted to do from a young age. I always enjoyed helping people, my aunt was a nurse and I liked hearing her stories of people who had come through an illness and she was able to help them during that time.

Practice Background: I worked as a nurses aide for 2 years in the ICU. Graduated from nursing school and worked for 8 years in a Cardiac Step down unit. I have now been in home health for about four years.

Strengths: Desire to see others healthy and able to care for themselves and their health.

What I like about working in home health: I enjoy home health because it gives me the chance to get to know my clients and teach them ways to help themselves through illness or a new diagnosis.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: I enjoy working with Freedom because we are all in the home for the same reason, to help that person excel in independence or learn more about their health status. I feel we all work well as a team and are comfortable with each other.

Lindsay Goodman

Physical Therapist

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Amy Gross

Registered Nurse

Why did you pick your profession? I chose to be a nurse after working at a hospital in the kitchen. I would always admire the work the nurses performed.

Practice Background: I have been a registered nurse since 1995; I've worked in home health and hospice. I also was a Disease State Manager for wounds for a home care company in New Jersey. I earned my BSN (Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing) from Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre PA. I am licensed to practice in New Jersey and Ohio. I am taking course work to be a Certified Specialist. I have attended many wound care seminars and have a great interest in wounds.

Strengths: I feel my strengths are in being a caring and compassionate nurse. I enjoy meeting people and making a difference in their lives. I understand and can empathize with what clients are going through.

What I like about working in home health: I have enjoyed working as a nurse and find it a very rewarding career.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: Freedom Home Health is a committed to providing the best care for their clients. They go the extra mile for client satisfaction.

Tiffany Hardin

Registered Nurse

Why did you pick your profession? I not only enjoy the science of nursing, but also the human side of my work. I enjoy facilitating clients to reach their full potential with their health and otherwise.

Practice Background: Much of my experience is with the older population, although I have worked with all age groups. i have worked in an ambulatory clinic, long term care, and post acute.

Strengths: I like to include the client in making decisions regarding their own care. I empower the client to make productive healthcare decisions.

What I like about working in home health: I think it is great if a client can receive care in their home. It is where they are comfortable. I love nursing as it has been a calling for me.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: Freedom Home Health is a wonderful employer. Freedom utilizes technology for great efficiency. Continuing education is provided and awesome client care is the priority.

Lisa Huffman

Physical Therapist

Why did you pick your profession? I was completing a summer research grant from The American Heart Association when the mentoring professor advised me to shadow his wife, a therapist. He kept telling me I was too social to be a laboratory scientist. After volunteering in local physical therapy departments, I realized this was a great fit for me. Physical therapy has allowed me to combine my love for science with my dedication to service others. I have always felt honored to be a part of this profession.

Practice Background: The Ohio State University B.S. Physical Therapy/Health South Rehab. Hospital Parkersburg, WV/The Rehab Center at Marietta Memorial Hospital/Outpatient Neurologic Services, Marietta Memorial Hospital/Washington State Community College PTA program Lecturer/MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, Doctor of Physical Therapy/School-based physical therapy/Easter Seals of Central Ohio/The Ohio State University Adjunct Faculty

Strengths: My clinical experiences have included a variety of settings. I feel each experience from toddler classrooms to end of life care has challenged my ability to assess the human body, analyze movement, and improve the client quality of life. My biggest strength is my love for life at all stages and levels of ability. My clinical skill set has focused on adult neurology and the geriatric population for the majority of my career. Specialized areas of treatment I have been involved with include Adult Day Hospital, Gait and Balance Clinics, Vestibular rehabilitation, and Urinary Incontinence programs.

What I like about working in home health: Home health allows us to take therapy out of the hospital and into the home. It is a great opportunity to make a difference in the daily life of our client.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: I was attracted to Freedom Home Health's commitment to "Best Practice". The practice model is patient driven and dedicated to clinician education.

Katie Johnson

Why did you pick your profession? I have always been passionate about working with the geriatric population.

Practice Background: I earned my Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University and majored in Geriatrics and Gerontology.

Strengths: I am an outgoing and helpful person who loves the elderly.

What I like about working in home health: I worked as a home health aide during college and learned how helpful and accommodating it can be. I believe it gives people the freedom and flexibility to live their typical everyday life.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: It is very rewarding to work for a company that has such high standards for their patients. Everyone works together as a team and is able to have fun while doing so.

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.

Lisa Mattevi

Why did you pick your profession? Because of my character traits, working in some capacity helping older adults seemed like a perfect fit for me. I am fortunate to be working for a company that allows me to meet new people everyday, while earning their trust and building long-lasting relationships that are mutually beneficial.

Practice Background: I earned by Bachelor of Arts in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from Michigan State University, and years later my career path led me to the healthcare industry. Working in sales and marketing for a senior independent living community made me realize that the older population does not receive the attention and respect they deserve. I am happy to play a part in making their lives a little better.

Strengths: I am genuine, compassionate, and an excellent listener. I love getting to know people, and it makes me happy to give everyone I meet a reason to smile.

What I like about working in home health: I enjoy the variety of work in the field of home health. I like interacting with the residents in a social and supportive role, and building relationships with people who I can partner with to improve the quality of life for the older adults we are lucky to serve.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: Freedom Home Health has raised the bar when it comes to customer service. What is best for the client is ALWAYS our top priority. I like the huge emphasis placed on teamwork, education, and research within the field, as well as the company's proactive approach. I love working for a company that is the absolute best at what they do.

Kimberly McLaughlin

Physical Therapist

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."

Jackie Metro

PT, DPT

Why did you pick your profession? I first decided I wanted to be a physical therapist after undergoing a long course of physical therapy for an ACL reconstruction. After witnessing my grandmother quickly decline in her function and independence with severe osteoporosis, I decided I wanted to help older adults prevent chronic diseases and functional decline and ultimately achieve a better quality of life.

Practice Background: B.S in Exercise Science, The Ohio State University, 2005 | Doctor of Physical Therapy, The Ohio State University, 2008 | Geriatric Resident, The Ohio State University/Freedom Home Health | ACSM Certification Completed a specialized practicum experience at The University of North Carolina in Geriatric Wellness where I developed and implemented senior group exercise classes, screened seniors for fall risk, functional fitness, and need for additional medical/rehabilitation services. Worked in a specialized geriatric evaluation clinic, outpatient geriatric clinic, and assisted in various large research projects for balance interventions and aging in place technology.

Strengths: Continued desire to learn, passion for wellness and prevention, and experience in fitness industry and community based wellness programming.

What I like about working in home health: The opportunity to build relationships with seniors and their families and helping older adults to age in place.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: Priorities of professionalism, evidence based practice, and putting the patient's needs first.

Kwyn Moffitt

MA, CCC/SLP, Speech-Language Pat

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.

Cindy Morehead

MA, CCC/SLP, Speech-Language Pat

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.

Kerrie Obert

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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.

Lisa Penry

Registered Nurse

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Tina Root

Physical Therapist

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 its 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 patients' best interest in mind always, and have hired a fantastic staff. I am very pleased to be a part of it!

Nicole Shundry

Why did you pick your profession? I have always been passionate about the health care industry and wanted a rewarding, challenging career helping the geriatric community.

Practice Background: I attended Kent State University and earned my Bachelor's degree, majoring in English. I have 5 years experience in medical sales and marketing.

Strengths: I am very outgoing and competitive. I love being challenged with different, new, opportunities every day.

What I like about working in home health: I enjoy building relationships with clients as well as others also working in the healthcare and medical industry. It is exciting to know that at the end of the day, whether directly or indirectly, you are helping someone in need receive excellent medical care.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: I feel that in order to be successful at your career, you have to be passionate about what you wake up to do every day. I love the team I work with and the excellent, evidence based care Freedom provides. Working for a company that truly is clinician directed and client driven makes my job even more enjoyable and rewarding because I know clients are receiving quality care.

Michelle Toth

Physical Therapist

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Trisha Treboni

Physical Therapist

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Julie Weng

Physical Therapist

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. Physical therapy has allowed me to combine my love of athletics with a career that assists others to reach their best physical function.

Practice Background: I have worked in most every setting including hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health care which now includes 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, specialized nurses and physical medicine physicians. I learned so much about the psychological aspects of pain and also the basics of how to work with people effectively. This experience has been invaluable to me as I strive to be a caring and effective therapist. I have also worked in several facilities that focused on the treatment of mechanical spinal pain including headaches, neck and back pain using the McKenzie method which has been very effective in reducing people's pain and improving their function. I have been able to use these techniques in many of the settings that I have worked and continue to use them currently with the senior population.

Strengths: There are several areas that I have developed expertise including: *treatment of the spine including headaches using the McKenzie methods *joint replacements *chronic pain *geriatrics *general orthopedics

What I like about working in home health: There is so much satisfaction in assisting patients to improve their everyday lives in their own home where they have to function day to day. I especially enjoy the relationships that develop with the clients and their families as they share their life stories and we work toward their therapy goals.

What I like about Freedom Home Health: 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. That is very important to me. We try to follow a simple guideline when treating our clients and what does the client need to be successful? We really try to go the extra mile for our clients and we use each other as resources to provide the best care.

Jennifer Wood

Physical Therapist

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