VOL. 7 NUMBER 2: May 2011VOL. 7 NUMBER 2: May 2011

I recently had a lunch appointment with a long time T2K employee. To protect the innocent, let’s call her Chris. Chris does not report directly to me, in fact, she is “two layers” removed from me on the organizational chart (and I have it from good authority, only four degrees from Kevin Bacon!!!)

During our lunch, she offered a number of observations about workfl ow related issues in her department. Quickly summarized, as we have grown, things have become less effi cient, and as things have become less effi cient, instead of re-innovating our processes, we have added people. Now we have a bunch of people who are all working really hard, staying super busy, but who are in many ways duplicating each other’s processes. As a result, the department is not nearly as productive as they could be. Chris offered some really good ideas for possible solutions, some of which we could implement immediately. Towards the end of our lunch appointment, I asked the employee whether she would be willing to talk to her supervisor and suggest these improvements. She gave me a look of absolute horror, and then proceeded to give me 100 reasons why that was a really bad idea. She believed her supervisor would feel criticized, would get defensive, might not like to hear these ideas, and would probably end up giving her a bad review. Chris was convinced she would pay a price if she offered the great solutions that she was walking around with in her head. Although she and I were able to agree on a path towards getting some of her ideas to her supervisor in a way that she felt safe with, this conversation has stayed with me, and has made me want to ask the following: Does this sound like YOU?

The process of suggesting improvements to your supervisor is called leading up. I like this defi nition by Michael Useem, author of the book, Leading Up: How To Lead Your Boss So You Both Win. "Leading up is the act of working with people above you - whether one boss, several bosses, a chief executive, a board of directors or even stockholders - to help them and you get a better job done." His defi nition shows that leading up should happen at all levels of the organization, and that it is a mutually benefi cial activity. Everyone wins. You, your leaders, the organization, everyone benefi ts.

Are you a “leader upper?” Do you regularly suggest improvements to your supervisor? Or are you more like Chris, and keep your great ideas to yourself? What were the messages that you received when you grew up about leading up? Did your parents encourage you to offer ideas and speak up, or were you taught, “children should be seen, not heard?” Did your teachers treat you as disruptive when you raised your hand more often than they had time for, or were you lucky enough to have teachers who invited debate and participation? What have your previous and current work experiences taught you? Do you currently report to a supervisor who invites your input and ideas, or is your current supervisor just “too busy” to listen?

Leading up takes courage and tenacity. Your supervisor may not always be in a place to hear your good ideas. He or she might feel criticized, and get a bit defensive. There could be hurt feelings, tears may fl ow, or your supervisor may even throw a bit of a tantrum. Even without these outcomes, your supervisor could brush off your ideas as “simply impossible,” “we don’t have time,” or another reason along those lines. Now YOU feel upset, have hurt feelings and tears, or, now we have YOU throwing a tantrum!

Although leading up is not easy to do, it’s very much worth the effort. If you do it well, there is an enormous pay off. A successful partnership between you and your supervisor can result in higher job satisfaction for yourself, those around you, and better outcomes for the entire company, including better and more effi cient care for the families we serve.

If you are a T2K employee who is walking around with some great ideas that have been marinating in the back of your mind, I urge you to go to your supervisor and bring them up. If you are not heard the fi rst time, try at least one more time. If you are still not heard, work that org chart! Thank your supervisor for listening, and invite him/her to go have a chat with his/her supervisor. Be courageous and tenacious! Remember that “NO” simply means “not today.”

T2K’s mission is to improve lives. When you lead up, you are true to that mission. Leading up helps you, your fellow T2K’ers, and our patients. Don’t hold back. Lead up so that we can collectively improve our lives, and the lives of those we serve.

lead uP!! from the administrator, Jerre van den Bent, Pt

-Jerre

Marketing kerrie owens and shannon anderson, lMsw

• Marketing.......................2

• Education..................... 3

• Corporate......................4

• Chari-T2000..............5-6

• HR...................................7

• B-Days/Anniv.................8

• Divisions...................9-18

Inside This Issue:

Integrity in MarketingDictionary.com def ines integrity as, “adherence to

moral and ethical principles, soundness of moral character,” or

simply put - integrity means honesty. Integrity to THERAPY

2000 means doing the right thing, never the easy thing. This

is especially true in marketing, where it is sometimes tempting

to tell the physicians, referral coordinators, and discharge

planners exactly what they want to hear to get the referral.

After all, as a marketer, we are judged by the number of

referrals received each month. As a marketer for THERAPY

2000, we want to make sure that we are honest and promise only what we know we can

provide. Marketing has become increasingly diff icult in some par ts of our North Texas

service area as a result of the recent changes in payer sources. It would be easier to say

that we accept Medicaid and leave it overly general allowing the referrals to pour in. We

don’t do this because we value honesty, and we don’t want to make empty promises that

will go unfulf illed. While it may be benef icial to us in the short-term, it doesn’t benef it

our goals in the long run and can actually hur t our reputation within the community.

Integrity creates a sense of trust and almost always results in success.

Whether you are a representative in the business off ice, local division, or a therapist

in the f ield, you are marketing for THERAPY 2000 every day in your interactions with

the families, physicians’ off ices, and community agencies. We need to make sure that

when we work with our clients we are always doing the right thing and not the easy thing.

We don’t want to promise that we can provide services for a child when we know that

we don’t have staff available, or as a therapist we don’t want to promise miracles that

are not realistic to the child’s abilities. As marketers, we depend on you to promote the

same values that we are communicating in the f ield, so that as a whole, THERAPY 2000

is regarded as a company with integrity.

Integrity at THERAPY 2000 is a collaborative effor t

to achieve success through a strong adherence to moral

principles. As your marketers, we promise to always

represent THERAPY 2000 conscientiously and to never

bend the rules in order to achieve our depar tmental

goals. We ask you to do the same in your daily points of

interaction with the community. If we all work towards the

same goal of integrity, we can ensure the future success of

THERAPY 2000!

Integrity moral and ethical principles, soundness of moral character,” or

Integrity moral and ethical principles, soundness of moral character,” or

simply put - integrity means honesty. Integrity to THERAPY Integrity simply put - integrity means honesty. Integrity to THERAPY

2000 means doing the right thing, never the easy thing. This Integrity 2000 means doing the right thing, never the easy thing. This

is especially true in marketing, where it is sometimes tempting Integrity

is especially true in marketing, where it is sometimes tempting

creates planners exactly what they want to hear to get the referral.

creates planners exactly what they want to hear to get the referral.

After all, as a marketer, we are judged by the number of creates After all, as a marketer, we are judged by the number of

referrals received each month. As a marketer for THERAPY creates referrals received each month. As a marketer for THERAPY

2000, we want to make sure that we are honest and promise only what we know we can creates

2000, we want to make sure that we are honest and promise only what we know we can

a sense of service area as a result of the recent changes in payer sources. It would be easier to say

a sense of service area as a result of the recent changes in payer sources. It would be easier to say

that we accept Medicaid and leave it overly general allowing the referrals to pour in. We a sense of that we accept Medicaid and leave it overly general allowing the referrals to pour in. We

don’t do this because we value honesty, and we don’t want to make empty promises that a sense of don’t do this because we value honesty, and we don’t want to make empty promises that

will go unfulf illed. While it may be benef icial to us in the short-term, it doesn’t benef it a sense of

will go unfulf illed. While it may be benef icial to us in the short-term, it doesn’t benef it

trust and Integrity creates a sense of trust and almost always results in success.

trust and Integrity creates a sense of trust and almost always results in success.

Whether you are a representative in the business off ice, local division, or a therapist trust and Whether you are a representative in the business off ice, local division, or a therapist

in the f ield, you are marketing for THERAPY 2000 every day in your interactions with trust and

in the f ield, you are marketing for THERAPY 2000 every day in your interactions with

almost always when we work with our clients we are always doing the right thing and not the easy thing.

almost always when we work with our clients we are always doing the right thing and not the easy thing.

We don’t want to promise that we can provide services for a child when we know that almost always We don’t want to promise that we can provide services for a child when we know that

we don’t have staff available, or as a therapist we don’t want to promise miracles that almost always we don’t have staff available, or as a therapist we don’t want to promise miracles that

are not realistic to the child’s abilities. As marketers, we depend on you to promote the almost always

are not realistic to the child’s abilities. As marketers, we depend on you to promote the

results in is regarded as a company with integrity.

results in is regarded as a company with integrity.

Integrity at THERAPY 2000 is a collaborative effor t results in Integrity at THERAPY 2000 is a collaborative effor t

to achieve success through a strong adherence to moral results in

to achieve success through a strong adherence to moral

success.bend the rules in order to achieve our depar tmental success.bend the rules in order to achieve our depar tmental success.goals. We ask you to do the same in your daily points of success.goals. We ask you to do the same in your daily points of

interaction with the community. If we all work towards the success.

interaction with the community. If we all work towards the

Shannon Anderson, LMSW

Kerrie Owens

editorial staff

Jerre van den Bent, PTEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kyle ButlerMANAGING EDITOR

Alex ParisCOPY-WRITER/EDITOR

Shannon Anderson, LMSWKerrie OwensMARKETING

Belinda Williams, OTREDUCATION

Kate Short, PT, MPT, MBACORPORATE

Marketing kerrie owens and shannon anderson, lMsw

3

The GRIT of INTEGRITY

“We Show Integrity,” is one of THERAPY 2000's core values. It is more than a nice claim, it’s a guide for doing business, managing work relationships and delivering care. Integrity demands that we uphold consistently high personal, ethical and professional standards. It doesn’t allow for double standards, or unpredictable adherence to values.

Most of us have heard at least one homily on integrity and its virtues, so the impression is that it is an easy concept to understand and embrace, right? Well, it seems that way until we turn the magnifying glass around to closely examine our own levels of integrity.

Let’s ponder the following:

• Whydoesitalwaystakemorecouragetofairlyfacethepersonwithwhomweareupsetthantotalkaboutittosomeoneelse?

• Whyisiteasiertoseewrongandremainquiet,thantospeakupforwhat’sright?

• Whyisitmorefamiliartoseeaneedbutnotbemovedtoaction?

• Whydoes social-media give us permission to freely arguewithothers in frontof hundreds, perhapsthousands?

• Whyarebrokenpromiseswhichweremade tome, abiggerproblem than thepromises Ibreak forsomeoneelse?

The answers are not soothing ones, so rather than offend sensitivities may I suggest the following exercises for addressing each of the above with integrity?

• Whenupsetwithsomeone: 1.Takeamomenttowritedownwhat’sbotheringyoumostandwhatwouldmakeitbetterforyou. 2.Thinkofhowyouwouldwanttosomeonetodeliverthisnewstoyou,and... 3.kindlyengagethatpersoninaprivatesetting,givinghim/herthebenefitofthedoubt.(Afterall,YOU couldbewrong.)

• Whenyouseeinjustice,mistreatmentordishonesty,at leastask;“Whatisgoingonhere?”Thenask,“Whyisthishappening?”Theanswersmayinspireyoutoahelpfulresponse.

• Takeaction…dosomething!

• Don’tallowsocialmediatodampenyoursenseofsocial-emotionalintelligence.Wordshurtevenmorewhenputinwriting.Reservesocialmediaforinformative,positivemessagesandnetworking.

• Rememberthatwhenyoubreakpromises,youactuallysuffermorethanwhenoneisbrokentoyou.Yourreputationsuffersandtherelationshiplosesalittletrusteverytime.Doeverythingwithinyourpowertokeepyourwordandthereturn-on-investmentforbothpartieswillbeobvious.

education BY Belinda williaMs, otr, eXecutiVe director oF education & Qa

OperatiOns kate short, Pt, MPt, MBa

Corporate Compliance: How THErapY 2000 is protecting You

Corporate compliance has grown a nasty reputation over the last decade. Many of us have been left with a case of indigestion after consuming countless articles on financial scandals and stories of healthcare agencies being investigated for Medicare and Medicaid fraud. However, corporate compliance programs are in place in order to protect employees and companies from fraud and abuse and subsequent legal action. THERAPY 2000’s corporate compliance policy was developed to comply with the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which includes federal and state false claim laws and applies to all THERAPY 2000 employees, management, contractors, and agents. THERAPY 2000 has a corporate compliance program in place to monitor for and prevent occurrences of fraud and abuse. We educate all of our employees regarding federal and state false claims laws and the role of these laws in detecting and preventing fraud, waste and abuse in federal health programs.

False claims include the following:

1. Billingforservicesnotrendered.

2. Billingforservicesthatwerenotmedicallynecessary(over-utilization).

3. Billingforservicesforwhichthereisnotsufficientdocumentationtoprovemedicalnecessity.

There are many ways that THERAPY 2000 is ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, including the following seven recommendations from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the US Department of Health and Human Services:

• Implementingwrittenpolicies,proceduresandstandardsofconduct

• Designatingacomplianceofficerandcompliancecommittee.T2KcorporatecomplianceofficerdutiesaresharedbyDonnaTrantham(financialcompliance)andBelindaWilliams(clinicalcompliance).TheT2Kmanagementteamalsoplaysacriticalroleincorporatecomplianceauditingandinvestigations.

• Developingeffectivelinesofcommunication.Employeescananonymouslyreportfraudandabuseatanytimeandwillnotfaceretaliationforreportingcorporatecomplianceissues.

• Conductingeffectivetrainingandeducation.T2Keducatesemployeesregardingproperutilizationoftherapyservices,documentationofmedicalnecessity,aswellasT2Kpolicyregardingbillingforservices.

• Enforcingstandardsthroughprogressivedisciplinaryaction.T2Kwillnottoleratefraud,abuse,andwasteoffederalhealthcaredollars.

• Conductinginternalmonitoringandauditingofdocumentation,claims,andotherriskareas.

• Respondingpromptlytodetectedoffensesanddevelopingcorrectiveaction.Complaintsleadtoaformalinvestigationandaprocesstofollowuponreportsofproblems.

THERAPY 2000 needs your commitment to our corporate compliance program so that we can continue to effectively and ethically provide therapy services to our patients. Do the right thing every time! If you have a corporate compliance question please contact Donna Trantham, our financial compliance liason.

"If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters. "~Alan Simpson

4

References:“Publication of the OIG Compliance Program Guidance for Home Health Agencies”, Federal Register, Vol 63, No 152, pp 42410-42426, 1998.

“The Essentials of an Effective Compliance Program”, Decisionhealth.com, accessed 3/31/11.

Corporate Compliance Policy, THERAPY 2000 Policy and Procedure Manual, Chapter 6: Financial Guidelines, page 12-25

5

Chari-t2000 update

Carson has Cerebral Palsy and was in need of a special feeding chair. Thanks to Chari-T2000, he got it. Carson’s new Kekaroo adjustable height feeding chair has been a huge hit with Carson’s mom, his in home caregivers, occupational therapist, and Carson himself! He is using it several times throughout the day for g-tube feedings, watching tv, and occupational therapy sessions. He likes to look at his books, and play with his toys while sitting in his new chair. Because it is so portable, he is able to sit on the front porch in the chair and watch his brother ride his bike or his mom do yard work. Carson’s mom said it has really helped to have a seat that he can sit upright in and stay safe. Thank you Chari-T2000 for purchasing this wonderful chair for Carson!

–Heather Pitner Carson’s PT

Carson Gets a Feeding Chair

Thanks to YOU, Chari-T2000 has helped 25 patients to date! If you're not already giving, there's no time like the present! Sign up today!

Download the form from myT2K.com under: "Forms->Employee Other"

Heather and Carson

Carson (age 3) and his mom

Letter from Carson's Mom

Chari-t2000 update

Let’s Get Eber Some Wheels!After reviewing many applications and thorough deliberation, a sixteen year

old by the name Eber has been chosen as Chari-T2000’s fi rst van with lift

recipient. This is no small undertaking – a van with lift runs about $20,000.

We need your help to raise the money and get Eber out of his house

and in to the community! Look for a fun campaign kick-off coming in July.

a Little about Eber

Eber is sixteen, has cerebal palsy and cannot physically operate a manual wheelchair.

He can operate an electric wheelchair with a joystick. His family can’t fi t this

wheelchair into their car. Therefore, Eber can’t get out and about much. A van with

a lift would greatly increase Eber’s independence and quality of life, giving him the

freedom to use his power chair out and about in his community.

Eber gets a sneak peek of his future wheels!(Hopefully, with your help, he'll get them.)Chari-T2000 arranged for a van to visit (similar to the one they plan on purchasing when the funds are raised) for Eber and

his family to take a test drive! Eber was easily able to maneuver his electric wheelchair in and out of the van and was excited

to see what his future may hold. His family looks forward to being able to get Eber out and about in the community! With

your help, Chari-T2000 reach this amazing goal. Look for the upcoming Chari-T2000 fundraising campaign!

6

OOPS!In the last Insider our wellness article stated...“Important reimbursement information: employees can only be reimbursed for either the fi tness center or diet program per quarter.” It should have said:"Employees can be reimbursed for any combination of two activities. i.e. Fitness center aND diet program, or Massage and Fitness center, etc."

huMan resources integritY check

7

Keeping it real. are we Meeting the Expectations of our New Hires?

From your first interview to when you sign on the dotted line, integrity plays a key role in the recruiting and hiring process at THERAPY 2000. Our HR professionals do their best to make sure they are representing the company truthfully. In turn, this honesty helps new hires meet set company expectations. “I feel that it is incredibly important for our new employees to know exactly what to expect and what they will be responsible for when starting with us. We rely on it as a way to keep our retention high by delivering the promises that we make. In addition, it’s a great referral source when new-hires have a good experience when coming on-board with T2k” says Matt Spiller, one of THERAPY 2000’s HR specialists. Katie Neal, another HR specialist, puts it simply, “We don’t want to be the company that promises the moon and gives you a pebble! When we are up-front and honest with our candidates, we see better retention as a result.”

For this month’s newsletter, HR put together a short survey that was distributed to a sample of new hires. This survey was created as an ”integrity check” to gauge how new hire expectations were being met given the information they received in the hiring process. The survey went out to twenty-eight therapists who were hired within the last 7 months, including full-time, part-time and PRN therapists. A total of fifteen therapists responded. In addition to eight questions with answer options ranging from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree, the therapists were encouraged to include a written response to further explain their survey answers and give more in-depth feedback.

6questions(outofthe8)receivedscoresthatwereover90%positive.Thesewere:

•MymedicalbenefitsarewhatIwastoldtheywouldbe.•Iwasabletodoshadowvisitsbeforebeingaskedtogooutonmyown.•TheHRprofessionalgavemearealisticideaofwhatmyday-to-dayresponsibilitieswouldbe.•ThementoringIhavereceivedhasmetmyexpectations.•Ihavetakentheopportunitytoattend2ndor3rdFridayevents.•Overall,thevisionthatIwasgivenaboutthecompanyandmypositionwasrealistic.

Asomewhatlowerscoreof80%favorablewasgiventothequestion:

•MyvisitterritoryiswhatIwastolditwouldbe.

Comments and follow up questions to HR professionals and division supervisors revealed that when discussing visit territory, clear distinctions need to be made between short term and long term expectations. Many therapists succeed in working a concise visit territory over time, however, during the start of employment, a larger territory is often needed to obtain a full visit quota.

ThesurveyquestionthatreceivedthelowestscoresontheHRsurveywith72%favorablewas:

•TheexpectationssetbytheHRprofessionalaboutmyvisitquotawererealistic,

Comments and follow up questions revealed that the low score on this item is in large part due to the confusing and complicated system we have used to figure the exact monthly quota. Additionally, we found that our HR professionals did not always emphasize the importance of always having a few visits scheduled over minimal quota to make sure that minimum quota is met even when cancellations occur. As of the writing this article, THERAPY 2000 is working on a simpler way to set monthly and weekly visit expectations.

HR is using the valuable information yielded from the survey to make sure they are communicating the right information to

potential new employees and to learn the areas in which they could improve their communication. Matt Spiller summed it up, “The reason we did the survey was a way to reflect back on how we work, make sure our processes are in order, and to use the feedback as an integrity check.” if you would like to discuss any concerns or have suggestions for areas of improvement, please feel free to contact HR.

Happy Anniversary

8

10 YEARSBECKY BURGESS May-01

9 YEARSDONNA TRANTHAM Apr-02 ERIN BELLUE Apr-02 MARY BURGER Apr-02 HEATHER WISE Jun-02

8 YEARSALEJANDRA CHAPARRO Apr-03 LUCY LIU Apr-03 TAMARA MCCORMICK Apr-03

7 YEARSTONYA FERGUSON May-04 AMY PETERMAN May-04 KRISTIN MYCKE Jun-04

6 YEARSMERI LINSCOMB Apr-05 MIRANDA BECKMANN May-05 KAREN GILLUM May-05 NANCY TRILLO May-05 MELISSA SNEED Jun-05

5 YEARSJUAN GARCIA May-06 CHERISH FLANAGAN May-06 JENNIFER NEGRON Jun-06 IVY SHELMADINE Jun-06

4 YEARSMICHIKO ESCOBIDO Apr-07 ANGELA LAWSON Apr-07 BRIANNE RICHARDSON May-07 KEANE BYROM Jun-07

3 YEARSCHARLET SAPUNDJIEFF May-08 TANYA BENSON Jun-08 VANESSA FLORES Jun-08 MOLLY WOOD Jun-08

1 YEARSUDOKA CHUKWUMA Apr-10 JENNIFER ORTIZ Apr-10 KYLE BUTLER Apr-10 CONSTANCE CHRISTAL Apr-10 KATHRYN COLE Apr-10 MARIA POSNER-SALOMON Apr-10 TINA DOWERS Apr-10 MARY BETH FORET Apr-10 MARGARET JUNKER Apr-10 DOLORES GROVES-MARSHALL May-10 BARBARA MARSHALL May-10 ALICE ANDERSON May-10 EMILY EVANS May-10 RACHEL MCCLURE May-10 KATHERINE NEAL May-10 JENNIFER SOTELO May-10

JONATHAN LOPEZ May-10 MICHELLE BIZAMA May-10 CRYSTAL MARSHALL May-10 JERI WARD May-10 EMILY CHOW Jun-10 REBECA GONCALVES Jun-10 ANGELA LAWSON Jun-10 KAREN LEWIS Jun-10 LESLIE MCCORKLE Jun-10 MICHELLE ACOSTA-NABARRETTE Jun-10 ELIZABETH CAPRON Jun-10 ARLENE FEINBERG Jun-10 HEATHER HAMILTON Jun-10 ANDREA QUESENBERRY Jun-10 IVAN SOTELO Jun-10 DIANNE WEEMS-WILLIAMS Jun-10 DONICE ARRINGTON Jun-10 CASSIE BRASHER Jun-10 JENNIFER ELLIS Jun-10 AMANDA FORESMAN Jun-10 KRISTI GARREY Jun-10 JIMMY MARTINEZ Jun-10 MEGAN ROFFERS Jun-10 DIETMAR PEREZ Jun-10

aNNiVersaries

BirthdaysAPRIL

HUGO LOURIDO 1BRANDI MOUNCE 2ANDREA BEACH 3SHEENA ROMES 3JUAN GARCIA 4PEDRO SAMBOLIN 5TONI BARRON 6MAYRA RIVERA 7RACHEL SMITH 8KATHY GAMBLE 9KRISTIN GIGGLEMAN 9CHRISTINA JENNINGS 9MELISSA JONES 11LORI LANG 11JENNIFER SCHUM 11MOLLY WOOD 11JOYCE CARTER 12SUZAN GORDY 12JORGE MARQUEZ 12AKILAH MUHAMMAD 12KRISTY MCBRIDE 13KRISTIN KIELBAS 14ALICE ANDERSON 15LEEANN HUDSON 16MEGAN ROFFERS 16CRYSTAL BROWN 17KELLI GREEN 18MICHELLE PAINTER 18NANCY TRILLO 18MARCIA THOMAS 23EZEQUIEL VALDEZ 23GLORIA MARTINEZ 27JENNIFER MEYER 27

LESLIE BARRY 28ROBYNNE ELKIN 30

MAY

MARINA LAKHMANCHUK 1DIANA PEREZ 1HEATHER WISE 1GUILLERMO MONJARAS 2MONICA DAVILA 4CRISANN SKINNER 5LORI HUMPHREY 8MAURA MALONEY 10SHELLEY RATCLIFF 10GRETA GRAHAM 12MARGARET JUNKER 12KATHLEEN MILLAY 12ERIN BELLUE 13JOY CARY 13ELAINE HEMINGWAY 13MARIA SANCHEZ 14MATTHEW SPILLER 14JENNIFER SOTELO 15CYNTHIA ALVARADO 16JENNIFER TEBO 16KATIE NEAL 17VANESSA RICHARDSON 17SARASVATI GUZMAN 18ANGELA LAWSON 18SARAH LESSMAN 22RATNA MAHINDRU 23CHRIS MOODY-MUSICK 24RACHEL RACHO 24LYNN WATTERS 25LAUREN BLACKWOOD 26LEE KELLAMS 26

KRISTI HICKMAN 27GRISELDA HERNANDEZ 28KELLY ROACH 28BELINDA WILLIAMS 28JENNIFER ORTIZ 29AMANDA TREBER 29JOANNA LITTLER 30MARYANNA VALDERAS 30JILL BUIE 31JOSEPH VALDEZ 31

JUNEKAREN CRAIN 1YEISHA CULP 1LAKECHA BUTLER 5MARISELA MARTINEZ 5ANA ROTHSCHILD 5RENEE WILLIAMS 6STEPHANIE WOODBRIDGE 6FABIAN BIZAMA 8VIRGINIA CROSBY 10MARTHA ORSINI 10LISBETH ESTRADA 11CHAIM SCHNITZLER 11DEBORAH SMITH 14MIRANDA BECKMANN 20THERESA HILL 20MEGIN DANNA 2EMILY EVANS 21MONICA ESPEDAL 22TRACEY RAITH 24LISSETTE MARTINEZ 25MARY HAWKINS 26CHRIS RODENBERG 26ANGIE LAWSON 28EMILY DELPINO 29

Central DivisionDivision DirtUpdates on the Super Six

Patient Story: alexia, in her own words

9

Hi, my name is Alexia. I am 2 years old and this is my story. At the young age of 7 weeks, my brother, Brett, and I came to live with my new mommy and daddy, Valerie and Ira. When I first arrived at my new home, I would sleep 19 to 20 hours a day. I had a hard time holding my head up, was low tone and had troubles eating. Because I couldn’t drink from my bottle very well I was referred for speech therapy. Nancy Estes, ST, came to my home and started working with me, but she realized my body and neck needed to be stronger. If I could hold my head up and support myself in sitting it would make feeding and swallowing much easier for me. Nancy called Ivy Shelmadine, PT, and asked her to help me too. When Ivy came to work with me I couldn’t hold my head up, roll over or sit up on my own. We worked for several weeks until I was able to sit with assistance, hold my head up and look around without wobbling. Ivy called Nancy to tell her that I was getting stronger and thought I might be ready to start ST again. After working with Nancy for several more weeks, I was drinking my bottle faster and with decreased leakage, but still had a hard time getting enough to eat. The doctors thought I needed a G-button. I still needed a little more help so Nancy tried this little machine that tickled my throat. She said it would help my little muscles get stronger. Because I was able to drink from a bottle and started eating some solids, the doctors agreed to give me a little longer before making a decision about the G-button. After my body started to get stronger, Ivy asked if Belinda Williams, OTR, would come work with me too. Belinda came with us to my doctor’s appointment to explain the progress I was making in therapy and helped reassure the doctor that I could learn to do even more, with continued therapy. She also helped me with my sensory problems and helped me explore new textures and sensations so that I could learn more about my body and how to use it. I even got to crawl through a big tub of rice and beans and spin in a cool chair! She helped me to grasp and play with toys. She brought along another friend, Angela Lawson, COTA, to help me with my balance and has started helping me dress and feed myself.

My therapists tell me that I am very blessed because my new mommy and daddy wanted me to get better and were always asking about what they could do to help me. They gave mommy and daddy new exercises almost every week and we practiced every day. My mommy tells me that my therapists helped to answer a lot of her questions and gave her questions to ask the doctors. They said we have a good team!

When I was 6 months old, I was finally able to roll, sit with assistance and started to explore my new environment. By 13 months, I was able to sit independently. I finally started crawling at 16 months and was pulling to stand at 17 months. I started to stand on my own for a short time at 23 months, was taking steps unassisted at 24 months and now, at 26 months, I am able to take 22 steps before I fall! I can help get myself dressed and continue to work on feeding myself, too. I no longer jump at loud noises, and I am better at tolerating different textures. I can play with both hands now, too. I am eating all types of foods allowing for appropriate weight gain and energy for my therapy. I can now say several words and have started to sing songs. I know I have a long way to go, but it would not have been possible without my TEAM! I love my mommy and daddy, and thank them for all of the hours of homework we do. I also thank my therapists who continue to push me to do new things.

Central Division

10

Meet oUr neW eMPloyeeS

Marcia Thomas, CCC-SLP, PRN, star ted April 4, 2011. Marcia was referred by Meredith Morton, CCC-SLP. She graduated from Kent State in Ohio. She has over 3 years SLP work experience.

Central DiViSion annUal aWarD WinnerS

Karen VardimenPRN Therapist of the Year

Griselda HernandezExtra Effort Award

Celina BandaFull-Time Therapist of the Year

Adriana MuzquizPart-Time Therapist of the Year

amanda ForesmanRookie Therapist of the Year

Congratulations toAshleyTarrant-asoontobemama! Yes,Ashleyisexpectinganewbabygirlwithin the next twoweeks.

For those who donot know the story,

AshleyisintheprocessofadoptingachildfromFostercare.HernameisSavannah,andsheistwoyearsold.

Holden Pierce Coppleborn to Patia Copple

7 lbs 19.25 inches

Brylee Bella Richardsonborn to Brianne Richardson7 lbs 14 oz 19.5 inches

East DivisionNEW BABIES IN THE EAST

11

North DivisionNEW BABIES IN THE NORTH

Grayson Carr Stonewas born to Lindsey Stone, OT

on 4/4/11 at 9:51 am 5 lbs 14 oz and 19 inches

Colton James Plautzwas born to Hope Plautz, SLP

on 4/5/11 at 3:56 am6 lbs 7 oz and 19.7 inches

East DivisioneaSt DiViSion annUal aWarD WinnerSCongratulationstoallofourDistrictawardwinners.WehadtheawardsatbreakfastinFebruary.Belowaretheirpics!(Somearemoretalentedatposingthanothers.)

CaitlinMcSpaddenPT of the Year

SteveTateProfessional Development Award

CarminOjeda-ReyesST of the Year

AshleyTarrantOT Therapist of the Year

JenniferSoteloNew Hire of the Year

Stacie Turnbow, CF-SLP, recently joined the East division team . She received her undergraduate and graduate degree from University of Texas-Dallas. Stacie also completed an internship with Therapy 2000 while in graduate school. She is specifi cally interested in treating patients with feeding and swallowing diffi culties. Stacie is a native Texan although she has also lived in Florida and really enjoyed the sunshine state. In her spare time, Stacie enjoys going to the gym, country line dancing and her new hobby, cycling.

MEET OUR NEW EMPLOYEES

12

North DivisionTHERAPIST TRAVELS

From July 31st-Aug 9th, Elizabeth G. Bryant and her husband Travis spent 10 days traveling down the Amazon River moving from village to village to serve some of the most beautiful and loving people on the planet.

“We arrived in Manaus, Brazil where our team of 30 went to our home away from home, a large open-air triple-decker boat! As we traveled over 24 hours down river we were greeted by the most beautiful scenery; including awe-inspiring sunsets, parrots in mid-fl ight, and lush rainforest. In the 10 days we were in the Amazon River Basin, we ventured into 6 villages all of which are a part of a larger Indian reservation. Each village typically had between 10 and 20 families. Some of the families had up to 14 children! Their huts were made of old logs and banana leaf roofs. They sleep in hammocks to protect themselves from snakes that may be present on the fl oors of their huts. They hunted with bows and arrows for meat from animals like wild boar. For the most part, the villagers we met had never left their small village to venture down river into the larger villages or cities on the Amazon.”

where our team of 30 went to our home away from home, a large open-air triple-decker boat! As we traveled over 24 hours down river we were greeted by the most beautiful scenery; including awe-inspiring sunsets, parrots in mid-fl ight, and including awe-inspiring sunsets, parrots in mid-fl ight, and including awe-inspiring sunsets, parrots in mid-fl ight, and including awe-inspiring sunsets, parrots in mid-fl ight, and lush rainforest. In the 10 days we were in the Amazon lush rainforest. In the 10 days we were in the Amazon lush rainforest. In the 10 days we were in the Amazon lush rainforest. In the 10 days we were in the Amazon River Basin, we ventured into 6 villages all of which are a River Basin, we ventured into 6 villages all of which are a River Basin, we ventured into 6 villages all of which are a River Basin, we ventured into 6 villages all of which are a part of a larger Indian reservation. Each village typically had between 10 and 20 families. Some of the families had up to 14 children! Their huts were made of old

“As the only PT in the group, I worked with the medical team to assess complaints of musculoskeletal pain. One villager I will never forget provided me the opportunity to feel a bit like MacGyver. Her name was Maria. She was 8 years old, and had acquired high tone quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy as a result of having meningitis as an 8 month old. Using driftwood, a bath towel, and fi shing line I made 2 comfortable bilateral lower extremity splints with working adjustable hinges for Maria to wear at nighttime to prevent knee fl exion contractures...”

Elizabeth G. Bryant,T R AV E L JOURNAL

“Her parents were excellent listeners and were very eager to learn ways to maintain her range of motion and level of comfort. I was moved to tears, when speaking to her father, I realized her family was not aware that anyone else in the entire world suffered with the same diagnosis as Maria. Her father cried with joy after hearing about the CP patients that I work with on an everyday basis in the United States. For eight years, his family had believed they have been dishonorable in some way and that Maria’s illness was a curse on their family. Just sharing stories about other children with CP or any debilitating diagnosis gave Maria’s family hope and relief that they were not the only ones experiencing the struggles of raising a special needs child. This experience will always remind me that being engaged with a family’s struggles can be as healing, if not more so, as providing actual therapeutic intervention. ..”

only ones experiencing the struggles of raising a special needs child. This experience will always remind me only ones experiencing the struggles of raising a special needs child. This experience will always remind me

“As a whole, this trip was life changing for me. So often I am caught up with the stress and speed of life at home where I have endless luxuries like clothes that fi t, a solid roof over my head, the ability to travel outside of my home, and easy access to endless education. These villagers have access to none of my luxuries, and yet they were fi lled with compassion for one another, pride in their families and their homes, and overfl owing joy in life. As much as we were there to serve and love them, I came home feeling as though they gave me more than I could’ve ever given them. “

head, the ability to travel outside of my home, and easy access to endless education. These villagers easy access to endless education. These villagers have access to none of my luxuries, and yet they were fi lled with compassion for one another, pride in their families and their homes, and overfl owing joy in life. As much as we were there to serve and love them, I came home feeling as though they gave me more than I could’ve ever given them. “

North DivisionTHERAPIST TRAVELS

13

West Division Michael's story

When I fi rst met Michael in December of 2009, he was very limited in what he could communicate to others. He used a sequential switch to ask for water and then could say, "thank you." He also utilized facial expressions and crying for communication. Oh, the crying! You see, Michael is in a motorized wheelchair, which he operates independently although he has very limited use of his hands. He is nonverbal, and the motor impairments in his hands are so severe he cannot access buttons or small switches accurately. Honestly, I wasn't very optimistic that we were going to get very far together but his mother, Lynn, believed in him. Her goal was for him to be able to tell her, in some way, "Mom, that's a beautiful sunset."

Lynn had already arranged for Michael to have an AAC evaluation at Our Children's House in Allen before his Admit/Eval with THERAPY 2000. This team recommended a Dynavox, which he could access with a head mouse. Once he received a loaner Dynavox in May, the light really started to come on. At fi rst, Michael was very hesitant and needed a lot of encouragement to participate. However, he was soon changing the things on his device and discovering settings neither his mother nor myself could fi nd again. He got his own Dynavox, head mouse, and wheelchair mount over the summer!

Now Michael takes his device to school everyday, and his personality is really starting to shine! He will say the wrong things at just the right times, just like any other teenager. He also has quite the sense of humor. Sometimes, when I show up, he'll immediately go to his "Talk" page and say "Let's stop!" Once, I brought over a girl to his house that also attends his school and happens to babysit for my own children. Her dad called her in the middle of our session, and all Michael would say thorugh his Dynavox was "Shut up!" We hadn't even worked on this! Another great example of his sense of humor is when he tells his mom or I, "you're pretty" after he's been uncooperative. What a charmer!

Sandy Klindworth, the Dynavox rep who helped get Michael all of his equipment, has been a tremendous help in showing Lynn and I all the fun and functional things to do with Michael. She believes in him and knows how to re-energize his motivation. Carol Kretchmar, the ACC mentor for the West, has also been a great source of support in helping us get over some hurdles. She, too, has helped me see that there's so much more to Michael.

His mom, his music therapist, and myself have noticed a HUGE difference in Michael over the past year. He's happier, whines less, and participates more. He knows more than we thought he did and catches on quickly. I'm sure he's going to be amazing us for a long time to come.

A few weeks ago Michael was in his room alone, he used his Dynavox to call for his mother. When she entered his room, she heard what she has wanted to hear for 17 years, "Mom, I love you." As a mother, I know how much that meant to her and that she'll always cherish that memory. She just beams when she tells that story! Michael didn't fi nd that accidentally or mean to say anything else. He was completely purposeful and meant every word.

We still have a ways to go, but I know that we'll get there. Michael continues to show me that he can do more than I think he can, but he makes me work hard, too! Working with Michael has taught me that sometimes the impossible is possible. It hasn't been perfect or without struggles, but what is there in life that is? His mother has told me that God truly answers prayers. Last week she told me about Michael getting pneumonia at two months of age. She didn't know if he would make it, but she imagined herself putting Michael into God's hands. She felt the warmth of someone wrapping their arms around her to comfort her, and at that moment she knew he would make it. I truly treasure what I have learned from working with Michael and his mother; because I have also grown in many ways through learning Michael's story.

Miranda Beckmann, CCC-SLP

14

15

welCoMe our New eMployeeWest Division

San Antonio/Austin Division More thaN Just Fiesta FuN

Fiesta Fun is not the only thing happening in San Antonio. Yes, Fiesta begins April 4–17 and each year it showcases the culture of our city. T2000 is embracing being part of San Antonio but Fiesta is not the only event we have participated in or will participate in. In February we had our fi rst vendor fair here at our offi ces with massages for all the staff. On February 21 participated in “Try IT Before You Buy IT,” sponsored by Kinetic Kids. February 26 was The TAPPestry conference which supports teachers and families with special needs children. Our 3rd Friday course in February was Orthotics and Splinting for OT’s and PT’s and the Vital Stim course where 4 more San Antonio therapists completed their Vital Stim certifi cation. That makes a total of 5 T2K therapists certifi ed in Vital Stim. We are so proud!

Amy Bihl, LMSW, is our new Social Work Case Manager. She started Jan. 10, 2011. Amy grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina as a “missionary kid”, so she is fl uent in Spanish. She received her Bachelors in Social Work at Baylor University and her Masters in Social Work at UT Arlington. She recently moved from Waco, TX where she was working at the Sub-Acute Care Unit, an inpatient rehabilitation unit, at Providence Hospital. Amy’s husband’s name is Danny, and they have a precious 1 yr old boy named Caleb.

Elaine Hemingway, STA, is from a very small town in South Texas and went to school at Texas State University in San Marcos. She graduated in 2005 and went to work in the schools at Seguin ISD for 2 years and Judson ISD for 1 year. During her time at Judson she started a part-time home health position and decided home health was the way to go! She's been in home health full time for 2½ years and haven't looked back since! I love working with kids, being an STA, and I hope to start work on my master's degree within the next couple of years. I live in New Braunfels with my husband, Mike, our beautiful 9 month old son, Bryce, and our 2 dogs. We are very excited to have become part of THERAPY 2000!

Phyllis Carey, PRN, SLP, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in 1996. After working a few years as an elementary school teacher, she returned to school to earn her master's degree from Texas Woman's University in 2008. She will provide afterschool speech and language therapy services as she continues to work as an SLP in the school district.

Melody Chavez, SLP, received her Masters in Communication Disorders from Southwest Texas State University in 2000. She began her career in the public school system before moving toward a private practice setting. Soon after, she founded a contract staffing company and worked with a variety of public schools, home health agencies, rehab and hospitals, Head Start centers and charter schools. She has worked with both adult and pediatric populations in the field and in administration as Rehab Director and Assistant Administrator. She is excited about joining the THERAPY 2000 team to continue to grow as a clinician and specialize in feeding and swallowing disorders. She constantly strives to better balance her role as a professional and as wife and mother of four beautiful children.THERAPY 2000 has been a great support and opportunity for meeting these needs!

Ana Talamantez, OT, has been an OT since Aug 2006. She graduated from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport. Most of her experience has been in pediatric outpatient clinics but she also has experience in input adult rehabilitation. She was born and raised in Mission, Texas. She is married and has one child.

Evangelina (Vangie) Moncayo, OTR, SLP, has been an Occupational Therapist since 1992. She graduated from UTHSC-SA. Prior to that she had been a speech language pathologist. She received a Master of Science degree in Communications Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University. She has extensive direct service experience with Early Childhood Intervention Programs, ECI, serving children birth to three, as an SLP and an OTR. She coordinated early childhood federal grant demonstration programs in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her service area included the eight Northern Pueblos. She coordinated services for children with special needs in 25+ Head Start

San Antonio/Austin Division Meet our New eMployees

16 THERAPY2000•877.658.2520

17

East Texas DivisionKyleigh’s saddles

THERAPY2000•877.658.2520

Here is a heartwarming story about a special little girl and her special saddle. Kyleigh was born with a diagnosis called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, which is a malformation of the brain that causes significant developmental delays. Kyleigh’s mom stated, “we have never let her diagnosis slow her down and have always tried to treat her like a normal kid.” Kyleigh has a strong love of horses but has had to watch her 3 older brothers from the sidelines for the last 7 years hoping that someone would come by and give her a ride for a few moments. Then Kyleigh met a very special man named Randy Bird. Randy Bird is a T8 paraplegic, who was paralyzed following a car accident 25 years ago. He sustained severe injuries to his neck, back, ribs and jaw. He did not move any part of his body other than his eyes for 10 weeks, but he gradually regained use of his upper extremities. He too had a love of horses; however, his doctor told him that he would never ride a horse again. Not only did Randy want to ride again he wanted to rope competitively, so he designed and fabricated an adaptive saddle that would enable him to achieve that goal. Randy is now the only paralyzed participant in the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association). He was recently named the APHA (American Paint Horse Association) Reserve World Champion Heeler, competing with only non-disabled ropers. He expressed that, “The Saddle has an awesome power that enables people to go beyond what they ever thought that they could do.” Randy and Kyleigh crossed paths one day when Randy was preaching at a revival (yes is he a preacher too). He said that Kyleigh came up to him at the revival and used the sign for “horse.” Kyleigh is non-verbal and is unable to walk, but when Randy asked her if she wanted to ride a horse, she said, “yes.” He let her try out his own special saddle and he said that he couldn’t believe the happiness that he saw in her. He said, “she was smiling constantly, looking all around her and didn’t want to get off.” He knew then that he needed to make a special saddle specifically for her that would give her that same happiness again and again. With the help of Randy, Kyleigh’s church (Living for the Brand Cowboy Church in Athens, Texas) and a women’s ministry from all over Texas (called The Cowgirl Get Together), Kyleigh was presented with a saddle, specially made by Randy Bird. This saddle has given a “little girl” with a “big diagnosis” a chance to ride horses just like her brothers. Tooled on the back of Kyleigh’s saddle are the words, “For God So Loved Kyleigh.” Randy stated, “God never does anything for just one person; he does it ‘through’ one person that it might help a multitude of people.” Based on the amazing response of Kyleigh’s church and The Cowgirl Get Together, a special ministry was formed called “Kyleigh’s saddles” to help others get these life changing adaptive saddles. Kyleigh is now riding regularly with her family and her big brothers are so proud! Several months prior to the presentation, Kyleigh and Melody Millsap, a COTA from THERAPY 2000 also crossed paths at church one day. Melody stated, “… with both of us having a love of horses and God, the rest became history.” Melody also stated, “I feel so blessed to be Kyleigh’s therapist and can’t wait to show everyone what God can do with a little girl who loves horses.” Melody has been extremely creative with Kyleigh during her occupational therapy treatment sessions from practicing dressing in hats, boots and cowboy shirts, to working on her balance while sitting on a standard saddle to cruising along a fence in order to pet her horses. Kyleigh will do almost anything for a chance to ride! And now she can!

Her oldest brother leads her around the arena! Notice the wind blowing her hair and the smile on her face!

Kyleigh and Randy Bird

18

East Texas Division Meet our New eMployees

THERAPY2000•877.658.2520

Lisbeth “Liz” estrada, interpreter, iscurrentlypursuinghernursingdegreeandisattendingcollegeatTylerJuniorCollege.SheisagraduateoftheLatinAmericaBibleInstituteandiscurrentlyaYouthMinisteratalocalChurch.Sheenjoysworkingoutandvolunteering.

Janet stanford, prn, pt, graduatedfromUTSouthwesternin1991.Sheworkedfor6yearsintheHoustonareaandthentookoff13yearstospendtimewithher3children,butcontinuedtoattendseveralCEUpresentationsyearlytomaintainherskills.Inherfreetime,shedesignsandcreatesscenery,setsandcostumesforalocaltheater.

david admire, prn, pta,wasreferredtousbyseveralparentsintheEastTexasAreathatinformedusthatweneededtohirehimbecause“heissogoodwithchildren.”Hehasseveralyearsofpediatricexperienceinhomehealthandanoutpatientpediatricrehabilitationfacility.DavidalsoworksfulltimeasaFiremaninTyler.

KeLLi Green, prn, sLp, graduatedin1994fromStephenF.AustinUniversity.Shehasworkedinavarietyofsettingsandhas17yearsofexperience,includingseveralyearsofpediatrichomehealthexperience.Kellihasalsohadmanagementexperienceandisvitalstimcertified.Kelliismarriedandhas2children.

Kathryn “Kat” baesL, prn, Cota, graduatedfromOTAschoolinArizonain1996.ShethenobtainedherBSinPsychologyinIndianain2009andwillbegraduatingwithherMastersofOccupationalTherapyinDecemberof2011fromTWU.ShehasworkedasaOTAinavarietyofsettings,includingskillednursingfacilities,homehealthandpediatricoutpatientrehabilitationcenters.Shesaidthatsheissobusywithherjobs,schoolandhersonthatshedoesn’thavetimeforanyhobbies.

anne tiJerina, prn, ot, has 27 years of experience in a variety of settings, includinghospitals,homehealthagencies,skillednursingfacilities,outpatientrehabilitationcentersandschooldistricts.Sheisveryinvolvedinherchurchandsinginggospelmusic.Shehasevenbeennominatedforthe“OutstandingGospelDuo”bytheUnitedStatesgospelmusicassociation.

meGan bateman, prn, sLp, comes toTHERAPY 2000 with more than 10 years ofexperience, graduating from Baylor University in 2001. She has worked in inpatient andoutpatientsettings,servinginamanagementcapacityforseveralyears.Sheiscertifiedinvitalstim,BeckmanOralMotorInterventionandAssessmentandDeepPhayngealNeuromuscularStimulation.SheisamemberoftheBoardofDirectorsforUnitedWayandvolunteersforthe FirstUnitedMethodistChurchChildren’s LearningCenter and is amember ofTexasIndependentSchoolDistrictEducationImprovementCommittee.