Meet the Therapists! (cont.)

Today we’ll introduce you to Denise Warner, COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) and Christine Schlereth-Higgins, MS, CCC/SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competency-Speech-Language Pathology).

Denise Warner, COTA: Denise graduated from Rockland Community College in 1979 and has worked at Woodcliff Lake Health and Rehabilitation since 2005. She has extended her education by taking occupation therapy courses at Kean University and received a BS at Excelsior College in Albany, NY. Denise has 30 years experience as a COTA and really enjoys working with the geriatric population.

Christine Schlereth-Higgins, MS, CCC/SLP: Christine graduated from Richard Stockton College in 2000 with a BS in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology and then went on to William Paterson University for her MS in Speech Language Pathology. Christine has experience working in a variety of settings which include early intervention home care, elementary schools, sub acute and long term care. She has 9 years of experience and professional interests include dysphagia and aphasia therapy. Christine has been a part of the rehab staff at Woodcliff Lake Health and Rehabilitation since September, 2008.

Meet the Therapists! (cont.)

Today we’ll introduce you to Kathleen Fitzpatrick, OTR/L (Occupational Therapist, Registered, Licensed), and Nerlande Faustin, COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant).

Kathleen Fitzpatrick, OTR/L: Kathleen graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1975 with a BS in Occupational Therapy. She then attended New York Medical College in a combined MS/PhD program in Basic Medical Sciences. Kathy has 33 years experience in various venues and has worked at Woodcliff Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center since September, 2008. Professional interests include neurology and orthopedic rehab.

Nerlance Faustin, COTA: Nerlande went to Rockland Community College and graduated in 2000. She has worked at Woodcliff Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center for a year and has 9 years of experience in sub acute and long term care rehab. Nerlande finds working with the geriatric population to be very rewarding.

Meet the Therapists!

Over the next few posts, the Family of Caring would like to introduce you to some of its fine Physical Therapists at Woodcliff Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Today, you’ll be meeting Irene Vito, RPT and Leopoldo Samonte Jr., RPT (Registered Physical Therapist).

Irene Vito, RPT: Irene graduated in the Philippines with a BS in Physical Therapy in 1995 and came to the United States in 1998 to begin her career in PT. Irene has 14 years experience working in outpatient, long term care and sub acute settings. She has been a Rehab Director for the past 4 years and joined the rehab staff at Woodcliff Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center as the rehab director in 2006.

Leopoldo Samonte Jr., RPT: Leo graduated from Cebu Doctor’s College in the Philippines with a BS in Physical Therapy in 1997. He has 12 years experience and came to the United States in 2003 to continue his career as a Physical Therapist. Leo has worked in various settings, which include home care, outpatient, sub acute and long term care, and has worked as a Physical Therapy instructor. He joined the Woodcliff Lake Health and Rehabilitation rehab department in 2007.