Her singular focus is to help individuals regain their independence and function to the fullest extent possible so they can move forward with purpose.
What have been your significant contributions to your organization in the past year?
Over the past year, I have focused on expanding opportunities for patients and trainees. I developed the brain injury rotation for Connecticut’s first physical medicine and rehabilitation program, shaping curriculum and teaching future physiatrists.
I coordinate the StrokeNet collaborations with Yale and Hartford HealthCare, advancing research that directly informs patient care. I also advocated for the addition of a facility dog to support our patients’ recoveries.
Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome.
A major challenge has been navigating insurance changes and ensuring stroke and brain injury patients have access to the ongoing care that will benefit them long-term. I focus on advocating and fighting for what I know is appropriate, evidence-based care.
It is a challenge that I take very seriously, and it is one of the greatest passions of my career.
What’s your next major goal and/or challenge?
As the prospect of retirement becomes more of a reality in the not-too-distant future, my next major goal is to build a strong team to carry the program forward.
A key challenge is navigating post-acute care limitations imposed by payers. Ensuring patients receive the specialized support they need for ongoing recovery is critical. Saving lives isn’t enough; we must guide and optimize each patient’s progress with the right experts every step of the way.
How are you involved in the community?
I serve on the state of Connecticut stroke advisory committee and volunteer with the StrokeNet SPIRIT Collaborative, supporting stroke research.
Additionally, I have been deeply involved with the rehab and recovery subgroup of the Northeast Cerebrovascular Consortium, helping advance patient care and improve outcomes.
Fun Fact
I am a total foodie and a huge sports fan. Baseball, football, hockey — you name it!