| Jeffrey Ruskan | |
| Regional Vice-President, Virginia | |
| Mr. Ruskan brings nearly 20 years of clinical and managerial health care experience to HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Virginia. He has worked for HealthSouth in the Richmond area for nearly 15 years. Jeff graduated from Florida A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and Troy University with a master’s degree in business administration. While at HealthSouth, Mr. Ruskan has helped guide the hospital toward achieving outstanding clinical outcomes for its patients. The hospital’s clinical excellence is marked by certifications from The Joint Commission and the American Academy of Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The hospital also is a HealthSouth Stroke Center of Excellence. In addition to his hospital responsibilities, Mr. Ruskan serves on the board of trustees for the Central Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MD News, Richmond Area Work Force Board and Westham Civic Association. |
| Laurie Newsome, OTR/ | |
| Director of Therapy Operations | |
| Ms Newsome graduated from University of Kansas in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. She has dedicated her career to adult rehabilitation. Her early career was spent predominately at The University of Virginia Hospitals – Johnston-Willis Hospital and Sheltering Arms Hospital – before coming to HealthSouth in 1993. She has worked extensively with spinal cord injury, arthritis, stroke, head injury and multiple sclerosis patients. She has held the position of director of therapy operations for the last 10 years. Ms Newsome is dedicated to providing high quality patient care utilizing cutting edge technology. She is focused on patient satisfaction and positive patient outcomes. |
| Alan Phillips | |
| Virginia Area Controller | |
| Mr. Phillips joined HealthSouth in January 2001 as the controller at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Virginia in Richmond. He came to HealthSouth with more than 10 years of health care finance experience, all in the acute care for-profit environment. Mr. Phillips was promoted to area controller when he took over responsibility for UVA HealthSouth in Charlottesville, and has also assumed oversight responsibility for the two new HealthSouth hospitals in Petersburg and Fredericksburg. An avid runner, Mr. Phillips is married and has two children and resides in Moseley. |
| Susan Habenicht, RN | |
| Director of Marketing Operations | |
| Susan has been with HealthSouth for more than 14 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She completed graduate studies in social work and is a registered nurse. Susan has served as a rehabilitation nurse and nurse liaison. As director of marketing operations, she manages the admissions, communications, nurse liaison and marketing departments. She has experience working with all age groups in the fields of psychiatry, social work, case management, high-risk pregnancy and developmental psychology. |
| Sally Gammon, RN, MS | |
| Director of Pulmonary Programs | |
| Established in 1995, the Pulmonary Program at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Virginia has provided a comprehensive rehabilitation program for patients with acute or chronic lung impairment. The program is nationally certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Sally has been involved with nursing care of pulmonary patients for more than 30 years. She received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a master’s degree and a pulmonary clinical nurse specialist degree. She has been recognized as a fellow in the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. |
| Roberta Opper, LCSW, | |
| Director of Quality/Risk Management | |
| Ms. Opper brings more than 30 years of health care experience to her current position. Prior to joining HealthSouth, she was employed as a licensed clinical social worker and case manager in numerous hospital settings in Kentucky, Philadelphia and Virginia. Ms. Opper received a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College in Ohio and a master’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She earned licensed clinical social worker and certified case manager credentials during her professional years in Richmond. She is a member of the Society for Social Work Leaders in Healthcare and the Richmond Bioethics Consortium. |
| Sonja Sherrod | |
| Director of Admissions | |
| Sonja brings more than 25 years of experience in the medical and insurance sectors. She is a native of Philadelphia and received a diploma in the Executive Administration Program from Cortez Peters Business College in Washington, D.C. Sonja's expertise includes 15 years in the adjudication of health claims and 12 years in the physical rehabilitation field. She has received numerous awards for customer service excellence and just recently received a diploma in the Professional Medical Billing Program from the Professional Career Development Institute. |
| Walter Jenkins | |
| Chef | |
| Walter brings more than 30 years of experience in the food service industry. He spent 8 years as chief chef in the United Stated Air Force and more than 11 years as an executive chef in the hotel industry. He considers every patient as his executive client and prepares each meal with that in mind. Walter has received the honor of “Employee of the Year” in 1996 and 2005. He is also the moderator of the hospital’s service satisfaction program. Long after they have left the rehabilitation hospital, many patients return to the hospital to enjoy Walter’s fine meal. |
| Leslie Lee | |
| Director of Nutritional Services | |
| Leslie has been the director of nutritional services at HealthSouth for nearly 15 years. Prior to HealthSouth, Leslie worked in the hotel industry. She has a certificate in dietary management from the University of Florida. Leslie and her staff receive excellent reviews for their menus and their appetizing and nutritional meals. |
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