At a young age, Physical Therapist Mary Frangus, MSPT, witnessed first-hand the importance of physical therapy. It gave her a deep understanding of what really matters to patients. A goal of getting back to the life you love. Safely and confidently. And Mary strives to do just that with a multi-tiered approach to understanding the whole patient. Meet Mary.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I was born and raised in NJ and moved to CT in my early 20s. I went to grad school in CT and have been here ever since. I currently live in Monroe with my husband and our two children.

How long have you been at RVNA?
I have been with RVNAhealth for about 2.5 years as an in-home physical therapist.

What brought you here?
I had worked in a skilled nursing facility for over 25 years and was looking for a change. I very much enjoyed the patients I met and worked with in the skilled nursing facility, but wanted to have a greater sense of what barriers and limitations they might face upon return home.

Describe your role at RVNA.
My role as an RVNAhealth in-home physical therapist gives me the ability to address the issues I described above first-hand for a safer environment and long-term success at home.

What is your favorite part of your job?
In high school, I had knee surgery, requiring physical therapy. This was my first introduction to the profession. My PT helped me return to being an active teenager, and I was so grateful to her. I wanted to be able to help people like she did for me. As I focused on my career path, I found helping folks get back to living, in their own homes, was the most fulfilling.

Did you ever consider becoming a nurse?
I always knew from a very young age that I would choose a career that allowed me to help people.

What do you love to do when you’re not working?
I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and working in our yard/gardens. I also enjoy reading when I find a moment to sit still. As much as I love being home, I like to travel and would plan more adventures if time and funds allowed.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would take the opportunity to travel and increase my opportunities to get together with extended family.

Do you have any favorite RVNAhealth moments or stories?
The moments that I find the most fulfilling and enjoyable are when I am collaborating with other RVNA disciplines (like skilled nursing, occupational and speech therapy) to provide cohesive care for our patients. Problem-solving to help a complex patient situation is always something that makes me enjoy the people I work with and the agency I provide care for each day.

My sense of purpose as ‘a helper’ was recently renewed when I performed the Heimlich maneuver on a stranger who was choking in a parking lot. She was needing help and I am so grateful that I happened to be there in her moment of need. I now look forward to seeing her smiling face in that same parking lot, as our paths cross again time after time.

What’s your hidden talent?
I asked my kids (the experts) and was told that I could make a quiche with my eyes closed. That’s their breakfast of choice.

What are you going to be for Halloween?
A soccer Mom. No costume needed. 🙂

HomeCare by RVNA is hosting a Job Fair and Open House on Thursday, November 15 and Friday, November 16 from 8:30am – 7:00pm at RVNA.  All Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides are invited to stop by, learn about RVNA, complete an application, and meet our team.

HomeCare by RVNA is the agency’s non-medical service line, offering live-in and hourly caregivers to help clients with household tasks and personal care.  As HomeCare by RVNA grows, our need for excellent and committed caregivers grows as well.

If you are a reliable, motivated, and interested CNA or HHA, please come on by and spread the word.

RVNAhealth is located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield CT 06877.  203-438-5555.

Visit the RVNAhealth Employment page for other open positions.

It came as little surprise to many — particularly the staff at RVNAhealth — that Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA, RVNAhealth President and CEO, was named one of ‘The Ridgefield 25’ this month by Ridgefield Magazine. Now everyone knows what we have known all along. Theresa Santoro makes a profound difference to the communities and individuals she serves.

The Ridgefield 25 project was introduced by Ridgefield Magazine this year and will become an annual event. The project recognizes members of the Ridgefield community whose dedication, creativity, and influence have inspired and enriched the lives of those around them. From the over 100 nominations received, 25 honorees were selected for the inaugural year.

Santoro is being honored for the energy, vitality, and growth she has brought to RVNA, expanding the scope, services, reach — and presence — of the agency.

Theresa Santoro at RVNA

Theresa Santoro began her RVNAhealth career in 1999 as a visiting registered nurse, providing care to patients in their homes. Santoro’s vision, intelligence, and energy propelled her to the role of President and CEO in 2007. During her early leadership years at RVNA, she returned to school for a master’s degree in Health Care Administration.  Meanwhile, she recognized and saw firsthand, the demands the aging population and young baby boomers would have for RVNA’s home care services and community health programs.  And she recognized that to serve these needs, RVNAhealth needed to grow.

Just prior to the Agency’s centennial in 2014 and under Santoro’s guidance, RVNAhealth — to meet the needs of the populations they served  — began to expand their programs and services as well as the region they served. At the same time,  it was clear that RVNAhealth needed a new home — to accommodate a growing team that had already vastly outgrown the previous space. In 2016, RVNAhealth opened the Center for Exceptional Care, a state-of-the-art facility in the center of Ridgefield that would house the RVNAhealth team, and serve as a hub for community members to seek guidance and receive services, for themselves or their loved ones.

It was an ambitious and extraordinary undertaking which came to life through the generosity and partnership of the committed RVNAhealth team, friends, and supporters. Today, the Center for Exceptional Care includes an outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation center; a full teaching kitchen for nutritional services and education; onsite clinic rooms for the administration of vaccines and other nursing services; a caregiver support room, and meeting rooms for community health and wellness education and programs.

The RVNAhealth family of health services – Home Health; non-medical Home Care; Rehab by RVNA; Hospice by RVNA; Nutrition Services, and Community Health and Wellness — now serves 28 towns across Connecticut and provides care to our patients and community members at all stages of their life and health.

RVNA, with Theresa Santoro at the helm, continues to go strong and grow strong, while remaining true to their mission and the individuals and communities they serve.

The Ridgefield 25 will be celebrated at a ceremony held at BMW of Ridgefield, Saturday, November 10 at 6 pm.

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Things are always better when Melissa Papish is in the room. Or anywhere nearby.

Melissa is one of those people whose intelligent, thoughtful, and insightful contributions get any initiative or any discussion to the next level. And beyond.

An added bonus?  Melissa is calm and measured, with an adept sense of humor and appreciation.

So whether you’re mapping out a strategic initiative, seeking operational acumen, or just trying to get the darn copier to work, be on the lookout for Melissa Papish.

She’s generous with her abilities and you’ll be glad of her help.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Danbury just over the Ridgefield border.  Currently I reside in Brookfield with my boyfriend Brandon, son Matthew, stepdaughters Alexandra and Bailey, two canine children, a rabbit, and a frog.

How long have you been at RVNAhealth?
A total of 12 years!  I started at RVNAhealth in 1999 until 2003 when I relocated to South Carolina.  I returned to CT in 2009 and came right back home to RVNA!

What brought you here?
While a sophomore in high school I was providing after-school care for a family in Ridgefield.  Also during that year I had obtained my certified nurse’s aide certificate and was looking for additional employment.  One afternoon I had a few minutes before I had to meet the kids at the bus, so I walked into RVNAhealth to apply for a CNA position.  I was greeted with open arms and so the journey began!

Describe your role at RVNA.
I am the Senior Business Operations Manager.  In short, I ensure all patient services are authorized by insurance companies, ensure the agency can bill for the good work that’s done, and oversee Medical Records.

What is your favorite part of your job?
During my years at RVNA, I’ve held numerous positions (and sometimes more than one position at one time) while the agency expanded from servicing a handful of towns to now servicing 28 towns!  Throughout all the jobs, my favorite part is getting to make a difference to someone, whether it’s a patient, co-worker, or supervisor.  You can say I run on “thank you”s!

Did you ever consider becoming a nurse?
I sure did being my grandmother was an RN.  Unfortunately I quickly realized I was never going to get over my fear of needles or the sight of blood, so I changed my path to work behind the scenes in the healthcare field!

What do you love to do when you’re not working?
Planning my next vacation!

What is your hidden talent?
Not so hidden, but still a talent, is the uncanny ability to remember every detail of everything even years later.  I’m sure my co-workers would agree that it comes in handy on a daily basis!

What would you do if you won the lottery?
Buy my dream oceanfront house in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Do you have a favorite RVNAhealth moment or story?
There isn’t a single favorite moment but instead a culmination of all RVNAhealth moments.  RVNAhealth has afforded me personal and professional growth, unlimited opportunities, and special friendships.  For that, I will forever be grateful to RVNA.

If you have heard and are concerned about the recent increase in cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis, a polio-like virus that largely affects those under 18 years of age, we encourage you to educate yourself on the symptoms and facts surrounding the condition.  While the condition is not new and impacts less than one million people in the US each year, the increase in cases in recent years is a cause for attention.

Key facts

Symptoms

Seek medical care right away if you or your child develops any of the following symptoms:

• arm or leg weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes
• facial droop/weakness
• difficulty moving the eyes
• drooping eyelids
• difficulty with swallowing or slurred speech

Prevention

While there are no specific ways to prevent most cases of AFM, the CDC recommends the following actions (since poliovirus and West Nile virus can sometimes cause AFM):

• Be up to date on your polio vaccination
• Protect yourself from mosquito-borne viruses, such as West Nile virus, by using mosquito repellent, staying indoors at dusk and dawn, which is the prime period that mosquitoes bite, and removing standing or stagnant water near your home (where mosquitoes can breed).
• Washing your hands often is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to other people. (It is not known if effective in preventing AFM, but never a bad idea.)

Learn more at CDC.gov

Melissa Woodhouse has a knack for fixing things, and for making good things even better.

Perhaps it’s her original training as an Occupational Therapist (OT), a field dedicated to returning patients to their activities of daily living after an injury or illness. It requires intelligence, insight, creativity, patience, ingenuity, persistence and, of course, a positive outlook.

These traits have served Melissa well as an OT, and have been employed and enjoyed en route to her current RVNAhealth role, Director of HomeCare and Client Services.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Brookfield, CT and moved back six years ago!

What is your role at RVNA?
Director of HomeCare and Client Services. I oversee RVNA’s private caregiver company and centralized care coordination team (also know as ‘intake’). Together we ensure that clients receive care from one of our many service lines at RVNA.

How long have you been at RVNA?
Almost five years.

When brought you here?
I began working in home health as an Occupational Therapist, where I got to treat the most amazing patients in their homes.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Getting to interact with clients, families, and caregivers.

When did you originally decide to become an OT?
After working many years as a Respiratory Therapist, I decided I wanted to pursue a career that furthered my ability to help change the lives of those who recently suffered an illness or injury.

How does your prior experience inform your new position?
It allows me to understand where clients are coming from, train caregivers how to manage clients, and ensure that our clients can age at home safely.

What do you love to do when you’re not working?
Go hiking or camping with my two daughters and husband. We love the outdoors!

What is your hidden talent?
Art — I love any and everything art related! Painting, drawing, or doing crafts with my kids.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
Buy a house on a lake in the Adirondacks!

Do you have a favorite RVNAhealth moment or story?
Getting to watch Nick Depuy and Barbie Tatum perform at the Autumn Dinner this year as a tribute to his late mom and my former patient. It’s something I’ll never forget. This event brings so many wonderful RVNA supporters together and is an amazing reminder of how many lives the RVNAhealth impacts.

Not everybody likes a pop quiz, right?

On the morning of Wednesday, September 19, RVNA had a surprise visitor at our HomeCare by RVNA doors: the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). Stopping by for a random audit.

While not every agency is happy to see the DCP — just ask the auditors — RVNAhealth welcomed them with open arms. “We have confidence in our systems and processes,” says Theresa Santoro, RVNAhealth President and CEO, “and we’re always looking to refine and improve. If the DCP auditors can help us do that, even better.”

The two auditors, a special investigator and an inspection aide, stayed on site for approximately three hours, reviewing client care records, personnel files, human resources processes, billing samples, our client service agreement, and contracts. The DCP’s assessment: RVNAhealth passed with flying colors.

“RVNAhealth prides ourselves on the rigor and excellence of our processes, hiring, and service,” says Santoro, “So getting great marks from a ‘governing body’ who reviews the entire non-medical community is especially meaningful. We’re proud to share the news and look forward to their next random visit.”

Not everybody likes a pop quiz …. but RVNAhealth does.

To learn more, call 203-438-5555.

RVNAhealth is thrilled to announce that current RVNAhealth team member Melissa Woodhouse, RRT, MOT, OTR/L, CDP, has been promoted to Director of HomeCare and Client Services. HomeCare by RVNA is the agency’s non-medical service line, offering live-in and hourly caregivers to help clients with household tasks and personal care.

In her new role, Woodhouse will be responsible for the overall direction and management of the HomeCare service while continuing to be responsible for the Centralized Care Coordination team.

“Our HomeCare clients and caregivers are very important to us,” says Theresa Santoro, RVNAhealth president and CEO, “and our knowledge of, and experience with, Melissa gives us great confidence about the future of this service and the quality of care and service we offer to our clients.”

Woodhouse joined RVNAhealth in 2014 as an occupational therapist, arriving with several years of experience as both a respiratory and occupational therapist in sites as varied as hospital emergency rooms, rehab facilities, patient homes, and — of course — the Life Star critical care helicopter out of Hartford Hospital.

Woodhouse was promoted to Rehab Manager in 2016 and assumed management of the centralized care coordination department in early 2018. The care coordination team is responsible for giving RVNA patients and clients the help and guidance they need — right from the first phone call, or as soon as they walk in the door.

Melissa brings a depth of clinical, management, and customer service skills to her work, as well as an adept and creative problem-solving ability, a strength she honed working one-on-one with patients in their homes, helping them return to their activities of daily living.

Melissa’s familiarity with the RVNAhealth organization, approach and commitment to excellence means she will hit the ground running in her new position. She officially assumed the role on Monday, October 1.

Woodhouse holds a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy and a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, both from Quinnipiac University in Hamden CT. Woodhouse also holds an associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy.

“I truly love patient and client contact and helping patients get the help they need on every level,” says Woodhouse. “I have relished and learned from all of my roles at RVNA, from being an in-home occupational therapist, to Rehab Manager, and most recently re-constructing the care coordination team. I understand the excellence that our clients expect and require, and I am committed to delivering that in our HomeCare offering.”

Woodhouse grew up in Brookfield, CT and Is raising her own family there as well. Melissa and her husband, Ben, a Physician Assistant, have two daughters, Brooke, 4, and Charlotte, 2.

To learn more about Melissa Woodhouse or HomeCare by RVNA, please call 203-438-5555.