Photos From The Ardor Health Solutions Holiday Party

Bio

My name is Whitney and I have been a Physical Therapist for thirteen years.  I graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. I have worked in multiple settings including acute care hospital, home health, skilled nursing, long term care and independent living facilities with my focus and passion being the geriatric population.

In 2014, I became a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the APTA.  After traveling along the east coast following my husband’s Navy career and job placements, I have finally settled in my home state of SC with my husband, 2 awesome children, and our sweet dog. My hobbies include spending time with my family, volunteering with the Children’s Worship at my church, and gardening with the dream of having a small farm.

Bio

My name is Beth Dua and I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 18 years.  I absolutely love what I do, and the fact that SLPs can work in any setting, with any population, just about anywhere!  This is something that I have taken advantage of over my career, working in the schools, private practice, home care, and skilled nursing settings as I accommodated the different needs of my family.  I have also had the privilege to supervise several CFYs and mentor and train fellow SLPs, as well as become COS-C and Dementia Care Certified.

My husband and I are parents to 2 teenagers that keep us running all of the time, but when I have a free moment, I enjoy reading, knitting, traveling, kayaking, and just about anything that includes water.

Bio

My name is Beth Dua and I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 18 years.  I absolutely love what I do, and the fact that SLPs can work in any setting, with any population, just about anywhere!  This is something that I have taken advantage of over my career, working in the schools, private practice, home care, and skilled nursing settings as I accommodated the different needs of my family.  I have also had the privilege to supervise several CFYs and mentor and train fellow SLPs, as well as become COS-C and Dementia Care Certified.

My husband and I are parents to 2 teenagers that keep us running all of the time, but when I have a free moment, I enjoy reading, knitting, traveling, kayaking, and just about anything that includes water.

Bio

I’ve been a PT for 13 years primarily in the outpatient and home health settings. I went to school at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell getting my DPT. Neurological/balance / vestibular areas are what I enjoy most as a PT but in-home care, you really see it all.

I just had a baby girl in February and am loving being a new mom. I enjoy spending time with her, my husband, and 2 labs. Other than spending time with my family, I enjoy doing yoga, going hiking with the family, paddle boarding and listening to live music.

Bio

Gretchen has 25 years experience as an OT working in inpatient and outpatient neuro rehab, community-based settings and home health. She is a Certified Aging in Place specialist and believes that OT naturally fits in the home.

She is passionate about supporting caregivers as they navigate health care systems, provide support for their loved ones and balance self-care with caregiving roles. She and her family recently moved from Washington D.C. to the Denver area and they are enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.

Her free time mostly revolves around her teenage kids’ schedules, gardening, and hiking. She is excited to be a part of a new model for bringing new practitioners into home health and looks forward to this new adventure.

Bio

My name is Janet and I have been a Speech/Language Pathologist for 24 years. I completed my undergraduate degree at Valparaiso University in Indiana and my graduate degree from Governors State University in Illinois.

I’ve worked in various settings including skilled nursing
facilities, outpatient rehab, and home health. I am blessed with two wonderful children, Abbey(17) and Ryan (15), and an amazing significant other, Kevin. We have two spoiled cats and
enjoy spending time with family and friends. In my free time, I like to golf, bike ride, swim or basically anything outdoors.

I have a passion for swallowing disorders and I am currently
seeking credentials as a Board Certified Swallowing Specialist.

Bio

Hi there, my name is Diane and I work in Texas. I am originally from NC, but since I started traveling with Ardor I have been able to go places and do things that I never thought I would do. It is so exciting. I have friends now from all over the US. I feel like I have been able to touch the lives of many people as they have also touched mine. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, skilled nursing, rehab, hospital and residential facilities. I feel like the knowledge I have acquired through these experiences is priceless and I would be eager to share with others to help make their work easier and more rewarding as well as make an impact on the population they serve. That is what it is all about. The money that you make is easily spent, but the but the knowledge that you impart will last forever.

Bio

Hi! My name is Nicole and I’m a traveling Occupational Therapist. I am a graduate of The University of North Dakota of Grand Forks. I started as a traveling Occupational Therapist right after graduation. I have been with Ardor Health Solutions for the past 5 years. I am originally from Minnesota, but over the past few years I have worked all over Massachusetts and New Jersey (right outside of New York City). I have worked in all types of settings including: skilled nursing, short term rehab, outpatient rehab, schools, pediatrics, home care, inpatient (hospital setting), and early intervention. What I love most about traveling is the opportunity to learn and to be able to try multiple settings until you find that perfect fit for you. I enjoy mentoring, because I’m so passionate about what I do! I love learning new skills, enjoy meeting so many wonderful professionals and I absolutely love sharing my knowledge! When I’m not working as a traveling therapist, I enjoy running, playing with my pup, going to the movies and hanging out with my friends.

Bio

Hi my name is Judith and I have been a Traveling Physical Therapist for about 4 years. I graduated in 2011 with my Doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and have pretty much been traveling ever since 🙂 I have traveled from the West Coast to the East Coast and have loved every minute of it! Work Hard, Play Harder is my motto and I stick to it! I have enjoyed working for different companies in a variety of different settings, however I love exploring the surrounding areas I’m in more 🙂 I remember how scary it was starting out as a new traveler and wish I had someone to contact and talk to about the in’s/out’s of traveling and that’s why I love mentoring new travelers! Traveling is an unbelievable experience that I would suggest to any therapist!!!

Bio

Brienne “Bri” is a Pittsburgh, PA native. She has been a speech-language pathologist for over five years, graduating from West Virginia University with her master’s degree in 2011. Prior to joining team Ardor, she worked extensively in the long-term care setting with tracheostomy and ventilator dependent patients. Bri specifically loves working in geriatrics and providing the highest level of nutrition possible through dysphagia management. With her background in vocal performance, she incorporates music into developing the language skills of her patients whenever possible. She is a wellness and exercise enthusiast and always knows where to find all of the good Zumba classes! She has been a member of Ardor since May 2016 and is enjoying all of the spoils that the travel life provides. She and her husband, Alejandro, perform on the weekends with their musical group, UpScale Strings, for weddings and social events. They look forward to taking their music on the road as they travel across the country!

Bio

Olga is a Speech Pathologist of 39 years working primarily in the educational setting armed with a degree in Elementary Education (NCCU) and a Masters of Education/Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (UNC), both in North Carolina. She has worked as a resource SLP as well as a self-contained language therapist, from Pre-K-12 in the public school setting with various populations:  SDD, SLD, HI, EBD, Autism, MID, MOID, SID/PID. She likes to read, watch football and ocean waves. She is currently located at the beach in southeast Georgia. Mentoring means a great deal to Olga because she enjoys encouraging and guiding the new SLP in navigating the nuances of delivering speech therapy in the public school setting.

Bio

Hi! My name is Megan, I have been an occupational therapist for 5 years now, two and half of which have been spent fulfilling travel jobs with Ardor. I have experience in all practice areas, however recently my focus has been in pediatrics. As a new grad, I knew that I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to travel; I have always had the tendency to jet off at any given moment. In 2015 I undertook a six month bicycle trip across Europe, and this was made possible through the flexibility from working with Ardor. I have had contracts in California, Massachusetts, Florida, and New York and they have each left an imprint on me in different ways. I believe it is extremely important to step outside of your comfort zone and have experiences that challenge the way you think, both professionally and personally. This is what Ardor has done for me, and I look forward to helping those who are ready for what I have considered the best opportunity available to me as a therapist!

Bio

My name is Aangelina and I graduated from Penn State University in 1995. I’ve had the opportunity to work in all settings. I started my career at the Colorado Mental Health Institute in Pueblo, Colorado. I’ve had extensive training in the area of mental health. I’ve worked in hospital and nursing home settings. My passion was the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing. I have experience with inpatient and out patient clinics. I’m currently working in the school system. I’ve always enjoyed my career. I’ve supervised several SLPA’s, CFY’s, and paraprofessionals. I’m licensed in six states and have been a traveler for 10 years. I traveled from 2003 to 2006 and from 2011 until now. I hope my passion and experience might assist you in your travels.

Bio

I have been a speech pathologist for a little over 20 years and have a fairly wide range of experience.  I have worked in hospital settings, rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and schools.  Most of my experience has been in schools and they are my favorite, especially elementary school, Head Start, and preschools. I have worked in a few different states and my favorite locations have been Asheville, NC, Denver, CO, and my current home in Portland, OR. My hobbies are gardening, reading, and my dog!  I have 3 grown children and 8 grand-children so family is very important to me. I enjoy mentoring partly because of my passion for speech therapy and what we can do to help people communicate. I want to share whatever wisdom I have gained over the years.

Bio

Hello! My name is Laura. This is my fifth year as a Speech-Language Pathologist. I received my Master’s degree from Radford University, Radford Virginia, May 2012. I completed my CFY in a Virginia county public school system. After my CFY, I chose a travel job through Ardor Health Solutions with a potential for a permanent position in Los Angeles, CA. It was a big move and one of the best decisions of my life! I worked and lived in Pasadena, CA for a local school district for two years. I met my husband in CA and we soon had to move to Maryland for his work. Ardor assisted me in obtaining a travel job for a local school district in Maryland. Near the end of my work year in Maryland (this past May 2016), my husband accepted a job offer in San Francisco, CA. Ardor again assisted me in finding a job in the Bay Area. I am currently working as a travel therapist under Ardor in a school setting with the population of moderate to severe Autism, ID, and ED.  I also worked prn performing home based early intervention services with ages 2-3 years in Los Angeles, CA.

I have experience with the procedure of obtaining various state licensures, travel job procedures/paperwork/expectations, interviews, preparation for a new role and new state/school system policies and procedures as well as great experience with diverse populations and ethnicities. I also have strengths in organization, planning, assessments/report writing, documentation, the IEP process, and treatment of various disorders.

During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, dog, and cat. My husband and I love hiking, biking, traveling, going to the dog beach, boxing, being outdoors, maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle, and enjoying some down time watching our favorite TV shows. I would love to advise new grads and new SLPs with everything from travel experience to work experience and balancing stress and a healthy lifestyle.

Bio

Hello! My name is Michelle and I am an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics that is currently on assignment in Arizona. I started traveling therapy right out of grad school and I haven’t stopped since. I am originally from NJ and went to school at Quinnipiac University in CT. Upon graduation I wanted to experience something new and push myself out of my comfort zone which ultimately lead my to start researching traveling therapy.  Since then I have slowly traveled out west working at birth to five clinics, in schools, and early intervention. I have two labs that travel with me, Kiaya and Ayla (yes its possible to travel with pets!), and have had a lot of fun adventures not only in the states I have worked in but traveling all around them as well. Traveling has taught me so much about myself, and what I can accomplish. It is a great way to meet new people and I can honestly say I have made some amazing life long friends along the way.   When I am not working I am usually exploring my new area and finding some body of water for my dogs to swim whether it be a river, lake, or beach.  I enjoy talking about my experiences traveling and love the idea of creating a supportive community even though we may be states away.  This program is a great way for professionals to connect and bounce  ideas off of one another.

Bio

Hi, my name is Casey and I am a Traveling Occupational Therapist.  I am a graduate of Bay Path University of Longmeadow Massachusetts.  I am originally from New York, but over the last 6 years I have lived in Texas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, and now Washington.  What I enjoy most about traveling is the chance to work in many different settings, so I can keep my skills sharp, and have the opportunity to see which settings I really enjoy.  I have worked in Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Outpatient, School systems, Mental Health, and Home Health.  When I’m not teaching my patients to be more independent, I enjoy cooking, reading, architecture, and watching movies.

Bio

Gabriele is from Youngstown, NY but was born in Milano, Italy. He earned a degree as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2010 from Daemen College in Amherst, NY. Gabriele’s favorite part of traveling is the ability to grow as a clinician and explore new parts of the country. When he isn’t traveling the country and mentoring new grads he absolutely loves exploring the outdoors, hiking, camping, mountain biking, trying craft beer and making people laugh. He loves taking the opportunity to mentor news grads and introducing them to the wonders of travel therapy!

Bio

Jessica was born in Brockport, NY. She earned a degree as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2009 from Daemen College in Amherst, NY. Jessica’s favorite part of traveling is exploring all the new places and making new friends. When she’s not exploring the country and mentoring new grads, she enjoys skiing, riding and driving horses, eating new food, learning Italian and practicing yoga. She is so excited to help new grads discover the love of travel therapy!

Bio

I began traveling with Ardor after completing my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. I am currently licensed in five states and have practiced in diverse clinical settings (outpatient occupational medicine, outpatient pediatrics, outpatient aquatics, outpatient orthopedics, assisted living, and acute care in a level 1 trauma center). The best part about traveling is meeting new people and growing professionally. I am an active member of the APTA and enjoy attending seminars and conferences for continued professional involvement. I have attended multiple continuing education courses through the Institute of Physical Art, the McKenzie Institute, and Kinesio University. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my furry travel buddy Olivia, exploring new places, running, trying new cuisines, and reading. I am excited to be a mentor to give back to the profession that I love! Traveling as a new graduate was the best career decision I could have made, and I am so excited to help others in their journey as new Physical Therapists!

Bio

My name is Erica. I have been an Occupational Therapist for close to 8 years and I worked as a traveling therapist for about 3 years.

I graduated from American International College located in Springfield, MA.

Since I began working as a therapist, I have completed assignments in skilled nursing facilities, acute settings, acute rehab, school systems, home health, and a post-acute rehab setting for individuals with acquired brain injuries.

I absolutely love to travel and feel the best part of traveling is having the opportunity to work with and learn from health care professionals all over the country.

The learning possibilities are endless as a traveler.

I have worked in CT, FL, TX, DE, VT, PA, D.C., MD, and my next location will be NJ. I’m very active and involved with nutrition, as I feel it is important to be good role models for our clientele.

Bio

My name is Bettina.  I am from the Chicagoland area.  I have worked in the Chicago Public Schools for more than 30 years in multiple capacities from being a speech-language pathologist to being an administrator to being a CF supervisor and supervising interns to being a mentor for new speech-language pathologists.  I love mentoring new SLP’s because in addition to teaching about my work location, I also learn from my mentees.  I retired in June, 2016 and decided to be a traveling SLP since it combines two of the activities I love the most – traveling and working with children.  I love traveling and my goal is to travel to at least 5-6 different states in the next 10 years.  This is my first travel assignment and it is very exciting.   The weather here is wonderful, windy, sunny, and warm but not humid.  This summer has been a pleasant relief from the humidity of Chicago.  So far, I love being in Northern California.  We have easy access to Napa, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, Lake Tahoe and many other interesting vacation locations.

Bio

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