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Welcome to Encompass Health Altoona

We know that choosing where to receive care after a life-changing illness or injury is an important decision for you and your loved ones. At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona, we are committed to helping you get back to what matters most. Located in Altoona, we are a leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation for stroke, brain injury, hip fracture and other complex neurological and orthopedic conditions.

When you choose Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona for your rehabilitation, you receive compassionate care from an expert team of physical, occupational and speech therapists; physicians; nurses; dietitians; pharmacists; and case managers who work together to create a plan to help you meet your unique goals.

At our hospital you will receive:

  • Three hours of therapy, five days per week
  • 24/7 nursing care, including nurses who specialize in rehabilitation
  • Frequent visits from a physician*

*We provide access to independent physicians.

Learn what to expect during inpatient rehabilitation

Better Rehabilitation Starts Here

Each patient’s recovery is different. At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona, our expert clinicians combine the latest technologies, real-world simulations and advanced therapies into a treatment plan that helps you achieve what’s important to you. Our specialties include but are not limited to:

 

 

Superior Amenities at Our Hospitals

80 Beds

Televisions

Telephones

Free WiFi

Nonsmoking

Courtyard

Pet friendly

Interpreter services

Spanish translators available

Tours available

Support groups

Student observation hours

Volunteers

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What to Expect

Take a look at what happens during a stay at our hospital

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Join Our Team

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Careers

We Proudly Display Our Gold Seal of Approval™

Stroke Rehabilitation

Our hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Disease-Specific Care Certification in stroke rehabilitation.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Our hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Disease-Specific Care Certification in cardiac rehabilitation.

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Our hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Disease-Specific Care Certification in brain injury rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Rehabilitation

Our hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Disease-Specific Care Certification in spinal cord.

Advanced Inpatient Diabetes

Our hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Disease-Specific Care Certification in advanced inpatient diabetes.

Hip Fracture Rehabilitation

Our hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Disease-Specific Care Certification in hip fracture rehabilitation.

Leadership and Staff

Scott Filler
Scott A. Filler

Chief Executive Officer

Scott has been the hospital’s CEO since 1998. He brings with him more than 30 years of healthcare experience.

Scott has been the hospital’s CEO since 1998. He brings with him more than 30 years of healthcare experience. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in management, with a minor in finance from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a master’s degree in business administration from Saint Francis University. A life-long resident of Altoona, Scott is a graduate of Altoona Area High School. 

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Rakesh Patel
Rakesh (Rocky) Patel D.O.

Medical Director

Dr. Patel is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Dr. Patel has been an attending physician at the hospital since 1997 and became the hospital’s medical director in 1998. Dr. Patel is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and is committed to helping each patient recover the strength and independence to return to work, to play and to living.  He is a leader in the care of patients with spinal cord injury, amputation, orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions; providing the most effective treatment to meet each patient’s individual needs. Dr. Patel was an associate professor at the Schwab Rehabilitation Center/University of Chicago from 1996-1997.  He was an intern at Olympia Fields Osteopathic Medical Center and completed his residency at the world-renowned Schwab Rehabilitation Center/University of Chicago.  He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Illinois and attended medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Patel is an independent private practice physician.

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Tyler Bender
Tyler Bender, DPT

Orthopedic Program Co-Coordinator

Tyler is a licensed physical therapist who became the orthopedic program co-coordinator in 2019.

Tyler is a licensed physical therapist who became the orthopedic program co-coordinator in 2019. He is a 2018 graduate of Saint Francis University, where he earned with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

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George Berger
George R. Berger

Controller

George has more than 20 years of healthcare experience.

George has been the hospital’s controller since 2009. He has more than 20 years of healthcare experience. George holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Saint Francis University and is a graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School.

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Ginger Boast
GINGER BOAST, OTR/L

Cardiac Program Co-Coordinator

Ginger has been with Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona since January 2004.

Ginger has been with Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona since January 2004. She became the cardiac co-coordinator in March 2022. Ginger received her bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from Mount Aloysius College in 2002.

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Christine Bowser
Christine R. Bowser

Administrative Supervisor

Christine has been employed at the hospital since 1986 and has served as the administrative supervisor since 1998.

Christine has been employed at the hospital since 1986 and has served as the administrative supervisor since 1998. She has more than 30 years of healthcare experience. Christine received an associate degree in specialized business in 1985 from the Altoona School of Commerce and is a graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School. 

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Kelly Campagna
KELLY CAMPAGNA, RN

Business Development Director

Kelly became the hospital’s business development director in April 2021.

Kelly joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona in February 2010 as a rehab liaison and became the hospital’s business development director in April 2021. She graduated from Penn State University and brings almost 20 years of experience as a registered nurse. Prior to becoming a registered nurse, Kelly was an occupational therapy assistant and did per diem work for the hospital in her early career.

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Timothy Davis
Timothy Davis

Facilities Management Director

Tim joined the hospital in the fall of 2019 bringing with him 40 years of healthcare experience in his role as facilities management director. 

Tim joined the hospital in the fall of 2019 bringing with him 40 years of healthcare experience in his role as facilities management director. He has a diversified background in electrical engineering, HVAC control systems, energy efficient lighting and regulatory compliance and was the recipient of the EPA Green Lights award for lighting project designed and implemented in 1997. Tim received his degree from Stevens Technical College.

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Melissa Eckenrode
Melissa Eckenrode OTR

Orthopedic Program Co-Coordinator

Melissa became the orthopedic program co-coordinator in 2018.

Melissa became the orthopedic program co-coordinator in 2018 after being a senior occupational therapist at the hospital for 16 years.  She obtained her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Mount Aloysius in 2001.

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Michelle Fasolo
MICHELLE FASOLO, RPh

Director of Pharmacy

Michelle became the director of pharmacy at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona in November 2022.

Michelle became the director of pharmacy at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona in November 2022 following her 30-year tenure here as a staff pharmacist. She recently became the leader of our antimicrobial stewardship program and has more than 30 years of experience with inpatient hospital pharmacies. Michelle graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1993 with her bachelor's degree in pharmacy.

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Theresa Friedenberger
Theresa Friedenberger, RN

Chief Nursing Officer

Theresa has more than 26 years of clinical experience and almost 10 years’ experience in infection prevention and control.

Theresa has been with the hospital since 1996. She has more than 26 years of clinical experience and almost 10 years’ experience in infection prevention and control. Theresa has been the hospital’s director of quality/performance improvement since September 2012. Theresa received her nursing degree from Mount Aloysius College in 1994 and is a graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School.

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Mark Garrett
Mark Garrett, PT

Director of Therapy Operations, Cardiac Program Coordinator

Mark has been the director of therapy operations since June 2013.

Mark has been the director of therapy operations since June 2013. He graduated from Temple University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy. Prior to his current position, Mark served as a senior physical therapist and was the coordinator of the Spinal Cord Injury Program.

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Matt Hoover
Matt Hoover, DPT

Director of Physical Therapy, Stroke Program Co-Coordinator

Matthew serves as the director of physical therapy at the hospital.

Matthew serves as the director of physical therapy and has been the Stroke (CVA) Program co-coordinator at the hospital since 2015. Matthew has been a licensed physical therapist since July 2014, all of which has been spent at the hospital in the inpatient operations. He holds his doctorate of physical therapy degree from Saint Francis University and is a graduate of Williamsburg High School.

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Jane Maslonik
Jane Maslonik, MSRD LDN CDES BC-ADM

Registered Dietician

Jane is a registered dietitian and has been employed at the hospital since 1995.

Jane is a registered dietitian. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from Penn State University and a Master of Science degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Jane has been employed at the hospital since 1995. She is a certified diabetic educator and is a member of the American Association of Diabetic Educators. Jane accepted the position of advanced diabetic team co-coordinator in May of 2016. She is an adjunct professor at Saint Francis University where she teaches classes in both the nursing and public health departments. Jane is also an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown in the nursing department.

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Shelley Mazzetti
SHELLEY MAZZETTI, MOT, OTR/L

Brain Injury Program Co-coordinator

Shelley has been the brain injury program co-coordinator since 2021.

Shelley has been the brain injury program co-coordinator since 2021. She has been a core member of the brain injury team since joining Encompass Health in 2013. She obtained her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Saint Francis University in 2013.

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Aaron Meintel
Aaron Meintel MOT, OTR

Director of Occupational Therapy, Stroke Program Co-Coordinator

Aaron took on the position of director of occupational therapy in January of 2016.

Aaron is a 2010 graduate of Saint Francis University where she obtained her master’s degree in occupational therapy after undergraduate studies at Penn State University. She has worked at the hospital since April of 2011 as a staff occupational therapist until taking on the position of director of occupational therapy in January of 2016. Aaron was a member of the stroke team before taking the position of co-coordinator in 2013 and plays an active role in program development for this patient population.

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Hugh Newman
Hugh D. Newman III D.O.

Program Medical Director

Dr. Newman has been an attending physician at the hospital since arriving in Pennsylvania from the University of Chicago in 1997.

Dr. Newman has been an attending physician at the hospital since arriving in Pennsylvania from the University of Chicago in 1997. Dr. Newman specializes in rehabilitation of neurologic disorders and is especially passionate about traumatic brain injury.  Dr. Newman has been the Director of Neurotrauma at the hospital since 1997 and serves as the Chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UPMC Altoona.  Together with other medical leaders in our community, Dr. Newman provides brain injury and concussion awareness to high school and collegiate athletic programs throughout central Pennsylvania.  Dr. Newman works closely with the rehabilitation team at the hospital to provide rehabilitation excellence to our patients and their families. Dr. Newman graduated from the University of Scranton and Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship at Long Beach Memorial Hospital in New York and his residency at the University of Chicago, training at world-renowned Cook County Hospital, Rehab Institute of Chicago and the University of Chicago’s Schwab Rehabilitation Center.

Dr. Newman is an independent private practice physician.

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Kristen Nolan
KRISTEN NOLAN, PharmD

Advanced Diabetes Program Co-Coordinator

Kristen joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona as a pharmacist in February 2019.

Kristen joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona as a pharmacist in February 2019. She accepted the position of advanced diabetic team co-coordinator in the spring of 2022. Kristen completed her undergraduate studies at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and obtained her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2018.

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Elizabeth Reindl
ELIZABETH REINDL

Human Resources Director

Liz earned a master's degree in human resources and employment relations from Penn State University.

Liz earned a master's degree in human resources and employment relations from Penn State University and a master's degree in education from Saint Francis University. She has human resources leadership experience in both acute and long-term care.

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Matt Smith
Matt Smith DPT

Spinal Cord Injury Program Co-Coordinator

Matt has been the spinal cord injury program co-coordinator since November of 2015.

Matt has been the Spinal Cord Injury Program co-coordinator since November of 2015 after being an active member of the team since he accepted his position in 2013. Matt has his doctorate degree in physical therapy from Saint Francis University with a minor in exercise physiology.

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Karen Stormer
Karen Stormer OTR

Spinal Cord Injury Program Co-Coordinator

Karen came to our hospital in 1988 and began her work on the spinal cord injury unit.

Karen graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1983. She came to our hospital in 1988 and began her work on the spinal cord injury unit. Karen also coordinated the student program for both Level I and II occupational therapy students. She accepted the spinal cord Injury co-coordinator position in March of 2014.

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Tyra Swope
Tyra Swope, MSN, RN, CCN

Director of Case Management

Tyra became the director of case management in July 2021.

Tyra joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona in June 2019 as a per diem case manager before becoming the director of case management in July 2021. Tyra brings with her more than 20 years of nursing experience in a variety of areas with special interest in education, readmission prevention and case management. She has held a certification in case management since 2015. Tyra received her nursing degree from Mount Aloysius College and dual master’s degrees in nursing education and management from Regis University in 2019.

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Rebecca Winkler
Rebecca Y. Winkler

Director of Outpatient Services

Becky has been an employee since 1992 has more than 25 years specializing in outpatient services.

Becky has been an employee since 1992 and has served as the director of outpatient services since 2001. She has more than 25 years specializing in outpatient services. Becky received her bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling in 1988 from Pennsylvania State University and is a graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School.

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Courtney Yogus
Courtney Yogus MPT

Brain Injury Program Co-Coordinator

Courtney has been the brain injury co-coordinator since April of 2019.

Courtney has been the brain injury co-coordinator since April of 2019. She joined Encompass Health Altoona as a staff physical therapist in December of 2018. Courtney has been a licensed physical therapist since 2001 and has experience in the settings of outpatient, acute hospital care and home health. Courtney holds a master’s degree in physical therapy degree from Saint Francis University.

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Ashley Zaman
ASHLEY ZAMAN, RN

Director of Quality/Risk

Ashley joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona in the spring of 2021 and brought with her 16 years of healthcare experience.

Ashley joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona in the spring of 2021 and brought with her 16 years of healthcare experience. She has more than 10 years of experience in nursing leadership with a special interest in quality, patient outcomes and leadership development. Ashley received her nursing degree from Conemaugh School of Nursing and a bachelor’s degree from Mount Aloysius.

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Connected Care – Multiple Locations for Outpatient Rehabilitation

No matter where our patients are in the recovery process, we can help. We develop care plans to meet patients where they are, including comprehensive outpatient therapy services and treatments. Visit any of our locations to learn more.

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