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Welcome to our hospital

At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona, we are committed to helping you regain independence after a life-changing illness or injury. Serving Altoona, Blair Country and central Pennsylvania, we are a leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation for stroke, brain injury, cardiac conditions and other complex neurological and orthopedic conditions.

Using clinical collaboration and advanced technologies, we provide a personalized care plan designed to meet your unique needs and help you achieve your goals.

Our inpatient rehabilitation hospital uses an interdisciplinary team approach that includes physical, speech and occupational therapists, rehabilitation physicians, rehabilitation nurses, case managers, dietitians and more, combined with our advanced technology and expertise, to help you achieve your goals. You will receive at least three hours of therapy five days per week while under the constant care of registered nurses, many of whom specialize in rehabilitation, and frequent independent private practice physician* visits.

Rehabilitation is covered in full or part by most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Our hospital has contracts with most major insurance companies and is willing to negotiate with other companies, as needed.

*The hospital provides access to independent physicians.

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Careers

What to expect

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

Watch the videos

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

See our hospital

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.

Advanced Inpatient Diabetes

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

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

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

Cardiac Rehabilitation

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

Orthopedic Rehabilitation

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

Spinal Cord Rehabilitation

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

Take a virtual tour

The following region contains a Google 3D virtual tour feature that allows a user to view the Encompass Health facility. To assist screen reader users in understanding what is presented in the 3D virtual tour, each image view is independently described within lists that can be found under each linked heading. The room links below our virtual tour leave this website and go directly to Google maps to walk through the hospital.

Please click on the arrows to navigate through the hallways on each floor. Use the "L" options on the right-hand side of the tour window below to navigate through different areas/floors of the hospital for a full virtual tour. See a key to "L" areas below.

  • Lobby/Foyer of hospital accessed through main hospital entrance.
  • Main desk in lobby entrance for receptionist and admitting area.
  • Chairs for patients and visitors to use.
  • Two hallways lead away from lobby to areas in the hospital.
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  • Outdoor area for rest and relaxation with multiple tables and chairs/benches.
  • Walking track for patients and visitors.
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  • Desk in hospital area for nurses to document in patient area.
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  • Multiple tables throughout therapy gym to assist in patient therapies.
  • Exercise equipment throughout gym to be used with technologies in therapy sessions.
  • Small stairs to assist in building patient’s strength.
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  • Multiple tables throughout therapy gym to assist in patient therapies.
  • Exercise equipment throughout gym to be used with technologies in therapy sessions.
  • Small stairs to assist in building patient’s strength.
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  • Pool area used for therapies in the water as part of patient rehabilitation.
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  • Shared patient room with two beds, sink, bathroom, TV and chairs for visitors.
  • Two wardrobes under TVs for storage.
  • Nightstands are placed next to each bed with a curtain to divide room between patient beds.
  • Window with exterior view.
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  • Patient bathroom with sink, toilet, and towels for use in shared patient room.

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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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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Nicholas Carmosino
Nicholas Carmosino

Director of Pharmacy

Nick has been the director of pharmacy since 1987.

Nick has been the director of pharmacy since 1987. He graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Science in 1983 with a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy.  Nick is a lifelong resident and graduated high school from Penn Cambria.

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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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Christine Filer
Christine Filer PHR/SHRM-CP

Director of Human Resources

Christine has been the director of human resources at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona since 1998.

Christine has been the director of human resources at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona since 1998 and an employee since 1989. Chris has more than 20 years of healthcare experience. She has more than 30 years of healthcare experience. Christine received her bachelor’s degree from Western Governor’s University, and has received her human resources certification from the Society of Human Resources Management as well as the Human Resources Certification Institute.

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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 and has been the stroke program co-coordinator at the hospital since 2015.

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, CDE

Advanced Diabetes Program Co-Coordinator

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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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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Madison Pederson
Madison Pedersen, DPT

Cardiac Program Co-Coordinator

Madison is a licensed physical therapist. She began working at Encompass Health in May 2017.

Madison is a licensed physical therapist. She began working at Encompass Health in May 2017. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Saint Francis University in 2017. Madison also earned her bachelor’s degree in health science with a minor in exercise physiology from Saint Francis University in 2015. Madison became the cardiac co-coordinator in April 2020.

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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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What to expect

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

Watch the videos

Get in touch with us

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Contact us

Our hospital

We deliver connected care and superior outcomes through our state-of-the-art inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Learn about our hospital