Loretta brings more than 24 years of health care experience to Encompass Health. She has held various senior management roles where she managed and directed fiscal operations, led clinical and compliance teams and recruited high-level physicians. Rice earned her master’s degree in business administration from Brenau University and bachelor’s degree in nursing from Emory University. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has been previously recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review with the “132 Administrators to Know” list.

Dr. Kushal Patel is a board-certified internal medicine physician in Georgia with 10 years of clinical experience. After completing his undergraduate studies, Patel began his medical career at St. George’s University. After graduating, his internal medicine residency took him to Georgetown University MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He also volunteered his time during residency to medical care for underprivileged patients in India.

Dr. Patel is an independent private practice physician.

Cindy is a distinguished health care professional with more than 27 years of experience, including six years in leadership roles. Gray has dedicated her career to improving patient care and advancing nursing practices. She joined Encompass Health in November 2024, bringing her extensive knowledge and expertise to the organization. Gray holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Brenau University. Her commitment to excellence and passion for health care have made her a valuable leader and mentor within the industry.

Jennifer brings nearly 30 years of rehabilitation experience and leadership. She has found enjoyment with inpatient rehabilitation at Encompass Health for more than 10 years. With advanced knowledge and skills in dysphagia management, Howland serves on Encompass Health’s subject matter expert team for speech-language pathologists. She graduated from Kent State University with a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Howland has a passion for providing quality care to her patients and enjoys mentoring other clinicians to share her knowledge.

Shannon has more than 30 years of health care management experience. Most of Lowell’s nursing years were spent in intensive care units and emergency rooms. However, she has devoted the past 10 years to her passion of case management. Lovell received her associate degree in nursing in 1992 from Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, South Carolina, and her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2019 from Capella University.

Robert brings more than 15 years of pharmacy leadership experience to Rehabilitation Hospital of Athens. Murry’s extensive professional background spans a wide range of areas, including retail pharmacy, administrative roles and hospital pharmacy leadership. He currently serves as president-elect of the Georgia Pharmacy Association. A Georgia native, Murry earned his doctorate degree in pharmacy from the University of Georgia in 2009.

A native of Toccoa, Kimberly joined Encompass Health in November 2024 bringing 17 years of health care experience. Over the past seven years, she has dedicated herself to the field of quality control, nurturing it as one of her profound passions. Parr received her associate degree in respiratory therapy and worked as a respiratory therapist for more than 10 years. She then received her bachelor’s degree from Boise State University, where she majored in healthcare administration and obtained a certificate in public health. Parr recently received her quality improvement certification from the American Society of Quality.

Lisa brings more than 25 years of business management experience to Rehabilitation Hospital of Athens. Originally from the Midwest, Talaga graduated from Ball State University with an associate degree. She also graduated with distinction from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She earned a certificate in Essentials of Human Resources Management from Indiana University and the Society for Human Resource Management. Talaga is dedicated to community service and philanthropies, including the YMCA, Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation and American Red Cross.

Matt has a diverse background in environment of care, life safety, health care compliance and infection control. His expertise also extends to electro-mechanical repair and troubleshooting. Walker ventured into this field driven by his passion for assisting others and ensuring their well-being. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for problem-solving, he navigates the complexities of facility management effortlessly. Matt’s strategic approach not only ensures operational efficiency but also prioritizes the safety and comfort of patients and employees.

Trelawney has 20 years of health care experience, including five years in a management role. Originally from St. Louis, Wilson joined Encompass Health in January 2025. She has an associate degree in respiratory therapy and serves as a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease educator with the American Lung Association.