Martha joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield in 2014 and has 30 years of healthcare experience. Previously, Martha served as a vice president at San Joaquin Community Hospital (SJCH) in Bakersfield where she provided administrative and operational oversight for 14 ancillary and clinical departments. Additionally she developed and implemented “The Stroke Center” at SJCH, a certified stroke program between Los Angeles and San Francisco and secured 24 hour neurology call coverage. Martha is a registered nurse and holds a master’s degree in business administration. She is a certified professional in healthcare quality and a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Karen joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield in April 2015 as the nurse manager and was promoted to the chief nursing officer position in July 2021. Karen brings almost 40 years of nursing experience and more than 20 years of management experience. Karen graduated nursing school in South Africa and received her master’s degree in nursing leadership and administration from South University. Karen was instrumental in implementing the CRRN & Unit Based Council for nursing which empowers clinical nurses to implement and maintain standards of nursing practice and patient care consistent with evidence-based practice and requirements of regulatory agencies. Karen is dedicated in ensuring excellence in patient care and providing patients the best care possible.

Sandra comes to Encompass after being the administrative director of home care services for Adventist Health in Bakersfield and Hanford. During her tenure there she built the only five star Home Health agency in our county. Sandra is a huge asset to our team as she understands rehabilitation care, the continuum of care and the dynamics of value based care and payment reform.

Didra joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield in 2013. She brings more than 15 years of healthcare experience in risk management, quality, compliance, patient safety and patient experience. Didra has a bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine in criminology, law and society and holds a master’s degree in public administration and healthcare management from California State University, Bakersfield. Didra is actively involved in the community and has a strong commitment to excellence and quality in healthcare. 

Kristina brings almost 10 years of human resource experience to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield. She has experience in both the non-profit and private sectors and has experience as an HR manager and HR generalist. She was raised in northern California and has lived in Bakersfield for more than 20 years. She graduated from University of Phoenix with both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration.

Janette brings more than 15 years of clinical experience in acute rehabilitation to Encompass Health Bakersfield Rehabilitation Hospital.  A Kern County native, she graduated from California State University Fresno with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical therapy. She enjoys motivating patients to achieve their goals by helping them regain hope and confidence in what they can do.

Amir joined the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield team in 2013, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience in clinical pharmacy and medication therapy management.Throughout his career, he has held various clinical and management positions in hospital and retail pharmacy settings in Alexandria, Egypt and Kuwait. Amir earned his degree in pharmacy from the University of Alexandria, Egypt. Additionally, He is board-certified in geriatric pharmacy and holds professional memberships with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP). Amir enjoys working with patients to improve their quality of life by using his clinical expertise and knowledge to help ensure the appropriate use of medications. 

Leslie is a local graduate of California State University Bakersfield where she received her BSN. She has 24 years of experience as an RN in the community. For the past 14 years she has found her true calling as an RN in the rehabilitation specialty of acute rehabilitation at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield. She currently holds the position of hospital educator and infection control practitioner. She is an active member of the interdisciplinary team for the stroke and pulmonary programs at Encompass Health and co-chairs the Unit Based Council for the nursing department. She was recognized and nominated in 2016 as a nurse leader in the field of education by the local chapter of the ACNL. While Leslie’s main passion is nursing, in her off time she enjoys camping with her family and volunteering with the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Robert joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield in April 2000 bringing with him more than 20 years of finance and operational experience in a variety of different industries. A Bakersfield native, he holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from National American University.

Jeff has worked for Encompass Health Bakersfield as a rehab liaison beginning 2016 until being promoted to the business development director position in May 2019. During that time, he became an expert in the hospital’s proprietary software program and developed strong relationships in the community and out-of-town markets with physicians and referral sources. Prior to Encompass Health Bakersfield, Jeff worked as a correctional officer with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation before a life-changing event prompted him to change careers. Jeff has a passion for healthcare and for the services only Encompass Health provides to the people in our community.