Kathy brings over 25 years of healthcare leadership experience to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland. She earned a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology from Purdue University. In addition, Kathy received a master’s degree in speech language pathology and a master’s degree in business administration at Colorado State University with certificates in project management and technological information systems.

Dr. Kumar joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland as medical director in 2024. She earned her medical degree at Kurnool Medical College in Kurnool, India and completed her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Michigan State University. She is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She provides comprehensive rehabilitative care for stroke, movement disorders and neuromuscular pathologies.

Dr. Kumar is an independent private practice physician.

Jill brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience to her role as business development director of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland. She joined Encompass Health in 2007 and most recently served as business development director at Encompass Health of Ocala. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in social work from Marshall University and a master’s degree in social work with a specialized focus on business administration and mental health from West Virginia University. Jill is active with the American Heart Association Go Red for Women as well as the annual AHA Heart Walk.

Judith brings over 14 years of healthcare and nursing experience to Encompass Health. She started at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland in 2023 as a contract nurse, then became a supervisor before taking on her current role. Before joining Encompass Health, Judith worked as a critical care registered nurse. She holds a bachelor's degree in health education and behavior from the University of Florida and a nursing degree from Santa Fe College of Nursing.

James joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland in December 2023 with 35 years of experience in healthcare financial management. He was born in Virginia and spent time in several states but also some time overseas in Italy. He graduated with an associate degree from Pensacola State College and both a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of West Florida.

Julie joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland in 2024 and brings more than 16 years of human resources experience in healthcare. Julie received her bachelor’s degree in management from Georgia Southern University, her master’s degree in human resource development from Clemson University and her doctorate degree in strategic leadership from Southeastern University.

Caitlyn serves as director of case management at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Southeastern University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of South Florida. Before joining Encompass Health, she spent six years in acute care as a medical social worker, where she was promoted to supervisor of case management. Caitlyn is passionate about case management and serving our patients to ensure a safe discharge plan is achieved through our interdisciplinary processes.

Ralph joined Encompass Health in 2016, and he has more than 10 years of experience in various healthcare fields. He graduated from Pasco Hernando State College with an associate’s degree in nursing and from Western Governors University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. He obtained his certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse in 2018 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration with a focus in healthcare management from Western Governors University.

Felice joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland in April 2024 and brings over 30 years of pharmacy experience to the team. She obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and completed a one-year residency through the University of Kansas. Felice is also licensed as a consultant pharmacist in the State of Florida and has worked in long-term care facilities as consultant of record. She is a certified immunizer and received board certification for collaborative practice to test and treat in November 2023.

Prior to joining the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland team, Travis worked for an acute behavioral health company for five years as a maintenance technician and worked his way into the facility director role. He has a degree in HVAC from York Technical College in South Carolina. Before working in the healthcare industry, he was in the United States Air Force for six years.

Jill serves as the director of therapy operations at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeland. Prior to joining Encompass Health, she began as a staff occupational therapist and has held leadership positions for the last six years. Jill received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Nova Southeastern University and most recently her post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Marymount University. Jill also has achieved her certification as an assistive technology professional specializing in the provision of appropriate devices to promote a person’s highest level of independence in all aspects of daily living including wheelchair seating and positioning.