Tom Tisone, MBA, CMPE, assumed the role of CEO at Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in August 2020. Prior to Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, Tom served as the executive director of strategic initiatives at MU Health Care since 2018 and previously served as the organization’s director of network affiliations since 2014. Concurrently to both MU Health Care positions, he served as the executive director for the Health Network of Missouri, a regional collaborative comprised of five health systems. Earlier in his career, Tom held a variety of other health care leadership positions in both the public and private sector, including with MU Health Care and McKesson Specialty Health-U.S. Oncology Network. He is an MU alumnus, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and he also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from William Woods University in Fulton. He is a Certified Medical Practice Executive through the American College of Medical Practice Executives, MGMA.

Leia joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in March 2021. She holds both a master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in healthcare administration and a bachelor’s degree in health science management. She is also a registered respiratory therapist. Leia has more than 22 years of healthcare experience. She has held a variety of leadership and clinical roles with Boone Hospital Center, Moberly Regional Medical Center and MU Health Care. Her clinical background, regulatory experience and Joint Commission background makes her a valued member of the Rusk leadership team.

Linda joined the nursing team at Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in 2016 as an evening supervisor. In 2017, she was promoted to nurse manager before assuming her current role as chief nursing officer. Linda has worked in the healthcare industry for more than 35 years, serving in a variety of leadership and bedside nursing roles. Linda received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Truman State University, and her master’s of science in nursing from University of Phoenix. She achieved the title of Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) in 2019.

Norman joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, a joint venture of Encompass Health and MU Health Care, in 2018 as the controller with 12 years of hospital accounting experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s degree in business management with emphasis in accounting, and a master’s degree in sociology.

David Fredericks graduated in 2011 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with his doctorate in physical therapy. He has spent his career working with a wide variety of diagnosis in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. David holds geriatric and neurological specialties with a specific interest in Parkinson’s disease. Prior to joining the RUSK Rehabilitation Hospital in 2019, David helped open two inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in California and Washington where he was the director of therapy operations.

Monica received her bachelor’s degree in communications and marketing in 2009 and her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2010. Monica joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in June of 2011 and is a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse. Monica’s clinical background includes brain injury, stroke and spinal cord rehabilitation. In 2014, Monica received her master’s degree in executive nursing administration from the University of South Alabama. Monica enjoys helping patients enhance their quality of life.

Gerald joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital as a maintenance mechanic in February 2014. He was promoted to senior mechanic in December 2018, and assumed the role of facilities management director in October 2020. Gerald has more than 10 years of experience in hospital maintenance, and more than 40 years of experience in the maintenance field. Gerald enjoys working as a team to ensure patients get the best possible care.

Dr. Pierce joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, a joint venture of Encompass Health and MU Health Care, in 2017 as the director of pharmacy. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy in 2016 from UMKC School of Pharmacy, and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Missouri Columbia in 2004. In her role, focus is optimizing medication management and reducing poly-pharmacy to improve patients’ quality of life.

Robin joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in 1997, when Rusk became a joint venture of Encompass Health and the University of Missouri. She earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from Columbia College and has worked in the Columbia, MO healthcare community for more than 25 years.

Amy joined Rusk in 2011 as director of case management. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stephens College and her master’s in Social Work from the University of Missouri Columbia. She comes to Rusk with six years of acute care case management experience. Amy’s enthusiasm for her role at Rusk comes from working with a team of experts who are dedicated to making miracles happen.