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Welcome to our hospital

At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, we are committed to helping you regain independence after a life-changing illness or injury. Located in Sarasota, we are a leading provider of inpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology for stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury 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

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Superior amenities at our hospitals

116 Beds

Televisions

Telephones

Free WiFi

Nonsmoking

Courtyard

Cafeteria

Interpreter services

Spanish translators available

Tours available

Support groups

Volunteers

Student observation hours

See our hospital

We proudly display our Gold Seal of Approval™

Joint Commission Accreditation

By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety, our hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.

Stroke Rehabilitation

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

Hip Fracture Rehabilitation

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

L0 - Lobby
  • 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 other areas of the hospital.
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  • Multiple tables and chairs for patients and visitors to eat together.
  • Vending machines for drinks and snacks available for purchase.
  • Buffet style food area with menu, utensils, and condiments to choose.
  • Piano in corner.
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  • Desk in hospital area for nurses to document in patient area.
  • Four hallways lead away from the desk to other areas of the hospital.
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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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  • Outdoor gazebo area for rest and relaxation with benches,
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  • Activities of daily living suite is a recreated bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom area to simulate activities of daily life for patients to practice before they return home.
  • Bedroom has bed, nightstand, and small desk and chair.
  • Kitchen has small table and chairs, standard kitchen appliances and sink.
  • Bathroom has a shower, sink, and toilet.

Proud members of Manatee Chamber of Commerce

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Professionally accredited

Our hospital complies with local, state and federal regulations. We are accredited by The Joint Commission, a leader in determining quality and safety standards for healthcare delivery, and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Hospital happenings

Prior to his stroke, Phillip Kuhn played tennis once or twice a week and golfed three or four times a week, walking all 18 holes. When Phillip came to our hospital, he couldn’t stand on his own. Prior to discharge, though, he was walking 400 feet. “There’s progress almost every day that I can see,” Phillip said.

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota

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Philip Kuhn

Hospital happenings

In observation of American Stroke Month, we are proud to recognize our stroke teams that work to maximize patient recovery from stroke and improve their quality of life. Did you know where you go for rehabilitation after a stroke makes a difference? According to the American Heart Association, whenever possible, stroke patients should be treated at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital rather than a skilled nursing facility.

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota

American Stroke Month

Hospital happenings

Ashley Dupell, OT, goes the extra mile in making patients feel welcome. For example, we had a patient who spoke Russian with limited English. Ashley learned Russian phrases and words to be able to welcome the patient to every therapy session and make the sessions easier for her to understand. She also learned numbers to indicate repetitions. Ashley is pictured receiving her employee of the quarter award from Marcus Braz, CEO.

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota

Ashley Dupell

Hospital happenings

Carly Fultz, PTA, leads with her heart and definitely sets the standard that all of us could follow. She has taken part in multiple committees and has oriented several new hires. Additionally, patients adore her and have provided positive feedback through patient satisfaction surveys and thank you cards to demonstrate their appreciation for the care she provides. Carly is pictured receiving her employee of the quarter award from Marcus Braz, CEO.

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota

Carly Fultz

Leadership and staff

Marcus Braz
Marcus Braz

Chief Executive Officer

Marcus joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota in 2010.

Marcus joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota in 2010. He is responsible for the hospital's day-to-day operations. Prior to his time at Encompass Health Sarasota, Marcus served in leadership roles at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sunrise and several leadership roles at St. Lucie Medical Center on the east coast of Florida for 14 years. Marcus completed his undergraduate studies at Stonehill College in Massachusetts, received his master's degree at Arcadia University as well as a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University.

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Alexander DeJesus M.D.
Alexander DeJesus, M.D.

Medical Director

Dr. DeJesus is medical director and chief medical officer at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota.

Dr. DeJesus is medical director and chief medical officer at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota. A graduate of Harvard University, Dr. DeJesus completed his medical studies at Rutgers University Medical School. He went on to perform two internships in surgery at Staten Island Hospital in New York. Additionally, Dr. DeJesus completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at New York University’s Rusk Institute. He is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and twice has been awarded Medical Director of the Year by Encompass Health.

Dr. DeJesus is an independent private practice physician.

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Barbara Bierut
Barbara Bierut

Controller

Barb has more than 25 years of accounting leadership experience.

Barb has more than 25 years of accounting leadership experience. She earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from State University of New York at Buffalo, a master's degree in accounting from Nova Southeastern University and holds an active Florida CPA license. Barb is a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

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Peggy Conboy
PEGGY CONBOY

Director of Case Management

Peggy is a graduate of Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in individual and family studies.

A graduate of Penn State University, with a bachelor's degree in individual and family studies, Peggy signed up for a temp service when she moved to Sarasota. Her first assignment was The Rehab Institute of Sarasota, and she's been there ever since. Peggy has more than 30 years' experience as a case manager and has survived many crisis and changes in the health care system. Case management is her passion, and she is honored to be able to serve in the position of director of case management.

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Mage Devera
Magelie Devera

Chief Nursing Officer

Mage brings more than 26 years of experience in healthcare to Encompass Health Sarasota.

Mage is a certified medical-surgical registered nurse with more than 26 years of experience in healthcare including acute care, outpatient settings and academic. Prior to joining Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota Mage served in leadership roles at acute care hospitals in Georgia and Florida. Mage completed her undergraduate studies at Lyceum Northwestern University and received her master’s degree at La Salette University.

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Kathleen Hnat
Kathleen Hnat, RPh, CPh

Director of Pharmacy

Kathleen has more than 25 years of pharmacy management experience.

Kathleen has more than 25 years of pharmacy management experience. She earned her pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston, MA, and consultant license while working in the long-term care Industry. Kathleen has served in various leadership roles in the healthcare industry including research, long- term care, hospice, retail and education. Kathleen continues to serve in the community as a senior care advocate and educator.

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Roseann Kidwell
Roseann Kidwell

Health Information Services Management Director

Roseann has been employed at Encompass Health, formerly HealthSouth, since 2011.

Roseann has been employed at Encompass Health, formerly HealthSouth, since 2011. She has more than 20 years of Health Information experience. Roseann graduated with two degrees, one in Health Information Management, and one in Health Informatics from St. Petersburg College. Roseann is a member of the American Health Information Management Association.

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Ginger Mace
Ginger Mace

Business Development Director

Ginger has more than 30 years of healthcare marketing experience.

Ginger has more than 30 years of healthcare marketing experience. Prior to joining the Encompass Health team, she served as the vice president of marketing for the HCA West Florida Division. In her VP role, she was responsible for marketing and public relations for the 16 hospitals in the West Florida Division and the call center in Ft. Myers. During her tenure with HCA, she consistently grew marketshare and led the development of the HCA West Florida brand identity. She created numerous successful marketing campaigns, including the emergency room billboard wait time campaign. She is a native Floridian and a graduate of Eckerd College.

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Pat McCabe
Patrick McCabe

Facilities Management Director

Pat has been employed by Encompass Health for more than 24 years.

Pat has been employed by Encompass Health for more than 24 years. Originally, from London Ontario Canada, Pat brings more than 24 years of healthcare experience with 20 years in a management role. Pat graduated from Fanshawe College in London Ontario Canada with a diploma in HVAC.

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Melissa Shepherd
Melissa Shepherd

Director of Quality & Risk

Melissa is a Sarasota native with 20 years of healthcare and leadership experience in the Sarasota area.

Melissa is a Sarasota native with 20 years of healthcare and leadership experience in the Sarasota area. She received her bachelor's degree from Chamberlain University College of Nursing. Melissa has been with Encompass Health since 2019, serving in previous roles as an infection control preventionist and wound care coordinator. She is a wound care certified nurse and a leader, committed to quality outcomes and positive patient experiences.

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Matt Shouse
Matt Shouse

Director of Therapy Operations

Matt joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota as the director of therapy operations in 2015.

Matt is a licensed physical therapist who joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota as the director of therapy operations in 2015. Prior to joining Encompass Health, he began as a staff therapist and was promoted to rehabilitation supervisor at St. Lucie Medical Center, where he was employed for 15 years. Matt has an bachelor's degree in food and nutrition from Florida State University and a master's degree in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Matt is a member of The American Physical Therapy Association and is an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist in Physical Therapy. Matt is married to Gina and has two sons, Kaeden and Caleb.

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Patient satisfaction ratings

What to expect

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

Watch the videos

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Our hospital

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

Learn about our hospital