Robert brings more than 30 years of healthcare experience along with 20 years of healthcare management to Van Matre Encompass Helath Rehabilitation Institute. Robert has worked in healthcare positions within Central and Northern Illinois for the past 32 years. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a bachelor's degree in nursing and then went on to Phoenix University to complete a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a master's degree in nursing. Robert joined Encompass Health in January 2024.

Dr. Syed joined Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute as a physiatrist in 2022. He holds a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago and obtained his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Marian University. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at SUNY Upstate. Dr. Syed is dedicated to providing compassionate patient care and helping patients regain their independence and quality of life.

Dr. Syed is an independent private practice physician.

Robyn joined Van Matre as a nursing student in 2017 and has found success growing from within the organization. She holds a bachelor's degree from Chamberlain University and is currently pursuing her specialty track master's degree as a nurse executive. With more than 15 years in the healthcare field, she is a strong advocate for patients, safety initiatives and staff development.

Jimmy began as the facilities management director at Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute in 2019. He brings with him 15 years of experience in operational leadership, process improvement, and change management. Jimmy graduated from The Ohio State University with a BSBA focused on operations management.

Karli is a human resource professional with extensive experience in forward-thinking human resources, specifically in the healthcare industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources/organizational leadership with additional focus in business administration.

Alyssa has been with Encompass Health since 2009 when she began her career as a speech-language pathologist. She has experience as both an inpatient and outpatient therapist and also as the speech therapy team leader. Alyssa holds a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in speech pathology from the University of South Carolina Columbia. She is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, holds a brain injury specialist trainer certification, and serves as a corporate educator for Encompass Health. Alyssa’s focus is to achieve continuous improvement in patient satisfaction initiatives, quality reviews and advanced hospital certification.

Jennifer Joined Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute in October 2024 as director of case management. She brings 15 years of healthcare experience serving the Rockford and surrounding areas, with five of those years as an acute care case manager. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Bob has served as the controller since joining Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute in December 2021. Prior to joining Van Matre, Peck had served in a similar role with Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health, starting in November 2002. Prior to joining Encompass Health, he served in numerous leadership positions at Via Christi Medical Management from 1990-2002, including regional manager of operations from 1997-2002. An Ohio native, he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida State University in 1986. His desire is to promote an environment that provides the highest quality of rehabilitation services by creating operational efficiencies through communication and improved systems.

Matthew spent over 20 years in healthcare management prior to joining Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute as the business development director in April 2024. His focus is on developing productive relationships with healthcare stakeholders to improve patient access to acute inpatient rehabilitation. Matthew earned his master’s in business administration from North Park University.

Ashley has been with Encompass Health since 2019, starting as a staff pharmacist, moving into the pharmacy supervisor position, and now continuing as the director of pharmacy at Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and minor in chemistry from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, along with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Rosalind Franklin University. Ashley is dedicated to working with our interdisciplinary team to ensure patients understand and are comfortable taking their medication regimens at home. She works with the University of Illinois at Rockford, mentoring future pharmacists during their clinical rotations.

Katie has been with Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute since 2009, starting as an inpatient physical therapist, moving to physical therapy team leader, therapy manager and now continuing as director of therapy. A Rockford region native, she graduated from Benedictine University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in health science and from Northern Illinois University with a master’s degree in physical therapy. Katie is a certified stroke rehabilitation specialist and is passionate about providing high quality, patient-centered care.