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Welcome to Encompass Health Northwest Tucson

We know that choosing where to receive care after a life-changing illness or injury is an important decision for you and your loved ones. At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson, we are committed to helping you get back to what matters most. Located in Tucson, we are a leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation for stroke, brain injury, hip fracture and other complex neurological and orthopedic conditions.

When you choose Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson for your rehabilitation, you receive compassionate care from an expert team of physical, occupational and speech therapists; physicians; nurses; dietitians; pharmacists; and case managers who work together to create a plan to help you meet your unique goals.

At our hospital you will receive:

  • Three hours of therapy, five days per week
  • 24/7 nursing care, including nurses who specialize in rehabilitation
  • Frequent visits from a physician*

*We provide access to independent physicians.

Learn what to expect during inpatient rehabilitation

Better Rehabilitation Starts Here

Each patient’s recovery is different. At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson, our expert clinicians combine the latest technologies, real-world simulations and advanced therapies into a treatment plan that helps you achieve what’s important to you. Our specialties include, but are not limited to:

 

Neurological icon

Neurological rehabilitation


Our experienced neurorehabilitation team uses innovative technology combined with proven therapy techniques to help patients with brain injuries Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain-Barré syndrome, Lou Gehrig’s disease and other conditions that affect the brain and nervous system. Treatments can help with mobility, speech, swallowing, spasticity and cognitive function.

orthopedic icon

Orthopedic rehabilitation


Advanced therapy is crucial to the recovery process after trauma injuries, hip fracture, joint replacement, amputation and other orthopedic injuries. Our clinicians develop care plans that improve mobility and overall function, reduce the risk of falls, educate on wound care and prosthesis and reduce pain so you can live your life to the fullest.

 

Stroke therapy icon

Stroke rehabilitation


As leaders in stroke rehabilitation, we help patients adjust to and treat the mental and physical effects of stroke, with the goal of regaining their greatest level of independence. Our experts help identify your needs and improve complications commonly associated with stroke such as slurred speech, one-sided weakness, neuropathy, spasticity and loss of cognitive function.

Spinal cord injury icon

Spinal Cord Injury rehabilitation


Rehabilitation for spinal cord injury is complex and multifaceted. Our approach is powered by a team of highly skilled clinicians using adaptive techniques and therapies to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of patients. In our specialized program, patients work toward a great level of function that may also include respiratory therapy and a bowel and bladder management program.

 

Superior Amenities at Our Hospitals

60 Beds

Cafeteria

Free WiFi

Telephones

Televisions

Interpreter Services

Pet Friendly

Support Groups

Tours Available

Student Observation Hours

Volunteers

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What to Expect

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

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Join Our Team

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Careers

Our Hospital's Accredited Programs Ensuring High-Quality Patient Care

Stroke Rehabilitation

Our stroke rehabilitation program has earned Disease-Specific Care Certification from The Joint Commission.

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

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

Leadership and Staff

Jeff Christensen, CEO
JEFF CHRISTENSEN

Area Chief Executive Officer

Jeff brings more than 30 years of healthcare experience as the area CEO to both Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson (RIT) & Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson (SoAZ).

Jeff brings more than 30 years of healthcare experience as the area CEO to both Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson (RIT) & Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson (SoAZ). Originally from New York, Jeff relocated with his family to Tucson from Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was CEO at Carolinas Specialty Hospital. Jeff received a master’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M at Corpus Christi. He received a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, in Brooklyn. Jeff is active with many community organizations in the Tucson area.

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Susan Bulen
SUSAN BULEN, M.D.

Medical Director

Dr. Susan Bulen, MD is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist and has over 33 years of experience in the medical field.

Dr. Susan Bulen, MD is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist and has over 33 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of California School of Medicine - Irvine medical school, and completed her residency at Baylor College of Medicine. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of California-Sand Diego. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She has served as the Medical Director at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of NW Tucson since 2006 and her favorite pass time is playing with her dogs.

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Anika Cornelese
ANIKA CORNELESE

Human Resources Director

Anika has worked at Encompass Health since 2019 starting as a human resources assistant followed by human resources coordinator.

Anika has worked at Encompass Health since 2019 starting as a human resources assistant followed by human resources coordinator. Anika started her career in healthcare with a bachelor's degree in nursing followed by a master's degree in healthcare management.  She worked as a registered nurse in the Netherlands for seven years. After her experience as a nurse, Anika broadened her horizons working in a nationwide Dutch healthcare project. Anika is PRINCE and Six Sigma certified and has a passion for process improvement.

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Casey Good
CASEY GOOD

Area Controller

Casey joined Encompass Health Northwest Tucson in September 2019.

Casey joined Encompass Health Northwest Tucson in September 2019. Prior to joining the Encompass Health team, Casey was an audit manager for a regional accounting firm specializing in the government and non-profit sectors. Casey holds a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting from the University of Arizona.  He is a certified public accountant in the State of Arizona and holds memberships in the American Institute of CPAs and the Arizona Society of CPAs.

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Chiamaka Itsuokor
Chiamaka Itsuokor, PT, MBA, DPT, C/NDT

Director of Therapy Operations

Chiamaka brings 14 years of physical therapy clinical practice experience with specialization in Neurodevelopmental Therapy.

Chiamaka brings 14 years of physical therapy clinical practice experience with specialization in Neurodevelopmental Therapy. A Nigerian native, she graduated from the University of Ibadan with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from AT Still University.

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Cathy Nguyen
CATHY NGUYEN

Director of Pharmacy

Cathy graduated from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

Cathy graduated from Regis University in Denver, Colorado with a Doctor of Pharmacy, a healthcare business management certification and as a member of Rho Chi Honor Society. Her experience consists of both inpatient and outpatient pharmacy. Cathy started off as a pharmacy technician in 2010, became a pharmacist in 2018, then a director of pharmacy in 2020. She joined the Encompass Health team in 2024 and strives to continuously foster her journey of progressional growth and development.

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Jennifer Peris
JENNIFER PERIS

Area Business Development Director

Jennifer has more than 14 years of experience in healthcare sales, business development and management/leadership.

Jennifer has more than 14 years of experience in healthcare sales, business development and management/leadership. A California native, she graduated with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication from the University of Arizona. Jennifer has been living in Tucson since 1994 and joined the Encompass Health team as the area business development director in April 2024.

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Emily Plavchak
EMILY PLAVCHAK

Quality & Risk Director

Emily has developed a passion for quality improvement and providing our patients with the highest standard of care.

Emily has developed a passion for quality improvement and providing our patients with the highest standard of care. Her favorite thing about Encompass Health is the STOP program, which helps promote safe patient mobility and reduce the risk of injury.

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Randy Short
RANDY SHORT

Facilities Management Director

Randy came to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson in January of 2017.

Randy came to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson in January of 2017. Randy is a 30-year plus veteran of the healthcare and maintenance fields working with medical buildings to make sure they are in compliance with several required regulations and meeting Joint Commission requirements. As a facilities maintenance director, Randy is also experienced with OSHA, NFPA and has other necessary accreditations that benefit the hospital. Before coming to Encompass Health, Randy, a Tucson resident for more than 45 years, worked with the assisted and memory care units for the elderly and has worked in the hospital setting both in Tucson and Texas.

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Jennifer Stone
JENNIFER STONE

Director of Case Management

Jennifer joined the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson team in September of 2015.

Jennifer joined the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson team in September of 2015. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. Prior to working at Encompass Health, she worked at an acute care hospital, and has previous experience working in hospice and outpatient dialysis settings. Jennifer is a licensed master social worker in the state of Arizona, and is passionate about utilizing research to improve patient experiences and outcomes.

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Kerby Westbrook
KERBY WESTBROOK

Chief Nursing Officer

Kerby joined Encompass Health in 2015 as a rehabilitation liaison in the admissions department.

Kerby joined Encompass Health in 2015 as a rehabilitation liaison in the admissions department. She served as the wound care coordinator and RN manager prior to being named chief nursing officer of Encompass Health Northwest Tucson. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Northern Arizona University, is a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse, and is also wound care certified. She is a board member for the Arizona chapter of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

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