Rob Adams joined Encompass Health in January 2020. Rob is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and earned his master’s in business at Milligan College. Rob is a veteran of the United Sates Marine Corps and has 14 years’ experience in health care. Prior to joining Encompass Health, Rob worked at Ballad Health where he served in a wide range of administrative and operational roles in the areas of diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, security services, emergency department services, quality and performance improvement processes, plant operations and emergency management.

Dr. Barakam was appointed to the medical director position at Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital in October of 2020. Dr. Barakam graduated from Saba University School of Medicine in the Netherlands and went on to complete her residency at ETSU Quillen College of Medicine in family medicine. Prior to becoming medical director, she spent the last 6 years working in emergency medicine and managing medical school residents in the acute setting.

Dr. Barakam is an independent private practice physician.

Taylor joined Encompass Health in 2016 after graduating with her bachelor's degree in public health from East Tennessee State University. Prior to accepting the role of director of quality and risk in 2022, she served in a wide range of administrative capacities including physician credentialing, medical records, central supply and admissions.

Lynn has been employed with Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital since 2011. She has 29 years nursing experience in emergency medicine, surgery, acute care and skilled nursing. She graduated from the University of Pikeville in Pikeville, KY with an associate’s degree in nursing and from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in the same field. She also obtained a master’s in business administration from Milligan College. In November 2014, Lynn accepted the role as chief nursing officer of Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital. 

Penny Lawson began her career in healthcare over 26 years ago at Indian Path Medical Center. In 1998, Penny began her career in human resources at Indian Path and provided services to employees of the 261-bed acute care hospital. In November 2014, Penny accepted the role of director of human resources for Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital.  She is currently pursuing her PHR certification and plans to be completed by Fall 2015. 

Jeff graduated from Tennessee State University in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and began his clinical career at Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital immediately following graduation in 1996. In addition to inpatient rehabilitation, Jeff has worked in acute care, as well as, a dedicated wound care unit where he specialized in contact casting for diabetic foot ulcers. In 2006, Jeff returned to Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital in a clinical role and in November 2014, he accepted the role of director of therapy operations.

Ken Runion started his career in facility maintenance while working for a local textile company. He progressed through an electro/mechanical apprenticeship program while there and spent four years working as a maintenance mechanic. In 2001, he joined Mountain States Health Alliance and assumed responsibility for Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital as the facilities engineer. He accepted the position as director of plant operations in November of 2014 as part of the joint venture between Encompass Health and Mountain States Health Alliance. 

Kristen has been a social worker since 2009 and started with the Encompass Health network at its Bristol hospital in 2013. She was promoted to director of case management at the Kingsport hospital in 2015 then joined the Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital in 2018.

Donna has been a pharmacist for more than 25 years. Graduating pharmacy school from the University of Kentucky in 1986, she has gained experience working in a hospital setting for 15 years and 10 years in a home infusion setting as pharmacy manager/director of pharmacy. She started with Encompass Health in January of 2014.

Debbie joined Encompass Health as controller of Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital in October 2014. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi State University and her master’s in business administration from Loyola University in New Orleans. Debbie received her certification as a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) in 2013. She began her career has an accountant and financial analyst in the oil and gas industry and transitioned into healthcare after moving to the Johnson City area in 1994. Debbie has over 15 years experience in the healthcare industry including three and a half years as the financial analyst for Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital while it was owned by Mountain States Health Alliance.