|
Joy Adams, PT, born and raised in Waco, Texas, attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She received a BS in Physical Therapy in 1988 - Cum laude, National Honor Society and Honor Key. Joy worked in the acute care hospital setting for 2 years then became a traveling PT for several years which allowed her experience a wide variety of practices, settings and methodologies. In Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonia, Joy assisted the cardiac care team in post surgical rehabilitation of cardiac patients. Over the next 16 years in home health, Joy gained specialties in wound care management and geriatric care learning to evaluate patients not only on their medical condition buy also for their environmental surroundings, supportive care and spiritual beliefs. Joy started part-time at New Beginning in June of 2009 and became a full time staff therapist in September of the same year. She enjoys working with all patients but tends to specialize in treatment of postural dysfunctions, vestibular/fall prevention, effects of stroke and total joint replacement. Joy resides with her husband Mark in Canton with their 2 rescue dogs and rescue cat where they all participate in hikes, agility and strength training events.
Gloria Smolek, LMT was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. After raising a family and a long career in the grocery business, Gloria made a change in life and went back to school to become a massage therapist. With a desire to work in neuromuscular rehabilitation, specifically the elderly, Gloria attended Gwinnett College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2009. Gloria continues to add to her education with course work in advanced techniques of common injuries.
Maria Walker, M.Ed. CCC-SLP
Maria earned her master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from Georgia State University, and has been a speech therapist in the metro Atlanta area for more than 10 years. She worked in a variety of settings including the Gwinnett County School System, Babies Can't Wait, Floyd Medical Center, Gwinnett Medical Center, Comprehensive Therapy Children's Center and several
other private clinical settings, before joining the team at New Beginning in 2011. She specializes in treating Aphasia, Traumatic Brain Injury, motor speech disorders, Autism and PDD, Down Syndrome, Apraxia, Dysphagia, feeding disorders, oral motor disorders, articulation disorders, language disorders, craniofacial disorders including cleft palate, and a variety of genetic
disorders. She has received specialized training and coursework in the diagnosis and treatment of Apraxia including the Kaufman approach, sensory integration treatment strategies, NDT treatment strategies, oral motor diagnosis and treatment including the Beckman approach, treatment of cleft palate, diagnosis and treatment of feeding and swallowing disorders, as well
as specialized training in treating Autism and Down Syndrome. Maria lives in Ball Ground with her husband and 2 little girls, and loves to go hiking, camping and to the beach.
Paul Deshane, PTA, has been a resident of Jasper, GA since 1999. Paul and his girlfriend Judy, have two rescued German Shepherds. Paul was a “fat guy” who had very little energy and took medication to control hypertension. After watching the Tour de France and hearing about Lance Armstrong’s cancer battle, Paul decided to improve his health and life. Paul became a dedicated cyclist in 2004, lost weight, got off medication and improved his overall health. At that time Paul decided it was time for a career change and became a full-time student at Chattahoochee Technical College. Paul became a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2011 and has been working since he graduated.
Kim Odum joined the staff of NBTS in 2006, starting as a Physical Therapy Tech. She has since been promoted to the position of Office Manager where she is responsible for all aspects of running a smooth and effective office environment. Kim will be the first person who will greet you when you enter New Beginning and is there to assist you in any way possible. Kim is originally from Alpharetta but moved to Jasper with her husband Trent and their two children, Elijah and Makayla. Kim graduated from Sequoyah High School and has worked in the retirement planning field before joining the staff at NBTS.
Janis Monaco recently joined the staff of NBTS at the Big Canoe facility as Physical Therapy Tech. She is originally from Long Island NY but moved to the Big Canoe from Ft. Myers, Florida with her husband Richard. Janis has a banking background and will be an asset to the staff at NBTS @ Big Canoe as she assists the therapist in all aspects of caring for our patients.
Lauren Long has been with the NBTS team since September 2009. Born and raised in Jasper, Lauren attended high school at Grace Christian School. She has two brothers; her father is the minister at Bible Baptist Church in Ellijay and her mom is a stay at home mom. Lauren is now enrolled at Dalton State College and her plans for the future are to attend North Georgia State College University and become a doctor in Physical Therapy.
Jessica Johnson graduated from Pickens High School in 2009 and joined New Beginning in July of 2010. Jessica works as a physical therapy tech and front office assistant. Engaged to Shane and attending school to be a registered nurse, Jessica loves to see patients that begin treatment with severe limitations and leave the program with inspiring improvements and head held high.
|
