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Meet The Team

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G & E Therapies Professional Staff

We at G&E Therapies are very proud of the company we have built. This would not be possible without the talented and experienced staff we have working with us. Our team of professionals is dedicated to the clients in the community and to helping children and their families achieve their goals. We would like to take a moment to introduce you to our staff so you may better understand our commitment to and preparation in providing services to the community.

Physical Therapy

Gerilyn M. Gault, BS, PT: Co-Owner, G&E Therapies ext. 1: I graduated from Ithaca College in 1991 and have since dedicated my career to the treatment of clients with developmental and neurological impairments. My years of clinical experience have included treatment of individuals with traumatic brain injury, acute medical conditions, rehabilitation, and children from the NICU through school age. As an NDT certified therapist since 1994 with a focus on function within a transdisciplinary approach, I believe the success of the child is strongly linked to the success of the child’s family unit, community, and support system. I have continued to study the development of children in conjunction with sensory processing disorders and business management. As a mom of 3 children, my experiences have taught me empathy and patience. With a rich background in the medical setting and a journey of lifelong learning, my interests include:

Children born premature
Geriatrics and Long term care
Supplemental PT and CORE Evaluations

Elizabeth C. Finch, BS, PT: Co-Owner, G&E Therapies ext. 2: I graduated from the Health Science Center at Syracuse in 1994. Since graduation, I have had a variety of clinical experiences including long-term adult out-patient rehabilitation, hospital acute care, traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, long term nursing home care, and working with pediatric clients birth through school age. My strengths include treating clients with neurological disorders using a functional, transdisciplinary approach. To help foster my understanding of the brain, I have had continued education in NDT, sensory processing and sensory integration. For all diagnoses and clients, the team approach is a vital part of treatment. The power of family and the support network is an integral part of success. Being a mom of 3 children, professional businesswoman and a clinician with over 15 years of clinical experience has made me the dynamic therapist I am today. My interests include:

Developmental disabilities
Geriatric and Pediatric treatments
Community interactions with G & E Therapies

As Co-Owners of G&E Therapies since the company opened in 1999, our vision has always been to provide quality, rehabilitation services to the individuals in our community. We are committed to each child, each family and each individual achieve their goals. Our dedicated staff provides a variety of skilled services when it is convenient to our clients with the highest level of quality possible. Our dedicated team of professionals upholds these values and must demonstrate open communication, accountability, flexibility, and advanced treatment skills in a dynamic environment. We are proud to lead the G&E Therapies team to provide the community with quality rehabilitation services

Kaeti Smith, DPT, and Core Evaluation Coordinator ext. 707: I graduated from College Misericordia in May 2004 with my Master’s in Physical Therapy. In January of 2007, I graduated with my Docotorate in Physical Therapy. I have worked primarily in Early Intervention, school district, and nursing home settings. Over the past few years some specific diagnoses that I have had experience with include autism, cerebral palsy, premature babies, and various genetic diseases. I also provide Physical Therapy treatments in a specialized school for children with autism that utilizes Applied Behavioral Analysis in conjunction with Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy to decrease autistic behaviors. My experience includes working with children that have required adaptive equipment or braces in order to participate better within the classroom. I believe strongly in utilizing a team approach in combination with family education and training in order to ensure that all children are being given the opportunities to succeed in their lives and educational experiences. My interests include:

Autism
Premature Infants
PT Supplemental and CORE evaluations
Adaptive Equipment/Bracing
Developmental Disabilities

Patti Mosher, BS,PT ext. 709: I graduated from Ithaca College in 1976. Since that time I have had the opportunity to provide therapy in a variety of clinical settings, and develop skill sets as an administrator of a large therapy department. My many years of clinical experience include hospital acute care and outpatient, long term adult rehabilitation and home care. I have always been very passionate about providing care in collaboration with an entire team of professionals that compliments my skill sets. Being closely connected to the family and caregivers of the client is very important to me. My interests include:

Long term adult rehabilitation
Provide support to G&E Staff
Lifelong learning opportunities

Kathy White, PT ext 710: I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy from Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse in 1990. I have 18 years experience working in a variety of settings, including: acute-care inpatients; outpatients; private homes (0-3 year olds and geriatrics); nursing homes (short and long-term rehabilitation); schools (K-12); and pre-schools (3-5). I have been lucky enough to work with clients with a variety of diagnoses and delays. My interests include:

Neurological disorders
Children with developmental delays
Orthopedic disorders

Shannon George, MSPT ext. 711: I graduated from Ithaca College with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 1996. I began my career working in both inpatient and outpatient departments of a regional hospital in Augusta County, Virginia. During that time, I helped develop an outpatient pediatric therapy program, received a certification in school-based therapy and earned an additional nine credits in interdisciplinary studies and school-based therapy. In 1998, I moved from hospital-based services to become an EI services provider. This position enhanced my skills in working within teams of families, therapists, and educators to provide home and community based services for children with visual and hearing impairments, autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, brachial plexus injuries, spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, neurological diagnoses, orthopedic problems, terminal illness, and other developmental delays. In 1999, I also became a Special Education Training and Technical Assistance Center (T-TAC) consultant. In this role I was able to provide services to the county school system, which included independent assessment of the educational program of a child during IEP (individualized education plan) mediation. I became a full time stay-at-home mom in 2003 and our family moved to the Binghamton area in 2004. I am excited to be a member of G & E Therapies to continue working with children of all ages. I am especially interested in:

Providing therapy services that are convenient to the family’s schedule; offering evening and weekend hours
Family education specific to the needs of the child; encouraging families to be confident in carrying out therapy activities at home; helping families to transition between early intervention, preschool services, and school services
Encouraging families to be their child’s advocate; assisting families to find complimentary services within the community as needed.
Early Intervention and Preschool Services
Premature/medically fragile infants
Aquatic therapy
Infants and children with Down syndrome, autism, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy

Denise Abrams, PT, DPT ext. 712: I graduated from Russell Sage College, Troy NY in 1983 with a BS in Physical Therapy, from Binghamton University in 1993 with a MA in Social Science and from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse NY in 2008 with a doctorate in Physical Therapy. My clinical experience is diverse including work in large hospitals, small hospitals, geriatric settings, elementary schools, developmental center, and 20 years in teaching and administration of a PTA program. I have experience in Neurorehabilitation including working with persons who have suffered stroke, head injury and diseases of the nervous system. I also have experience with developmental disabilities and working with children in the NICU and school system. I enjoy working per diem for G & E Therapies in the geriatric setting, summer camp for children with autism as well as completing CORE evaluations. My interests include:

Children born premature
Children and adults with developmental disabilities
Children with autism
Geriatrics and Long term care
CORE Evaluations
Adult education

Stephanie Baudendistel, MSPT ext 718: I graduated from Misericordia University in May 2008 with my Masters in Physical Therapy. During my studies, I spent 10 weeks on clinical with G & E Therapies working in a variety of pediatric physical therapy settings. Upon graduating I worked in outpatient orthopedics in Atlanta, GA. I am excited to be back in New York and working in pediatrics again. I am currently participating in G & E Therapies’ Pediatric Residency Program under the mentorship of Kaeti Smith, DPT. I am working with children in Early Intervention, school aged children with Autism, adults in nursing home settings, as well as performing EI CORE evaluations. I plan to pursue my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2010. My interests include:

Autism, PDD
Early Intervention
PT Supplemental and CORE evaluations
Developmental Disabilities

Jane L. Scheibner, PTA ext 713: I graduated from Broome Community College in 2001 as a PTA earning an Associate Degree with honors. I was in Phi Theta Kappa Society, and I also hold a degree in individualized studies in Music Therapy. In my 8 years of practice, I have specialized in working in Nursing Homes, in short term and long term therapy. Recently, I have begun working with 3-5 year-old-children and find that my life experience is very beneficial in this new path. My interests include:

Geriatrics and Long term care
Dementia Care
Ways to utilize Music in Physical therapy

Laurie E. Chantry, PTA ext 714: I graduated from Broome Community College in 2005 and since graduation, I have worked in a variety of Physical Therapy settings. My experiences have included short and long term geriatric rehabilitation and most recently elementary school aged children. I have also had the opportunity to provide ongoing Physical Therapy treatment in a specialized school for children with autism. My interests are:

Children with Autism
Pediatric school aged children
Long and short term geriatric rehabilitation
Lifelong learning in various settings

Occupational Therapy

Phyllis Schatz, BS, OTR/L ext. 715: I attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan for my Freshman and Sophomore years, majoring in Occupational Therapy. After working on a kibbutz in Israel for a year, and working a year as a nurse’s aide in Buffalo, New York, I then transferred to Boston University in Massachusetts, where I completed my Junior and Senior years in O.T. I graduated cum laude with a B.S. Degree in Occupational Therapy in 1975. My first job was Director of O.T. at Rosa Coplon Home and Infirmary in Buffalo, N.Y. where I worked for 5 years before leaving to have my first of four sons. Whenever a son went off to Kindergarten I returned to part time employment as an O.T. consultant at various nursing homes in Buffalo, Williamsville and Binghamton, N.Y. My family moved to Binghamton in 1997, two of my sons went off to University, and I am thrilled to return to my wonderful profession! I have always focused on Geriatrics where I enjoy helping senior adults live up to their fullest potential and feel valued as people. For the past two years I have been treating Pediatric clients in the school settings as well as working with Autistic Children at SUNY Binghamton’s Institute for Child Development. My areas of interests are:

Orthopedics (knee and hip replacements)
Cognitive disabilities
Neuromuscular problems
School Age Pediatrics

Natasha M. Gdovin, PT Ext. 721: I graduated from Kean College of New Jersey in January 1994 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. After graduation I was employed with Elizabeth General Healthcare Corporation, later renamed Trinitas Children’s Therapy Services, in Elizabeth and then Cranford, New Jersey. During that time I provided school based Occupational Therapy services to students in preschool through high school. I worked in a variety of school settings treating a variety of students. During my employment I served as a staff, district lead and senior therapist. I also served as the corporation’s orientation coordinator. After relocating to New York I provided contract services with Family Enrichment Network, Vestal Central School District and Broome Tioga BOCES. I am proud and excited to be part of the school-based team that helps students function in their school environments. Areas of Interest:

Educational law and practices
Consulting with teachers
Emotional/behavioral disorders
Autism/PDD

Stephani M. Greene, OTR/L Ext. 706: since graduating from Elizabethtown College with a BS in Occupational Therapy, in 2002, I have enjoyed a variety of experiences within the pediatric population. While working in both New Jersey and Delaware I was able to provide treatment to children ranging from the NICU, Early Intervention (birth to 3 years), as well as school based children. Prior to returning to New York State I was fortunate enough to receive direct instruction and training from Praticia Wilbarger (sensory integration dysfunction/sensory processing disorder pioneer), as well as begin a National Certification Program in Pediatrics from Temple University. Upon returning to New York State I have continued my career in pediatrics. Recently, I became a nationally certified provider of TLP (The Listening Program). Specific interests include:

Pediatric development
Sensory processing disorder/sensory integration dysfunction
Working with children and families affected by autism
Supplemental OT and CORE evaluations

Special Instruction/ Education

Sue Hubbard, MSEd ext. 719: I graduated from Oswego State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I am certified to teach nursery school through sixth grade. In 1998, I completed my Master of Science degree also at Oswego State to become certified in Special Education. My work experiences include five years of teaching elementary school special education in an inclusive environment. Collaborating with therapists and regular education teachers helped to develop instruction that was team oriented and focused on consistent and appropriate needs for each child. As a mom of small children, I have rediscovered the joy of learning through play and am excited about helping little ones in our area do the same! I look forward to working closely with families to ensure each child learns and grows to his/her potential. My interests include:

Language acquisition
Developmental delays
Attention deficit disorder
Emotional and learning disabilities
Autism
Speech/language impairments
Blindness
Inclusion

Colleen McKinney-Syron, MSEd. Ext. 4: I am a Binghamton native, having recently returned to the area from Norwich. I graduated from Geneseo State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education in 1989 and received my MSEd in Special Education from Binghamton University in 1994. I have taught in a variety of settings including elementary school, BOCES, and most recently, at a family resource center. My interests include early intervention and preschool special education. I’m looking forward to developing new relationships with families and professionals in the area! I have particular interest in:

Early Intervention Cognitive Groups
EI in the home with a focus on Family education

Speech Language Pathology

Susan Wanamaker, MS CCC/SLP ext. 705: I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in education, Speech-Language Pathology concentration, from the State University College at Fredonia in August 1980. After working for 5 years in various school districts in New York State, I returned to SUC Fredonia and received a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology in 1987. Within the year, I completed requirements for NY state licensure and national certification for the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Over the past 22 years I have had experience in all aspects of Speech-Language services including residential and workshop services for mentally retarded/developmentally disabled adults, geriatric rehabilitation and home care services, outpatient services in a hospital setting, as well as home based services for Early Intervention and birth to 5 years. I have a particular interest in:

Swallowing disorders
Augmentative communication
Child Language and Speech Development

Anne Marie Murphy, MS, CCC/SLP, Autism Services Coordinator for G&E Therapies Recreational Summer Camp for children with Autism or PDD ext. 0: I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders from The College of Saint Rose and received a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology from Ithaca College. Over the last 26 years, I worked with infants, toddlers, school aged children, and adults with a wide variety of communication disorders in settings such as outpatient rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, Headstarts, ARC sites, daycares, special education preschools, home health, hospitals, and private homes. I have several years of experience working with autistic children and their families, both as a service provider and more recently as the Autism Services Coordinator at the G&E Therapies Recreational Summer Camp. My interests include:

Children with Autism and PDD
Parent Support Group
Community Resources

Megan Shea, MS SLP ext. 717: I graduated from Ithaca College with a Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology in 2007. Growing up in the Binghamton Area, I was excited when I was offered a Speech/Language Pathologist position at the Binghamton City School District in September of 2007. During the school day I treat students with a wide variety of speech and language disorders. I was currently given the wonderful opportunity to work part time for G&E Therapies, and provide early intervention speech/language therapy after school and during the summers. My interests include:

Early intervention
Child Language and Speech Development
Autism,PDD

Mary Mason Palombaro, MA CCC-SLP Ext 722: I graduated from State University of Buffalo with a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders in May of 1981. I initially began working with adults with developmental disabilities in residential and workshop placements and then became involved with preschoolers with developmental delays. After relocating to New Jersey, I worked for a year at a private school providing speech-language services to school age children K-8^th grade with a variety of disabilities. I returned to the Binghamton area and worked as a co-teacher with a special educator in a BOCES integrated Preschool program for several years. Through my work in the classroom, I became interested in strategies for including children with disabilities in Regular Education classrooms and for 7 years coordinated Federal Research Grants at Binghamton University examining successful strategies for inclusion. I returned to my first love, providing services to preschoolers with disabilities, and have remained involved with that for the last 13 years. My interests include:

Early Intervention and Preschool
Child Language and Speech Development
Inclusion of children with disabilities with their typically developing peers

Psychology

Marie Meagher, MA,CAS ext 708: I am very happy to announce my appointment as the Coordinator for the Preschool Evaluation Team with G & E Therapies. I live in Endwell, NY with my husband and two sons, Quinn and Owen. I am active in the Homer Brink School Community, local Church of the Holy Family in Endwell, and is the Den Leader for Cub Scouts Pack 209 with her son. I was born and raised in Binghamton, NY and enjoy spending time with my immediate and extended family who still reside in this area.

I attended SUNY Brockport for her undergraduate degree in Psychology. I attended SUNY Albany and the College of Saint Rose for graduate school and is a Permanent Certified School Psychologist through the NYS Education Department. I have worked as a School Psychologist for the past 12-years in our county. For the past 6-years, my assignment has involved working as a member of a Preschool Evaluation Team for Broome-Tioga BOCES until that program was closed. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with this population once again and am eager to offer this service to our community.

We hope this information helps you to know our staff and our abilities. We are always expanding and improving our services to help benefit the community. Currently, we are in the application process to become a provider of Pre-School Evaluations with an anticipated start in February of 2010. We are an approved provider agency for Supplemental and Core Evaluations in both Broome and Tioga Counties! We look forward to working with you in the community. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Gerilyn M. Gault, PT Elizabeth C. Finch, PT

Co-Owner G&E Therapies Co-Owner G&E Therapies

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