GREENFIELD, NH — Surrounded by her friends and co-workers, past and present, Rhea Taylor, PT, of Bennington, NH, was honored on Thursday, December 14th upon her retirement after more than 30 years of service to Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center.

Taylor first came to Crotched Mountain in 1964 and worked in the physical therapy department for seven years. "I was drawn back in 1982 by the caring and team-oriented spirit of my co-workers and have been there ever since." Throughout her career as a physical therapist, she has taken on many responsibilities including: back safety and transfer training; mentoring physical therapy interns; developing outpatient and outreach programs to local schools and nursing homes; and creating an aquatic program especially designed for children with asthma. Among her areas of expertise, Taylor is certified as an aquatic therapist with special certification in aquatic rheumatology and Tai Chi for balance. She has had extensive training in myofascial release, a hands-on treatment for relieving pain and restoring motion, and served as an assistant instructor in the nationally known John Barnes Myofascial Release Seminars.

She earned her bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Ohio State University in 1963.

She received tributes from her many friends and co-workers. "Rhea Taylor is a wonderful example of what is best about Crotched Mountain," remarked Ludwig von Hahn, M.D., medical director of outpatient services. "Her dedication and skill, and her determination and insistence on providing the best care for her patients, are but a few of the qualities that have made her such a fine example for all of us at Crotched Mountain, and for the community at large. She would never let go of her goal to help patients move forward in their lives, and will continue to do the same for herself as she pursues new goals, and explores new ways to contribute to her community. Her presence in the Outreach clinic will be sorely missed."

"Rhea is ahead of her time," remarks outpatient Tom Ennis of Hancock, NH. The retired firefighter and construction worker came to Crotched Mountain for physical therapy following a hip replacement. "Thanks to Rhea's holistic approach, I've made incredible progress."

Taylor was presented with a number of gifts from co-workers and the organization including a special memory book and framed aerial photograph of the campus taken at the peak of foliage season.

Her plans for the future include spending more time with family and friends, traveling, pursuing and outdoor adventures and musical interests, and continuing studies in mind, body, spirit healing.

About Crotched Mountain

Crotched Mountain is a charitable organization employing more than 900 people. Its mission is to serve individuals with disabilities and their families, embracing personal choice and development, and building communities of mutual support. Crotched Mountain provides specialized education, rehabilitation, community, and residential support services for more than 2,000 consumers, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly, living in New England and New York. For more information about Crotched Mountain, visit their web site: www.crotchedmountain.org.

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