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Withstanding the test of time is defined as continuing to be important and respected for a long period of time. Every company begins with the hope of growth, opportunity, and milestone achievements that support this notion of longevity. For Encore, this year is one of those milestones as we celebrate 15 years as a company. The modern-day gift for a 15-year anniversary is a watch or timepiece, representing the time spent together as well as years to come. We feel this is a fitting way to represent our 15 years, as we reflect back on the growth and development over the years and look ahead to the future and what’s still to come. 

Turning back the clock to 2007, Encore Rehabilitation Services was just getting started in Farmington Hills, Michigan, beginning with a few local contracts and a small home base. Fifteen years later, Encore has grown to now proudly serve more than 550 facilities nationwide and employs more than 9,000 therapists plus administrative staff who assist in keeping the entire corporation running.  

“Encore started out as a small regional company with just a handful of contracts. We were able to grow into a nationally recognized and competitive therapy provider servicing hundreds of sites and employing thousands of people. We had to step out of our comfort zones, learn new skills, and make some difficult decisions to make our vision a reality and I think we did that and then some.”

Rex Crosby, OTR/L, CHCO
Vice President of HIPAA Privacy and Security 

We are all acutely aware that the only constant in our industry is change; Encore is no stranger to that concept. Over the years, we’ve had to adapt our model of skilled nursing in-house therapy provision to include different models within the geriatric care continuum. We currently service traditional skilled nursing settings, as well as long term care facilities, independent and assisted living, and full-service continuing retirement care facilities. We have also grown to provide school-based therapy services along with respiratory therapy care that allows us to continue to expand our skillset, reaching even more clients who can benefit from the quality, outcome-driven services we offer.  

Jessica Neiderkorn, Encore’s Director of Care Continuum, acknowledges the rapid growth and changes we’ve had to make to stay relevant in the industry — including our recent rebranding, changes in our recruitment division, technological advancements, and internal efforts to expand lines of business. She feels that “…overall, all of these improvements are resulting in a cultural shift. The best part is that the fun is far from over!”

“I have learned that we are needed now more than ever to help our seniors age with grace. It is an honor to work beside thousands of caregivers around the country making a difference in lives daily.”

Michael Houlihan
Chief Customer Officer, President of Business Development, Owner

No company experiences growth and development without quality employees representing Encore positively in all areas. Reflecting on the time spent as a company and given the challenging state of the healthcare workforce, we look back to those employees that have been with us over the past 15 years and ask them: why Encore?

Cathy Drapeau, an administrative assistant for the Detroit regions, stated that in today’s workplace culture, “…longevity seems to be a thing of the past; however, it seems to me that Encore has a large number of long-term team members.”  

When Cathy was asked what has kept her with Encore for the last 15 years, she responded:

“Most definitely the people. I have had wonderful co-workers and managers who have become lifelong friends.” 

Michael Houlihan, Chief Customer Officer, President of Business Development, Owner, agrees the people make the difference.

“I have learned that we are needed now more than ever to help our seniors age with grace. It is an honor to work beside thousands of caregivers around the country making a difference in lives daily.”

“Encore has offered me the ability to gain new professional skills as well as hold different job roles as the company evolved.”

Carolyn Forry, OTR
Operating System Coordinator

Carolyn Forry, Occupational Therapist and Operating System Coordinator, has held numerous roles throughout her years with Encore. She recognizes that “Encore has offered me the ability to gain new professional skills as well as hold different job roles as the company evolved.” The ability to grow has kept her here throughout the years. It allows her to utilize “… clinical and operational experience and skills to help others every day.”

As we face an aging population with a number of seniors expected to double over the next 40 years, we know our job is far from over. We face the task of delivering a quality product to a population that needs us more than ever. We are proud to have thousands of employees ready to continue that task as we look ahead to the next 15 years.

Employees with Encore for 15 Years

We sincerely appreciate your hard work and efforts year after year. Thanks for all the great years of service!

  • Allison Ackels
  • Rex Crosby
  • Cathy Drapeau
  • Debra Ferguson
  • Carolyn Forry
  • Christopher Gabriel
  • Nikki Hengst
  • Glenn Hoehne
  • Javid Khan
  • Jacqueline Mayle
  • Michael Moore
  • Dawn Nilsson
  • Michelle Richardson
  • James Schaible
  • Kerry Shidel
  • David Stutso
  • David Watt
  • Tammy Williams

About the author:

Valerie Waugh, OTD, OTRL, RAC-CT
Regional Vice President

Valerie started with Encore in 2013 as a new graduate and is now a Regional Vice President in Michigan. Passion for the geriatric population, interest in overall leadership development of the field, and interest in writing as part of her educational pursuits led her to want to bring attention to important topics affecting the industry and highlight what we can do to continually be part of the changing landscape of healthcare.

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