Buncombe County 49th District

.

ISSUE NUMBER 33, OCTOBER 3, 2024

SENATOR JULIE MAYFIELD

Recovery resources in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene

**To support a safe environment, a curfew is in effect from 7:30 PM to 7:30 AM in the City of Asheville. City Offices and Parks are closed until further notice.**

Friends,

Over the last three days, response efforts have moved from initial crisis stage to beginning to operationalize the flow of supplies and resources. One of the best Incident Management Teams, from New York City, arrived Monday. They are now in charge and bringing their expertise to city and county responders. Water, food, and supplies are flowing steadily every day and getting where they need to go smoothly. We are also starting to see little wins – more supply distribution sites, repairs of the water system, progress in clean up, covering more ground in search and rescue, etc. Daily life is still hard, but it will get easier each day.

Remember that public officials hold news briefings each day at 10 AM and 4 PM The briefings are streamed live on the Buncombe County Facebook Page and broadcast on Blue Ridge Public Radio at 88.1 FM. You can also listen to them on the iHeart radio stations including 99.9, 104.3, 105.1 and 570 AM.

For updated City information each day, click here. For updated County information, click here. You can also call One Buncombe at 828-250-6100 to access resources.

IMPORTANT:  If you have power, but no running water, turn off the breaker for your hot water heater to avoid the risk of fire when power is restored.

JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS AT THIS COMMUNITY GATHERING!

FEMA ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTER RELIEF

FEMA can help with serious needs, displacement, home repair and other expenses. North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who have uninsured damage or losses caused by Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. To apply, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362.

Please know that FEMA will NEVER ask you for money to help you, and each FEMA representative will be wearing a badge. Beware of scammers pretending to be FEMA.

DO YOU NEED A PRESCRIPTION FILLED?

Pharmacies that are open in WNC can be viewed HERE. With some exceptions, pharmacists are now allowed to dispense a one-time emergency supply of up to 90 days to patients when they are unable to get a hold of their medical provider. Pharmacists can also dispense a one-time emergency refill of up to a 30-day supply of prescribed medication.

ROAD CLOSURES AND ROUTES IN AND OUT OF WNC

The Asheville Regional Airport is open and operating, and critical highways like I-40 and I-26 are now accessible, making it easier to mobilize support. However, there are still inaccessible roads. Use the following map to help determine your best route: https://drivenc.gov/.

MISSING LOVED ONES

We are devastated by the destruction and loss of life. There are now 72 fatalities in Buncombe and more than 200 people who are missing. If you are unable to contact a family member or friend, please complete this form to notify Buncombe Co. officials. Officials are doing their best to locate and update their current status at the Buncombe Co. Register of Deeds office at 205 College St., Asheville.  There are also other organizations working to help locate our friends and neighbors, including:

● The United Way is conducting welfare checks and looking for people who have not been located. Please use this form to connect with United Way’s reunification program.

● The Red Cross has some helpful tips for getting in touch with folks and, if you are looking for people who have not been located, you can use this form. 

● You can request a wellness check by texting “Person” to 40403. That goes to NC 211 and the texter will get a link to a form. 

WATER AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN THE CITY

The City has served people through 34 points of distribution and direct delivery to vulnerable communities. The County has served additional communities through its efforts. If you need water and are unable to get to a water distribution site, please call 828-250-6100. Volunteer opportunities are increasing as sites expand so, if you want to volunteer, please contact smenaya-merritt@ashevillenc.gov or rwood@ashevillenc.gov.

● Pack Square Park Water Distribution: Drinking water will be distributed from Pack Square Park (70 Court Plaza) from 9am until dark or when the supply runs out. Each person will be provided two gallons of water per person, with a maximum of five gallons per family. Please bring containers if you have them, but containers are available if you do not. This distribution site is walk-up only. Assistance will be available for those who cannot carry their water back to their cars. Please do not park in roadways in order to avoid impeding on emergency response.

● Asheville Middle School Water Distribution (211 S. French Broad Street). Cases of bottled water are available for drive-thru pick up. One case allowed, per family per day.

● Shiloh Community Center (121 Shiloh Road) has cases of bottled water. Also one case, per family per day.

● All sites have MREs (ready-to-eat meals), 2 per adult and 1 per child per day.

WATER AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN THE COUNTY 

Times are 12PM-7PM.  Each person will be provided 2 gallons of water, with a maximum of 5 gallons per family. There will be some containers available, but please bring your own if you are able.

●     Sand Hill Elementary – 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville (Please enter via Acton Circle)

●     North Windy Ridge Intermediate School – 20 Doan Road, Weaverville

●     Fairview Elementary School – 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview

●     Ingles on NC 9 in Black Mountain.

●     Cane Middle Creek Middle – 570 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher 

●     Leicester Elementary School – 31 Gilbert Road, Leicester

●     William W. Estes Elementary School – 275 Overlook Road, Asheville. This site also has non-potable water for flushing toilets.

●     Carolina Day School-1345 Hendersonville Road, Asheville

●     All sites have MREs (ready-to-eat meals), 2 per adult and 1 per child per day.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and World Central Kitchen are providing free meals starting at 1PM each day continuing while supplies last at 135 Coxe Avenue, Asheville. Food distribution is also occurring at all of the city and county water distribution sites listed above. Groce UMC (954 Tunnel Road) is also distributing meals and water.

Tupelo Honey’s South Asheville Store, at 1829 Hendersonville Road, will serve free hot meals from 11AM until 5PM, or until supplies run out, each day for at least five days, possibly more.

In Woodfin, food is available at Town Hall (90 Elk Road) beginning daily at 2PM.

McDonalds at 950 Patton Avenue is giving away food October 4 and 5, 10AM-4PM

MANNA DISTRIBUTION SITE

**Please note that donation hours differ from distribution hours**

MANNA will be accepting specific food, water, and supply donations from corporations, grocery stores, vendors, and individuals with extra resources to give. Items in need include Shelf-stable food (pop-top cans preferred, not requiring a can opener), bottled water, baby and toddler formula and food and diapers

● Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Road Asheville, NC 28806

● Dates: October 2-5, 2024

● Donation Hours: 8:00AM – 12:00PM

● Distribution Hours: 1:00PM – 4:00PM

FORMULA AND DIAPERS

Beloved Asheville, at 32 Old Charlotte Hwy in Asheville, is sharing bottled water, food, diapers, and baby formula. 

WIFI HOTSPOTS AND CHARGING

–  Justice Center parking lot, 35 Woodfin St.

–  YMCA Downtown Asheville on Woodfin St.

–  Groce UMC, 954 Tunnel Rd.

–  Asheville Middle School, 211 S French Broad Ave

–  Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St.

–  West Asheville Public Library, 942 Haywood Rd.

–  Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.

–  Enka Library in Candler, 1404 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

The password for the libraries is “readmore” (one word, lowercase).

SHOWERS

The Reuter Family YMCA located at 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville, will be open to the public for showers, gym, playground, and power charging from 10 AM-5 PM daily.

DO YOU NEED WATER TO FLUSH YOUR TOILETS?

The Jewish Community Center’s Pool (40 Clyde Street) will be open Friday October 4th from 10am-12pm. Please bring containers.

WHEN WILL WATER BE RESTORED?

Tropical Storm Helene severely damaged the production and distribution system of the City of Asheville’s water system. Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and aboveground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away. Although providing a precise timeline is impossible, it is important to note that restoring service to the full system could potentially take weeks. As repairs progress, water service will return to some areas before others, based solely on the level of damage to the system.

The Weaverville water system is fully operational, but you must boil the water. The

Woodfin water plant is operating and access to it has been restored. Staff are now looking for and repairing pipeline breaks. There is no timeline for restoring service, but the work is ongoing.

YOU MUST BOIL WATER IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Customers who currently have running tap water should remember that a boil water advisory remains in effect. Boil for at least one minute, even if the water is filtered. If you can not boil your water, you can add 8 drops of bleach per 1 gallon of water.

●     If boiling is not possible, use commercially bottled water for drinking and food preparation. Use bottled water for infant formula and pets, as well.

●     Do not use ice made from unboiled water in drinks, food or coolers.

●     When washing hands, use boiled or bottled water. If neither is available, use hand sanitizer.

●     Do not use water from connected appliances, such as a water dispenser on a refrigerator.

URGENT CARE AVAILABILITY

Mercy Urgent Care has two walk-in locations open at the following addresses from 8:30AM to 6:00PM:

●     West Asheville: 1201 Patton Ave.

●     Weaverville: 61 Weaver Blvd.

●     Brevard: 22 Trust Lane

●     Waynesville: 120 Frazier St.

●     Foothills: 140 W Mills St.

Novant Go-Health Urgent Care at 349 New Leicester Highway is open 9AM – 6PM Please note, these facilities treat non-life-threatening conditions. For emergencies, dial 911.

CITY AND COUNTY SCHOOLS

All facilities are without water, and many have minimal power. This, in addition to road impacts on bus routes, is a major roadblock to bringing students back to school. Schools are working diligently to account for all staff members. If you work for these schools, please contact someone to let them know you are safe.

TRASH AND RECYCLING

In the City, curbside collection of household waste (only bagged trash) will resume in targeted areas on Monday, October 7. Routes are being determined based on road accessibility and will be shared when available. Please do not put storm debris in your trash bins.

●      Download the AVL Collects app to receive notifications about trash and recycling pickup in your area. You can find the AVL Collects app in Google Play Store of Apple App Store.

●      There will be no recycling pick up until the recycling plant is operational. Residents should use both recycling and trash carts for household waste. All waste will be collected as trash at this time by both City of Asheville and Curbie vehicles.

●      The following materials cannot be collected at this time: mud, construction debris, concrete, and other bulky or hazardous items. Debris collection is estimated to start in mid October.

You may also take trash to the county landfill at 85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander.

In the County, Wastepro will do Friday trash collection in Weaverville tomorrow as they are able. 

EMERGENCY SHELTERS IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801

A NEW general shelter is now open at the former Gold’s Gym at 1815 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. This location has a playroom for children, so it may be more suitable for families. Please note that no pets are allowed at this location.  

First Baptist Church Swannanoa 503 Park Street, Swannanoa

The general public shelters at WNC Agricultural Center and AB Tech are now full. Additional shelters throughout WNC here.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AVAILABLE

People in Buncombe County who are unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Business owners and self-employed individuals affected by the storm may also qualify for benefits.

●     People have 60 days from Oct. 1 to file an application for DUA at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2024. If you are not able to file through the website, you can call the DUA Hotline at 919-629-3857.

●     All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from application date. DES will work with people who cannot provide all documentation to ensure that their unemployment benefits are not delayed.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AVAILABLE

People in Buncombe County who are unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Business owners and self-employed individuals affected by the storm may also qualify for benefits.

●     People have 60 days from Oct. 1 to file an application for DUA at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2024. If you are not able to file through the website, you can call the DUA Hotline at 919-629-3857.

●     All required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from application date. DES will work with people who cannot provide all documentation to ensure that their unemployment benefits are not delayed.

PROTECTING YOURSELF AFTER DISASTER-HELPFUL TIPS

1.    Be safe. Do not attempt to move downed power lines.

2.     Contact your insurance company before starting work.

3.     Do not pay for work up front and beware of contractors who try to rush you or come to your home offering assistance. We are already seeing scammers in the community using these techniques.

4.    Get three written estimates for the work, if possible, and compare bids.

5.    Watch out for price gouging

6.    Report price gouging and scams to 1-877-5-SCAM.

Please be kind to yourself and each other during the days and weeks ahead. Tropical Storm Helene has been and continues to be a traumatic event for our community. There is no right or wrong way to feel. If you need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. 

More information to come tomorrow. Please stay safe!

Julie

Senator Julie Mayfield

NC Senate District 49

North Carolina General Assembly

16 W Jones St., Room 1025

Raleigh, NC 27601-1096

919-715-3001

julie.mayfield@ncleg.gov

If you would like to receive my newsletter, please click here.

Connect with our team today.

Contact Us
Therapy Partner Solutions™
PHONE | 904.530.2677
Facebook-f Icon-twitter-x Linkedin-in Instagram

Connect with us

We can’t wait to get to know you

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Jim Stoker, PT, DPT, MA, SCS Emeritus

Jim Stoker, PT, DPT, MA, SCS Emeritus

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Medical Billing CenterTM

Jim is the Chief Executive Officer of Medical Billing CenterTM (MBC), an Outpatient therapy-specific billing and collections company founded by physical therapists in 2001.

Jim has over 25 years of management and leadership experience in the healthcare industry serving as the Managing Partner and SVP of Clemson Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, a multi-state Private Practice and South Carolina VP of Operations for ATI Physical Therapy.  Jim and his partners grew their practice from 3 to 30 clinics culminating in the successful acquisition by ATI Physical Therapy in 2016. His experience includes financial reporting, revenue cycle/billing and collection management, billing education, compliance program reporting, payer relations, budget development, strategic planning and leadership and team development.

Jim is a current member of PPS and PPS Government Affairs Committee while previously serving as the SC-APTA President, VP, Legislative Chair, and Reimbursement Chair. He is also a Founding Board Member of The Clemson Free Clinic and Co-Founder and Board Member of PlaySafe, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that employs and provides Certified Athletic Trainers to secondary schools. He has also lectured nationally providing Physical Therapy Clinical Education for 10 years.

Jim holds a DPT from The University of Montana, a MA and BA in Exercise Science from Furman University and a BS in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina. Jim resides in Easley, SC with his wife Eleanor, 2 children and 3 dogs.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | jstoker@4mbc.com

Mary Daulong, PT, CHC, CHP

Mary Daulong, PT, CHC, CHP

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Business & Clinical Management Services, LLCTM

Mary Daulong, PT, CHC, CHP is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Business & Clinical Management Services, LLCTM (BCMS), a company within the Therapy Partner SolutionsTM family of companies.

For over two decades, Mary has skillfully guided private practitioners, rehab agencies and therapy specific billing companies through the maze of healthcare challenges due to its constant regulatory change. Her national reputation, resourcefulness and comprehensive knowledge supported by compliance credentials are what make her solutions-based approach so valuable.

Ms. Daulong founded BCMS in 1985. Its initial function was to provide management services for private physical therapy practices. Following the sale of her practice in 1996, she focused exclusively on healthcare consultation for small to medium-large sized private practices and billing companies. Over the last twenty years, Mary has honed her expertise in healthcare regulation with specific concentration on OIG Guidances, Medicare payment and coverage regulations, OSHA, ADA, Department of Labor, HIPAA/HITECH and professional practice regulatory compliance and operational integration.

Mary has been recognized by her profession and community and has regularly been billed as the ‘featured’ speaker in both national and state venues. She has been honored by academic institutions, state agencies, professional, community and civic associations as well as by her peers. Mary has and continues to be an active volunteer in her professional associations.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | daulongm@bcmscomp.com

Rachel Grubb, DPT, FAAOMPT

Rachel Grubb, DPT, FAAOMPT

TALENT DIRECTOR
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

Rachel Grubb is the Talent Director at Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings (TPSH). Rachel brings her vast experience and unique insight to focus efforts on building talent pipelines for current and future TPSH career opportunities, including managing external partnerships with career-focused organizations such as colleges and job boards, and overseeing all stages of the TPSH candidate experience, from application through onboarding. Rachel also develops programs to promote the professional development of all TPS employees as their careers progress.

Rachel received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga in 2010, becoming a credentialed Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists in 2015. Rachel has maintained contemporary practice in outpatient orthopedics part-time in the Chattanooga, TN area. She also serves as a clinical lab assistant for the University of Tennessee Chattanooga DPT program. As a provider of post-graduate education in manual therapy, dry needling, and clinical practice to national and international rehabilitation professionals, Rachel serves as an instructor for the Institute of Manual & Integrative Therapy.

Rachel has also volunteered extensively to promote the physical therapy profession by serving in various leadership roles. She has been highly active in the Tennessee and South Carolina Chapters of the American Physical Therapy Association. As a member of the Tennessee dry needling task force, Rachel helped pass legislation to legally allow dry needing to be included within the scope of practice for physical therapists.

When not involved in professional pursuits, Rachel enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Matt and children Emma and James.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | rgrubb@therapypartnersolutions.com

Andrea Hines, PTA

Andrea Hines, PTA

VP OF OUTPATIENT SALES
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

Andrea Hines is the Vice President of Sales for Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings (TPSH), with a primary focus on the TPSH outpatient division, Therapy Partner Private Practice Solutions.  In this role, Andrea drives the physician and patient acquisition strategy for the family of Therapy Partner Private Practice Solutions clinics, building a program to drive consistent growth in new patient volume.

Andrea’s leadership role is focused on driving the clinical sales team with the intent of evolving and refining the sales approach as the industry continues to change. She also owns the physician and patient acquisition strategy for the family of TPSH clinics, building a program to drive consistent growth in new patient volume across the Therapy Partner Solutions TM clinic footprint. Andrea has a passion for building strong teams of successful marketing representatives, as well as assisting therapists in identifying their marketable assets/capabilities and promoting them within their communities and the medical platform.

Andrea previously worked for the founders of Therapy Partner Solutions for 8 years when she served as the Regional Sales Director for their earlier physical therapy clinic platform, Advance Rehabilitation. She’s thrilled to be back on team. Andrea brings with her 30-years of healthcare experience as a treating clinical physical therapist assistant, nursing home administrator, community residential care facility administrator, clinical/regional marketing and sales director for outpatient PT clinics, and a regional director of rehabilitation services.

Andrea is graduate of both Medical University of South Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Health Science, and Trident Technical College where she earned an Associate of Health Science, Physical Therapy Assistant. She lives in Woodruff, South Carolina with her husband Jeff and her daughter Samantha. Andrea is an active member of Joy Lutheran Church. Her love for helping people has also led her to become involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Greenville Area Parkinson’s Society where she has served as an ambassador and support group facilitator.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | ahines@therapypartnersolutions.com

Mike Weiner

Mike Weiner

PRESIDENT OF MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

Mike Weiner is the President of Mergers & Acquisitions at Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings (TPSH), focusing on the acquisition of new outpatient physical therapy partnerships for the company.

Mike is an accomplished executive with broad industry experience in Sales, Operations, and Corporate Development.

Mike spent the last 10 years of his career at Fresenius Medical Care. He began his career at Fresenius focusing on organic growth where he was responsible for building deNovo dialysis clinics in the Northeast. Mike then shifted his career to Operations where he had full P&L responsibility for 75 dialysis clinics. He later transitioned to Corporate Development where he was ultimately responsible for leading all dialysis clinic acquisitions across the US. Mike and his development team acquired 30 plus dialysis clinics per year and integrated the acquired sites into the Fresenius portfolio of clinics.

Outside of Fresenius, Mike has 10 years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical sales industry where he crafted his leadership and sales skills.

Mike holds an MBA from Boston College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University. Mike enjoys playing golf and competing at CrossFit. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, and two small children.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | mweiner@therapypartnersolutions.com

Bob Leonard, PT

Bob Leonard, PT

PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

Bob Leonard is the President of Strategic Partnerships for Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings, focusing on new partnership opportunities and organic growth initiatives for the organization.

Bob is a 25-year healthcare executive, Physical Therapist and entrepreneur.  He co-founded Spark Health, an integrative-medicine practice based in Solana Beach, CA.  He is also the co-founder of Expression Health Analytics, a healthcare analytics company acquired in 2017 by Brentwood, TN-based, Trilliant Health.  Expression Health Analytics is considered a disruptive innovator for business development in the PT industry and is now integrated into the Trilliant Health offering where it is used by many of the largest physical therapy practices in the U.S.

Prior to his analytics start-up, Bob was a partner of Proaxis Therapy, a multi-state Physical Therapy practice headquartered in Greenville, SC.  During his time with Proaxis, Bob led the strategic plan for external growth and the expansion of same store market.  Upon the acquisition of Proaxis by ATI Physical Therapy, Bob led ATI’s aggressive and unprecedented market expansion in Alabama.

Bob’s additional skillsets include management, startups, strategy, marketing, and business development, having worked for both startups and fortune 100 companies.  He credits his career success with having worked alongside some of the most talented and driven individuals in their respective industries.

Bob served in the U.S. Navy from 1987 to 1992 and is a veteran of Desert Storm.  He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.  Bob currently serves as Chairman for Operation Song, a non-profit that empowers veterans to tell their stories through the process of songwriting.  He is a proud husband and dad and currently resides in Nashville with his wife, Erika, and their six children.

Contact

Linkedin-in
EMAIL | bleonard@therapypartnersolutions.com

Kristy Krueger

SVP OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

Kristy Krueger is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings (TPSH).  With over 20 years of executive level HR experience, Kristy has a proven record as a specialist in the field of Human Resources with additional expertise in the areas of leadership development, training, professional coaching, and personal performance enhancement all of which continues to contribute to the individual success of our associates and the overall success of our organization.

As the executive in charge of Human Resources, Kristy and her team manage all things related to staff recruitment & retention, benefits and compensation management, employee relations, and professional development.  Kristy has been influential in the development our company culture, our award winning employee satisfaction and retention rates (Press Gainey – Employer Choice Awards) as well as building an environment that is employee focused and patient centered.

Kristy earned her BS in ED at Jacksonville State University and is a long standing member of the local and national Society of Professional Human Resources organization, having served on the local chapter board in various positions.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | kkrueger@therapypartnersolutions.com

David Harris

David Harris

CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

David Harris is the Chief Growth Officer at Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings (TPSH), focusing on strategic planning and execution of initiatives to drive revenue growth across TPSH business lines.

David is a strategic marketing executive with broad industry experience in corporate strategy, product development and commercialization. His experience driving growth strategies for organizations ranges from start-up companies to Fortune 100 businesses.

David’s methodology has been refined through time spent in the technology, finance, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, sports and energy industries. A 15-year GE veteran, David led marketing, sales, product and communications initiatives across diverse business units in the US and internationally, including both GE Capital’s consumer and commercial finance divisions, GE Lighting, GE Healthcare IT and GE Power. Outside GE, David has applied his growth mindset and methodology to organizations in the sports, banking and healthcare space, including SaaS business models.

David believes collaboration and collective achievement among the marketing, sales and product functions are essential in realizing the potential of any organization. He brings this cross-functional approach, hands-on style and toolkit to every engagement.

David holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Science degree from The College of the Holy Cross where he was also a captain of the football team. David is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | dharris@therapypartnersolutions.com

Janet Shelley, PT, DPT

Janet Shelley, PT, DPT

CHIEF DISRUPTION OFFICER
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

Janet Shelley is the Chief Disruption Officer at Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings (TPSH), focusing on marketplace disruption across TPSH business lines.

Prior to joining Therapy Partner Solutions Holdings, Dr. Shelley was a partner in an independent physical therapy practice, then subsequently founded Medical Billing CenterTM (MBC), a therapy-specific billing and collections company. She served as MBC’s CEO from its inception, until she transitioned out of MBC and into the TPSH leadership team in January 2021.

Janet’s success as a business leader is due, in part, to her willingness to dig deep in the healthcare space, and to her innate ability to recognize, and adapt, to new market trends.  Following graduation from physical therapy school Janet snagged a job at an orthopedic specialty hospital and immediately experienced healthcare disruption firsthand as a major shift in payment by Medicare when diagnostic-related groups (DRGS’s) became the payment methodology for inpatient hospitalizations. Consequently, her hours were reduced, while her first home mortgage and student loan payments were due.  Thus, disruption, and the ability to react accordingly, became fundamental themes of her professional career.

While DRG’s may have been the first disruption in Janet’s professional life, many others followed.  Dr. Shelley became the first female partner in the oldest private practice in South Carolina. Her involvement in the therapy marketplace quickly expanded to include free standing physical therapy offices, hospital joint ventures and home health contracting. While in practice, disruptions to market share and healthcare regulatory challenges (i.e.  Balanced Budget Act, Therapy Caps, One-on -one inclusion in CPT coding language, Physician Ownership, Resource Based Relative Value Unit Payment) bore opportunities for growth out of seemingly detrimental policies.

The theme of disruption hasn’t been limited to Janet’s professional career.  Personal disruption along the way added a physical therapist husband, a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) son who likewise married a CRNA, and a physician daughter who married a mechanical engineer, finally lending some non-healthcare interest to her nuclear family! Janet is actively involved serving her community with her church family, enjoys a legislative appointment to a regional healthcare board and gives abused and neglected children a voice in court as a Guardian ad Litem.

Dr. Shelley will be the first to admit that the new, disruptive ideas are not usually her own.  Instead, she finds insight from a network of professional colleagues and through industry trade associations, many of which she serves on at both state and national levels.  She dedicates her time to influence, interpret and educate colleagues on regulatory changes that will disrupt healthcare. Thoughtfully, Janet aspires to “Be like a flower. Survive the rain but, use it to grow.” Y Tiwari

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | jshelley@therapypartnersolutions.com

John Dimas

John Dimas

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

John joined Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings (TPSH) as its Chief Financial Officer in 2019. He is responsible for functions related to the financial operations of the TPSH portfolio of businesses, clinics and partnerships.

John Dimas has a background that includes over 20 years of accounting experience in the services and healthcare industries. His hands-on approach and ability to create exceptional customer service, operational integrity and sound accounting practices are responsible for his past success.

Prior to joining TPSH, John was a Controller for Enterprise Holdings, one of the largest private companies in the United States, and parent company of the Enterprise, National & Alamo rental car brands. Most recently, John served in an executive capacity at U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc., the largest publicly-traded operator of physical and occupational therapy clinics in the U.S.

John is recognized for his strengths in full-cycle accounting, operational analysis, internal controls, reporting and planning strategies. He has extensive experience in growing de-novo physical therapy clinics and partnering with strategic acquisitions. Known for building rapport and adding value, John is respected by practice owners and founders alike.

John holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Utah. John is a native Texan and the son of a retired Army Staff Sergeant. He competed at the collegiate level in the pole vault, decathlon and the mile and was responsible for helping bring his alma mater their first ever South Western Athletic Conference Indoor Track & Field Championship in 1998. John and his family enjoy working out, traveling and cooking.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | jdimas@therapypartnersolutions.com

Nicole Kluckhohn, PT, DPT, ATC, CHC

Nicole Kluckhohn, PT, DPT, ATC, CHC

CHIEF INTEGRATION OFFICER
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

Nicole Kluckhohn serves at the Chief Integration Officer for Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings, focusing on the seamless integration of new clinic partnerships into the TPSH family.

Nicole has more than 28 years of clinical and operational experience with 25 years spent in operations and administrative roles across a broad range of healthcare settings.  She most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of Medical Billing Center (MBC), a billing and collections company owned by TPSH.  Nicole has led operations for large clinics and multi-site regions, and driven teams managing back-end processes including billing, revenue cycle oversight, quality education, credentialing, leadership development implementation and led the oversight of several managed service arrangements nationally, including Joint Venture Relationships.  These varied experiences lend to an innate understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing therapy facilities and private practices today.

Nicole has been an active member of the APTA since 2006 and serves on the APTA Payment and Policy Committee for the Private Practice Section where she also sits as the Chair for the Provider Enrollment Subcommittee.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | nkluckhohn@therapypartnersolutions.com

Chad Whitefield, PTA

Chad Whitefield, PTA

PRESIDENT & PARTNER
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

Chad Whitefield is a co-founder of Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings (TPSH).  He serves as the President of Advance Rehabilitation Management Group (ARMG), a therapy management and consulting company within the TPSH family of companies.

Mr. Whitefield has owned and operated therapy clinics since 1997.  During this time he has been involved in all aspects of clinic operations to include management, marketing, compliance, human resources, development, and clinical programs.  With over 25 years of executive experience serving health systems, physician providers, and home care agencies, ranging in size from local operators to publicly traded companies, Chad brings a vast background and knowledge base to the TPSH family of companies, especially as it relates to health systems management service agreements, and the post-acute care continuum.

Mr. Whitefield graduated from the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) in 1994 and worked in acute care, industrial medicine, and wound care settings before opening his first outpatient clinic in 1997.  His clinical concentration is in orthopedics with a particular interest in knee and shoulder dysfunction.

Chad was appointed by three Governors to serve three terms on the Georgia Board of Physical Therapy.  He is actively involved in the APTA to include its Georgia Chapter as well as membership in several sections including, Home Health, Private Practice, and Orthopedics.  Chad is involved with professional healthcare associations around the country and is a sought-after speaker on therapy related topics. 

Chad and his wife Lauren live in Fernandina Beach, Florida with their 2 children where they are actively involved in their church and civic clubs. Chad is a former two term County Commissioner and is actively involved in State and Federal legislative efforts related to healthcare.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | chad@therapypartnersolutions.com

Sam Echols, PT, OCS

Sam Echols, PT, OCS

PRESIDENT & PARTNER
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

Sam Echols is one of the co-founders of Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings (TPSH). He currently serves as the Chief Clinical Officer for TPSH in addition to his role as President of Therapy Partner Private Practice Solutions, the outpatient division of TPSH.

With over 20 years of experience in the therapy industry as a clinician, business owner, and team leader, Sam brings a variety of experience to our TPS partner clinics. With a foundation firmly based on clinical excellence, customer service, and best client outcomes, Sam understands the importance and relationship between Best Clinical Practices and Best Business Practices. Sam currently oversees the TPS programs for Clinical Quality & Compliance, Talent Development, Leadership Training, Operational Excellence, and Strategic Partnership Development

As a graduate from the Medical College of Georgia in 1995 with a degree in physical therapy, Mr. Echols worked extensively in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. With advanced training in many approaches to manual therapy and orthopedics, he was over clinical competency for the licensed staff at Advance Rehabilitation, a regional therapy company he helped to found. Sam also has an educational background teaching and facilitating monthly clinical forums and CEU courses.

In the healthcare industry and specific to the area of rehabilitation, Mr. Echols is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) with expertise in Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, business development, developing a strong clinical team and reputation, leadership development, clinical program/protocol development and marketing/relationship development.

Since 2007, Mr. Echols has been a Board Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist, and for 22 years has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) presently including the Private Practice, Orthopedic and Sports section of APTA, Private Practice Section of the APTA and the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia (PTAG). He served as the physical therapist for Berry College Sports Medicine Program for 12 years. Sam is on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Open Door Home and Cumberland Wilderness Boards as well as the Race Committee for the Local Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation and Committee for Destination Graduation for Every Child. He is active at his church and serves as a mentor for the Berry College Integrity in Leadership class.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | sam@therapypartnersolutions.com

Steve Chenoweth, PT

Steve Chenoweth, PT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & PARTNER
Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings

Steve Chenoweth is one of the co-founders of Therapy Partner SolutionsTM Holdings (TPSH) and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for TPSH.

With over 25 years of clinical and operational experience and over 20 years of experience as a private practice owner, Mr. Chenoweth brings a diverse background of healthcare and rehabilitation industry experience to the TPS family of companies.  As CEO, Mr. Chenoweth oversees all aspects of the company including strategic relationships, long term planning, mergers & acquisitions and operational direction.

As a graduate from the Physical Therapy Program at Georgia State University in 1992, Mr. Chenoweth’s extensive clinical experience includes practice in the areas of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, Manual Therapy approaches to the treatment of the spine, and Industrial Medicine.  This clinical background crosses a variety of settings including – Private Practice, Hospital based programs, Home Health Agencies, Assisted Living Communities and Skilled Nursing Facilities.

In the Healthcare Industry and specific to the area of Rehabilitation, Mr. Chenoweth has expanded expertise in the areas of Reimbursement, Billing & Collections, Business Analytics, Corporate Compliance, Mergers, Acquisitions, Strategic Partnering as well as Healthcare Finance and Operational Management.

Mr. Chenoweth currently serves as a Governor’s appointment on and the Chair of the Florida State Board of Physical Therapy. Mr. Chenoweth is an active member of the Federation of State Physical Therapy Boards (FSBPT), is a member of the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) & the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) including its Private Practice, Orthopedic & Sports, Home Health Sections. Mr. Chenoweth previously served on the Reimbursement & Payment Policy Committee for the Private Practice Section of the APTA. Mr. Chenoweth is also an active member of The 1st Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach and currently serves as an Elder and member of the Session.

Contact

Linkedin-in

EMAIL | schenoweth@therapypartnersolutions.com

Connect with us

We can’t wait to get to know you

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.