Wesley’s outpatient therapy and rehabilitation program is staffed with a skilled and compassionate team of occupational therapists, speech pathologists and physical therapists in Saratoga Springs.
We understand that for rehabilitation to be truly effective, it must address the needs of the whole person, and with years of expertise in a variety of disciplines, our therapists are able to work together to design a comprehensive treatment program tailored for you.
We are truly passionate about what we do, and are dedicated to helping you on your path to recovery, independence and relief from pain.
Jennifer Runkel, MSPT
Physical Therapist
Director of Outpatient Therapy
Jennifer is a former Division I collegiate athlete and coach. She has over 19 years of experience working with patients from all stages of life. Her experience working with young athletes as well as older adults has allowed her to develop a comprehensive list of treatment skills. She has worked at Wesley as a physical therapist since 2005, treating patients of all ages, in aquatic and land settings.
In 2009, Jennifer developed the “Safe Lifting and Body Mechanics” lecture and lab as part of the CNA training curriculum at Wesley. She expanded her scope of practice with special interests in Women’s Health, vestibular therapy, and treating Parkinson’s Disease. In 2013, she became a certified LSVT BIG provider (a movement program for adults with neurological disorders, most popular among people with Parkinson’s Disease). In 2015, she transitioned to her role as Director of Outpatient Therapy, helping to expand the department with programs focused on aquatics, pediatrics, and spine health.
Jennifer regularly practices yoga and meditation and has always been committed to a mindful and self-empowering approach to wellness. She regularly leads mindfulness classes on The Wesley Campus, either with patients or staff. She is a member of the Leadership Committee and the Health and Wellness Committee at The Wesley Community. Jennifer is certified in kinesiotape application, Functional Movement Techniques (FMT), and LSVT BIG.
Christie Britton-Hare, MS CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Christie is a Speech Language Pathologist with over 40 years of experience. Her experience is with a primarily adult and young adult population, in a variety of settings including acute care, ICU, acute rehab, sub-acute rehab, long-term care, home care, and adult day care including developmental delay. Her training and interest has always been in adult acquired brain injury which would include strokes, injuries and disease processes. She pursues continuing education to strengthen her skills in these areas as well as in diagnosis and management of dysphagia (swallowing) primarily but also head and neck cancer management during and after surgery/chemo/radiation treatments. Christie has two grown children, one of which was recently married and works for the NYS Department of the Budget and the other who is studying for his PhD in Neuroscience at Duke University. Christie and her husband both continue to work part-time but have an interest in travel, hiking and golf.
Cheryl Wise, MS CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Cheryl has been practicing in speech language therapy for more than 30 years. She has worked in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home care and outpatient centers. Cheryl has worked at Wesley for more than 15 years. She is passionate in working with children of all ages in the areas of articulation and phonological disorders, swallowing disorders and oral facial myofunctional disorders. She enjoys working with children to achieve their speech and language goals and working with families to implement communication strategies at home. Cheryl has completed the formal training in Orofacial Myology: Basics to Habituation.
Cheryl and her husband have raised three young ladies. She enjoys cycling, hiking and walking her dog. She is an Adirondack 46er.
Valerie Andrascik, PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Valerie graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science. She pursued her education further at Broome College in Binghamton earning her Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree in 2009.
Valerie has over 14 years of experience working with patients of all ages and range of diagnoses in the outpatient setting. She primarily treats in the aquatic setting and has truly enjoyed Aquatic therapy since starting her career in PT.
Valerie enjoys participating in numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and gardening. She loves her family time, going to sporting events, and vacations to the beach. She also volunteers fostering dogs.
Amy Ripchik, OTR
Occupational Therapy
A graduate of Springfield college, Amy has more than 25 years of experience working with a variety of patients, including those with brain injuries, stroke, hand injuries and developmental delays. She uses these clinical skills to treat patients of all ages in our Outpatient Therapy Department. Amy also works with local school districts to coordinate preschool treatments here at Wesley with our pediatric team. Together they evaluate and treat preschoolers who have difficulty with school readiness skills.
Betsy Rhodes, Aquatic Instructor
Aquatic Instructor
Betsy has been overseeing the Independent Aquatic Program in Outpatient Therapy since 2015. She provides supervision and instruction for past patients who would like to continue the progress and benefits they experienced through aquatic therapy. Since joining the Wesley Team, Betsy has strengthened the aqua aerobics program and developed a unique Stretch and Strengthen aquatic class for clients seeking a lower impact option. Betsy holds multiple certifications in aquatic exercise instruction, including Aquatic Running, Common Movement Disorders, Water Arthritis Instructor, Shallow-Deep Water Instructor, and Silver Sneakers Aquatics Instructor.
When she is not in the pool, Betsy enjoys kayaking, bird watching, singing in her church choir, reading and spending time with her family.
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Dawn Catone
Administrative Assistant
Dawn has been part of The Wesley Community since 2008, with various administrative assistant roles on both The Short-Term Rehab Unit and in The Wesley Foundation, helping with fundraising and event planning. She has been with the Outpatient Therapy team since June 2021, where she provides excellent customer service to all patients and coordinates care between their referring doctor and our therapists. Dawn also provides invaluable support to all our therapists and keeps the department running smoothly. She enjoys getting to know our patients and finding new ways to make their rehab journey a success!
Heather Hopkins
Physical Therapist
Heather graduated from Simmons College and has worked as a licensed physical therapist for over 33 years. Heather worked for 23 years in school-based settings, providing PT for children of all abilities, ages 2.5-21 in addition to Home Care. She began working at Wesley in 2023, working in our pediatric program as well as outpatient care of patients of all ages. Heather currently provides PT and aquatic PT to children and adults with a range of diagnoses. Heather enjoys performing outside activities that include biking, hiking and kayaking.
Jo-Ann Proctor
Outpatient Billing Specialist
Jo-Ann has been providing billing services at Wesley for 27 years, starting in the Long-Term Skilled Nursing billing office and moving to Outpatient Therapy in the year 2000. Prior to Wesley she worked in private sector medical offices for 15 years. Jo-Ann’s knowledge of the billing system helps her provide valuable information to patients seeking to maximize their benefits. Jo-Ann enjoys all aspects of the great outdoors and spending time with family.
Kim Mariotti
Physical Therapy Assistant
Kim has over 30 years of experience in fitness training. She has been a group fitness instructor and taught water aerobics classes. Kim earned her PTA degree in 2016 and has experience working in both outpatient and inpatient clinics, working with patients of all ages. In addition to working at Wesley’s Outpatient Therapy Department, Kim has her own private personal training business where she works one on one with clients helping them to achieve their fitness goals. Her strong fitness background allows Kim to help her patients reach their functional goals or return to their sport quickly.
Recreationally, Kim has been a competitive adult rower in the Saratoga community for 15 years. She also participated in a women’s’ ice hockey league; a new sport for her in adulthood. She enjoys all physical activities including biking, hiking and recently pickleball. Her down time is spent enjoying the company of her two dogs and many friends.
Kim’s passion is helping people to get stronger so they can live their BEST physical lives, live more independently and reduce their aches and pains!
Mallory Aquilino
Physical Therapist
Mallory has worked for Wesley’s Outpatient Therapy Department since 2018. She has a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Nazareth College. Mallory has 13 years of experience primarily in outpatient orthopedics. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, crocheting, and gardening.
Rachel Lee
Physical Therapist
Rachel graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Physiology, and from American International College with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She began her career as a physical therapist working with high school, collegiate, and elite athletes in Rhode Island. She then transitioned to home care where she discovered her passion working with older adults with a variety of orthopedic and neurologic conditions. With a move to Saratoga Springs, Rachel is thrilled to combine her interests and experience for the population at Wesley. She is certified in the SFMA (Select Functional Movement Assessment) and FDN (Functional Dry Needling). A former collegiate track athlete and coach, Rachel still enjoys running as well as spending time with her husband and dogs.