- I participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities including trail running, white water rafting, backcountry skiing, and downhill skiing
- AIARE (American Institute of Avalanche and Research Education) 1 Certified
- I am passionate about exercise and teaching my patients about the benefits of exercise for overall health and wellbeing
Monica Thomas-Kleinbach
Reno,NV
Summary
Skilled Physical Therapist with 12+ years of experience in a variety of settings with a track record of fostering patient-focused therapy outcomes and advancing clinical reasoning skills. At VA, enhanced patient satisfaction through personalized care and expertise in neurologic physical therapy, with a subspecialty in PT for Parkinson's Disease. Committed to continuous professional development. Motivated to provide high quality of care and collaborate with colleagues to foster a positive work environment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
7
7
Certification
Work History
Physical Thearpist
Veterans Affairs
01.2020 - Current
- Develop strong relationships with patients, establishing trust and rapport to facilitate successful therapy outcomes.
- Evaluate assistive devices such as braces or prosthetics to provide recommendations for improved function and comfort.
- Manage acute and chronic conditions with a specialty in complex neurologic diagnoses, with full understanding of complex therapy needs.
- Mentor new physical therapists, fostering a supportive learning environment and sharing clinical expertise.
- Supervise clinical students, physical therapy assistants, and volunteers.
- Implement evidence-based practices in treatment approaches, staying current with industry research and best practices.
- Managed physical therapy Request for Services for >1 year, implementing my knowledge of physical therapy prognosis, outcome measures, and best practices to determine appropriateness for continued community care physical therapy services.
- Shares responsibility of Massage therapy consult management when primary manager is on leave.
- Teach the Anti Frail Strength Training Class to Veterans over 55 y/o. This class combines both education and barbell lifts to facilitate improved strength, function and quality of life.
Physical Therapist
Renown Rehabilitation Hospital
08.2016 - Current
- Develop strong relationships with patients, establishing trust and rapport to facilitate successful therapy outcomes.
- Coordinate patient care with interdisciplinary team of medical professionals and specialists.
- Elevate patient care standards by actively participating in continuing education courses and implementing learned techniques into practice.
- Utilize technology including Vector, L300 Go+, RT300, Exoskeleton to provide evidence-based care
- Taught "Transfer Training" class to new employees and students to facilitate safe patient handling and reduce risk of injury to staff
- Full time employee from August 2016-January 2020 then transitioned to a per diem role. I have maintained an excellent relationship with therapy staff and leadership in both roles.
Travel Physical Therapist
Delta Healthcare Providers
12.2013 - 07.2016
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry advancements through continued education and professional development courses.
- Delivered high-quality care in various settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments.
- Established rapport with patients through active listening, empathy, and clear communication during sessions.
- Maintained compliance with all state and federal regulations, ensuring patient safety and privacy concerns were always prioritized.
- Quick to learn job performance in a variety of settings across the country
Travel Physical Therapist
Prime Healthcare Staffing
08.2012 - 12.2013
- Travel physical therapist providing skilled physical therapy care in skilled nursing facilities and an outpatient therapy clinic. Worked closely with other disciplines including occupational therapy and nursing staff.
- Learned new skills quickly to provide quality physical therapy services while meeting productivity requirements.
Education
Doctorate of Physical Therapy - Physical Therapy
Clarkson University
Potsdam05-2012
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Clarkson Unversity
Potsdam05-2009
Skills
- Advanced knowledge of Neurologic rehabilitation
- Patient-focused therapy
- Staff education and training
- Dry Needling Level 1 certified
- Lumbar manual skills
- Advanced vestibular assessment and rehabilitation skills
- Advanced training in physical therapy for Parkinson's disease
- Collaboration with colleagues and providers to provide excellent patient-centered care
Accomplishments
- Recognized in Tier 3 Huddle for working closely with neurology and physiatry to provide optimal care for our Veterans with neurologic conditions
- Selected as "Patient Experience Champion" of the month in April 2024 for my commitment to providing excellent patient care and going above and beyond for our Veterans by consistently modeling the VA’s ICARE values
- Consistently receive excellent feedback from Veterans regarding excellent active listening skills and providing motivation.
Certification
- Physical Therapist License (PT) - Nevada Board of Physical Therapy.
- Board-certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Certificate – Military Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation
- PWR! Moves Certification
- LSVT Big Certification
- Dry Needling with Clinical Integration Level 1
- Lumbar Spine Manual Therapy Management (Institute of Clinical Excellence)
- Member of the American Physical Therapy Association
- Yellow Belt Certification Training
- Level 1 Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program through the APTA
Interests
Timeline
Physical Thearpist
Veterans Affairs
01.2020 - Current
Physical Therapist
Renown Rehabilitation Hospital
08.2016 - Current
Travel Physical Therapist
Delta Healthcare Providers
12.2013 - 07.2016
Travel Physical Therapist
Prime Healthcare Staffing
08.2012 - 12.2013
Doctorate of Physical Therapy - Physical Therapy
Clarkson University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Clarkson Unversity
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