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Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital and Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital are proud to announce Christina Salas, LSW, as market chief executive officer and Amy Hansen, PT, DPT, as chief operating officer.
Christina Salas has been promoted to market chief executive officer
Salas, who has been an integral part of the hospitals’ marketing and business development team for the past 10 years, is excited to take on the market CEO position. In her new role, Salas will be responsible for the operational and strategic leadership of the campus, which includes a critical care hospital, an inpatient medical rehabilitation hospital, and an outpatient therapy clinic.
“My passion for healthcare comes from genuine care and concern for every patient and family we have the opportunity to meet,” said Salas. “As a social worker, caring for a patient’s overall well-being while they travel an often challenging journey to recovery is of utmost importance to me. Having the opportunity to lead an entire hospital team in providing exceptional care will be considered one of my proudest accomplishments.”
Like Salas, Hansen also brings tenure with the hospitals and extensive experience in numerous healthcare settings to her new role. A physical therapist by background, Hansen most recently served as Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital’s director of therapy operations.
Salas and Hansen avidly celebrate the hospitals’ mission of serving patients from throughout Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska with the highest-quality, most compassionate care possible.
Amy Hansen, formerly the director of therapy operations at NCRH, has been promoted to chief operating officer
“Leading our outstanding therapy department has allowed me to share my determination not only with the team but with all the patients we care for,” shared Hansen. “Moving into the COO role, I have an even greater opportunity to share my passion for best practices and to support and encourage our team, patients, families, and community. Being a part of such a knowledgeable and caring team inspires me daily to cultivate the best environment possible for recovery.”
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In need of specialized wound care while on dialysis, Paul chose NCLTAH for his recovery from a recent hospitalization
For the past 18 years, Paul Grimmer has lived in Longmont, Colorado. Married for 45 years to the love of his life, Paul recently retired from owning a research company. He loves programming computers, oldies music, walking, going on drives, and going to the mountains. He’s interested in opening up a new research and development company in Texas.
But a recent hospitalization nearly put all of that to an end. Paul admited to a local acute care hospital, where he was diagnosed with sepsis, MSSA bacteremia, and an infected sacral wound. He also lives with end-stage renal disease and is on dialysis.
Paul transferred to Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital to continue advancing his recovery. His case manager at the acute care hospital recommended NCLTAH for excellent wound care and nursing and the ability to offer in-house dialysis.
“The nurses and PCTs have all been incredibly helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable,” Paul said about his experience at NCLTAH. “The therapy has been great, always willing to help and get me out of bed and into my chair.”
Paul made significant progress and looks forward to returning home with the ability to walk and drive again.
Noel and Vicky Rath chose NCLTAH for his recovery following respiratory failure
Noel Rath and his wife, Vicky, have been married for eight years. They live in Saint Francis, Kansas, where Noel works as a rancher and farm — a job he loves. Noel, 54, also loves being with his family and friends, including five kids and six grandkids.
Hospitalized for an emergent aortic dissection repair, Noel experienced complications, including respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. He had a tracheostomy placed and required a ventilator to breathe. Noel would need an extended hospitalization due to these complications.
Vicky began researching facilities for the next phase of Noel’s recovery, including Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital (NCLTAH). A tour of the facility with Kristin Klipp, RN, a marketing coordinator at NCLTAH, confirmed the many great things Vicky heard about the hospital. She knew that NCLTAH was the right place for Noel to heal.
Complications following heart surgery led Paul to NCLTAH
Retirement has been enjoyable for 82-year-old Paul Elder of Bozeman, Montana. Paul spends his days working in his yard, traveling, fly fishing, fixing things around the house, and spending time with his wife of 50 years. Paul is also a father to two daughters and a grandfather to four grandchildren.
Paul recently underwent a mitral valve repair at the recommendation of his physician, who diagnosed Paul with severe mitral regurgitation. This condition is a backflow of blood caused by failure of the heart’s mitral valve to close tightly and coronary artery disease.
When a knee infection led to septic shock and other complications, Luis chose NCLTAH to help him recover
Luis Pagan moved to Fort Collins in 2005 with his significant other of 32 years and his two children. The 64-year-old loves woodworking, fixing electronics, hiking, and traveling.
One March day, Luis’s life dramatically changed when he began to feel weak and fell on the floor at home. Unable to get up, Luis was taken by ambulance to the acute care hospital. The day before, Luis had done a five-mile hike and felt fine.
It turned out that Luis had a knee infection which caused septic shock. Unfortunately, Luis experienced many complications during his initial hospitalization, including respiratory issues, blood clots, and renal failure.
Looking ahead to the next phase of his recovery, Luis spoke with Arba Boci, a clinical liaison at Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital (NCLTAH). Luis felt good about what they discussed and chose to transfer to NCLTAH.
“Everyone works together to help each other out,” Luis said about the NCLTAH, a critical care hospital. “It’s been such a great environment.”
Luis offered lots of praise for the NCLTAH staff, which significantly impacted him during his stay.
“I loved all the nurses, PCTs, and Dr. Pearson. They were incredible! Dr. Pearson was empathetic, compassionate, friendly, and always makes you feel like a friend and not just a patient. The CEO, Brenda Simon, was awesome and so personable. The PCTs, Dylan Seagren, Isaiah Parker, Erica Johnson, and Kamika Kieler, went above and beyond with caring for me. The nurses, Kelly Parkhouse and Katie Martin, have been great! They are so positive and have a great attitude. Amy Oestmann (OT) was incredible and helped me progress from having a lot of pain initially to getting more active.”
Luis saw his family grow close as a result of his hospitalization and is excited to return home to them soon. He is particularly excited to go out to eat, cook (he loves making international cuisine), and, most of all, get back to hiking with his significant other.
Andrew Pacheco looks forward to returning home after recovering from a fall from his wheelchair.
Eight years ago, Andrew Pacheco sustained a spinal cord injury (T10-T12), resulting in paraplegia. Though now in a wheelchair, the 60-year-old from Pueblo continues to live an active life. Andrew works as a maintenance tech and enjoys fishing, car shows, and spending time with his brothers, son, and daughter.
Then, one day, Andrew fell out of his motorized wheelchair. He suffered fractures to his femur and his left tibia and fibula in the fall. In need of extended hospitalization, Andrew’s daughter began researching their options. She chose Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital for several reasons. First, the hospital was clean. Second, the large 6,000 sq. ft. therapy gym would benefit her father’s recovery. And the outcomes data was great, allowing her to feel confident in the care her Andrew would receive.
Joey Gonzalez defied the odds, conquering COVID-19 pneumonia.
Family has always been important to Joey Gonzalez. As a person with down syndrome, Joey’s family has always been there to support him. They live in Alliance, Nebraska, and Joey loves to spend time with his dad and four brothers. His mother passed away a year ago, and for many years prior, Joey helped care for her. Special Olympic sports are Joey’s passion in life. His favorites are bowling, basketball, and track.
When Joey began having difficulty breathing one winter day, his father, Tony, took him to the emergency room for evaluation. Joey was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. In the hospital, Joey required a ventilator and had a tracheostomy placed. His physicians prepared Tony for the worst.
“The doctors told me he wouldn’t make it,” Tony said with tears in his eyes.
But Joey had other plans. Despite the grim outlook communicated to his father, Joey pulled through.
“He’s a miracle,” Tony tells people.
With Joey stabilized, Tony and his family began preparing for Joey’s recovery. First, they met with Joey’s case manager at the acute care hospital and reviewed their options. After doing their due diligence, the family chose Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital for Joey. They felt confident in the quality of care offered at NCLTAH, and the location was perfect for Joey’s eventual return home.
As Joey’s stay at NCLTAH neared its conclusion, the family’s experience validated their decision. “The nurses and doctors were so generous and nice!” Tony reflected. “Dr. Pearson was a great advocate for Joey and made sure I could be a huge part of his care. The therapists were very good at their job, always encouraging Joey. And I loved the education I was given so I can take care of Joey at home!”
“Overall, this place is the best!” Tony added.
Joey couldn’t have been more excited as he prepared to return home. Looking forward to resuming a regular routine, Joey has one main goal: returning to the Special Olympic sports that he loves so much.
Jesse Martinez trusted both NCLTAH and NCRH with his care after suffering from a subdural hematoma and acute respiratory failure.
Jesse Martinez is 57 years old and lived in Denver, Colorado, working full-time for the city. He spends all the time he can with his family. He and his wife, Dawn, have three daughters and two grandchildren. Jesse taps into his creative side through music and used to work as a DJ. He also loves making art and enjoys watching football. He’s a huge Raiders fan.
On a day like any other, Jesse started experiencing a horrible headache. He went to an acute care hospital where they told Jesse he was suffering from a subdural hematoma and acute respiratory failure. His family chose to continue his recovery at Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital.
Jesse was appreciative of the support he received from the staff. “Everybody was so positive and helpful! The housekeeping staff always made me feel at home. The doctors and nurses were so positive.”
Although he improved, Jesse wasn’t quite ready to return home. He transferred to Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital to begin rehab. He was just as impressed with the NCRH staff as he was with NCLTAH. “Every staff member was so friendly and nice! I didn’t have one bad experience, and everyone always made me feel comfortable. When I went home, I really missed everyone. They were just like my family.”
Jesse discharged home in July and moved to Loveland, Colorado with his family. He is now retired, enjoying his peaceful life with his family. He’s happy to be around music again and is fixing up an old Chevy 1964.
“If it wasn’t for getting my care at these two facilities, I don’t know where I would be,” Jesse stated.
Bob and his wife Mary after recovering from COVID-19, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.
Bob Vines and his wife, Mary, have been married for 29 years and have two children. They recently moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where Bob works full-time as a prevention specialist. He enjoys photography, traveling, and listening to music.
After receiving his COVID-19 vaccine, Bob still contracted the virus. He also suffered from pneumonia and acute respiratory failure. Mary chose Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital for his extended care. Their insurance recommended NCLTAH, and after looking at the COVID-19 patient success stories, she knew it was a good fit.
Bob required a ventilator for 23 days but progressed rapidly when he arrived at NCLTAH. Thankfully his progression allowed him to wean off the ventilator in just a few days! Because of his quick turnaround, Bob transferred to Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital to continue his recovery.
“I loved how every step of the way, they set reachable goals. The staff was very supportive in helping me reach my goals. I loved Dr. Pearson. He became such a good friend during my recovery and his medical advice was fantastic,” Bob said.
Bob loved his care team and appreciated the wonderful job they did to support him throughout his stay. Knowing how much time the staff spends on their feet, Bob wanted to buy comfortable shoes for all of them. Schnee’s Footwear and Dansko donated each pair for this wonderful cause.
“The kitchen staff was awesome and engaging. The PCT’s and nurses took the time to comfort me during this hard time. I am so grateful for their empathy,” Bob explained. He is back home now and loves sitting on his front porch relaxing. He has also spent more time with his family. “I am so blessed to be alive and couldn’t do it without these amazing hospitals!”
