Mountaineers Making a Difference: WVU OT Alumni Flourish at Encompass Health

The impact of West Virginia University’s Occupational Therapy program can be seen across the region, and especially within the halls of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Morgantown. A growing number of WVU OT alumni are thriving as clinical, as well as operational leaders, bringing advanced specialty certifications, evidence-based practice, and a passion for patient-centered care to their rehabilitation teams. 

Jennifer Holben, OTR/L, CLT (Certified Lymphedema Therapist), a proud member of the class of 2004, is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with extensive experience managing complex medical conditions.  In addition to providing skilled, compassionate care to her patients, she serves as the Director of Therapy Operations at Encompass Health’s Morgantown hospital, where she provides strategic leadership and oversees the department’s clinical excellence and growth. 

The Class of 2018 is strongly represented, as well. Kristen Cook, OTR/L, CLT, CNS (Certified Neuro Specialist), CSRS (Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist) and Casey Michael, OTR/L, CNS, CSRS demonstrate a deep commitment to neurologic and stroke rehabilitation. Their advanced training enhances outcomes for individuals recovering from stroke and other neurological conditions.  Fun fact, these ladies also demonstrate their leadership presence as Occupational Therapy Seniors at Encompass Health.

Katy Cantis, OTR/L, CSRS, and CBIS (Certified Brain Injury Specialist), Class of 2019, is a key contributor to Encompass Health’s brain injury and stroke recovery programs. With specialized training in neurorehabilitation and certified expertise in brain injury care, she develops and implements individualized therapy plans that support patients in regaining independence and improving cognitive and physical function.

Representing the Class of 2020, Megan Rafa, OTR/L, CNS, CSRS and Lauren Rees, OTR/L, CSRS, C/NDT (Certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment), CFVRS (Certified Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist), bring extensive clinical expertise to our programs, focusing on neurologic recovery, neurodevelopmental treatment, and vision rehabilitation. Megan and Lauren design and implement individualized therapy plans that enhance movement, coordination, and functional independence, helping patients regain critical skills and maximize participation in daily activities.

Adding to the Encompass Health’s specialized care, Madison Satterfield, Class of 2022, utilizes her expertise as an OTR/L, CSRS, and LSVT BIG (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Certified Clinician) to deliver targeted, evidence-based interventions for patients navigating neurologic disorders, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease, implementing skilled therapy programs and enhancing quality of life.

The newest Mountaineer among this group, Julee Enos, OTR/L, a proud member of the Class of 2023, has already completed her CBIS coursework and is scheduled to sit for the Certified Brain Injury Specialist exam later this month. We wish her the very best as she takes this exciting next professional step!  Good luck, Julee!

A Strong Clinical Partnership

Encompass Health’s clinical relationship with WVU’s Occupational Therapy program continues to strengthen both organizations. Through student fieldwork placements, mentorship, and ongoing collaboration, WVU students gain hands-on experience in a dynamic inpatient rehabilitation setting, while Encompass Health clinicians stay closely connected to emerging research, evolving best practices, and the next generation of Occupational Therapy professionals.

This partnership fosters professional growth on both sides. Students benefit from exposure to certified specialists across multiple practice areas, while clinicians have opportunities to mentor, teach, and engage in lifelong learning. The result is a pipeline of highly prepared graduates who transition confidently into practice, many choosing to remain within the Encompass Health system.

Together, WVU OT and Encompass Health are building a legacy of excellence in rehabilitation, rooted in advanced clinical expertise, collaboration, and Mountaineer pride.