Sparking Innovation: Introducing the Newest Recipients of Good Shepherd Innovation Grants

ALLENTOWN and PHILADELPHIA, PA — Good Shepherd unveiled the latest recipients of the Good Shepherd Innovation Grants, a program that invests significantly in idea generation for team members at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network in the greater Lehigh Valley region and Good Shepherd Penn Partners in greater Philadelphia and New Jersey.

All told, eight projects received a Learn Grant. The program — led by Emily Lyter, PT, DPT, administrative director of Good Shepherd Learns, Creates and Research at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, and Jennifer Dekerlegand, MPT, CHRC, manager of research, education and quality at Good Shepherd Penn Partners — aims to harness employees’ enthusiasm, natural curiosity and deep dedication. The Good Shepherd Innovation Grants provide financial support and development opportunities for employee-led projects that improve patient care and define the future of rehabilitation.

Congratulations to the latest round of Good Shepherd Innovation Grants recipients:

Virtual Reality

Leads: Jonathan Brannan, MBA (Good Shepherd Rehabilitation) and Kyle Cunningham, PT, DPT, NCS, CBIS (Good Shepherd Penn Partners)
Departments: Institutional Advancement; Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Therapy; Good Shepherd Penn Partners Therapy

Work Life Well-Being for Good Shepherd Associates

Lead: Chaplain Kelly Brooks (Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network)
Departments: Human Resources, Psychology

Good Shepherd Resident Volunteer/Work Program

Lead: Amanda Devaney, MS, CCC-SLP/L (Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network)
Departments: Speech, Pediatrics; Occupational Therapy, Good Shepherd Home – Raker Center; Volunteer Coordinator

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Reduce Neurovascular/Neuro-oncology and Neurosurgery Acute Care Length of Stay with Earlier Transitions to Acute Rehabilitation

Lead: Deidre Geroni, MSW (Good Shepherd Penn Partners)
Departments: Case Management, Penn Medicine Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Creation of an Augmentative & Alternative and Assistive Technology Clinic

Lead: Kylee Haller, MA, CCC-SLP (Good Shepherd Penn Partners)
Departments: Outpatient Therapy

Examine Whether Race Differences and Patient-reported Outcomes Exist in Outpatient Physical Therapy Utilization for Women with Pelvic Health Conditions

Lead: Denise Hartzell-Leggin, PT, MBA, WCS (Good Shepherd Penn Partners)
Departments: Outpatient Therapy

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Dizziness and Balance Center

Lead: Kelley Limbauan, PT, DPT, NCS (Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network)
Department: Physical Therapy, Hyland Center for Health & Technology

Good Shepherd Spinal Cord Injury Skills for Success Program

Lead: Noreen Yamamoto, COTA/L (Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network)
Departments: Occupational Therapy, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital