Select Specialty Hospital - Erie

10/29/2026

What does physical therapy look like at one of our critical illness hospitals?

For medically complex patients, it is about being guided through exercises that slowly and safely rebuild the strength, balance and confidence needed to sit, stand and walk again.

This National Physical Therapy Month, we’re highlighting the process and the people behind the recovery progress.

10/27/2026

Born and raised in New York, Stuart Jacobs spent a lifetime proving that polio wouldn't define him. A Paralympic table tennis champion and fiercely independent retiree, Stuart's life changed when the flu and double pneumonia left him dependent on a ventilator and unable to speak, eat or move independently. At Select Specialty Hospital - Palm Beach, he worked to rebuild his strength one milestone at a time.

Today, he's back home, driving again, enjoying his favorite foods and living life on his own terms.

Read Stuart's story: https://bit.ly/3Wp8WVr

10/26/2026

Breathe in. Breathe out.

The first independent breath for our ventilator-dependent patients marks a key step in their recovery. After assessing critically ill patients, our respiratory therapists (RTs) create a plan to free them from ventilators while treating and supporting their respiratory needs, managing their airways and educating both the patient and family on every step of the process.

This Respiratory Care Week, we recognize our more than 2,000 RTs who care for our patients’ needs year-round and for those patients and families who put their trust in us.

10/23/2026

When fourth-generation Wisconsin farmer Mark Gilbertson left for work on a foggy winter morning, he had no way of knowing his life was about to change. After a devastating crash left him fighting for his life, Mark spent months relearning the basics: breathing on his own, speaking, eating, standing and walking. While he focused on recovery at Select Specialty Hospital - Madison and Select Medical Rehabilitation - Madison, nearly four hours from home, his wife, children and community pulled together to keep the farm running.

Today, Mark is back where he wants to be: working the farm, spending time with family and grateful for everyone who helped him along the way.

Read Mark's story: https://bit.ly/4yVsoqJ

10/22/2026

A severe heel infection left Linda Wright facing a long recovery and uncertain future. After stabilizing and transferring to Select Medical’s continuum of post-acute care in Southern Florida, she began to rebuild her strength, confidence and mobility, eventually returning home.

Read Linda's story: https://bit.ly/4eDwpsb

10/19/2026

For patients recovering in our specialty hospitals, the pharmacy team plays an intrinsic role in their care to administer and manage medication needs.

Our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work side-by-side with the hospital care teams to review medications, manage side effects and interactions, provide clinical guidance and educate patients and families as they prepare for discharge.

10/18/2026

Healthcare quality encompasses a wide array of facets, including patient safety, the delivery of evidence-based care, patient-centeredness and positive clinical outcomes.

In observance of National Healthcare Quality Week, we recognize the dedication of our hospital teams nationwide as they strive to both meet and exceed quality standards for the patients, families and communities we serve.

10/16/2026

Just weeks after welcoming her second daughter, physical therapist Mora Pluchino had a stroke that led to respiratory failure and left her on a ventilator. Her recovery began at Select Specialty Hospital - Atlantic City, where she regained the ability to breathe and speak, before continuing intensive rehabilitation at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation - West Orange. Step by step, Mora progressed from complete dependence to being prepared to care for her newborn and reunite with her teenager.

Read how Mora worked her way back home to her family: https://bit.ly/4zrbrVo

10/13/2026

At 76, Lucy Scarabaggio wasn't slowing down. The New Jersey grandmother spent her days cooking, sewing, attending Mass, meeting friends and caring for her home. Then a stroke, seizures and cardiac arrest turned Lucy’s world upside down. Her recovery was marked by milestones many people take for granted: speaking her first words again, eating her first meal, regaining the strength to walk and to be able to care for herself.

Through the support of her family, her own determination and the expert care at Select Specialty Hospital - Northeast NJ and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation - West Orange, Lucy overcame each challenge and made it back home.

Read Lucy's story: https://bit.ly/3TrpivV

10/12/2026

Behind every successful transition is someone helping to make it possible.

Case managers play a critical role in bridging care across hospital to home settings by working with patients and their families to understand goals, address concerns and identify support they may need to move forward with confidence. They provide clarity about the levels of care and review what to expect.

Through every step of healing, case managers help to ensure no one has to navigate the journey alone.

07/14/2026

We’re pleased to announce the DAISY regional award winners for our critical illness recovery hospitals. Recognized by patients, colleagues and families for the extraordinary care they provide, these nurses are fully invested in their patients’ recoveries:
https://bit.ly/3ZGNiKU

Critical Illness Recovery Hospitals DAISY Winners
Select Specialty Hospital - Columbus South: Heather Lawless
Select Specialty Hospital - Erie: Erin Medina
Select Specialty Hospital - Erie: Linda Vactor
Select Specialty Hospital - Gulf Coast: Kiersten Kelly
Select Specialty Hospital - Gulf Coast: Theresa Kirk
Select Specialty Hospital - Johnstown: Amanda Miller
Select Specialty Hospital - Northwest Detroit: Ellen Itayem
Select Specialty Hospital - Orlando Central: Jonathan Salgado
Select Specialty Hospital - Orlando Central: Julio Gonzalez Rios
Select Specialty Hospital - West Allis: Jamine White

Learn more about our DAISY Winners. Link in the comments.

DAISY Foundation

02/17/2026

We’re pleased to announce the DAISY regional award winners for our critical illness recovery hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. Recognized by patients, colleagues and families for the extraordinary care they provide, these nurses are fully invested in their patients’ recoveries.

Critical Illness Recovery Hospitals DAISY Winners
Felicia Santana: Select Specialty Hospital - Cincinnati North
Joseph Sage: Select Specialty Hospital - Columbus South
Heather Hayford: Select Specialty Hospital - Erie
Heather Maraman: Select Specialty Hospital - Evansville
Kenneth Herman: Select Specialty Hospital - Flint
Beth Dedeaux: Select Specialty Hospital - Gulf Coast
Kevin Russell: Select Specialty Hospital - Knoxville
Courtney Golubinski: Select Specialty Hospital - Macomb
Tondralanique “Tondra” Jude: Regency Hospital - Porter
Teena Harker: Select Specialty Hospital - Town and Country

Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals DAISY Winners
Renee King: Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation - Saddle Brook
Dakota Pack: TriHealth Rehabilitation Hospital
Madeline “Maddie” Rice: Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital - Beachwood
Shawna Sultzer: Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital - Avon
Amanda Tepen: SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital - Lake Saint Louis

Learn more about our DAISY Winners. Link in the comments.

DAISY Foundation

01/14/2026

After complications from surgery left Margaret McDowell unable to breathe, eat or move on her own, she faced weeks of uncertainty during her recovery. At Select Specialty Hospital – Erie, a physician-led team helped her steadily rebuild her strength. Through respiratory care and daily therapy, Margaret progressed from full ventilator support to communicating independently and walking hundreds of feet. Less than a month later, she returned home with her family, focused on continuing her recovery.

Read Margaret's story: https://bit.ly/49H52dP

12/31/2025

After weeks on a ventilator, Suzanne Bannister took her first breath on her own at Select Specialty Hospital – Erie. From that moment, she continued to achieve milestones in her recovery with an eye on returning home to her family.

Read Suzanne's story: https://bit.ly/4slL0he

12/04/2025

We’re pleased to announce the DAISY regional award winners for the third quarter of 2025 for our critical illness recovery hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. Recognized by patients, colleagues and families for the extraordinary care they provide, these nurses are fully invested in their patients’ recoveries: https://bit.ly/449UMsu

Critical Illness Recovery Hospitals DAISY Winners
Felicia Santana: Select Specialty Hospital - Cincinnati North
Joseph Sage: Select Specialty Hospital - Columbus South
Heather Hayford: Select Specialty Hospital - Erie
Heather Maraman: Select Specialty Hospital - Evansville
Kenneth Herman: Select Specialty Hospital - Flint
Beth Dedeaux: Select Specialty Hospital - Gulf Coast
Kevin Russell: Select Specialty Hospital - Knoxville
Courtney Golubinski: Select Specialty Hospital - Macomb
Tondralanique “Tondra” Jude: Regency Hospital - Porter
Teena Harker: Select Specialty Hospital - Town and Country

Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals DAISY Winners
Renee King: Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation - Saddle Brook
Dakota Pack: TriHealth Rehabilitation Hospital
Madeline “Maddie” Rice: Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital - Beachwood
Shawna Sultzer: Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital - Avon
Amanda Tepen: SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital - Lake Saint Louis

DAISY Foundation

Learn more about exciting employment opportunities with Select Medical by viewing our openings here: https://bit.ly/4nLKxBX

07/31/2025

Laurie Houde, 62, thoroughly enjoys home life with her family in Camillus, New York. The mother of two dotes on her grandchildren, loves cooking with her daughter and enjoys visiting with neighbors. That all changed when she developed encephalopathy—a brain disorder caused by infection or an underlying condition that causes disorientation and memory problems. Doctors placed Laurie in a medically-induced coma for treatment, and after five weeks, she stabilized. Laurie’s doctors recommended a transfer to Select Specialty Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, for specialized recovery care.

Read her story: https://bit.ly/4olUYxo

07/01/2025

Read about Erie County teacher Craig Miller's recovery from a brain aneurysm at Select Specialty Hospital - Erie.

Craig Miller shows few effects from brain aneurysm that typically has a 70% to 90% mortality rate.

04/10/2025

We’re pleased to announce the DAISY regional award winners for the fourth quarter of 2024. These nurses have earned praise for their extraordinary care from patients, families and colleagues:
https://careers.selectmedical.com/about-us/culture/employee-recognition/

Critical Illness Recovery Hospitals DAISY Winners
Abel De Jesus – Select Specialty Hospital – Fort Myers
Sarah Ross – Select Specialty Hospital – Fort Myers
Hector Rivera – Select Specialty Hospital – Orlando South
Emily Pate – Select Specialty Hospital – Town and Country
Kristina Siradze-Meskhi – Select Specialty Hospital – Cincinnati North
Brian Morgan – Select Specialty Hospital – Alle Kiski
Brittany Fuller – Select Specialty Hospital – Erie
Stacey Birchak – Select Specialty Hospital – Laurel Highlands
Alexis Hawkins – Select Specialty Hospital – Nashville West
Jaquita Cornelius – Inova Specialty Hospital

Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital DAISY Winners
Megan Page – Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation – Saddle Brook
Ethel Deblock – Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation – Marlton
January Seikel – Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital, Edwin Shaw
Allison Barnes – Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital, Edwin Shaw
Dioryl Ganapin – Baylor Scott & White Rehabilitation Hospital - Dallas

Learn more about exciting employment opportunities with Select Medical by viewing our openings here:
https://bit.ly/3R7ssj6

Our mission is to provide an exceptional patient care experience that promotes healing and recovery in a compassionate environment. This mission is made possible by our employees. Patients, family members, or colleagues can easily commend someone through our recognition programs, which are accessibl...

03/04/2025

Jeffrey Pratt, a disabled veteran from New York, was admitted to the hospital with COVID pneumonia. Unable to get enough oxygen into his body, doctors surgically inserted a tracheostomy tube into his airway and placed Jeffrey on a ventilator. A month later, Jeffrey was stable but incredibly weak from his time in the ICU. At the recommendation of Veterans Affairs staff, Jeffrey transitioned to Select Specialty Hospital – Erie. There, a multidisciplinary team developed a personalized treatment plan that would help Jeffrey begin his journey home.

Read Jeffrey's story here: https://bit.ly/3DihQuM

07/23/2024

Jeanne Winnert expected only a short stint in the hospital following a procedure to treat her irregular heartbeat. But complications ensued, and Jeanne spent the next four weeks in an intensive care unit, undergoing numerous life-saving procedures. Once she was stable, the hospital team suggested she move to Select Specialty Hospital – Erie for its expertise in helping patients restore their breathing ability.

Read about her journey to regain her independence and return home: https://bit.ly/4d4Q9C2