Angele Tran, Executive Director, Rehabilitation Services

As a staff therapist, Angele Tran received a firsthand look at how Diakon operates rehabilitation services. When she was promoted to a regional manager and then to her current position as executive director, Diakon Rehabilitation Services, she brought with her a vision and plan that enabled her to streamline the organization’s therapy services. Unlike many of its competitors, Diakon offers an in-house therapy program. By employing therapists and not relying on contract providers, the Diakon approach promotes therapists’ "ownership" of the program, as well as empowerment to make decisions. This team-based focus creates a positive, family-like atmosphere in which clients are motivated to succeed.

Our team...

Working as a team, along with you and your family, to optimize your rehabilitation experience and outcomes, our staff includes...

• Physical Therapists, who provide evaluation and treatment in the area of mobility and movement. Based on an evaluation, the physical therapist will design a treatment plan to restore and maximize strength, mobility, and function. Physical therapists will teach you special techniques as well as use of equipment, such as a walker or cane, to improve your balance and safety.

• Occupational Therapists, who assist in developing and regaining the ability to perform the activities of daily living and work skills, such as eating, dressing, bathing, and cooking. Occupational therapists help you not only to improve your basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for permanent loss of function. A home assessment may be completed to make recommendations for any equipment or modifications required at home.

• Speech/Language Pathologists, who work to improve your communication skills and swallowing functions. Speech therapy may focus on regaining your language skills (understanding, speaking, reading, or writing). Therapists may also assist you in improving the safety and effectiveness of swallowing by recommending special exercises, strategies, and specific food and liquid textures.

• Nurses, who serve both as coordinators of care and as educators to prevent complications, maintain health, and teach adaptive skills. Your nurse works closely with your therapists to reinforce what you have learned in therapy sessions. In addition, the nurse will monitor vital signs, perform a daily assessment, and educate you about medications.

• Social Workers, who will assist you and your family with plans for discharge from rehabilitation and the nursing center if indicated. Diakon Rehabilitation Services facilities and strongly encourages family involvement in your rehabilitation program and plans for your return home. The social worker acts as a liaison between your family and the treatment team and will help you to prepare to return home by arranging any necessary home-care services or ordering equipment you may need at home. In addition, the social worker is knowledgeable about community services that may be of help to you.