Warwick Forest Rehabilitation Team

Our Team

Lisa Lapointe-Murer, MS, PT

I chose to be a physical therapist because I wanted to work in the medical field and worked as a student athletic trainer in college. Once in PT school I gravitated towards inpatient rehab and geriatrics and have spent most of my 26 years in the profession working with that population. I specialize in treating neurological conditions and presently hold a certification in LSVT BIG, a specialist program for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

My husband and I have a seven year old and enjoy kayaking, camping, canoeing and fishing. Thanks to an interest sparked by my military veteran patients, I am now an avid reader of historical novels.

Jana Rust, PT

I have always been passionate about helping others, especially the older adult population. Physical therapy is a hands-on field that allows you to get to know each patient as an individual. My compassion, patience and deep desire to help others be functional, safe and able to reach their individual goals are what drove me to pursue physical therapy.

I am from Raleigh, NC and have a twin brother and older brother. My one-year-old dog, Josey, keeps me busy running with her and taking her to dog parks. I love to travel and experience different cultures. I am a terrible cook, but I am trying to learn!

Melissa Cekada, OT

I was drawn to Occupational Therapy due to the opportunities to incorporate creativity into treatment plans. I like that any task--no matter how big or small--can be part of a treatment plan as long as it is meaningful or pertinent to the patient's daily routine. I am PAM certified (Physical Agent Modalities) and have completed the STAR (Survivorship Training and Rehab) program for cancer rehab. I try to treat all my patients the way I would want to be treated in a similar situation.

Outside of work I enjoy painting, crafting, kayaking and board games. I volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association and serve as Co-Chair for YAAA! (Young Adults for Alzheimer's Awareness!).

Kelly Stepanski, OT

I earned my master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University. I like to work with a variety of patients, especially trauma and neurological disorders. I will soon be certified in LSVT BIG to better serve patients with Parkinson's disease.

I love my job and helping my patients gain independence and return home to their families I try to have fun with my patients during their sessions and leave them smiling. I was born and raised in Michigan.

Lisa Krasa, MA, CCC/SLP

I am a Speech Therapist at The Gardens. I decided to major in Speech Language Pathology after my grandmother suffered her first of five strokes. I wanted to help support her and my family with her limitations. I am certified in Vital Stimulation, Electrical Stimulation, Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment.

I have been with Riverside, specifically The Gardens, off and on for 17 years. For me, treating each patient better than we would want to be treated--with kindness, respect, honesty and professionalism--is the core value that sets the tone at Riverside.

Alexis Rudd

I am a Speech-Language Pathologist at Riverside. I decided to become a SLP because I have always loved working with older adults. I majored in English and found speech pathology to be a great blend of my skills and interests. I specialize in Lee Silverman Voice Therapy and Vital Stimulation. When working with patients, I try to treat others the way I would want to be treated.

I have an extremely large store of useless information in my brain (movie quotes, pop culture facts, song lyrics, etc.). In my spare time, I like to cook, exercise, dance, watch funny movies and spend time with friends and family. I grew up in Norfolk and currently reside there with my husband.

Betty Sprinkle

I am an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I chose this field because it is very rewarding to help people become as independent as physically possible. I enjoy working with this population because they are so interesting and willing to share their life experiences. I am trained and certified in Physical Agent Modalities (PAM). I believe in treating everyone with respect, honesty and in a professional manner.

Outside of work I enjoy golf, hiking, sports and gardening. I grew up in Woodbridge, VA and my
husband and I have three children.

Amber Allen, LPTA

I am a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant. I became a LPTA to make a difference in people's lives. My philosophy is to treat everyone as an individual and create a therapy treatment to match
the individual's needs.

I was born and raised in Chesapeake and enjoy reading, hiking, kayaking, walking and movies.

Michelle Keeter, CNA

I am a Rehab Aide at The Gardens and enjoy supporting the therapists, residents and patients in whatever way I can. My philosophy is to be fully present in every encounter I have and to treat patients they I would want my family to be treated.

I have lived in the Hampton Roads area for over 30 years. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, biking and spending time with my husband and three children.