director of rehabilitation
Kelly is a vastly committed and sympathetic therapy director in our renowned nursing home, The Bridges at Ankeny. He has a wealth of experience and expertise in geriatric care, Kelly has made significant contributions to enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents through his innovative therapy programs. Under Kelly’s leadership and guidance, The Bridges at Ankeny has one of the top therapy programs in Iowa based on state and national quality indicators governed by CMS. His unwavering commitment to providing personalized care and improving the overall well-being of residents has earned him the respect and admiration of both his colleagues and the residents he serves.
Kelly has always been around therapy and the geriatric population; his mother was a director of nursing at a local nursing home near western Iowa. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys hearing about his wife’s day, she too, is in therapy and recently became an instructor at DMU for neurotherapy-Occupational therapy. It is a running joke that their daughter will become a speech therapist or another role in the therapy field rounding out the family profession. Kelly always had a deep passion for helping others and growing up he witnessed the positive impact therapy had on the residents. Driven by his desire to make a difference in the lives of the elderly, he pursued an Associate of Science degree from Clarkson College in Omaha, NE and recently completed his Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Purdue University Global.
Kelly’s professional journey began as a therapy assistant in a nursing home, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience in working with elderly residents. Recognizing his exceptional skills and dedication, he quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to the position of Therapy Director. In this role, he has been instrumental in developing and implementing various therapy programs tailored to the specific needs of the residents.
Under Kelly’s leadership, the therapy department has witnessed remarkable advancements. He has introduced innovative techniques and evidence-based practices to improve the residents' physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. By implementing personalized care plans, he ensures that each resident receives therapy that is tailored to their unique needs and goals. Kelly also actively collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care and optimize the residents' overall quality of life. The Bridges at Ankeny has an in-house therapy program with consulting done by QRM.
Outside of his professional life, Kelly enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and often engages in activities that promote his own well-being, such as working out and gardening with his daughter. This personal commitment to self-care allows him to bring a renewed sense of energy and positivity to his role as Therapy Director.