At Rose Lane Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, mentorship is more than part of the job. It is part of the culture. Over the past three years, under the leadership and guidance of Occupational Therapist and Director of Rehabilitation Erin Dixon, the therapy department has mentored 25 therapy students, helping future healthcare professionals gain real-world clinical experience while building confidence in their skills.
For students pursuing careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, hands-on learning opportunities are essential. Rose Lane’s therapy team provides a supportive environment where students can strengthen clinical reasoning, develop communication skills, and learn how to adapt to the changing needs of patients in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting.
Why Clinical Mentorship Matters in Rehabilitation Therapy
Clinical mentorship plays a major role in preparing therapy students and new graduates for long-term success in healthcare. At Rose Lane, experienced therapists work closely with students to guide them through patient care, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Olivia Howell, PTA, says mentoring students helps therapists continue learning as well. Student questions often encourage deeper conversations and spark creative treatment ideas that benefit both therapists and patients.
Stephanie Crescenze, COTA, shared that mentoring keeps clinicians engaged and reflective in their practice. She explained that students bring fresh perspectives and updated academic knowledge that help therapists stay connected to evolving best practices in rehabilitation care.
A Strong Learning Environment for Therapy Students
Rose Lane provides students with exposure to a wide variety of diagnoses, patient populations, and clinical challenges. This diverse clinical experience helps prepare future therapists for careers in skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Because the Skilled Nursing Facility therapy environment is constantly changing, students learn how to become flexible and adaptable clinicians while understanding the importance of individualized patient care.
The therapy department also emphasizes open communication and teamwork. Students are encouraged to ask questions, collaborate with staff, and actively participate in the learning process without fear of judgment.
According to the therapy team, creating a welcoming learning environment helps students grow more confident and comfortable in their clinical decision-making.
How Therapy Students Benefit the Clinical Team
Mentorship is not only valuable for students. It also strengthens the therapy department itself.
Teaching students encourages therapists to explain their clinical reasoning more intentionally and break down complex treatment approaches into practical, understandable steps. This process helps therapists sharpen their own skills while fostering creativity and innovation in patient care.
Students also introduce current classroom education, evidence-based practices, and new treatment techniques that contribute to the department’s continued professional growth.
This collaborative exchange of knowledge helps Rose Lane maintain a culture of continuous learning within its rehabilitation program.
Supporting New Therapy Graduates as They Enter the Workforce
Transitioning from the classroom to full-time clinical practice can feel overwhelming for many new therapy graduates. At Rose Lane, mentorship continues beyond student placements to help new clinicians gain confidence as healthcare professionals.
Olivia shared that her experience at Rose Lane helped her grow as a therapist and become more confident in her abilities. She credits the supportive team environment for encouraging professional development and lifelong learning.
The rehabilitation department also emphasizes cross-disciplinary teamwork, helping new therapists understand how physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation services work together to improve patient outcomes.
Building a Culture of Mentorship in Healthcare
After more than a decade at Rose Lane, Stephanie believes mentorship is one of the biggest reasons the therapy department continues to succeed. She described the team as one built on mutual respect, collaboration, and professional support.
Her advice for new graduates entering healthcare is to find mentors who encourage growth and create a positive work environment. Strong professional relationships, she says, can make a significant difference early in a therapist’s career.
With assistance, leadership, and guidance from Erin Diaczun, Director of Rehabilitation at Anchor Lodge Retirement Village and Student Placement Coordinator for therapy students across Sprenger Health Care, our organization continues creating meaningful opportunities for therapy students and new graduates.
By prioritizing mentorship, collaboration, and professional development, Rose Lane is helping shape the future of rehabilitation therapy while investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Sheila Moore Wins National AwardFor more than 25 years, Sheila Moore has been a steady and compassionate presence at Anchor Lodge Retirement Community. Quietly making a difference in the lives of residents, families, and coworkers every single day. What began as a simple nomination from her leadership team in the summer of 2025 soon became a reminder that the most meaningful caregivers are often the ones who serve with consistency, humility, and heart.
Recognition Across Ohio
After being nominated for recognition through the Ohio Health Care Association, Sheila was selected as one of only eight caregivers across the state to receive an Excellence in Caregiving Award from hundreds of nominations. Her impact was impossible to overlook. Coworkers described her as dependable, uplifting, and deeply committed to making residents feel valued and comfortable. Whether mentoring new staff members, supporting families during difficult moments, or finding small ways to brighten a resident’s day, Sheila’s approach to caregiving has always gone beyond the expected.
From Statewide Honor to National Recognition
That state recognition opened the door for an even larger opportunity when Sheila was submitted for consideration through the Ceca Foundation, a national organization dedicated to honoring extraordinary caregivers. Months later, she was named a national finalist among thousands of nominations from across the country. In the end, Sheila was selected as one of only six winners nationwide. It’s an incredible achievement that reflects the lasting impact she has had throughout her career.
A Moment Worth Celebrating
When the winners were announced in early 2026, the moment was unforgettable. Sitting together watching the live announcement, excitement quickly turned into celebration as Sheila learned she had officially been named a national Ceca Award recipient. Along with the honor, Sheila received a $2,500 award. Shortly after, Sprenger Health Care Chief Operating Officer Emily Fox shared that the organization would proudly match the award in recognition of her dedication and service giving Sheila a total of $5,000.
More Than an Award
While awards and recognition are meaningful, those closest to Sheila know her greatest accomplishment cannot be placed on a plaque. It is found in the trust she has built over decades. The comfort she brings to residents, and the example she sets for those around her every day. Her story is a reminder that exceptional caregiving is not defined by a single moment, but by years of showing up with compassion, kindness, and dedication. That impact was celebrated at Anchor Lodge during a special gathering surrounded by fellow employees, family members, and supporters who came together to honor her achievement. Nate Hamme from Ceca was in attendance to personally present Sheila with her award, making the moment even more meaningful. Guests enjoyed food and drinks as they celebrated Sheila’s achievement.