Being ethically-driven is crucial to Kathy Wilmot’s work as a Physical Therapist. From the first clinic service, she asks individuals “who do you come to therapy for?” She works to make them realize that therapy is for them, not their family or staff, and believes that too often individuals with disabilities are underestimated. Letting people experience the satisfaction that comes from hard work being paid off is critical to her work, and she finds that the sense of pride and self-worth that comes from that accomplishment is the best thing about her job.

Outside of the disability community, Kathy believes that all people have the ability to find purpose, value, and something in which they excel. She holds this philosophy as a self-proclaimed fast-pitch softball junkie and coach. When she’s not participating in sports, she enjoys time spent with her husband of 22 years, three children, and two pooches.

Being part of a great clinic team and connecting with individuals with disabilities is crucial to Kimberly Maykish. As a Physical Therapist, she believes in a very functional approach to exercise, helping people do as much as they can for themselves. She understands that each person needs a balance of knowledge and encouragement to reach wellness goals. Her methodology lies in discovering what each wants to achieve, taking into consideration likes and dislikes, respecting opinions, and then explaining the plan and asking the individuals to participate.

To Kim, it is important that people never feel as though they are “less than.” As a first-generation American, she loves giving back. She has used her hobbies of crocheting, knitting, and weaving to sew and distribute more than 1,550 masks since the start of the pandemic.

At work and in his personal life, Eric Yarah relishes in “creating happiness” for others by establishing one-on-one connections. As a Physical Therapist, he feels a strong bond with his clients, helping them overcome the adversity of life and aging throughout his tenure. He designs personalized treatment plans that provide attainable goals based on each client’s neurological or orthopedic limitations and concerns. By incorporating fun and joy into PT interventions, Eric stimulates motivation, effort, and skill development for individuals with disabilities.

Eric enjoys the friendly, family atmosphere of the clinic, and has developed many meaningful relationships in the last decade of working. Outside of work, he spends time with his twin teens, Colden and Annaliese. He is an outdoor enthusiast who loves mountain biking and hiking in the Adirondacks, and has completed the 46 highest peaks in New York.

Supporting the disability population in overcoming physical, cognitive, and sensory challenges is what motivates Jennifer Bailey as an Occupational Therapist. To help maximize each client’s functioning, she analyzes the activities he/she would like to be more independent in. She begins by listening to a person’s goals, both verbally and non-verbally, establishing a plan to get there, and then works with them every step of the way. Her advice for building fine motor, sensory, strength, and cognitive abilities is to be kind, consistent, and always hold onto hope.

Jennifer appreciates The Arc Madison Cortland services not only for the people she supports, but also for her youngest son who has an Autism diagnosis and developmental delay. As a highly-caffeinated mother of four, she loves spending outdoor time with family, visiting the Adirondacks, and dabbling in photography.

Communication is a fundamental skill that we all take for granted, but is the foundation of Kim Bush’s career as a Speech-Language Pathologist. She helps individuals with disabilities effectively communicate by the method that works best for each person. She finds that patience and relationship-building are the most important tools she has in supporting those who struggle with communication in their everyday lives. The use of telehealth during the pandemic has also been an amazing asset for Kim, as she has been able to be creative in conducting therapy, while also maintaining meaningful connections.

Kim finds much reward in her career, having established real relationships with clients and staff of all of The Arc Madison Cortland’s Article 16 clinics throughout the last 18 years. Along with her husband and two children, Evelyn and Maren, she also enjoys playtime with her new Golden Retriever puppy.

Maintaining a calm, friendly demeanor is Hank Terchowitz’s approach to working with individuals with developmental disabilities. As a Physical Therapy Assistant, he believes this brings out the best in his clients. By treating people with dignity, he is able to provide them with confidence in their abilities, while also celebrating what they once thought was impossible. His main goal is that clients leave the clinic a more independent person than when they first sought care, and hopes that the entire healthcare community realizes what a crucial population those with disabilities encompass.

When Hank isn’t providing physical therapy, he can be found doing mechanical work, or partaking in his own sort of musical therapy as an enthusiastic guitar player and Dave Matthews Band fanatic.

Seeing the smiles on her clients’ faces, and laughing with them along with the way, is what Sherry Komnick loves best about being an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She feels a sense of accomplishment in her work by demonstrating respect and treating individuals with disabilities as equals. She consistently tries to stay ahead of the curve by learning new strategies and techniques. This provides clients with increased independence and the tools to be successful in their therapy, and more so in their everyday lives.

Before her work with The Arc Madison Cortland clinics, she worked for several years at the Herkimer ARC. Beyond therapy, she loves cooking and watching her twin teen boys play sports.

Faith was inspired to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant by her desire to help people achieve their goals, regardless of the disabilities they may face. She finds the most rewarding part of her work to be building strong therapeutic relationships and supporting individuals as they grow in independence and confidence. Faith brings warmth and encouragement to every session, creating an environment where individuals feel seen, supported, and motivated.

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Outside of work, Faith enjoys cooking and baking, and loves sharing meals with others. Faith is thankful for the unwavering support of her parents throughout her life. She actively volunteers at her church’s monthly food and clothing giveaways—registering participants, packing food, and organizing clothing for those in need.