Westview Health Care Center- Sports Medicine

08/27/2025

To the Westview Wayfinders, our Limitless Lighthouses:

Life is a voyage, and it helps to know where to find safe harbor. At Westview, this port is not a place, it is people. It is family—a dedicated team that shines a guiding light for every patient, resident, and student who comes aboard.

This week, we gaze out at the horizon and see your radiance, clear and true. You stand on the precipice of care, shining a beacon that cuts through the mists of uncertainty and guides every patient, resident, and student to a place of safe anchorage. Your responsibilities at Westview Health Care Center, Country Living at Westview Commons, and Westview Child Care Center are great. Your impact is immeasurable.

In every act of kindness, every moment of expertise, every tender turn of care, you are a torchbearer. In your collective efforts, you are a constellation of stars, illuminating the path forward. During Westview Employee Appreciation Week 2025, we honor the incredible luminaries who light the Westview way. Thank you for your brilliance and for being the soul of this radiant community.

08/19/2025

Westview Sports Medicine is proud to introduce Kristine DiPasquale as the newest member of our therapy team. “Krissy” holds dual-licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She has a diverse background in medicine, with experiences working on a long-term ventilator unit as a Certified Nursing Assistant/Personal Care Assistant to being a Rehab Technician II in a Skilled Nursing Facility.

In her practice of therapeutic massage, Krissy specializes in Deep Tissue with trigger point-providing pain relief. In addition to previously owning a massage business, Krissy has worked in multiple facilities with a focus on rehabilitation. She has helped individuals for over 30 years, and truly loves how she is able to help people have less pain and more independence.

Krissy described what drew her interest to join the Westview Sports Medicine team as a Massage Therapist:

“I actually first learned about Westview when I came here for Outpatient Therapy myself. Instantly, I fell in love with the people, the facilities, and the overall environment. I’ve always been an advocate of helping patients focus on injury recovery, and I feel really confident about the team here at Westview sharing that goal. We have a strong crew here, and I am so delighted to work alongside this many dedicated medical professionals. As soon as I learned the position would combine Massage Therapy with Occupational Therapy, I knew it would be a great opportunity for everybody involved.”

06/19/2025

Leah Kelleher PT, DPT carries her vocation forth with passion, professionalism—and most importantly, purpose. Her role today as a Doctor of Physical Therapy is rooted in an early keenness towards medicine developed through family experiences. Through Leah’s education and experience she has accumulated a wide array of knowledge spanning from enabling pediatric populations to helping patients with neurological challenges. She wishes to help her patients live and move to their fullest potential: to aid their ability to live actively, and if needed, to equip individuals with assistive devices to reach their goals. Leah firmly believes that committed efforts result in positive outcomes. She maintains that mindset as constant motivation for herself and her patients as a Physical Therapist at Westview Sports Medicine.

Raised in Methuen, Massachusetts, formative experiences in Leah’s early life manifested inspiration and motivation for a career in medicine. Her mother works for a prominent medical device manufacturer, and Leah had many opportunities to witness surgeons learning how to perform new techniques with innovative equipment. This imparted her with a desire to pursue her own role in healthcare, and she focused on that mission all the way through her college education and graduate work. Leah attended the University of Hartford; earning a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Without hesitation, she began working in the acute care setting of a large hospital in Rhode Island. Leah’s entry to the medical field started with the specialized PT considerations of the hospital’s neurological population. True to her own cultivated interests and expertise, she took a role identifying patient needs to medical device manufacturers. Leah formed a strong foundation in her career as a Physical Therapist ensuring patient access to the most promising assistive equipment.

Leah was making important strides in her career and in life. Competitively riding horses since childhood, she was no stranger to overcoming obstacles. Faith and confidence in her own ability has proved valuable at many points in Leah’s experience. Just months before her wedding, her father suffered a massive stroke. His unwavering commitment to walk her down the aisle stood firm. His resolve amazes Leah, and his continued inner strength despite these challenges ignites Leah’s efforts as a Physical Therapist. She points to her father’s fortitude as an inspiration for the patients she is privileged to work with: “I take what I learned from his initial recovery—and the difficulties he continues to face—and I teach that to all of my patients. You have to do the work to see the results. My father’s experience emboldens me to challenge my patients and empower them in recovery.”

When Leah and her husband Ryan welcomed children into their life, they looked to establish their home in a quiet New England setting while maintaining access to pursue their respective professions. Ryan is a Firefighter and Paramedic in West Hartford, CT and Leah sought opportunities for Physical Therapists in Windham County. Leah took her passion for therapy and rehabilitation to another Connecticut hospital’s outpatient clinic and continued to work with neurologically afflicted patients. She also gained the opportunity at that time to connect with pediatric patients and guide them towards their full physical potential. With her own children Lila, Rhett, and Emerson now growing up, Leah sought daycare options near their home and discovered Westview Child Care Center. Through frequent conversations, Leah struck up a running dialogue with Westview Child Care Center Director Katy Holzer. Their conversations easily flowed between insights into child development to their shared love of horses to a mutual respect for physical therapy. Many around the Westview campus began to hope that Leah would bring her talent to work with Westview Sports Medicine, and they hailed her addition to the team in May 2025.

Across a lifetime of personal and professional experiences she has accumulated a wealth of treatment knowledge; aiding patients recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and vestibular impairments. Possessing nuanced understanding to treat adults as well as infants, toddlers, and adolescents with a varied set of diagnoses, Leah seeks the growth of patient therapy options for all ages. Leah has a mirrored perspective on critical aspects of the therapeutic journey—both as a family member supporting a loved one recovering from trauma and as a Physical Therapist ardently guiding patients back to their peak ability. Leah identifies her hopes and goals as a member of the Westview Sports Medicine: “Westview Sports Medicine is full of amazing people whose collective goal is to improve our patients and provide our community with the best care.”

Westview Health Care Center Administrator David T. Panteleakos promotes the facility’s credo of ‘Caring for Generations’ as a guiding concept for our team members. “Leah joins our amazing team with an impressive amount of physical therapy knowledge and patient-focused experience,” stated Mr. Panteleakos. “Her ability to work with patients across all ages is a multifaceted strength and a true complement to our Sports Medicine outpatient program. Leah is a great addition to our team; and we look forward to seeing continued triumphs for Leah and her patients here at Westview Sports Medicine.”

06/16/2025

04/01/2025

03/28/2025

Mike Rutt, DPT is lauded as Westview’s March 2025 Employee of the Month. Holding a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Mike utilizes his personal passion for running and professional commitment to patient wellness at Westview Sports Medicine in Dayville, CT. This accolade represents appreciation for Mike among colleagues and clients. Therapy teammates and patrons value his impact on the Westview rehabilitation experience since he joined their roster in May 2023. Mike works with patients across a wide range of age, athleticism, and ability—and no matter their goal, outcome, or finish line, he maintains the same determination to deliver the best result. Devoted interests in sport and science propel Mike through his all of his pursuits.

Mike is a native of Reading, PA and graduated from Wilson High School. While achieving great success and cultivating his commitment to competitive running in his early years, he prioritized academics as he looked ahead to college. The University of Connecticut offered Mike the opportunity to try out for their track team—and that promptly motivated his enrollment there given his primary interest in the school’s Kinesiology program. Sure enough, Mike made the roster and became a four-time All-American selection as a member of UConn’s Varsity Track & Field Team. He specialized in the 800-meter distance and placed 2nd among all college competitors during his senior year. After graduating from UConn and emboldened by his success on the track, he kept running. Straightaway Mike launched a pro racing career; traveling across the country and across the world to challenge the best in his distance discipline. Mike finished as 6th in the world at the 2012 Indoor Track World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey,

When he “hung up his racing spikes,” Mike dedicated his vocational pursuit to fully merge his innate interests and accumulated education. Retiring from active competition, he looked to spend more time with his growing family. He then provided his expertise as a Track & Field Coach for 5 years at The College of New Jersey and then UMass Lowell. Seeking the next stage of growth for himself and his family, the bright reflections of his past experiences illuminated the way forward. Mike has a family background in medicine, and as an elite competitive runner, he knew what it’s like to be a physical therapy patient. He really enjoyed coaching college track athletes to reach their peak, so he wanted to expand that impact by helping a greater range of athletes and age groups through sports science. Mike returned to the University of Connecticut and earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2023.

During his years of graduate study at UConn, Mike and other DPT candidates were expected to accumulate practical experience at clinically-affiliated outpatient therapy sites. This is where he first learned about Westview Sports Medicine, and when Mike states that he felt a compelling connection to their team: “There’s a family feel at this facility—not just at Westview Sports Medicine, but throughout the entire health care center. I knew the Westview reputation outside and the rapport inside were strong standards, and joining this group would inspire me to learn, grow, and add my own touch to their therapeutic treatment.” Mike often consorts with colleagues in therapy that they are, in a way, like each patient’s ‘medical coach.’ Many of the staff members at Westview Sports Medicine regularly band together for recreational runs. They find the fun in holding each other athletically accountable.

Mike and his wife Katie are the proud parents of Michael Jr. and Kealey. They enjoy sharing many outdoor activities together like hiking and camping and create meaningful memories on their journeys. Recently, Mike and his family traveled to England and took in sights and sounds ranging from London to the cliffs of Dover. Citing the fact that his professional running career created a joy for international travel, he loves touring the globe with his family now. There is no surprise that both of his children enjoy many sports; including soccer, basketball, baseball, dance, and skiing. Father and son golf rounds are a recent addition to their family’s recreational repertoire.

Grateful and humble in receipt of this recent recognition, Mike is quick to acknowledge the support of the pack he runs with at Westview: “I am incredibly appreciative for being selected as Employee of the Month—but I am only as good as the colleagues I work with every day. I’m lucky to perform with a sports medicine team that provides the best care for patients and clients at Westview. I could not be the clinician I am today without them!”

Westview Administrator David T. Panteleakos has applauded Mike’s success since his student experience at Westview, and champions his continued victories for Westview Sports Medicine patients to this day. “Michael is a great addition to our incredibly talented team of therapists and athletic trainers,” stated Mr. Panteleakos. “He shares his expertise and experiences, step-for-step, in the pursuit of each patient’s progress; and I appreciate how the combination of his background in racing, his devoted education, and his patient-centered perspective provides confidence for those in his care. Congratulations to Mike on his well-deserved recognition!”

03/07/2025

Lisa DeLucia is celebrated as Westview’s February Employee of the Month. As a Teacher Assistant at Westview Child Care Center, Lisa is a steward of the young minds at the newest member of the Westview family. Daily activities at Westview Child Care Center are meant to be educational, entertaining—or ideally, both at the same time! Lisa looks to highlight the overall positive purpose of every project with advertent encouragement. She ensures that the students find joy in expanding their minds through core learning opportunities, and alternately, seeks to expand their intellect with abstract creativity and playful experiences.

Lisa began as a Teacher Assistant at Westview Child Care Center in September 2023. She initially learned about the new Dayville, CT child care facility through social media and grew excited about the chance to work with children in many age groups. When Lisa began at Westview Child Care Center she worked with the infants in the afternoon. Upon expanding her role to a full-time position, she moved in stride with the same group she was working with as they graduated to the next class. Now in the toddler room, Lisa joyously joins her students on their journey. Her own experience raising a family and previous work in other daycare settings anchors her skills as a naturally nurturing individual.

Residing in Griswold, CT, Lisa enjoys the scenic surroundings of The Quiet Corner. One of her favorite activities is hiking around local parks and trails; exploring a variety of locations across the seasons. For viewing entertainment, she likes to keep it light by watching comedies. As mentioned, Lisa is the mother of Austin, Natalie, and Hailey, and she likes to spend time with them as often as possible.

An innate passion for working in child development is noticeable in Lisa’s response to receiving Westview’s Employee of the Month award. “I love working here—it’s such a great group to work with as I pursue this opportunity,” Lisa commented. “I can devote the best of my abilities to our students because I enjoy them so much. I really appreciate being recognized by colleagues at Westview Child Care Center. Thank you!”

Katy Holzer, Director of Westview Child Care Center, acknowledged Lisa’s devotion: "At the Westview Child Care Center, we take great pride in the dedication and enthusiasm that our team brings to our program. Their commitment to creating a nurturing and engaging environment ensures that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. Recognizing outstanding staff, like Lisa, highlights the passion and care that make our center a special place for children and families. It's always rewarding to celebrate the hard work of those who make a meaningful impact every day. Congratulations, Lisa!"

12/26/2024

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from the Westview family to you and yours!

10/27/2024

Getting into the “spirit” at the view🎃

10/11/2024

We hope that you all had a chance to observe and embrace the beauty of the Northern Lights last evening! In Northeast Connecticut, we had a rare chance to see the glory of our galactic wonder overhead. We enjoyed seeing the sight around the region of our patients and residents at Westview Health Care Center and at Country Living at Westview Commons. Shout out to the Westview Commons residents who snapped a few photogs at our facility last evening!

To all of our shining stars on our stellar team in the Westview family: keep shining bright and continue to give us all wonders to look up to. Peace, love, and all the above!

09/26/2024

Tiffany Alvarado earned Westview’s Employee of the Month recognition this September. Tiffany has worked at Westview for the past five years in a variety of roles. She began her tenure in the Dietary Department of Country Living at Westview Commons on a per-diem basis, then accepted a part-time role, and eventually rose to the full-time position she now holds. Through her considerable and consistent performance providing hospitality to the residents at mealtimes, she has now elevated to the role of Server Supervisor. In this capacity, Tiffany provides residents with their custom food orders and provides leadership to her colleagues in The Great Room during food service. Additionally, she works alongside her colleagues in Westview Commons’ Dietary Department and Hospitality Team in-between meals to ensure that settings are properly prepared, restocking various dining room staples and food items, and rearranging the tables and chairs to make space for the many forms of activity and entertainment that are held in The Great Room. This is Tiffany’s second time earning the Employee of the Month designation; having previously earned the recognition in October 2022. Ever the ambitious individual, Tiffany is currently cross-training to add front-desk receptionist to her employment repertoire at Westview Commons.

Family is very important to Tiffany and her kin. She is close with her mother and offers her loving care and many smiles. Tiffany’s daughter Tyasia has worked with Westview Commons in the past, and Tiffany’s sister Erica is presently a member of the dietary team at Westview Health Care Center. Tiffany and her family coordinate dinners together as often as possible to cherish their bond and have a few laughs around the table. Tiffany was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from The High School for Enterprise, Business, and Technology there. She moved to Connecticut nearly ten years ago and she currently lives in Danielson, CT. Prior to bringing her talents to Westview Commons, Tiffany worked for over 20 years in home care. Kindness, a good work ethic, and hospitality come by her naturally.

Reflecting on her journey at Westview Commons, Tiffany expressed gratitude for her accomplishments and excitement for her future at the 75-unit independent and assisted living facility in Dayville, CT. “I am thankful for the opportunity to start my role at Westview Commons on a per-diem basis and work my way up to a full-time position. I was extremely proud when they offered me the promotion to become the Server Supervisor. I am now working at the front desk as well, and I am excited to grow with this organization!”

Country Living at Westview Commons Executive Vice President David T. Panteleakos spoke to the professional, pleasant, and passionate qualities that Tiffany brings to their team: “Tiffany has shown great dedication in all of her roles here at Westview Commons. I am very proud to see her successes continue to develop with us, and I am grateful for the strong example that she sets for fellow colleagues.” Mr. Panteleakos went on to celebrate Tiffany’s opportune pursuit of working with Westview Commons’ administrative staff at the reception desk. “It’s wonderful that Tiffany is also going to be a part of our front-of-house staff in the main entrance office. I know she will bring her great personality and professionalism to that role—just as she has done as a server. Congratulations to Tiffany!”