In March of 1999, after having worked together in several different settings, speech pathologist Maria Smilo and occupational therapist Cathy Roboski formed a partnership and opened Key Rehab Associates, Inc. Key Rehab is a locally owned outpatient rehab facility providing high quality care through Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology services. Having grown over the years, Key Rehab is now made up of 26 staff members, each practicing with the mindset that therapy has the potential to improve one’s quality of life beyond diagnosed difficulties and/or disabilities.
Co-owner Maria Smilo described the meaning behind their motivation to start a new therapy business. “Cathy and I worked together at another outpatient facility that was run by businessmen who knew very little about therapy. We saw they placed profit over patient care. We did not agree with this philosophy at all, so we began to talk about starting our own business. We wanted to do it right. That was in 1999. We started out with very little equipment and a whole lot of faith! Over 23 years later, we are still going strong!”
Cathy and Maria continue to be full-time practicing therapists as well as business partners. Fulfilling their therapy duties in addition to making business decisions each day allows them to empathize with both therapists and office staff members. The Key Rehab team is made up of 19 licensed therapists and therapy assistants, as well as 6 additional professionals who keep the clinic running smoothly.
The mission of Key Rehab is to fill a void in our community and provide quality therapy services in a comfortable and friendly environment. This mission is maintained by employing licensed, certified therapists who put their patients first. Therapists offer one-on-one evaluations and plan your treatment around your specific needs and goals. Therapy is offered to patients across the lifespan, from infants, adults, and geriatrics. They also work with patients, parents, and caregivers to assure that everyone understands what needs to be done in clinic and at home to help maximize the benefits of therapy.
The following services are offered to patients at Key Rehab:
Physical Therapy – Physical Therapy evaluates and treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system and conditions that limit your physical function and mobility. Many physical therapy goals include reducing pain, gaining motion and strength, and improving balance and mobility to restore your independence in order to get you back to the level of lifestyle or athletic skill that you previously enjoyed. Physical Therapy isn’t just for orthopedic injuries. The Key Rehab pediatric PT team sees patients with many different diagnoses. They treat children that have problems sitting, standing, running, climbing stairs, playing with peers, muscle tone, strength, and head control.
Occupational Therapy – Occupational Therapists at Key Rehab strive to make sure that all of their patients can be as independent as possible at whatever they want to do. By using their understanding of growth and development, performance skills, and the psychological impact of illness or injury, they assist their clients in overcoming the obstacles that limit their independence. Occupational Therapy gets you back to the “SKILL OF LIVING!”
Speech-Language Therapy – The Speech Language Pathologists at Key Rehab assist patients in the areas of speech and language skills, swallowing, memory, and cognition. Speech Therapists evaluate and diagnose a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders, including those due to trauma or stroke. Speech Therapy also assists patients with cognitive disorders that impair problem solving, and short- or long-term memory.
As a patient, you are seen as a whole individual rather than the diagnosis, disability, or difficulties that bring you to Key Rehab. The team considers their coworkers and each patient as part of a family, supporting one another beyond therapy goals and workday duties. “We are about family!” Maria explained. The therapists prioritize making therapy fun and enjoyable for kids, which is evidenced by their beaming excitement upon arrival to therapy. The same goes for adult patients. Showing empathy, support, and care for others is always within their scope of practice.
When you walk into the clinic, the front office staff greets you with kindness and compassion. Janet Knight, clinic Administrator and Raegan Freeman Assistant Administrator work to ensure daily operations run smoothly. Raegan summarized the meaning behind each day’s work: “We really do try and improve their lives outside of the clinic as well. Kids who can’t use toys typically, we’ve adapted toys by making them switch operated, giving them the ability to go home and play with that toy. They don’t just play with it here. It’s not just, ‘oh we have the equipment, so you’re done.’ They get to take it home so that their day-to-day life is easier. It’s not about what they’re learning to do here or how they’re healing here, but how to make it as easy for them as possible at home as well.”
Many Key Rehab therapists also provide therapy to kids in school, spanning across five school districts. During the school year, they provide OT, PT, and ST services to help those students be more successful in the classroom. The clinic is involved in community events as well. Key Rehab hosts an annual ‘Eggcessible Easter Egg” hunt for kids with special needs and will be partnering with the city of Natchez to organize the Shamrock Shuffle in addition to other special needs events.
Key Rehab accepts most insurance networks, including: Medicare, MS Medicaid, Blue Cross, United Healthcare, Worker’s Comp, and most private insurances. Being in the network provides a more affordable way for someone to get therapy.
Janet explained that their biggest hurdles are often rooted in the rapidly ever-changing nature of the healthcare industry. “The day you think you figured it out, the next day they change it. Insurance is constantly changing. Cathy added “And, paperwork is probably the biggest stumbling block in providing therapy. We love to see our patients make progress and to help make their lives a little bit better, which is what we love most. We also stay current with the therapy techniques, Cathy explained. One of our Physical Therapists, Gene Smith, is now certified in dry needling. Danielle Russell, OTR/L and I completed our certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage for the treatment of Lympedema. And, two of our Speech-Language Pathologists, Maria Smilo and April Swilley, are certified in neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve the treatment and efficacy of swallowing disorders. “
When asked what her greatest joy during her career Maria responded. “There are so much to be thankful over the past 24 years at Key Rehab. I guess for me it would be reflecting at the end of every year. Each December we have a staff Christmas party and usually that’s when Cathy and I get misty-eyed about all that God has given us. All the wonderful people we are honored to work with, and all the patient who trust us to provide their care. “
Your therapy prescription belongs to YOU. You have the right to choose where you receive your treatment. Be sure to choose the best! Choose Key Rehab where they have the key to unlocking your full potential.
Key Rehab Associates, Inc.
123 Jefferson Davis Blvd., Natchez, Ms. 39120
Phone or Text: 601-445-0005 | Fax: 601-445-0370
Email: key.rehab@att.net
