Melissa Powers, OTR/L | Wendy Leinen, PTA & Rehab Director
Location: Elm Crest Senior Living Community – Harlan, Iowa

Clinical Rotation: Myrtue Medical Center
Instructors: Janelle Sears, OT (Melissa) | Steve Finn, PT (Wendy)
Education:  College of Saint Mary (Melissa 2011) | Clarkson College (Wendy 2006)

What originally drew you to RehabVisions for your clinical experience?

Wendy: I liked the variety of settings I experienced during my clinical and the fact that it was close to home. I could stay with my mom in Irwin while getting great hands-on experience.

Melissa: During school, RehabVisions representatives came to College of Saint Mary to conduct mock interviews and share their company values. I loved what they stood for — patient-centered care and rural opportunities. A friend told me how much she learned from my clinical instructor (Janelle Sears, OT) and she was right!

What made you decide to stay to build your career with RehabVisions?

Wendy: When I graduated, RehabVisions had just started its contract with Elm Crest. From my student experience, I knew there was a strong support system, and everyone spoke highly of the company.

Melissa: I stayed because RehabVisions truly puts patients first. They value time with patients and the importance of building rapport — something that really matters to me.

What has been the most rewarding part of working at a RehabVisions partner facility, both then and now?

Wendy: I love the continuum of care. Patients move from the hospital to Elm Crest and then home, where the same RehabVisions team supports them throughout. It’s rewarding to be part of that consistent care.

Melissa: The team environment — it’s always felt like a family. Everyone works together and supports one another.

What advice would you give to current students considering a career with RehabVisions?

Wendy: RehabVisions is a very ethical company with realistic expectations and outstanding support from the home office. It’s a wonderful place to grow.

Melissa: Try to do a clinical rotation with a RehabVisions partner site! Be open-minded, willing to learn—and notice how long therapists stay with the company — that says a lot.

Do you have a favorite memory from your student or early career days?

Wendy: Watching how RehabVisions’ partnership with Elm Crest has grown. When I started, I was the only consistent therapist — but now we have a full team!

Melissa: During my clinical, I observed a wound care session that made quite an impression. I gasped out loud at how long the wound packing was! My supervisors just smiled and said, “You’ll get used to it.” I still laugh about that moment.

How long have you been working together at Elm Crest? What makes your partnership work so well?

Melissa and Wendy: As a team, we’ve worked together for 14 years. From day one, we clicked — great communication, mutual respect and friendship. We recognize each other’s strengths and support one another in all things.

You’ve earned a reputation for bringing creativity and fun into your therapy sessions. What are something unique strategies you’ve tried that really resonated with your patients?

Melissa and Wendy: We’ve made obstacle courses, fine motor boards, simulated home areas, and even makeshift levers for recliners! Our philosophy is to make therapy meaningful — planting flowers, baking favorite recipes, decorating for holidays, or even dancing the two-step. We use the facility as our playground — the environment we need to create the outcomes we want.

RehabVisions invests in our people and creates opportunities for growth across every stage of a therapist’s career.

If you know a student, recent graduate or experienced clinician who would thrive in our culture, reach out to your Operations Director or our Talent Acquisition Team. We’d love to connect and share what makes RehabVisions such a great place to grow