April Chitwood, physical therapist and clinical supervisor in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department at the Day Kimball Healthcare Center in Putnam, has been named employee of the month for November by Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH).

Chitwood, who has been the physical medicine field for 28 years, began working as a physical therapist at both the Day Kimball Healthcare Center in Danielson and Day Kimball HomeCare in 2008. In her current role as clinical supervisor for the physical medicine and rehabilitation department, Chitwood is responsible for supporting and mentoring clinical and clerical staff, in addition to providing direct patient care.

According to Chitwood’s supervisor, Renee Smith, vice president of post-acute services, Day Kimball Healthcare, “Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with April in two different Day Kimball settings - first, when she was a member of the home care therapy team, and currently, in her role as clinical supervisor for outpatient rehabilitation. While I have always been impressed by April’s professional knowledge and clinical expertise, recently I have also learned to appreciate her remarkable ability to develop and lead successful teams, especially through times of change. April’s commitment to our patients and our employees is reflected in everything she does, and I’m so happy to congratulate her on receiving this much-deserved award."

“April is a tremendous asset to DKH and the physical therapy profession,” shared Patti Bernier, director of ancillary services, Day Kimball Hospital. “Her passion for her patients, staff, the department, and the hospital shows everyday. April has made a significant impact in the lives of many patients, working with them to achieve their therapy goals.”

In response to being named employee of the month, Chitwood said, “I am grateful for the honor and for the recognition from my colleagues. It means a lot to have their regard.” When asked what she likes most about her job, she said, “I enjoy working with patients to help them accomplish their individualized goals in physical medicine.”

Chitwood earned a bachelor’s degree in allied health with a major in physical therapy from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. She went on to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts and holds a certification in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation. In 2016, she was named Clinical Instructor of the Year by the University of Hartford.

Chitwood was born in East Hartford, Connecticut and grew up in Manchester, Connecticut. She currently resides in Killingly, Connecticut with her two children Alex and Sam.

Day Kimball Healthcare’s employee of the month program is sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. “The Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods Resort Casino has been focused on taking care of the people that serve within our community, and we appreciate everything Day Kimball Healthcare does,” said Foxwood’s Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships Roy Colebut-Ingram. “Supporting meaningful employee recognition programs like that at DKH is just one way that we feel we can express our appreciation.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Day Kimball Healthcare’s Employee of the Month for November 2020, April Chitwood, clinical supervisor in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department at the Day Kimball healthcare Center in Putnam.