Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) are licensed therapists who have met nationally recognized standards and passed a qualifying examination that attest to their training and expertise. They have the highest level of training in their profession for treating the hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder. Our CHTs are available to treat patients with an injury or those who are recovering from surgery or have a medical condition that affects the upper extremities.
Our CHTs are available to treat outpatients with various diagnoses resulting from any injury, surgery or medical condition of the upper extremity. Trauma, fractures, tendon and nerve injuries, nerve compressions, amputations, burns, repetitive strain injuries and arthritis are just some of the commonly managed problems treated by our specialized team of experts. Our commitment to quality and excellence is reflected in our careful and personalized planning, skilled treatment and clinical outcomes.
Meet Our Team
Carol Stoddard, BS, OTR/L, CHT, is a founding member of the American Society of Hand Therapists with over 35 years experience in hand therapy. She joined Cooley Dickinson Hospital in 2005, bringing with her the clinical experience of hospital, outpatient and private practice venues. Carol is guest lecturer and adjunct faculty member with two collegiate programs. She is a board member of the Journal of Hand Therapy. She is nationally recognized as a lecturer in flexor and extensor tendon injuries.
Gail Hegeman, MS, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS, has been a certified hand therapist since 1999 and has worked at Cooley Dickinson Hospital since 2000. Prior to that, she practiced in return-to-work centers, hospitals and private practice settings. In addition, Gail is a Certified Ergonomic Specialist who speaks publicly about injury prevention. She specializes in managing work-injury prevention programs.
Jennifer Sayles, MSOTR/L CHT, has 16 years of occupational therapy experiences, and in the past seven years, she focused exclusively on hand therapy. Jennifer trained at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and recently treated upper extremity injuries in a private practice setting. Jennifer specializes in splinting and the treatment of various arthritic conditions.
What our patients say:
"Excellent - above and beyond expectations."
"Outstanding."
"Quality of care and pace of session is great. Wonderful to have OT seeing one patient at a time."
"Warm, generous and exceedingly helpful staff."
"Top-notch, would recommend without reservation."
"Was recommended by specialist in Boston. Traveled a long distance; it was worth it."
