Rehabilitation Services

Occupational Therapy

Whether you need to improve your muscle function, your ability to remain independent, or your sense of well-being, our occupational therapists, work with inpatients at Highland Hospital to help prepare them for their daily routines at home and at work.

We provide consultations, evaluations, and treatment in activities of daily living, such as:

• Bathing, grooming, dressing, and homemaking
• Adaptive equipment training for independence following joint reconstruction
• Upper extremity and hand function
• Splinting
• Positioning and other treatments requiring occupational therapy

Meet our Staff

Michelle DeRue, OTR/L,CLT-LANA

Michelle is the Senior Occupational Therapist at Highland Hospital. She graduated from Keuka College with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Gerontology. She attended the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 2001, has achieved credentialing by the Lymphology Association of North America, and provides upper and lower extremity lymphedema treatment at Clinton Crossings. Michelle's specialties include lymphedema, acute care, and leadership.

Michelle Brugger, OTR/L

Michelle is a Staff Occupational Therapist who works at Strong Memorial Hospital and works with inpatients at Highland Hospital. Michelle graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from SUNY at Buffalo in 1978. Her special areas of interest include Gerontology and Acute Care.

Jayne Knowlton, OTR, CHT

Jayne has a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from SUNY Buffalo. She is a Certified Hand Therapist with over 18 years of experience. She has worked in a variety of settings including owning her own hand therapy clinic. She is also a certified personal coach focusing on health promotion. Jayne currently as an acute therapist at Highland Hospital.

Janet Heyneman, MS, OTR/L

Jan is a staff Occupational Therapist at Highland Hospital. She received an MS in Occupational Therapy from D'Youville College in 2006, and has special interests in acute care and geriatrics.

Amy Mikels, MS, OTR/L

Amy is a part-time occupational therapist working at Highland Hospital.  She received both her Bachelors and Masters degree in occupational therapy from Ithaca College.  She works full time in pediatrics and her areas of interest include acute care and pediatrics.