Leadership

Meet our Senior Leadership Team

Jan Irwin, M.A., CCC-SLP Owner & Co-Founder

Ceo/President

Jan Irwin is the CEO/President and owner of Key Rehabilitation, Inc., and one of its original founders in 1999. A speech-language pathologist with a master’s degree from the University of Iowa, she maintains her ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and has served in leadership roles for both state and national organizations, including the ADVION Board of Directors. She has also been appointed by the governors of Tennessee and Iowa to the Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology.

As CEO, Jan guides Key Rehab’s long-term vision and growth strategy across diverse post-acute service lines, including therapy services, geropsych, clinical reimbursement/MDS consulting, and senior living partnerships in SNFs, ALFs, IL communities, home health, and community hospitals. Her leadership has helped shape Key Rehab into a multi-state organization recognized for clinical quality, regulatory strength, and trusted partnerships—many of which now span more than 25 years.

Jan lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee with her husband. She enjoys traveling in the U.S. and abroad, and spending time with her grown grandchildren.

Gary Scott

Chief Financial and Information Officer

Gary Scott is the chief financial and information officer for Key Rehab. Gary graduated from Middle Tennessee University and has been working in the information technology field since 1998. He holds certifications in MCSE, Network Plus, and in A Plus. Gary joined Key Rehab in May 2002. His responsibilities include developing network infrastructure, overseeing and managing the network security, and managing overall financial operations.

Gary has been married since 1998 and has two wonderful children.

Zach Kanis, DPT, MHA

Executive VP of Therapy and Geropsych Services

Zach Kanis is the Executive VP of Therapy and Geropsych Services and is a registered physical therapist. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Masters of Healthcare Administration from Des Moines University in 2008. Zach is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Iowa Physical Therapy Association, LeadingAge and Advion.

Zach has held clinical and operational leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings. His experience includes skilled care, home health, hospice, outpatient, acute care, ICU, and acute rehab. He has a passion for serving the older adult population. He enjoys mentoring and training other therapists to deliver the upmost quality of care.

A native to Central Iowa, Zach lives in Pella, IA with his wife and four boys. They enjoy playing sports, watching sports, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, and taking care of their cat, dog, and chickens.

Marilyn Ramirez, RN, MSN, RAC-CTA, WCC

Executive VP of MDS Solutions

The division is led by Marilyn Ramirez, RN, MSN, RAC-CTA, WCC, Executive Vice President of MDS Solutions. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Saint Catherine University. She has served in various healthcare leadership positions in post-acute care, emphasizing clinical training, quality programming, education, and reimbursement systems.

Having worked as a chief nursing officer for a multi-site non for profit and regional director of clinical reimbursement for a multi-state for-profit provider, she was instrumental in advancing clinical training and programming, quality of care outcomes, and maximizing nursing facility reimbursement. She has extensive experience training and mentoring MDS nurses on Medicare requirements and reimbursement. In addition, she has a track record of building education and systems surrounding the MDS process while incorporating nursing evidence-based practice and regulatory compliance.

Allison Christian, RPT

Senior VP of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs

Allison Christian is the senior vice president of clinical and regulatory affairs for Key Rehab. She is a physical therapist licensed in both Missouri and Kansas. Allison received her master’s degree in physical therapy from Saint Louis University. She has extensive supervisory and management experience having worked as a regional director and vice president of operations for large rehab companies. Her role is to lead initiatives around clinical skills development, training/education and review processes that enhance our therapists’ continuing education.

She works closely with senior clinical leaders to ensure all Key Rehab therapists are in compliance with Medicare and other professional standards of practice. As part of Key Rehab’s quality assurance program, Allison plays an active role in ensuring Key Rehab’s senior leadership is up to date with all local, state and federal changes in regulations. She is a seasoned presenter on a number of clinical educational topics. Allison was chosen by ADVION to be a part of their Emerging Leaders program.

Allison lives in Kansas City, Missouri with her husband, 2 daughters and 3 dogs. During her time away from work, she enjoys traveling to volleyball tournaments with her daughters and cheering on all Kansas City professional sports teams!

Stephanie Signore, C-ALM

Senior VP of Business Development and Communications

Stephanie Signore is the senior vice president of business development and communications and received a bachelor’s in business management and certificate in business communications from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has served in various healthcare sales leadership positions in post-acute care for the past 20 years. She has extensive experience leading high-caliber, multi-state sales teams of regional and divisional breadth, on a national level. She is also experienced working with payors, value-based purchasing arrangements and contract negotiation. Stephanie has also led marketing teams with multi-faceted skill sets that complement and enhance the sales team’s efforts. Her experience spans multi-state senior living and skilled nursing providers.

In her role at Key Rehab, the focus is to drive competitive positioning and brand awareness. She leads a team that is focused on company growth and client satisfaction. She has a passion for strategic growth, partnerships and mentoring sales teams to reach their full potential.

Elyria Sinclair, MPH, SHRM-CP

Senior VP of Human Resources and Compliance

As the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Compliance for Key Rehab, Elyria Sinclair leverages over two decades of HR executive experience to align people strategies with organizational goals.

Elyria has a demonstrated history of working within diverse healthcare environments, including community mental health and acute-care hospital settings. Her expertise spans critical HR functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, policy development, and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance. She is driven by facilitating process improvement and organizational development exercises that support Key Rehab’s mission, vision, and values.

Elyria holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Southern Mississippi. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, she is deeply involved in the local HR community, serving as the Professional Development & Certification Co-Director for her local SHRM chapter. She relocated from Mississippi to Tennessee in 2018 and enjoys traveling, reading, and making time for family and friends.

Mecah Falk, OTR

Senior Director of Clinical Services – Education and Training

Mecah Falk is the Senior Director of Clinical Services – Education and Training with Key Rehab. Mecah received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 2003 and a bachelor in biology from Drury University. She has been with Key Rehab since 2007. In her role, she works directly with the therapists on training and education in various areas including documentation, skill development and client operations. In addition, she works hand in hand with Key’s clinical extenders and creates clinical strength with the train the trainer program. She also has a specific focus on client processes and clinical performance with an emphasis on functional outcomes.

She has practiced as an OTR in acute care, outpatient neuro-rehab, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care. She has also held multiple roles with Key Rehab including regional supervisor in the Kansas City market. Mecah is an integral part of Key Rehab’s clinical successes.

In her spare time, Mecah enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Joshalynn V.

Director of GeroPsych Services,
Licensed Professional Counselor

Joshalynn Vassar is the Director of GeroPsych Services. She is a well-rounded senior care professional, holding several licenses including LNHA and LPC. She began as a social worker in long-term care, where she discovered her passion for working with older adults. While in that role, she earned a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, and later pursued a Nursing Home Administrator’s license to further enhance her ability to support the geriatric population.

After 15 years of serving as both a social worker and administrator in long-term care, Joshalynn transitioned into community mental health, where she earned her license as a Professional Counselor (LPC). She’s worked in skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and community mental health clinics, throughout her career.

In her role as director, Joshalynn is responsible for the operations of the mental health services provided to patients residing within senior care communities. She leads a team of mental health clinicians that make both on-site and telehealth visits. She also ensures access to on-going education in their respective fields and innovative ways to connect with patients.

Joshalynn is married with three energetic boys. They live on a small farm in rural Missouri, raising goats and cows. She enjoys outdoor activities, watching football and baseball (especially her boys) and indulging in a little retail therapy.

Vice Presidents of Operations

Jodi Foster, RPT

North Kansas & Northwest Missouri

Jodi Foster is the vice president of operations for North Kansas and Northwest Missouri. She obtained her master’s degree in physical therapy from Wichita State University. She has been with Key Rehab since 2001 and first joined us as a staff therapist. Jodi continues to be an integral part of Key’s success and currently manages a fast-paced, multi-state region. Jodi excels in utilizing her strengths of therapist mentoring and education in addition to program development. Her specialized skill set includes working with facilities to ensure seamless therapy department processes.

Jodi and her husband Trent, have two sons. One is an active-duty United States Marine and the other is currently in college. As a family hobby, they engage in restoration of classic cars.

Melissa Coester, PTA

SE Kansas, SW Missouri and Oklahoma

Melissa Coester is Key Rehab’s vice president of operations for SE Kansas, Oklahoma, and SW Missouri. Melissa graduated from Pittsburg State University with a bachelors in biology with minors in chemistry and psychology. She received her PTA degree from NEO in Miami, OK. Melissa has worked with Key Rehab since 1999, beginning as a staff therapist. Melissa has a natural ability for leadership and rose quickly through the ranks of Key Rehab to her current position as vice president. Melissa excels at working with her managers to develop comprehensive plans of care and to meet clinical and budgetary goals while achieving quality therapy services. Melissa is process-oriented and works to strategically and methodically develop staff to their optimal potential.

Melissa has an amazing husband and is the mother of three beautiful children. She and her family live in rural SE Kansas in a location central to the territory that she oversees.

Kristen Klaus, pTA

Western Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota

Kristen Klaus is vice president of operations for Western Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. She has been with Key Rehab since 2014 and worked as both an area coordinator and regional supervisor. She attended Clarkson College in Omaha where she received her physical therapy assistant degree. Prior to Key Rehab, Kristen worked in Occupational Health where was certified in Job Demand Analysis. Kristen helped many companies develop safe work environments along with employee exercise and stretching programs. She is passionate about delivering quality care and building strong relationships between therapists and their patients for optimum operational outcomes.

Kristen is married with two boys. As a family, they enjoy many outdoor activities and sports throughout the summer and winter months.

Shayla Thomas, COTA

Central and Eastern Iowa

Shayla Thomas is the Vice President of Operations for Key Rehab in Iowa and has been with the organization since 2002. She has extensive experience in post-acute care and leadership in multi-site healthcare operations.

Shayla earned her COTA degree through Kirkwood Community College and the University of Northern Iowa. During her career with Key Rehab, she has continued to grow into leadership roles and oversees the operations in the State of Iowa.

Tim Mathias, PTA

Western Kansas

Tim Mathias is Key Rehab’s Vice President of Operations for Western Kansas and has been with the company since 2009. He attended Hutchinson Community College on a track scholarship and later earned his Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree from Washburn University. After graduation, Tim joined Key Rehab as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and quickly advanced through several leadership roles—including Program Coordinator and Regional Supervisor—before assuming his current position as Vice President of Operations.

Tim and his wife, Julie, live in Hutchinson, Kansas, with their two sons and their white Labrador, Gus. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, disc golf, and metal detecting, but says what he values most is time spent with family.

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