Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) welcomes the addition of Mary Russell, Occupational Therapist (OT), to their team of healthcare providers. As an OT, Russell works with patients to
regain basic motor functions and reasoning skills when an injury, illness or
medical condition affects their physical or mental abilities. 
“OT is all about independence. It
is looking at the whole person and helping them regain abilities to accomplish
what they need and want to do in a day despite new disabling conditions.” says
Russell who uses a wide range of therapeutic approaches to customize treatment
for each person’s unique condition. “My
main goal is to help my clients lead independent, productive and satisfying
lives.”
OT focuses on self-care activities and improvement of fine motor
coordination of muscles and joints, particularly in the upper extremities. Typical OT referrals are made if a patient
experiences lasting side effects from a heart attack or stroke, learning problems
or other obstacles to normal development, injuries from falls, sports or
accidents or mental or behavioral problems such as Alzheimer's disease,
post-traumatic stress disorder or schizophrenia.
“Unlike physical therapy, which focuses on muscle strength and joint
range of motion, OT focuses on activities of daily living (ADLs) because they
are the cornerstone of independent living,” adds Russell.
Basic ADLs include eating, dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting and
transferring (moving between surfaces such as the bed, chair, bathtub or
shower. Instrumental ADLs (IADLs)
require more complex cognitive functioning than ADLs. IADLs include preparing
meals, communicating by telephone, writing, using a computer, managing daily
drug regimens, cleaning, doing laundry, shopping for food and doing other daily
errands, managing finances, traveling as a pedestrian or by public
transportation and driving. Many are
complex activities requiring integration of visual, physical and cognitive
tasks.
Russell received her undergraduate degree in Natural Science at The
Master’s College in Santa Clarita,
CA, with the intent to teach
Science. She first became interested in
OT while working as a substitute teacher in El Dorado, CA
and found her niche working with kids with disabilities. While working towards
her Masters degree in Science and Occupational Therapy at San Jose State
University in San Jose, CA, Russell completed two internship programs – the
first through Berger Rehabilitation Services, Inc. where she worked in a
Skilled Nursing Facility in California and the second through St. Patrick’s
Hospital Providence Center in Missoula where she provided OT services in a
neurobehavioral unit. She additionally
worked as a counselor at Camp Costanoan, an outdoor education, recreation and
learning center for children and adults, ages 5 and older, with physical and/or
developmental disabilities and special needs located just 15 miles west of San
Jose. 
In addition to her OT training,
Russell has certifications in (1) therapeutic listening, (2) handwriting
without tears and (3) pediatric sensory processing.
Russell provides both inpatient and outpatient services at Clark Fork
Valley Hospital and it’s Long Term Care Facility, at each of the Family
Medicine Network offices (in Bull River, Thompson Falls, Plains and Hot Springs)
and for the Clark Fork Valley Home Health Agency. Her black lab Gwen, who is a nationally
registered therapy dog, often accompanies Russell during patient visits.
“Mrs. Russell brings a very personalized approach to patient care here at
the hospital,” shared Dr. Gregory Hanson, CFVH President/CEO. “She
demonstrates excellent rapport with patients and has integrated nicely within
our organization. Knowing how unique it is for a facility of our size to have
an Occupational Therapist, we feel very fortunate to have her on our team and
providing care to our community.”
Although consulting physicians from Missoula
have provided OT services at the hospital from time to time, an OT program has
never been sustained.
“We are so glad, after all this
time, to bring an Occupational Therapist on board to fulfill the needs of our
patients and their families. It will add
depth to the rehabilitation services we currently offer and benefit many
residents of Sanders
County who truly need
these services to lead a quality life,” states Tim Williamson, PT and
Rehabilitation Services Manager for CFVH.
If you think OT services would benefit you or a loved one, please contact
a primary care provider in your area.