Senior Director of Rehabilitation Services
Belinda Needham-Shropshire came to Mt. Ascutney in 1997 and became Director of Rehabilitation Services in 2002. Prior to that time, she was the Rehabilitation Program Manager for Mt. Ascutney and the VNA/VNH. Belinda held a position with HealthSOUTH at Horton Medical Center, in Middletown, NY, as the Outpatient Site Director in 1996. From 1988 to 1996, Belinda was a Research Associate at the University of Miami and held an adjunct faculty position working with the Miami Project. Belinda was the author and co-author of many research articles due to her work in Miami. From 1985 to 1987, Belinda was a staff occupational therapist at New England Rehabilitation Hospital (NERH) in Woburn, Massachusetts. During her last year with NERH Belinda became a corporate Float, traveling to new locations and helping develop their rehabilitation programs.
In the early years with Mt. Ascutney, Belinda was instrumental in creating the Miller Therapeutic pool. She facilitated the relocation of the 10-bed distinct part unit under Acute Rehabilitation. Over time, she's led the unit through several years of continual improvement and attainment of accreditations, including CARF accreditation, which has earned the Hospital many recognitions for patient and employee satisfaction and outstanding performance outcomes.
In recent years, Belinda has expanded her leadership to co-direct rehabilitation services in a partnership collaboration with Valley Regional Hospital. For many years, but with increased focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, Belinda expertly led the Incident Command team at Mt. Ascutney through many months of uncertain times.
Belinda received her BS degree in Occupational Therapy from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1985, her MS in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 1995 and her MBA in 2021 from Saint Joseph College in Maine. Belinda is a long-time member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Belinda serves on the Board of the Upper Valley Aquatics Center, The Scotland House and the Woodstock Rotary. Belinda and her husband David have two adult children and live in Quechee, VT. Belinda and her husband enjoy participating in Masters Swimming, sailing and outdoor activities.