The Rehab and Wellness Center at Box Butte General Hospital continues to expand its staff with the addition of another Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist.

Abigail (Abby) Keilwitz, PT, DPT, attended Chadron State College from 2006-2009 for her undergraduate education and The University of Nebraska Medical Center from 2009-2012 for her doctoral education. She completed her last rotation at Alegeant Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, NE from March 2012 to May 2012. Ms. Keilwitz joined the Rehab & Wellness Center staff as a rehab tech July 17, 2012; passing her National Licensure for Physical Therapy on October 31.

Ms. Keilwitz is an Alliance native, and is one of several BBGH Health Professions Club success stories, having been a member of the HPC from 2004 to 2006. Work experience at BBGH was a major influence for her desire to become a physical therapist. “I worked as a summer intern at The Rehab & Wellness Center in 2007,” she said. “I enjoyed watching the therapists’ interactions with their patients and was fascinated by their problem-solving skills.”

As to why she wanted to work at BBGH, Ms. Keilwitz said, “Being able to be a physical therapist in the town I grew up in is great and I enjoy the challenges that a rural environment offers. I like working with all populations of patients (children to geriatric) and working in diverse environments, from inpatient to outpatient; high school sports to home care. And the staff is great to work with.”

Ms. Keilwitz is single, and likes to spend her leisure time wakeboarding, running, cooking and spending time outdoors.

Katherine (Kate) Brummer, OTD, OTR/L, attended Chadron State College from 2006-2009 for her undergraduate education and Creighton University from 2009-2012 for her doctoral education. She completed her last rotation at The Rehab and Wellness Center from August to December, 2012 and started work as a rehab tech the beginning of January, 2013. She obtained her National Licensure in Occupational Therapy January 24.

Ms. Brummer was raised in Stratton, CO, though her parents now live in Colby, KS.

She became interested in occupational therapy after watching a therapy session for a cousin. “The therapist was playing with him while also working on trunk rotation,” she said. “I thought it looked like fun and was really interested in learning more about therapy. After that I completed an internship at the local hospital (Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital) and that was when I really became interested in Occupational Therapy.”

She said the reason she chose The Rehab and Wellness Center for her practice was due to her rotation there as a student. “I really got to know the staff and they are excellent,” she exclaimed. “I could see they really enjoyed their work and they had a team atmosphere that I hadn’t seen anywhere else. I am very excited to help expand the Occupational Therapy department as we grow into our new space. I am eager to work here and so far, it has been great.”

Ms. Brummer concluded by saying she loves the challenge of rural therapy. “The types of patients rural therapists work with are very diverse and will always keep me on my toes. I’m also excited about the challenge that brings.”

She and her husband Jake enjoy fishing, running and watching movies.

BBGH is a non-profit, county owned 25-bed Critical Access Hospital. The mission of BBGH is to lead and innovate in healthcare delivery and community wellness.