October 2008 - In a committed effort to continue to improve and expand the therapy departments at each of their three, Jamestown area, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, Heritage Ministries is pleased to announce the addition of Melanie L. Cannon and Cara Frame, Certified Speech and Language Pathologists.  Mrs. Cannon will provide rehabilitative therapy services at each of Heritage’s three rehab & skilled nursing facilities serving current and future residents.  Mrs. Frame will spend the majority of her time at Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing (Gerry).

Mrs. Cannon is an experienced speech pathologist having worked primarily with children with autism and other multiple disabilities.  She also has experience working with adults in stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitative care.  Mrs. Cannon received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Education from SUNY Fredonia in 2005, and a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology from SUNY Fredonia in 2007.

Mark Constantino, Heritage Ministries Rehab Services Manager states, “Melanie brings a great deal of enthusiasm and a commitment to providing the most up-to-date interventions for the residents of the Heritage Rehab & Skilled Nursing facilities.  Melanie has just completed the certification requirements to provide Vitalstim for residents with dysphagia.”  Vitalstim Therapy trains muscles to function again by using small electrical currents to stimulate the muscles responsible for swallowing.  At the same time, trained specialists help patients "re-educate" their muscles through rehabilitation therapy.  With repeated therapy, muscles are re-educated and the swallowing function is restored.

Mrs. Cannon is excited about the opportunity to join the Heritage Ministries therapy team as well.  “I’m very excited to be joining an organization with a great rehabilitation team that places so much emphasis on giving the best care and therapy possible to their residents.  The rehabilitation team is current with the latest therapeutic techniques and equipment to provide the resident’s with the best rehabilitation care available.”   

Melanie lives in Mayville with her husband, Michael.  In her spare time, when she is not working, she enjoys reading, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Mrs. Frame is a Speech and Language Pathologist having worked with children and adults in both school and hospital settings.  Mrs. Frame received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Speech and Hearing from Fredonia State University in 2002, and a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology from Fredonia State University in 2007.

Mr. Constantino states, “Cara is very personable which helps her to establish a great rapport with the residents she assists.  She is fairly new to the speech-language pathology field, but brings great enthusiasm and a thorough understanding of the latest speech-language pathology techniques and approaches.  We are very pleased to have her join our rehabilitation team.”

Mrs. Frame explains,  “I am honored to join such a reputable organization which places emphasis on excellence in resident care.  I have the unique opportunity to work throughout the three Heritage facilities and have experienced a warm welcome from all the staff.  I look forward to growing with the Heritage Ministries family.” 

Cara lives in Fredonia with her husband, John.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and enjoying the outdoors.

To learn more about the expanding rehabilitation therapy services offered by Heritage Ministries, please contact Admissions at (716) 484-6695.