Worcester Business Journal

24 Worcester Business Journal | August 17, 2020 | wbjournal.com Sokol's story begins 15 years ago when she started as an occupational therapist. After moving through the ranks due to her work ethic and person-centered approach, she became one of the most sought after therapists at the Easterseals. This success eventually led to her becoming clinical supervisor for the entire Eastern Massachusetts region. She manages a team of 110 therapists and more than 100 staff members at Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in Canton. Annually, her team impacts the lives of more than 10,000 individuals with disabilities statewide. Under her leadership, the rehabilitation services program has grown by 39% in the last four years, and applied behavior analysis has been added to the practice. Sokol coordinates fundraisers and volunteers at Easterseals, and tries to set an example for her daughters to be strong advocates for what they believe in, often bringing them to fundraisers. Sokol has used her network to advocate for disability rights. She provides education to fellow therapists on the history of disabilities and rights. When she isn't supporting her children's hobbies and interests, Sokol rides a bike to raise money for Parkinson's disease. - Profile written by Riley Garand What four people would you pick as year-long travel companions? As cliché as this is I would travel with my family. My husband and my two daughters make me smile, give me purpose, and I enjoy every minute with them, even the times in quarantine. What are you proudest of? My two amazing girls. Elaina, 10 and Evelyn, 8, are my world and are by far my and my husband's greatest achievements. Raising two kind, strong, hardworking women will be our greatest contributions to our community. Kimberly Sokol, 39 Vice president of rehabilitation and support services Easterseals Massachusetts, in Worcester Residence: Lunenburg Birthplace: Worcester College: Worcester State University By the time Ryan was 25, he was already a corporate controller of a $50-million manufacturing company, Superior Cake Products. Ryan impressively grew United Medical Waste from a startup to a multimillion dollar company in – wait for it – five years! He led the company through the approval process for a 50-ton per day medical waste transfer facility in Webster. Ryan also just opened a hair salon in Whitinsville, called Salon Dior, as well as acquired a gymnastics facility, called R & R Gymnastics in Millbury, with his wife Candace. Within the first two years, the businesses generated more than $1 million in annual revenue. Next to being a husband and father, Ryan – who can do a backflip – volunteers time at his gymnastics facility as a coach and has helped thousands of Central Massachusetts kids enhance their skills in the sport. He is a guest speaker at the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, where he advocates for the environmental, health, and safety of its member organizations, and the elderly population served. He also guest speaks through Nichols College's alumni network and mentors incoming college students, or anyone interested in entrepreneurship. - R.G. Who is most responsible for your success? My father and mother raised me with a combination of blue-collar work ethic and high self esteem; that is a difficult task. My wife is a very strong woman, and she holds me together, and my kids give me all the purpose I need in this life. What is your immediate next goal in life? I'd like to 10x United Med Waste in the coming years, as it's already becoming a household name in the healthcare space. My wife's business, Salon Dior, should add more locations soon. R & R Gymnastics is coming out of COVID stronger than ever and ready to include activities beyond traditional gymnastics. The next five years will include very little sleep. Dave Ryan, 35 Vice president United Medical Waste, in Sutton Residence: Douglas Birthplace: Worcester College: Nichols College Quinn's first job was at a credit union when she was 19. She seems to have found the right industry for her. Today, Quinn has risen through the ranks for Fidelity Bank, having been chosen for the bank's professional development program for those showing particular promise. Quinn joined Fidelity in 2017 to manage its call center, and then supervised the center's move to a full-service office in Princeton last year. Just after the move, she was promoted to branch manager. Quinn's client care team – which she spurred to take loan applications over the phone and take advantage of the opportunity to enhance relationships – was recognized with an annual role model award from Fidelity. Her tireless efforts extend Tanya Quinn, 39 Vice president branch and client care manager Fidelity Bank, in Princeton Residence: Athol Birthplace: Malden beyond her Fidelity branch. She's a member of the Athol-Orange Rotary Club and has served on the board of the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce. It's a lot for a single mother of two young daughters, but she's tireless there, too, connecting her daughters to their community through events such as Read Across America and Girl Scout activities including Earth Day, placing flags in the cemetery for Memorial Day, and serving food at the Salvation Army in Athol. - G.W. Who would play you in the movie about your life? Jennifer Love Hewitt During pandemic life, have you realized you want to work from home more? I am grateful for the opportunity to work from home and support my family's needs, but miss the social interaction coming with working outside the home. If you gave a keynote graduation speech, what would your message be? Not to sacrifice personal happiness for anything. What is your dream job? I love the ocean, so I would love to be a scuba instructor. I just need to learn to scuba first. Sokol's daughters Elaina (left) and Evelyn Quinn's daughters Evelyn and Cecelia (far right) Ryan's daughters Carlee (left) and Cece 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y

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