Worcester Business Journal

30 Worcester Business Journal | August 16, 2021 | wbjournal.com Flexibility, strength, and endurance aren't just important aspects of physical therapy – they're words to describe Cormier, who gracefully balances countless leadership roles, motherhood, and a dedication to healing others. Promoted to a managing position after three years as a staff physical therapist, Cormier has made a habit of going above and beyond. She played an instrumental role in Fairlawn's development of a COVID-19 unit, ensuring those infected with the virus received equitable treatments, while keeping staff and patients safe. Cormier is the chair of the Amputee Disease-Specific Program Committee and the lead therapy trainer for Medicare scoring guidelines. She has been a major voice in improving employee and patient safety through Encompass Health's STOP Safe Mobility Program. Beyond her work, as she has been appointed chair of the American Stroke Association Committee of Worcester County, where she spearheaded the first annual Stroke Camp, a celebration for all stroke victims and their families. A mother of two, she has volunteered with the Spencer/East Brookfield Little League for six years and for the Spencer Exchange Club since 1999, raising more than $15,000 through its Taste of the Town fundraiser. - K.H. Which TV or movie character would you like to be? Miss Frizzle from "The Magic School Bus." Although she was quirky, she was extremely charismatic with a great sense of humor. What Central Mass. activity should everyone try? Anything outside, especially hiking the MidState Trail! You feel like you are in a magical land. What life goal will you accomplish in the next 10 years? Hiking all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000 footers. Our family has now climbed seven and is striving to complete all 48. Jamie Cormier, 38 Physical Therapy Manager Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health, in Worcester Residence: Spencer Birthplace: Ware College: Quinnipiac University 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Duque is a fearless leader, but she never loses sight of her true motivation: helping every individual access quality health care. At Open Sky, Duque is innovating new methods of delivering quality health care to oppressed and marginalized populations. She leads a team of 43, which serves more than 2,000 individuals. Duque is pragmatically attempting to restructure the healthcare system to make it more accessible to historically excluded groups. In the last year, she worked with MassHealth to build a program providing equitable care for vulnerable children and families. She pulls together a team every year for the Out of Darkness Walk, which raises awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Managing massive programs and teams doesn't distract her from the individual, however. Jonida speaks fluent Albanian and some Spanish, so she is able to communicate with clients of varying backgrounds to ensure everyone's needs are met. As a first generation immigrant herself, she uses her skills, identity, and experiences to build understanding of the experiences shaping different groups. - K.H. If you could time travel to any decade, what would you pick? 1980s – Although I was born in the '80s, I did not get a chance to fully experience them. I have always been drawn to the music, movies, and style. I would love to see my parents, grandparents, and aunt when they were my age. What Central Massachusetts community is best? Worcester of course! Worcester has activities and parks for kids, along with amazing restaurants, bars, and recreation. Jonida B. Duque, 34 Director Central Community Health Partnership, a program of Open Sky Community Services, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Tirana, Albania Colleges: Worcester State University, Westfield State University Central Rock Gym, in Worcester (Special thanks to Central Rock Gym) PHOTO/ERIKA SIDOR

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