Monica was appointed CEO in January 2024. She received her bachelor’s degree in communications and marketing in 2009 and her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2010. Monica joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in June of 2011 and is a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse. Monica’s clinical background includes brain injury, stroke and spinal cord rehabilitation. In 2014, Monica received her master’s degree in executive nursing administration from the University of South Alabama. Monica enjoys helping patients enhance their quality of life.

Dr. Burris is the chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and has been a professor in the department since 2001. He received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Missouri. Dr. Burris serves as the medical director of Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital. He has been the residency program director for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation since 2007. He is also the director of the amputee program at Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital and a member of the Missouri Stroke Program. Dr. Burris is currently a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), the Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) and the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPM&R). He is the chair of the AAPM&R Graduate Medical Education (GME) Committee; a member of the Tri-Organizational GME Committee with AAPM&R, AAP and ABPM&R; and a member of the AAPM&R Medical Education Committee. He is also a member of the AAP Fellowship and Residency Program Directors’ Council. Dr. Burris was awarded the AAPM&R Distinguished Member Award in 2020. Dr. Burris’s clinical and research interests are in prosthetics and orthotics, spasticity management, stroke rehabilitation and biomechanics. He has presented locally, regionally and nationally and has authored articles on stroke and amputation.

Dr. Burris is an independent private practice physician.

Leia joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in March 2021. She holds both a master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in healthcare administration and a bachelor’s degree in health science management. She is also a registered respiratory therapist. Leia has more than 22 years of healthcare experience. She has held a variety of leadership and clinical roles with Boone Hospital Center, Moberly Regional Medical Center and MU Health Care. Her clinical background, regulatory experience and Joint Commission background makes her a valued member of the Rusk leadership team.

Norman joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, a joint venture of Encompass Health and MU Health Care, in 2018 as the controller with 12 years of hospital accounting experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s degree in business management with emphasis in accounting, and a master’s degree in sociology.

Jenny received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2005. She joined the Rusk team shortly after and has held many roles within the therapy department. Jenny’s clinical background includes treatment of adults and adolescents with spinal cord injury, brain injury and other neurological disorders. She maintains her ATP certification through RESNA as a seating and positioning specialist. Jenny remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients.

Gerald joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital as a maintenance mechanic in February 2014. He was promoted to senior mechanic in December 2018, and assumed the role of facilities management director in October 2020. Gerald has more than 10 years of experience in hospital maintenance, and more than 40 years of experience in the maintenance field. Gerald enjoys working as a team to ensure patients get the best possible care.

Robin joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in 1997, when Rusk became a joint venture of Encompass Health and the University of Missouri. She earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from Columbia College and has worked in the Columbia, MO healthcare community for more than 25 years.

Dr. Rudder joined Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in 2023 as the director of pharmacy. She earned her doctor of pharmacy in 2010 from University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Truman State University in 2004. Cate has over 16 years of outpatient pharmacy experience. As director, her focus is optimizing medication management and individualizing treatment through a reduction in polypharmacy and increased understanding of prescribed medications.

Amy joined Rusk in 2011 as director of case management. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stephens College and her master’s in social work from the University of Missouri Columbia. She comes to Rusk with six years of acute care case management experience. Amy’s enthusiasm for her role at Rusk comes from working with a team of experts who are dedicated to making miracles happen.