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Center for Pediatric Rehabilitation

Marshall Taniguchi, M.D., Program Medical Director
Susan Ellerbusch Toavs, Program Manager, 651-229-3915, 800-719-4040 (toll-free)

Gillette’s Center for Pediatric Rehabilitation provides comprehensive medical rehabilitation services to children who experience brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or complex medical conditions. Our center is the region’s largest pediatric rehabilitation program and one of only three pediatric family-centered programs in the Upper Midwest accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Our family focus extends throughout the program, and we encourage parents play a role in treatment planning and rehabilitation. We work closely with families to help patients maximize their abilities and return to their homes, schools and communities as soon as possible.

Our Team Approach

Our medical experts use a team approach when developing personalized care plans for patients. Care teams, led by pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialists, meet regularly to discuss a child’s progress, update care plans and begin discharge planning. Rehabilitation coordinators, psychologists, and physical and occupational therapists assist patients with mobility and adaptive equipment needs, home or school modifications and outpatient therapy.

Areas of Care

Brain Injury Program

Spinal Cord Injury Program

Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation

Specialists and Services

Acute Care

Following a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, many patients stay in Gillette’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) until they become stable. Our pediatric intensivists and nurses specialize in caring for critically ill and injured children and teens.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy

Our inpatient services emphasize long-term improvements in ability and function. Rehabilitation therapists help children regain lost skills or learn to compensate for impairments, while pediatric rehabilitation medicine physicians direct care plans. Emphasis is placed on helping the patient regain lost skills or learn to compensate for impairments, while preparing for the transition from hospital to home, school and community.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy

We provide outpatient services for children and teens months or even years after their injury. This is especially critical as a child grows and begins to demonstrate developmental deficits. Issues may also become apparent in a child's relationship with peers or in educational activities.

Assistive Technology Department

Following a brain or spinal cord injury, specialists in our Assistive Technology Department (ATD) work with therapists to fit and adapt a mobility system to a child’s individual needs. Adaptive equipment such as braces, specialized wheelchairs and communication devices can help children and their families manage day-to-day challenges.

Child and Family Services

Children and teens who experience major injuries often need help adjusting to their new circumstances. Gillette’s Child and Family Services team talks with patients about the affects of a disability. They work with schools and families to prepare for the transition back home and to the community.