Good Shepherd Rehabilitation: A Legacy of Care and Innovation
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation is a leading independent, not-for-profit rehabilitation network dedicated to transforming lives through expertise, innovation, and a commitment to the communities it serves. With over 60 locations across Pennsylvania and Latest Jersey, Good Shepherd provides a comprehensive range of rehabilitation services, guided by a history rooted in compassion and a pioneering spirit.
A History of Compassion and Growth
The story of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation began in 1908 with The Rev. John and D. Estella Raker. Inspired by a personal tragedy – the loss of their daughter, Viola – the Rakers responded to a request to care for a disabled child named Viola Hunt. This act of kindness led to the founding of Good Shepherd Home in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on February 21, 1908 [Good Shepherd Rehabilitation – About Us].
From its humble beginnings, Good Shepherd has consistently broken new ground in rehabilitation care. Key milestones include:
- 1924: Opened the Lehigh Valley’s first accredited nursing home.
- 1967: Launched one of the country’s first inpatient rehabilitation hospitals.
- 1983: Expanded the inpatient rehabilitation hospital.
- 1987: Opened the first outpatient rehabilitation satellite clinic in Kutztown.
- 2009: Opened the region’s first pediatric inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Bethlehem.
- 2023: Unveiled a 123,000-square-foot rehabilitation hospital with 76 private rooms in Center Valley.
Leadership and Commitment
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation is currently led by President & Chief Executive Officer Michael Spigel, PT, MHA, and a dedicated team of senior executives including:
- Cindy Buchman, Vice President, Strategic Planning and Operating Services
- Cheryl Fisher, Chief Human Resources Officer
- Robin A. Fritsch, Vice President, Regional Inpatient Operations
- Carry Gerber, Vice President, Advancement & Marketing
- Karen Long, Vice President, Outpatient Services
- Terence O’Neil, Chief Information Officer
- Patrick Sebastian, Vice President, Finance
- Sandeep Singh, Chief Medical Officer & Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs
- Jessica Cooper, Executive Director, GSPP Rehabilitation
[Good Shepherd Rehabilitation – About Us]
The “Boundless” Spirit
Good Shepherd describes its core spirit as “boundless”—a relentless pursuit of independence and recovery for patients. This spirit fosters a collaborative environment where teams operate together to overcome obstacles and identify new opportunities for patient care. The organization prioritizes community engagement, building trust through teamwork, open communication, and partnerships with local service providers. [Good Shepherd Rehabilitation – About Us]
Recent News and Events
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation remains actively involved in both patient care and community outreach. Recent news highlights include:
- March 4, 2026: Celebrating 10 Years of the “Punching Parkinson’s” program. [Good Shepherd Rehabilitation – News]
- February 25, 2026: Announcing the 2026 Raker Spirit Award recipient. [Good Shepherd Rehabilitation – News]
- February 17, 2026: The Allentown Corvette Club’s support of the pediatrics program. [Good Shepherd Rehabilitation – News]
Upcoming events include:
- Tuesday, March 24, 2026: Long-Term Care Nursing Recruitment Event.
- Thursday, May 14, 2026: Rosé Garden Party.
- Arthritis Info Session (date unspecified).
[Good Shepherd Rehabilitation – Events]