Moving With Hope:

We are the Physical Rehabilitation Clinic With a Difference

 

At Moving With Hope (MWH), we believe that everyone should have hope for a better, healthier tomorrow. When your physical or occupational therapy has stopped, that's where we begin.  We are an innovative physical rehabilitation clinic and we are devoted to empowering survivors, strengthening communities, and giving hope. We specialize in restoring all activities of daily living to include bathing or showering, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, walking, using the toilet, and eating. In addition, we assist with relearning new and better ways for your favorite recreational activities, as well as, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and cognitive function.

We invite you to keep reading to discover more about our fantastic team of physical rehabilitation specialists and other healthcare professionals. Come and learn why MWH is your best choice after physical or occupational therapy ends.

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We believe everyone should have hope for a better, healthier tomorrow.

Who We Are

MWH is a leading adaptive fitness, learning, and rehabilitation center based in Shelton, Connecticut. We provide essential rehab, exercise, and skills training to people living with physical disabilities. 

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to move, learn, and be part of a supportive community. Therefore, our services are deeply affordable and available year-round.  

Moving With Hope is the only organization that offers this level of comprehensive support in America. And we will continue our mission of giving expert healthcare and boundless hope to our valued clients.

Our Areas of Treatment

Aged-Related
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amputation
Arthritis
Car Accident Injuries
Cerebral Palsy
Fall-Related Injuries
Orthopedic Conditions
Multiple Sclerosis
Neurological Conditions
Paralysis
Parkinson’s Disease
Scoliosis
Severe Sports Injuries
Spina Bifida
Spinal Cord Injury
Stroke
Traumatic Brain Injury 
Transverse Myelitis

EMPOWERING SURVIVORS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES, AND GIVING HOPE

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Our Mission

At Moving With Hope, we empower survivors, strengthen communities, and give hope. We do this by providing essential rehab, exercise, and skills training to people living with physical disabilities, year-round, and at a very affordable price.

Our Vision

All people will achieve optimal recovery so they can lead healthier, happier, and more independent lives.

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Our Values

Our core values help us make decisions, always with our clients at the front and center.  

Community

people
We believe in what’s best for people and families.

Research

cadeceus

We believe in science and best practices to improve health.

Innovation

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We believe in using new ideas and tools to solve problems.

Hope

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We believe tomorrow will be a better day.

Our History

Moving With Health Oriented Physical Education (H.O.P.E.) was started in 2010 by Joanne and Thatcher ‘Tad’ Duni. This arose in response to a massive void in their clients' continuum of health and wellness: regular movement.

Forty years ago, Joanne and Tad both entered professions to help people recover from physical illness and injury. Together, they have served over 25,000 people living with physical disabilities.  

Joanne and Tad have had fulfilling healthcare careers. Tad founded Connecticut’s first adaptive fitness center and Joanne worked as a practicing physical therapist and administrator. They have both made countless sacrifices to help persons in their recovery journeys. So this is why MWH has a real-world understanding of the barriers for people living with physical disabilities.

Since 2010, MWH has grown into a movement. We have searched the globe for very effective, yet affordable, evidence-based rehab solutions and technologies.

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“We have proven that if given the right opportunity, skills, and resources close to home, everyone can and will make progress towards their fitness and recovery goals. Moving everyday matters, and moving everyday makes us happy.”

- Tad Duni, co-founder
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In 2019, we relocated to a larger facility and added many new rehabilitation modalities, roll-in shower and changing area. In 2020, we expanded our support strategies to include job and technology training. In October 2021, we added over $400,000 in specialized physical & cognitive rehabilitation equipment making MWH the best equipped outpatient clinic in CT.

As MWH grows, we look forward to engaging with all stakeholders and communities to serve more people throughout the country.

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Our Community-Based Public Health Model

Let’s explore the three main components of our health model:

Partnerships with Municipal Governments, Providers, Small Businesses, and Nonprofits

We work with all stakeholders to provide coordinated, local, and integrated services to our clients. This saves time and money and improves overall healthcare.

Most of our clients can get all their therapy, rehabilitation, and exercise needs at MWH year-round.

People and Partners on the Ground

We find and source new or lightly used gear, equipment, and assistive technology for our clients’ use. 

We support low- to middle-income clients by raising money and accepting donations to: 

  • provide financial aid
  • make our sliding scale fee possible
  • offer skills and workforce training
  • fund outreach, education, and advocacy.

Technology-Enabled Education and Disability Awareness

Disability affects us all. We all must learn more about people with disabilities so we can better understand and meet their needs.

That’s why MWH informs and educates communities, using interventions such as health campaigns. We use print materials, assistive technology, and social media to aid us in this process.

Our Equipment

At MWH, we have a combination of standard and medical-grade equipment. We also have innovative technology and gear, including equipment designed for wheelchair-users and people living with neuromuscular illness or paralysis.

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Movement Happens When People Come Together

The MWH team benefits from the skill and experience of diverse individuals, expert partner organizations and advisors, and a wise and passionate Board of Directors.

Thatcher 'Tad' Duni

Co-Founder and Clinical Director

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Advocate. Movement Scientist. Social Entrepreneur.

Tad is a long-time community leader, having a distinguished career in public health, healthcare administration, corporate health and wellness programming, and nonprofit management. Since its founding in 1984, Tad has been the president of the Life Design Systems, Connecticut’s first adaptive fitness center. Previously, Tad served as the clinical director for the United Healthcare Wellness Center and the Proctor and Gamble Wellness Center. He is a certified Independent Living Skills Training provider and a specialist in Activity-Based Restorative Therapy.

Tad has served on numerous boards and councils throughout Connecticut. He is the founder of the Shelton Day Festival, which celebrates and connects small businesses and community-based organizations in Shelton and Derby. Tad has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Physical Education from Central Connecticut State University. He also holds a Masters in Movement Science and Public Health from Columbia University.

Joanne Duni, PT

Co-Founder

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Healer. Administrator. Health Enthusiast.

Joanne has over 40 years of experience as a practicing physical therapist and 20 years as an administrator. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (PT) from Russell Sage College, Joanne joined the staff Yale-New Haven Hospital. From 1978 to 1991, she worked with acute care, outpatient, home care, and short-term rehabilitation patients at the hospital, treating them for neurological, orthopedic, and medical diagnoses. Then, Joanne brought her leadership and therapy skills to HealthSouth, one of the largest providers of post-acute healthcare services nationwide.

From 2008 to 2019, Joanne has overseen the rehabilitation center at the Orthopaedic Specialty Group, the largest and most experienced orthopaedic practice in Fairfield county, serving as both director and director of compliance. She now brings her knowledge and leadership skills to MWH.

Ken Tetteh

Lead Recovery Specialist

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Athlete. Leader. Dreamchaser.

Originally from Ghana, Ken immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of nine in search of a better life and more opportunity. He is a graduate of the Church Farm School and has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. While enrolled at St. Mary’s, Ken worked for the campus facilities and maintenance department to cover his tuition. He also played for the school’s basketball team. After years of working in the insurance, Ken decided he needed a change and wanted to be part of something bigger. In 2016, Ken joined the MWH team and is now Lead Recovery Specialist. He is a certified Independent Living Skills Training provider and a specialist in Activity-Based Restorative Therapy. Ken loves seeing improvements in clients and the joy it brings them and their loved ones.

Rosangela Quesada, CNA

Recovery Specialist

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Mother. Traveler. Life-Long Learner.

Rosangela is passionate about caring for others. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a certified Independent Living Skills Training provider, and a specialist in Activity-Based Restorative Therapy. Born in Ecuador, Rosangela moved to the United States as a child. She is a graduate of Ansonia High School, St. Vincent’s College, and The Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy. Rosangela feels so lucky to serve her community and help facilitate learning and healing every day.

Kenneth Goins

Recovery Specialist

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Mentor. Martial Artist. Survivor.

Kenneth’s passion is teaching others about the healing power of hard work and a positive attitude. In May 2010, Kenneth was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. After spending months in a coma, he started his long road to recovery and independence. Today, Kenneth is certified Independent Living Skills Training provider and a specialist in Activity-Based Restorative Therapy. He strives for excellence every day and believes that everyone should have hope for a better tomorrow. Kenneth is a proud graduate of Ansonia High School, where he was an outstanding athlete and football player.

Melinda Costello, COTA

Recovery Specialist

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Problem-Solver. Enthusiast. Team-Player.

Melinda brings a positive attitude to any situation. She is dedicated to providing consistent, high-quality, and client-centered therapy everyday. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Melinda collaborates with therapists, caregivers, family members, doctors, and clients to create and implement interventions to improve standing tolerance, core strength, upper and lower extremity stretching, range of motion, flexion and extension, and fine and gross motor skills. Melinda is also a certified Independent Living Skills Training provider and a specialist in Activity-Based Restorative Therapy. She is a graduate of Goodwin College and a life-long Connecticut resident.

Partner Organizations

Life Designs ReAbility Center
A ReAbility Affiliate

Shelton High School
Transitional Education Program

reSET Social Enterprise Trust
Impact Accelerator Program

Sacred Heart University
Graduate Occupational Therapy Program

The Kennedy Center
Developmentally Delayed Outreach Program

United Spinal Association
Connecticut Chapter

Board

Sharon Bruno

Retired / Disability Rights Advocate
Greenwich Public Schools
Board Secretary

Sean Choun, MBA

Audit Senior Manager
Axa XL 
Board Member 

Todd Johnston

Director, Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation
Board Treasurer

Maureen Buckley

Developmental Therapist /Service Coordinator
Educational Connection
Board Member

Thatcher ‘Tad’ Duni

Director / Managing Partner
LifeDesigns ReAbility Center 
Board Chair & Co-Founder

Mark Odgers

Executive Director - North America
SAPPI Paper Company
Board Member

Joanne Duni, PT

Director, Physical Rehabilitation
LifeDesigns ReAbility Center
Board Member & Co-Chair

Patrick Grella, MBA

Retired / Disability Rights Advocate
ITT Flygt Corp.
Board Member

Monica M. Valerio

Founder & Sole Proprietor
Freedom Disability, Inc.
Board Member

Contact Moving With Hope Today!

You’ve learned a lot about our innovative physical rehabilitation clinic and our Health Oriented Physical Education (H.O.P.E.) program. We believe in providing the best healthcare to our valued clients. Contact us today so that we can begin the journey of getting you moving with hope and confidence.