MARQUETTE- Stephanie Carlson-Ballone, MOT, OTRL, CHT of U.P. Health System-Rehab Services, managed by U.P. Rehab Services, has earned the distinguished CHT designation after completing all required examinations and clinical studies in May 2015.

A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) offers patients the assurance that the therapist treating them has achieved the highest recognition of competency in their profession.

The Hand Therapy Certification Commission Inc., (HTCC), the recognized specialist in hand therapy certification worldwide, is proud to announce that Stephanie has met all requirements set forth by the Commission.

These requirements include at least five years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist, a minimum of 4,000 hours in direct practice in hand therapy and successful completion of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper limb rehabilitation. There are approximately 5,400 individuals worldwide who hold this marked designation.

“I am very pleased for the community that Stephanie has become our most recently Certified Hand Therapist. She has always been dedicated to our patients’ rehabilitation and has personally committed to her own education and training in reaching this milestone. I am very happy she is a part of our team and here for our community,” noted Dr. Clayton Peimer, MD, FACS, FAAOS, a hand surgeon for U.P. Health System-Marquette,

Carlson-Ballone earned her master of occupational therapy degree in 2009, is studying for her clinical doctorate and has practiced in hand therapy with the health system for 14 years.