Special Tree Welcomes Jacob Spicer, new Director of Environmental Services
Jake Spicer, Director of Environmental Services
We are excited to share some great news here at Special Tree! Jacob “Jake” Spicer has been appointed as our new Director of Environmental Services. In this role, Jake will oversee maintenance, facilities, and hospitality services. His office is conveniently located in the therapy suite, directly across from Jackie Cunningham. Jake has been settling in for just about one month, taking the time to get to know our staff, the existing systems and processes, and the everyday flow of tasks.
According to NeuroCare Center Administrator Megen McDonough, this new position is a strategic move to enhance Special Tree’s operations. “We are looking forward to streamlining initiatives, optimizing resource management, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards and regulations,” she noted. These efforts are aimed at supporting our patients and team, reducing costs, and supporting long-term business growth. “I look forward to the positive impact Jake will bring to Special Tree,” she added.
Jake brings a strong educational background to this role, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Health Services from Western Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Jake will serve as a central hub for many environmental operations -- managing equipment contracts, overseeing preventive maintenance checks, conducting project audits, and more.
"Jake is such a great guy,” said CEO Joe Richert. “He worked on our team years ago, and we’re delighted to have him return.” Jake brings a wealth of experience in the neurorehabilitation field, with previous roles at Special Tree that include Day Treatment Services and as part of the Vocational Rehabilitation team. He has also served in roles managing Quality and Compliance as well as Health and Safety.
“I’m really excited to be back,” said Jake, expressing enthusiasm for his new role at Special Tree. "I look forward to working alongside such a dedicated team and contributing to the exceptional care we provide. Together, we can create an environment that not only supports our patients but also empowers our staff to thrive."
As Special Tree continues to expand its services, accept new insurance plans, and address a wider range of neurorehabilitation diagnoses, the demand for our services has surged. Maleigh Ruddy, Director of Marketing, shared insights into this growth, “We're busier than ever, with admissions happening much more frequently than in the past. Often, we have a patient being discharged in the morning, and another patient is admitted to the same room later that day or the very next day.” This situation can be demanding on our staff’s time and resources, so we are committed to ensuring that our team is well-supported. Every patient deserves to experience the high-quality care we strive for in a welcoming rehabilitation environment.
We are looking forward to the positive changes Jake will bring to our team and the enhanced support he will provide as we continue to deliver the exceptional care our patients deserve. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this new chapter together!