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Betsy Gossens Honored For Thirty Years Of Dedication With Agency

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Tuesday June 27, 2006

By Deborah Foster

    Betsy Strolle Gossens was honored at the Vergennes Opera House upon her retirement from Addison County Home Health and Hospice. Gossens had been with the agency for thirty years as a pediatric physical therapist. When Gossens began at Home Health in 1976 she was the only physical therapist working in community health in Addison County. Throughout her career she has played a key role in supporting families. She was a founding member of the Addison County Family Infant and Toddler Program and a pioneer in providing physical therapy in the home setting rather than a clinical setting. Gossens also contributed a chapter on home care physical therapy for the “Home Health Rehabilitation Handbook” by Bella May. “Clearly, she has earned the respect of clinicians inside and outside of Vermont,” said Michele Hadeka RN, a friend and colleague from Addison Home Health and Hospice.

Parents as well as students publicly thanked Betsy for her caring and knowledgeable help in improving their lives. Former patients came forward and spoke about how grateful they were for Betsy's ongoing encouragement throughout their childhood. Steven McEvoy, once a young client of Gossens and a graduate of St. Michael's said, “Betsy Gossens was always there encouraging me on.”  That sentiment was echoed by many. “She was always interested in whatever I did,” said Evan Minod.  “Betsy has clearly had an incredible impact on this community and the people in it,” said Michele Hadeka

Betsy Strolle Gossens was recently recognized by WomenSafe with the 2006 Kimberly Krans Women Who Change the World Award. The award is given for outstanding work that has furthered the safety of women and children in the community.  Barbara Beatty who will be taking over as pediatric physical therapist at Home Health said, “The bar has been set very high. Many of Betsy's families see her as an extended family member. She has left an amazing legacy of helping parents and children .”

“Betsy has that rare ability to connect with a child the moment she meets with them,” said Sharon Thompson upon presenting Betsy with a gift in recognition of her dedication to clients over her thirty year career working with Addison County families.

The longevity of staff members like Betsy offers Addison County resident's consistent support in meeting their medical needs. Betsy graciously exemplifies that high level of commitment and dedication and we are delighted to have the opportunity to recognize her,” said Larry Goetschius, executive Director for Addison County Home Health and Hospice.Betsy is married to retired state senator Gerry Gossens and has two grown sons and is a grandmother to five grandsons. Many of Betsy's family members from across the country were able to attend the retirement reception as well as community members and colleagues who wished her well on her retirement.   

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