CARIBOU — In the summer of 1987, Mark Rossignol, who had been working as a physical therapist in Aroostook County, was considering moving to southern New England, thinking it was in the best interest of his family. A few conversations with local physicians convinced Rossignol that perhaps staying in the County would actually be more beneficial.
SILVER ANNIVERSARY — County Physical Therapy is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Pictured from the Presque Isle branch are, in front from left: Lorna Lavway, Kimi Gustin, Tonya Alexander, Holly Gorneault, Paul Marquis, Andy Helstrom and Ryan Cormier. In back: Sharman Letourneau, Nikki Pelletier, Felicia Bard, Jonas Bard, Brian Morrison, Adam Simoes and Mark Rossignol. Missing from photo is Kayla Barton.
“Twenty-five years ago physical therapy was mostly done in hospital settings,” Rossignol explained. “Outpatient practices were few, but the role of quality rehab was becoming more important in the successful outcome of surgery and other injuries. I decided that my best opportunity was to stay in Aroostook County and build a strong physical therapy practice here.”
Rossignol opened County Physical Therapy in Caribou in the fall of 1987. With a focus on the core values of service, leadership, teamwork, education and respect, CPT quickly established a strong reputation for results among both physicians and patients.
“From the beginning we have always had a philosophy of functional outcome-driven care, and we invest in both our people and equipment to keep ourselves ahead of the curve,” Rossignol said.
The second CPT clinic opened in Presque Isle in 1997, followed by Madawaska in 1999, Fort Kent in 2000 and Houlton in 2002.
“Over the past 25 years, CPT has grown and been successful primarily because of the excellent staff, which is highly qualified, knowledgeable, motivated and dedicated,” praised Rossignol. “I am proud to say that most of our therapists are Aroostook County natives. We have been able to attract and retain what I consider to be the best team of therapists in the state of Maine. We spend time on advanced training and continuing education, and we are always looking to make ourselves better.”
Today the CPT team has nearly 50 employees across their five clinics, and the services offered have expanded beyond physical therapy to include occupational therapy, athletic training, workplace services and a number of rehab specialists. At their fitness centers in Caribou and Presque Isle, CPT offers a number of group classes, including their popular, hard-core Boot Camp.
As part of their 25th anniversary celebration, CPT will be holding an open house at each of their clinics. In Caribou, the open house event will be Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at CPT’s facility at 118 Bennett Drive. In Presque Isle, the open house event will be Saturday, Oct. 13, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the CPT facility at 5 North St., held in conjunction with The Aroostook Medical Center’s Fall Health Fair. The public is invited to each open house to tour the facilities, meet the staff, enjoy free snacks and register to win door prizes.
For more information about CPT, call or drop by any location, or visit their website at www.countypt.com.
