Becoming a CPTA-Recognized Center of Excellence

California Physical Therapy Association
Image: ccapta.org

Along with serving as the first elected mayor in the history of Encinitas, California, Kristin Gaspar helps leads Gaspar Physical Therapy in her capacity as CFO. As CFO, Kristin Gaspar played a key role in the clinic becoming the first participant in the California Physical Therapy Association’s (CPTA) Recognition of Practice Excellence program.

Now known as the Center of Excellence Recognition program, this initiative of the CPTA uses a series of “quality practice indicators” to identify the best physical therapy clinics in the state. Each clinic is evaluated based on three major categories: management, practice (which includes, among other factors, patient satisfaction), and professionalism.

Individual clinics hoping to become a Center of Excellence must first study the program’s practice resource manual, which covers the expected core values of a high-quality clinic and identifies the regulations of state and federal agencies overseeing the industry.

The manual also offers information on Medicare and Workers’ Compensation requirements. In addition, it provides numerous forms that focus on safety policies and training, annual reviews, client satisfaction, and administrative procedures. Upon completion of this manual review, clinics may fill out the Recognition Program application form.

Encinitas, California, City Council Welcomes Input from Citizens

Encinitas
Image: ci.encinitas.ca.us

As chief financial officer and business manager of Gaspar Physical Therapy, Kristin Gaspar has been instrumental in growing the practice to encompass six locations throughout San Diego County, California. Complementing her duties at the company, Kristin Gaspar has served on the Encinitas, California, City Council and currently leads as the city’s first elected mayor. In accordance with local regulation, the Encinitas City Council, which includes the mayor and four elected council members, is the city’s chief governing body.

Encinitas citizens elect a mayor for a two-year term and council members for four-year terms, with the City Council selecting a deputy mayor yearly. Each month, the council holds three scheduled meetings, with special meetings on an as-needed basis to address specific issues or to provide information to the public. The mayor presides over each council meeting and represents the city in any agreement with other government bodies.

To ensure it represents the interests of Encinitas citizens, the City Council welcomes citizen participation at its meetings and also accepts written communications and oral inquires at other times. To speak at a council meeting, a citizen must submit a form to the city clerk in advance of the planned presentation.

Encinitas Rotary Club Assists Seniors With Home Projects

Encinitas Rotary Club
Image: encinitasadvocate.com

A former president and current board member of the Encinitas, California Rotary Club, Kristin Gaspar established a name for herself as a leader in community development. Subsequently, Kristin Gaspar won election at a young age to the mayor’s office, where she now serves.

The Encinitas club continues to carry out its mandate of “service before self.” This philosophy is exemplified by the club’s Home Team volunteers. The program serves senior citizens whose fixed income or infirmity makes its difficult for them to afford basic home repairs. About 25 male and female Rotary volunteers offer their assistance.

Traditionally, the Rotarians have focused their efforts on Encinitas’ youth, but lately they have added elderly persons to the populations they serve. This new involvement grew out of former president Roger Bolus’ experiences with his aging mother, living far from him on the east coast. She had to pay for a full service call for simple tasks such as replacing a light bulb.

Team members placed fliers advertising the service in the Encinitas senior center. Repairs are generally scheduled for Saturdays, at no charge.

About the Encinitas Educational Foundation

Encinitas Educational Foundation
Image: encinitaseducationalfoundation.org

The mayor of the City of Encinitas in San Diego County, California, Kristin Gaspar has contributied to the social and environmental well-being of the area through her longstanding involvement with local nonprofits. In addition to her work with entities such as the Encinitas Rotary Club, Kristin Gaspar served as vice president of the Encinitas Educational Foundation.

The goal of the Encinitas Educational Foundation is to foster high academic achievement within students enrolled in the city’s public school system. To support scholastic success, the foundation partners with both families and businesses to collect donations, 100 percent of which go toward the financing of children’s educations.

In addition to collecting direct donations, the foundation holds fundraisers throughout the year to earn significant funding to apply toward the public education system in Encinitas. Past events include a Board-Break-A-Thon, hosted by a local karate school, and sponsored percentage nights at local restaurants, such as Gaglione Brothers Famous Steaks and Subs.

Those interested in contributing to the Encinitas Educational Foundation’s efforts can learn more about its mission and methods at www.encinitaseducationalfoundation.org.

Services for Seniors in Encinitas, California

Services for Seniors
Image: http://www.ci.encinitas.ca.us

A corporate financial professional, Kristin Gaspar joined the City Council of Encinitas, California, in 2010. Kristin Gaspar now leads as the city’s first elected mayor, in which role she strives to promote opportunities for all citizens.

Largely thanks to the City of Encinitas Senior Citizen Commission, the city offers a number of services and enrichment programs for its older citizens. Generous volunteers in the community make possible the Out and About Transportation Program, which provides rides to local residents aged 50 or older who have limited means of travel. Open to eligible citizens in the 92007 and 92024 ZIP codes, the program enables many seniors to remain independent and maintain a higher quality of life.

Senior citizens of Encinitas are also welcome at the Encinitas Senior Center. Open five days per week, the center offers access to recreational programs and social events. It is also home to the Little Oaks Cafe lunch program, which serves hot meals on days the center is open. In recognition of those who have contributed significantly to the lives of seniors, Encinitas sponsors its Service to a Senior Award, as well presents the Senior Citizen of the Year Award to a community volunteer aged 60 or above.

Ways to Help Keep the Ocean Healthy

PlanSea
Image: plansea.org

A resident of Encinitas, California, and a member of its city council, Kristin Gaspar is actively involved in her local, coastal community. In addition to her work on the city council, Kristin Gaspar served as a host for the educational multimedia program My Beach Report, produced by the nonprofit organization PlanSea. PlanSea works to teach children about the importance of protecting the world’s oceans. The following are simple things anyone can do in order to promote healthier oceans, and therefore a healthier planet.

1. Reduce plastic use: Most plastic is not biodegradable, and plastic accounts for up to 80 percent of garbage and debris found in the world’s oceans. By using sustainable products, such as reusable bags and tableware, we can reduce the damage plastic causes to marine life.

2. Eat smart seafood: Across the world, populations of fish are decreasing at an unhealthy and damaging rate due to overfishing. Many online resources provide diners with sustainable seafood choices that do not contribute to this growing problem.

3. Keep water clean: Whether you live near an ocean or not, what you pour down your drain can eventually reach the ocean via local waterways. Help keep the world’s water clean by disposing of chemicals in an environmentally friendly way and choosing cleaning products that are not toxic.

Earthquake Preparedness in San Diego County

After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in journalism, Kristin Gaspar began her career in leadership as CFO of Gaspar Physical Therapy, where she managed the financial aspect of the business and oversaw daily operations. Today, Kristin Gaspar is mayor of the City of Encinitas, California, located in Northern San Diego County. On its website, the city government of Encinitas provides residents with a number of resources, including tips for earthquake preparedness.

Annually, the California coast experiences, on average, nearly 500 earthquakes, each of which is large enough to be physically detectable. Relative to San Diego County, the Rose Canyon fault line has the potential to cause earthquakes up to a magnitude of 7.2. Though the exact dates and times of occurrence for these geographic events cannot be predicted with accuracy, residents of the area can take certain steps to protect themselves and their families in the event of an earthquake.

It is recommended that all families prepare a three-day survival kit. Kits should include a complete change of clothing and footwear, nonprescription drugs for pain relief, and special items as necessary for each household member. Additionally, a three-day supply of nonperishable food and water, a complete first-aid kit, tools, and sanitation supplies should all be contained inside a standard-sized garbage can with a lid.

Additionally, families should meet to discuss and establish a clear disaster plan and survival guide. Older members of the family should make a point to thoroughly explain plans to younger members and should ensure that all members know both a predetermined neighborhood and out-of-area meeting place in the event that anyone is separated.