Leadership Team

Title: President of Spaulding Rehabilitation

Dr. Ross D. Zafonte is Earle P. and Ida S. Charlton Professor and Chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School. He also serves as chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, as well as Senior Vice President Medical Affairs Research and Education at Spaulding Rehabilitation. In his role at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, he oversees the medical and research staff.

Dr. Zafonte has a distinguished career in field of traumatic brain injury, spasticity and other neurological disorders. He is the author of more than 300 peer review journal articles, abstracts and book chapters.

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Title: Executive Director

Education: BA Emmanuel College, international MBA in Healthcare Management at Southern New Hampshire University

Recognitions/Memberships: Keith started his professional career at the North End Rehab and Nursing Center, what would later become Spaulding North End as the Admissions Coordinator. Keith moved into the Patient Financial Counselor role before becoming the Director of Admissions at the North End before transitioning to Spaulding West Roxbury as the Director of Admissions. Keith was the co-chair of the Service Excellence Team at SWR to improve both employee and patient satisfaction. After four years as the Director of Admissions at SWR, Keith moved to Partners Information Systems where he supported the clinical applications at Spaulding North End and West Roxbury. Keith served as the Associate Executive Director for Spaulding Brighton while also completing the requirements to becoming a licensed administrator.

Title: Medical Director

Education: BS Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; MD, University of Pennsylvania; Internal Medicine Residency, New York-Presbyterian, Weill Cornell; Geriatrics Fellowship, Yale University

Recognitions/Memberships: Dr. Waldman has extensive experience serving as a post-acute care attending and served as the Associate Medical Director for Spaulding Brighton prior to his transition to Medical Director. Dr. Waldman remains involved with The Society for Post-Acute Long-Term Care and has achieved competencies as a Certified Medical Director. He brings a deep knowledge of technology in medicine, also serving as Medical Director of Inpatient Virtual Care for Spaulding Rehabilitation. Dr. Waldman is a leader of integrating technology and care in the skilled nursing setting to improve outcomes. Dr. Waldman continues to serve as a clinician and educator as an Instructor at Harvard Medical School, a member of the Brigham and Women’s Division of Aging, and mentor to MGH Geriatrics Fellows.

Title: Interim Associate Chief Nurse

Martha Kaniaru, DNP, RN, CRRN, NEA-BC, is the Interim Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Spaulding Nursing and Therapy Center in Brighton, Massachusetts. She is responsible for overseeing the management and clinical aspects of patient care services, as well as the daily operations of the nursing division. Martha is known for her authentic leadership skills. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA and is committed to promoting rehabilitation and executive nursing in post-acute and skilled nursing environments. Martha is passionate about innovating nursing practice, developing preceptors, and advancing nursing education. She holds certifications in Rehabilitation Nursing, Nurse Executive, and Addictions. Additionally, Martha is actively involved in nursing research and participates in various research endeavors.

Title: Rehab Manager

Education: Bachelors of Rehabilitation Sciences Northeastern University, Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Northeastern University