Lafayette Regional Rehabilitation Hospital is led by a team of highly experienced healthcare professionals who are passionate about providing the highest level of care available to the hospital’s patients.
We invite you to learn more about us below:
Meet Our Leaders
Michelle Russell, Chief Executive Officer
Michelle has been passionate about rehabilitative care since the beginning of her career more than 20 years ago because rehabilitation restores people’s independence so they can go home to loved ones. When a patient is discharged and is able to walk out the front door it cheers your soul.
Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Marshall University in Huntingdon, W.V., and a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in Indianapolis. She serves as a board member for various community organizations, including the Salvation Army and the North Central Indiana Area Health Education Center Advisory Board.
Michelle enjoys boating, reading, watching sports and she loves animals. She resides in Indianapolis with her husband and their Springer Spaniel, Ellie.
Lynn LaCluyse, Director of Nursing Operations
As a registered nurse who holds a master’s degree in nursing, Lynn is well-qualified to lead the hospital’s nursing and respiratory departments.
Lynn brings more than 30 years of experience to her position, which includes 20 years of experience in acute rehabilitation and 10 years in critical care.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana University Kokomo), and a master’s degree in nursing administration from Indiana University-Kokomo.
When not working, Lynn enjoys spending time on the lake with her family.
Brad Christopher, Director of Pharmacy Operations
Brad enjoys assisting patients with their medication needs in their healing process. He has been a been a Pharmacist for 33 years and a director of pharmacy in another rehab facility for ten years.
Brad is a graduate of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana with his pharmacy degree.
Brad lives in Kokomo, Indiana with his wife of 23 years and has 3 daughters. Brad enjoys golfing, fishing, and anything that has to do with being outdoors.
Stephanie Nagel, Director of Compliance
Stephanie went into nursing to help people improve their quality of lives and to make a difference. And more than 40 years later, she still does just that.
In her current role, Stephanie is responsible for the hospital’s regulatory compliance, risk management, quality and performance improvement. She earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Indiana University in Gary, Ind. She is a PICC certified nurse and participates with local blood drives.
Stephanie likes bicycling, gardening, landscaping and doing “home rehab.” She also has six grandchildren that she enjoys spending time with.
Dr. Deepthi Saxena Cull, Medical Director
Dr. Cull is passionate about providing the most effective treatment options for her patients so they can return home at their highest independence and ability levels.
A board certified physiatrist and Certified Physical Executive (CPE), Dr. Cull has more than 20 years of clinical experience. She has been highly involved in her specialty – physical medicine and rehabilitation – as a speaker, author and editor. She has served as council chair for the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) and as editorial board leader for the organization’s online resource, Knowledge Now.
Dr. Cull graduated from Deccan College of Medical Sciences in Hyderbad, India. She completed an internship at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ind., and a served as chief resident for the physical medicine & rehabilitation residency program at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, Ill. In 2010, she was the first recipient of the AAPM&R’s Outstanding Council Service Award in Medical Rehabilitation. She was also recognized as the Outstanding International Medical Graduate by the American Medical Association that same year.
In her spare time, Dr. Cull enjoys creative writing, exercising, culinary adventures, and exploring downtown Lafayette with her husband and two daughters.
Rich Essick, Director of Facilities Management
Rich takes pride in ensuring the physical components of the hospital are well maintained and operating effectively.
A decorated Air Force veteran, Rich is a medical service corps officer and biomedical equipment engineer. He has directed engineering and maintenance operations in healthcare, university, hospitality, and government facilities.
Rich is an occupational education instructor and former certified biomedical equipment technician. He earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational education from Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, and a master’s degree in business administration from Touro University in Cypress, California, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He also is a distinguished graduate from Airman Leadership School & Commissioned Officer School.
In his spare time, Rich enjoys sports, industrial art and design, music, traveling, and cooking.
Jill Avila Lima, Director of Patient Outcomes
A registered nurse, Jill is passionate about ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care so they can return home at their highest levels of ability and independence.
Jill brings more than 30 years of experience to her role, and has a background in emergency, critical care access, ortho/surgery, and medical/surgery. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ivy Tech Community College in Lafayette, Ind.
In her spare time, Jill enjoys family outings, camping, reading, and crocheting baby clothes and blankets for the Women’s Resource Center.
Amy Vaught, Director of Marketing and Business Development
Having practiced in the healthcare field as a certified respiratory therapist, Amy understands the importance of building community awareness about rehabilitation services available at the hospital.
Amy brings more than 25 years of experience in respiratory care, marketing, and management to her position. She earned a Degree in Respiratory Therapy from Ivy Tech Community College, located in Lafayette, Ind.
In her spare time, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, and refinishing furniture.