Leadership & Staff

Dan Gaskell

Chief Executive Officer

Dan began his career as a speech-language pathologist, having worked in settings such as acute care, subacute, inpatient rehab, home health, outpatient and skilled nursing. He later obtained a master’s degree in health administration and took a position as a director of therapies in Roanoke, Va. Dan joined HealthSouth in 2015 through the Developing Future CEO’s program and completed his training in Fredericksburg, Va. A native of Pennsylvania, Dan is married with one grown daughter, and speaks a little (fractured) Japanese. He’s always primed to cheer on his TCU Horned Frogs, UH Warriors, SC Gamecocks, Philadelphia Eagles and Flyers or Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins.

Dr. Todd Wichman, PM&R

Medical Director

Dr. Wichman comes to us from Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, N.C. where he served as the chief of physical medicine and rehabilitation and battalion surgeon for the 1-508 Parachute Infantry Division 82nd Airborne, with active service in Afghanistan.

Dr. Wichman earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, with postdoctoral training at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his duties as medical director at HealthSouth Virginia, Dr. Wichman competes in national Crossfit and mud racing competitions, is an active aviator with a commercial pilot’s license, and is cultivating a hop farm in Craig County, Va.

Todd Wichman, M.D. is an independent private practice physician whose office is located at the hospital.

Marjorie (Maggie) Blackhurst

Director of Quality/Risk Management

Maggie Blackhurst has been a member of the HealthSouth family since 2008 as the director of quality and risk management. She began her career in healthcare as an LPN. During her ten year tenure with the Tennessee QIO she obtained her Certification in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). She obtained her degree in health information management and is currently a member of AHIMA, NAHQ, and ASHRM.

Roberto Diesta, CHFM

Director of Plant Operations/Safety Officer/Security Officer

Rob brings 20 years maintenance experience and more than six years of experience in an acute care hospital to Richmond. He began his career at HealthSouth at the Richmond facility in July 2014. He has a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Associate's in Marine Engineering. Rob is a native Baltimore, Md. and retired veteran of the U.S. Navy. He is married to Catherine and has a son, Robert.

Penny Eissenberg, OTL

Director of Therapy Operations

Penny Eissenberg has been with HealthSouth for over 15 years. She started her HealthSouth career as an inpatient occupational therapist and moved into the role of occupational therapy manager which she held until her promotion to director of therapy operations. Penny graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Penny has varied experience in rehabilitation services with a special interest and expertise in driver rehabilitation. Her first love is direct patient care and she strives to lead her department by example. Each therapist she directs is challenged to create meaningful and purposeful relationships with every patient they treat. Our patient’s goals become our goals

Kristen T. Griffin, CPC

Director of Human Resources

Kristen joined HealthSouth Virginia in May 2018. Bringing more than 20 years’ experience in human resources, she most recently worked for Aetna supporting three business units within the customer service organization as a senior HR consultant. Throughout her career, she has delivered human resources service excellence based on the core values compassion, integrity, coaching, communication, compliance, education, and adaptability. Kristen graduated from the University of Richmond with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary liberal arts and is a certified professional coach with specialization in leadership and career coaching.

Christy Haskell, RN

Chief Nursing Officer

Christy brings more than 17 years of healthcare experience with a general med-surgical background to her role of chief nursing officer. Starting her career as an LPN, she gained solid nursing and leadership experience by working in various nursing roles. Christy joined HealthSouth in 2015 as a registered nurse and worked in several roles at the hospital. In May 2017, she was promoted to her current role of chief nursing officer. Her dedication to the nursing profession extends beyond the walls of our hospital as she is actively involved in health and wellness programs within her community. Christy holds membership with the Virginia Association of Nurses.

Cathy Kelley, BSW

Director of Case Management

Cathy has been with HealthSouth for over a decade and was recently promoted to director of case management. Her department is responsible for managing the patient’s case once admitted, and focuses on the patient and family from initial assessment, throughout their stay, and finalizing discharge planning with the patient and the team. The department offers family conferences, weekly interdisciplinary rounds and individual case management for patients and their families. She has worked in acute care prior to her role as case manager at HealthSouth. Cathy graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work.