Christine Duron, MOT, OTR/L, Chief Executive Officer
Originally from Texas, Christine started her career as an occupational therapist, spending eight years in the hospital setting. She transitioned to the role of clinical liaison at Denver Regional Rehab Hospital in late 2021, building and maintaining working relationships with hospital case managers, therapy teams, and physicians to maximize referrals and admissions. Christine later assumed the role of the hospital’s director of marketing and business development, where she was integral in improving the facility’s average daily census and payor mix.
In March 2024 she served as interim CEO prior to moving into the position permanently in August. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health care sciences and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center.
She is currently completing her MBA in Healthcare Administration.
Rudy Rodriguez, PT, DPT, Director of Therapy
As the Director of Therapy at Denver Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, Rudy Rodriguez manages the therapy department, encompassing Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). His role involves leading the team in advancing patient care to help individuals achieve their goals and move towards returning home with as much functional independence as possible.
Rudy’s journey in healthcare has been with Ernest Health since the beginning. He started as a Therapy Technician at the Lubbock, Texas, hospital, where he later took on roles as Lead Therapy Technician and Physical Therapist. After relocating to the New Braunfels hospital, Rudy continued his work as a Physical Therapist and later became the Therapy Team Lead. In November 2023, he took on the role of Director of Therapy at Denver Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, bringing an understanding of patient care and team leadership.
Rudy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Texas Tech University in 2011, followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Texas Tech Health Science Center in 2016.
“I am passionate about helping individuals regain their independence after experiencing significant trauma. Witnessing their recovery and progress is what makes my work so rewarding.”
During his off time, Rudy enjoys eating great food, skiing, hiking, physical fitness, and spending time with friends and family.
Julie Rutherford, RN, Director of Patient Outcomes
Julie has over 25 years of experience in nursing, starting her career as an ICU nurse before transitioning to RN supervisor. She then spent eight years as an RN case manager in short term acute hospital, LTAC and IRF settings. She came to DRRH in 2020, moving into the Director of Patient Outcomes role in 2022.
She oversees the case management department and works as a vital part of the interdisciplinary team to ensure great outcomes for all patients. She finds there is no better feeling than to walk along the recovery journey with our patients and their families, with the ultimate prize of returning home.
Julie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her four children, their spouses, her new granddaughter and her two dogs.
Laura Greco, Human Resources Manager
With more than 12 years of experience in human resources, including 7 years dedicated to healthcare human resources, Laura is committed to fostering environments where employees feel valued and motivated.
Since joining Denver Regional Rehabilitation Hospital in 2023, Laura has been passionate about supporting the hospital’s employees, enhancing their work experiences, and ultimately improving the care they provide to patients. She believes in the power of effective HR practices to help organizations thrive and create a positive impact on their workforce.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, going to the movies, and exploring new culinary experiences. Discovering unique foods and trying out different restaurants is a personal passion, adding to her love for delicious meals and diverse flavors.
Molly Gurak, BSN, RN, CRRN, Chief Nursing Officer
Molly oversees all aspects of nursing care within the hospital, ensuring consistency in nursing practice, care standards, and expectations. Molly has varied nursing experience in pediatric home health, cardiac telemetry, orthopedics, medical-surgical, and critical care. She joined Denver Regional Rehabilitation Hospital in November 2017 as part of the original opening team, where she served as a nurse supervisor. With a deep passion for nursing, she finds fulfillment in the daily positive impact her work has on the lives of the patients she serves.
Molly earned a bachelor’s degree in child and family development from California State University Long Beach in Long Beach, Calif. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Denver College of Nursing in Colorado.
Originally from California, Molly now calls Colorado home, where she lives with her husband, a Colorado native, and their two children. Outside of work, Molly enjoys exercising, camping, and watching her children grow.
Tania Pacheco, BSN, RN, Director of Compliance
Tania is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring compliance policies and procedures, while also providing expert guidance on medical staff credentialing, infection control, risk mitigation, and performance improvement. She began her nursing career in a medical-surgical unit at a hospital in Texas. Her experience there was instrumental in shaping her career, eventually leading her to contribute to the initial start-up nursing team at Denver Regional Rehabilitation Hospital. She quickly progressed to the role of nursing supervisor before taking on her current position.
Tania earned an associate’s degree in nursing from El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas, as well as a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Governors University. She is driven by the belief that “every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time,” a quote by Malcolm X that resonates with her approach to healthcare.
Outside of work, Tania enjoys being outdoors, whether it’s hiking and running through scenic trails, camping, or simply taking in nature’s beauty.
