Outpatient Therapy Clinic Clients of the Month ~ “The Tottenham Gals”

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on four incredible women who met as neighbors in Rock Oak Estates in Clarence, NY and quickly became friends. Now lovingly known around our clinic as ‘The Tottenham Gals’, these ladies not only support each other in life, but also in their therapy journeys. They’re the self-proclaimed “Golden Girls 2.0”- a modern day quartet full of wit, warmth, and wisdom, reminding us all that friendship and healing go hand in hand. We sat down with them to learn about their bond, their experiences, and what keeps them coming back to our clinic week after week.

Susan Nieman (top left), Kathleen McCormick (top right), Janet Siano (bottom left), Louise Pawlow (bottom right)

Q: How did you all meet?
Janet: I met Kathleen when we first moved into Rock Oak at a meet and greet. We live in the same area, just a few houses apart. I then met Sue, who was invited to one of my Christmas parties by another neighbor.

Louise: Janet was out gardening while I was walking and I looked to see only 1 car in her driveway so I figured she might live alone like I do. I got up the courage to ask if she wanted to go out to lunch sometime and she stopped what she was doing, ran in the house, and came out with a pen and paper to take down my phone number.

Janet and Kathleen went on to start a pinochle group and eventually all 4 started to get together to play games, watch movies, etc. They have been a support system to each other through the highs and lows, including 2 of the ladies losing their spouses, navigating the pandemic and becoming ‘single lady homeowners’. They even trade information about their handymen!

Q: What brought each of you to the therapy clinic?
Kathleen: I met you at the Clarence Senior Center. I spoke to you after the wellness talk to ask what you thought about prehab and I felt very prepared for surgery after coming for PT. I’ve been back a few times after that.

Janet: Kathleen spoke so highly of her experience here but I went elsewhere for some therapy needs twice. After then talking to Louise about this outpatient clinic, I decided to try something different and came here.

Louise: I came to one of your talks at the Akron Senior Center. The one on one therapy and the location were key for me when a therapy need arose.

Sue: I have driven Janet and Louise to therapy many times and the ladies have been trying to convince me to come here for some therapy as well.

Q: What is your favorite part about coming to the clinic?
Louise: The massage on my neck was wonderful. I couldn’t move my neck to drive here so Sue has helped me in times of need. The therapists were patient with all of my different needs. I love working with both therapists and getting to know them.

Kathleen: I feel more confident since starting therapy. I know I am getting stronger. The kindness of the staff…you all make me feel like family.

Janet: I was really pleased by the confirmation and understanding in regards to what I am going through. I felt comfortable sharing my patient portal messages to my doctor regarding my pain and felt that the therapist was supportive in advocating for myself.

Q: What advice would you give to someone nervous about starting therapy?
Kathleen: Just try it!

Louise: Come in and meet the staff. You will be much more comfortable when you see the space and meet the people you would be working with.

Janet: Go to a community presentation and come into the clinic to check it out. Parking is easy…that’s often a big worry!

Sue: It’s easier when you have a time, place and someone telling you exactly what to do.

Q: What do you all like to do when you’re not in therapy?
Janet: Drawing, painting, playing bridge, reading, playing games

Louise: Activities at the Akron Senior Center, playing cards and mahjong, spending time with family.

Sue: Attending shows at the Riviera Theatre, road trips, going out to lunch

Kathleen: I am a bibliophile! I also love traveling and spending time with family.

Who knew the best kind of therapy would be finding a friend just down the street?