Gaylord Specialty Healthcare’s Fairfield clinic officially opens

FAIRFIELD – Gaylord Specialty Healthcare has officially opened its first Fairfield County outpatient therapy clinic located at 75 Kings Highway Cutoff in Fairfield.

The 125-year-old New Haven-based nonprofit rehabilitation-focused healthcare system marked the opening Dec. 3 with a community ribbon-cutting and open house. The event brought together local officials, community partners, clinicians, patients, families, and Gaylord leadership.

Guests toured the 6,000-square-foot space, met the clinical team, and viewed demonstrations of the facility’s advanced rehabilitation technology, including the Zero-G® Gait and Balance System.

The new Fairfield clinic represents Gaylord’s sixth outpatient location statewide and continues the organization’s growth as demand for its rehabilitation expertise expands across Connecticut.

The clinic provides advanced sports medicine and performance programs, led by doctorate-trained physical therapists who are also elite athletes themselves. It also offers physical, occupational, and speech therapies for individuals recovering from orthopedic injuries or neurological conditions such as stroke, brain and spinal cord injury, concussion, vestibular disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and other movement disorders.

Gaylord President and CEO Sonja LaBarbera noted that the new Fairfield clinic represents an important step in expanding the system’s reach.

“This new clinic marks a significant milestone for Gaylord,” she said. “Opening this location allows us to bring the same level of care – rooted in excellence, outcomes, and compassion – right here to Fairfield County.”

Local leaders spoke to Gaylord’s broader impact.
First Selectwoman Christine Vitale called the space “the perfect venue for healing.”

“I know that your expertise will just bring people past their difficulties to a brighter and healthier future,” she said.

State Sen. Tony Hwang was also on hand.

“I term all of you as ‘miracle workers’ because what you do with people with catastrophic needs is remarkable,” he said.

State Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey recognized Gaylord’s reputation as an accomplished rehab center.

“All of us know Gaylord as a trusted partner in health care,” said state Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey. “It’s actually those of you who are providing the care day in and day out who are transforming people’s lives … You offer hope.”

A highlight of the evening was the story shared by Garrett Mendez, now a rehab aide at the Fairfield clinic, who reflected on his own recovery at Gaylord after a brain stem stroke at age 19.

Joined by his mother, Eileen, he spoke about the role Gaylord played in his journey and his pride in now helping others through their rehabilitation.