Evangeline Rapess-Fitzpatrick, OTR/L

Therapist / Owner 
Evangeline (“Eve”) Rapess-Fitzpatrick is a licensed occupational therapist with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dominican University New York. She began her career in 1998 as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant after earning her AAS from SUNY Rockland Community College, where she was inducted into the Phi Sigma Omicron honor society.

Eve started in subacute rehabilitation, working with stroke patients, neurologically impaired adults, and individuals recovering from joint replacement surgery. In 2002, she advanced into upper extremity rehabilitation and hand therapy under the mentorship of Carol Hohowski, OTR/L, a Certified Hand Therapist.

In 2006, Carol and Eve co-founded In Touch Hand Therapy. Eve became sole owner in 2024, while Carol continues to contribute as a consultant and per diem therapist. Eve specializes in the evaluation and treatment of upper extremity conditions, including soft tissue injuries, osteoarthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation, and nerve compression syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve entrapment. She also fabricates custom orthotic splints to support healing, protect surgical repairs, and improve functional outcomes. 

Her clinical focus includes rehabilitation following wrist fractures and ORIFs,Dupuytren’s contracture release, CMC arthroplasty, and flexor and extensor tendon repairs, as well as conservative and post-operative care for trigger finger. Eve also treats elbow fractures and shoulder conditions such as adhesive capsulitis.

Eve is known for her patient-centered, evidence-based approach, helping individuals restore strength, mobility, and function—so they can return to the activities they enjoy most.

Carol Hohowski
OTR/L, CHT
Carol is a Registered Occupational Therapist with a specialty in Hand Therapy. She received Hand Therapy certification in November, 2001 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, College of Health Related Professions Occupational Therapy Program in December, 1989. She has also received Certification in Weight training from the International Weightlifting Association. She has provided rehabilitation services to physically disabled adults and children, including rehabilitation, acute care and outpatient services as well as within the hand and burn clinics. A former Clinical Instructor at New York University and Lab instructor at Touro College, Ms. Hohowski has also supervised fieldwork level I & II students and provided in-service education to O.T. staff, P.T. staff, medical students, medical residents and nurses . She has served as guest lecturer on such topics as Activities of Daily living, treating the Geriatric Patient, O.T. Intervention for the ALS patient and family and splinting.