Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce that Marie Drey has been named the April Path to Excellence Award recipient in recognition of her dedication, compassion, and innovative contributions to patient care.
Marie’s journey with Stewart Memorial began as a Level 2 Occupational Therapy student working with Lisa Findley. From the start, she was drawn to the hospital’s culture of teamwork, communication, and work-life balance. She always knew that if a position opened after she completed her schooling, Stewart Memorial would be a place she wanted to grow her career.
Since joining the organization in 2019, Marie has played a pivotal role in building the hospital’s pediatric occupational therapy service line. When she first started, there were only one or two pediatric patients on the caseload. Today, she consistently manages 10 to 15 pediatric patients at a time. “Working with pediatrics has pushed me to think outside the box and approach patient care from a variety of perspectives,” Marie shared. “This experience has been incredibly impactful both personally and professionally.”
Teamwork is the core value that resonates most with Marie. She works closely with speech therapists, physical therapists, rehab techs, and nursing staff to provide seamless care for patients. “Our ability to be team-oriented in the Rehab Services department and across Stewart Memorial ensures our patients receive the highest quality care possible. It also builds trust and rapport across staff and fosters the positive culture that I love at Stewart Memorial,” she said.
Marie also highlights the hospital’s support of professional development. She credits her colleagues and department leadership with providing the tools, equipment, and continuing education opportunities needed to grow the pediatric service line. “I know my department leader, Branden Roberts, will support me in any way possible to best serve our patients,” she said.
A project that makes Marie especially proud is the annual summer “Kids Camp,” started with colleague Courtney Schreck. The camp offers engaging and educational activities for children in the community while allowing Marie and her team to connect with families and advocate for developmental skills that are critical for growth and success. “It means a lot to me that our organization encourages professionals to explore new ideas and expand their roles,” she said.
Marie stays motivated through her daily interactions with patients and coworkers. “I genuinely love helping others, and I am so fortunate my career allows me to do that every day. My coworkers inspire me to be a better person and clinician, and the relationships I build here keep me growing both professionally and personally,” she shared.
Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to honor team members like Marie Drey who exemplify its mission and core values through dedication, compassion, and excellence in rural healthcare.
