Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Kara Groenenboom was awarded the Distinguished Occupational Therapy Assistant of the Year 2022. The Iowa Occupational Therapy Association president Steven S. Bowen presented the award to Kara during their annual fall conference on Saturday, October 15. This award is given to an OTA who demonstrates excellence in serving their clients and the profession.

Kara was nominated by one of her peers who said, “Kara’s gifts of determination, competency, compassion, and dedication make her more than deserving of this award. I have known Kara for years and have had the pleasure of collaborating with her in various environments including work, academics, and Indian Hills Community College OTA Advisory Board. Merriam-Webster defines compassion as “consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

Groenenboom demonstrates commitment to high standards by upholding requirements to be a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) and Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP). Kara continues to demonstrate her devotion to the field of OT and her patients, as she is currently taking classes to become a Certified Mastectomy Fitter.”

“We are truly blessed to have Kara Groenenboom on our Rehab Team at Pella Regional,” said Andy Chenoweth, Director of Rehabilitation Services. “She covers much territory across the region we serve through home health therapy services, and also sees patients in the acute hospital setting and outpatient clinic sites. Her patients all rave over the extra time and effort she gives toward meeting their needs and fostering speedy recovery. Kara has a great handle on excellence on a wide range of occupational therapeutic clinical competencies; she is focused on growing her skills, being a great team-player, and assists with training students and new and young team members. Kara performs her work with dedication to our mission: providing healthcare and healing services through Christian compassion. The PRHC Rehab team is pleased to be celebrating with Kara on her latest accomplishment in achieving Occupational Therapist Assistant of the Year. Way to go, Kara! We are so proud of you, and thankful to have you helping our patients.”