REWARDS & RECOGNITION

Provider of the Year Awards

Recognizing therapy providers who make a notable impact and keep students learning.

Honoring our therapy providers.

We are incredibly grateful for our providers who work each day to create a better future for the students we serve.

To express our gratitude, Kelly Pediatric Therapy and our school district partners come together each year to recognize the outstanding contributions that our providers bring to our nation's schools and students.

We recognize that creating a solid educational experience goes beyond the walls of a single therapy room or classroom. It is an entire educational experience—and each of our providers make important contributions.

To honor this important work, our Provider of the Year award program recognizes those who go above and beyond to make a difference. Awards are given in two categories: Pediatric Behavioral Therapist and Related Services Pediatric Therapist (OT, PT, Speech).

Making a profound impact.

Kelly Pediatric Therapy believes in supporting exceptional providers. Our annual Provider of the Year program is just one way we do it.

$ 10K

Awarded

to winners in 2026

$2K

Awarded

to runners up in 2026

$ 4000

Donated

to schools in 2026

About the award program.

Kelly Pediatric Therapy partners with school districts to recognize therapy providers who truly stand out, are making a notable impact, and keep students learning.

School faculty, administration, and/or district administration can nominate outstanding Kelly providers through thoughtful recommendation letters and videos that showcase the ways in which our providers go above and beyond what they are called to do.

Provider of the Year Categories:

Related Services Therapist (OT, PT, Speech)
Behavior Therapist

Examples of Excellence:

Exceeding their daily professional responsibilities.
Demonstrating outstanding methods that result in significant student progress.
Employing creative techniques to keep students engaged and motivated.
Boosting students' self-confidence and encouraging a positive attitude towards learning.
Going above and beyond to support students' academic and personal growth.
Demonstrating patience and perseverance when working with students.
Maintaining a positive and enthusiastic demeanor that encourages a love of learning.

Nominations are open March 2-20, 2026.

This year, one winner in the Pediatric Behavioral Therapist and Related Services Pediatric Therapist (OT, PT, Speech) categories will each receive a $5,000 bonus, plus an additional $1,500 to donate to the school of their choice within a school district they are servicing.

Additionally, one runner-up in each category will each receive a $1,000 bonus, plus an additional $500 to donate to the school of their choice within a school district they are servicing.

Our award program coincides with the Kelly Education Substitute Educator of the Year program that honors the outstanding work of substitute teachers and paraeducators.

Winners for both programs will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week: May 4-8, 2026.

Congratulations to our 2025 Provider of the Year!

Heidi Richard POTY 2025 Heidi Richards, an RBT at Spring-Ford Area School District, exemplifies excellence in behavior analysis through her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication to students. The school district nomination stated that with five years of impactful service, she skillfully blends deep expertise in behavioral principles with a heartfelt commitment to helping each learner reach their fullest potential.

Heidi approaches every responsibility—from implementing behavior intervention plans to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and families—with precision, empathy, and thoughtful care. A calm and inspiring presence, she is not only an exceptional RBT but also a trusted leader and role model whose integrity and devotion make her truly deserving of Provider of the Year.