Lee McKay Honored with Dr. Catherine Bontke Spirit of Rehab Award

Leona "Lee" McKay (center) was presented the 2025 Dr. Catherine Bontke Spirit of Rehab Award by Gary Naples, PT, Program Development Coordinator for Acute Rehab and Kwame Asante, M.D., Chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 

Lee demonstrates a high level of customer service through her genuine and natural actions of reverence towards all. In her role as Rehab Tech, Lee puts the needs of her colleagues, patients, and the entire department ahead of herself. She frequently adjusts her schedule, takes on extra shifts, and uses time to improve her skills for the benefit of the patients she serves as well as her colleagues.

Lee recognizes the value of a positive attitude and the influence it can have on others. She has a true understanding of how lifting the spirits of those around her makes the environment a better place for everyone. Lee celebrates the wins, learns from challenging moments, and keeps moving forward, always supporting her team by arriving early, staying late, or planning “Candy Fridays” – her way of providing an uplifting reminder to her colleagues that their efforts and accomplishments are appreciated. 

In her nomination, it was stated that Lee, “unknowingly influences those around her. She demonstrates a commitment to her coworkers, a dedication to her Rehab Tech role, and a high level of integrity towards the patients she serves.” 

Lee is a primary contributor to the successful culture of the Rehab Department. She communicates with a genuine respect for others and engages with her colleagues to develop an understanding for who they are, what matters to them, and how she can support them. She is an advocate not just for her discipline, but for the entire service line, and is genuinely vested in fostering real relationships with colleagues and the patients they serve.

The Dr. Catherine Bontke Spirit of Rehab Award is given annually to any colleague within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service Line who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, positive energy, optimistic spirit, and true professionalism in their workday. Someone who has gone above and beyond to help patients or teammates and is often the light of the department. The colleague must demonstrate service provision above and beyond the scope of their job description and/or responsibilities. This award is peer nominated.