Paylee Ochs, a certified occupational therapy assistant with outpatient rehabilitation, is the October Decatur Memorial Hospital Colleague of the Month.
Ochs specializes in pediatrics. In August, she helped brainstorm and coordinate an Olympics event for the children in the occupational therapy program. She built pediatric-sized obstacles, games and awards that each of her patients could use during their treatment session that mimicked Olympic activities.
“It was a wonder to see the faces of the children and their parents as these kids performed tasks that are truly difficult based on their diagnosis,” wrote her nominator. “Paylee inspires them and pushes them to their highest potential of greatness, and even the parents are moved with emotion when they see what their littles can accomplish through therapy.”
Ochs is known for her creativity as she works with multiple disciplines to accomplish the best treatment methods for her patients. She also seeks out alternative ways to do things economically and advocates for grant funding for equipment.
Ochs has worked for Decatur Memorial Hospital since 2021.