Kari Koester, lead occupational therapist for the Rehabilitation Center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, recently received the Chairman’s Bell Award from RehabCare, a St. Louis-based company that manages the hospital’s 18-bed intensive inpatient rehabilitation program.

The national award recognizes individuals and teams who most contribute to RehabCare goals while demonstrating commitment to excellence, integrity, teamwork and fun.

Koester was cited for her dedication to enhancing the quality and reach of stroke care and education.

Among her efforts was her organizing of educational events, including a 15-minute radio segment dealing with the signs of stroke and recommended early interventions.

Each year during Stroke Awareness Month, Koester organizes a lecture given by a hospital neurologist and rehab medical director, followed by a panel discussion by former patients, stroke survivors and caregivers who discuss their personal challenges and successes.