Pasadena Occupational Therapist Named OT National Hero Of The Year 2021

Kellie Tysor, OTR/L, an occupational therapist (OT) with the BAYADA Home Health office in Glen Burnie, was recognized as OT National Hero of the Year by BAYADA Home Health Care.

Chosen from among thousands of nominees for her dedication, skills, and boundless compassion, Tysor, a Pasadena resident, accepted the prestigious award before nearly 2,600 employees at the company’s annual awards event, held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic on May 20, 2021. The award was presented by BAYADA CEO David Baiada.

Tysor provides personalized care in the Southwest Baltimore region for residents in long-term care and assisted living communities. By working with them to improve their strength, dexterity and mobility, Tysor helps aging seniors stay as independent as they can, for as long as they can. But that doesn’t begin to scratch the surface. She will do anything for the seniors she serves, and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Kellie was the first to jump in and comfort locked-down seniors who were alone and afraid.

During the 2020 holiday season, Tysor and her BAYADA colleagues spearheaded an Adopt a Grandparent donation program that provided care packages to over 500 local seniors during the pandemic. In the words of BAYADA Clinical Manager Angela Caniglia, “Kellie stepped in and met as many needs as she could, every day. If something needs to be done, Kellie’s going to do it.”

Watch what makes Kellie Tysor a Hero >>

The Hero of the Year Award is part of BAYADA’s Hero Program, which allows the company to recognize and reward those who exceed the highest standards of quality care and work ethic at an office, division and national level. Heroes can be nominated by their colleagues and clients. All BAYADA employees and clients can nominate any registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, home health aide, or other professional caregiver.

“I want to congratulate all of our outstanding ‘national heroes,’” Baiada said. “The Hero Program has always been at the heart of BAYADA’s culture of recognition. I’m incredibly proud that, with the difficulties of the global pandemic over the past year, our teams across the country remained deeply committed to making our clinicians feel appreciated every single day for the incredible work they do to keep our clients safe in the comfort of home.”

Tysor said, “I’m so honored to receive this award. I truly love what I do and so much enjoy doing the things I’m able to do with our residents to make a difference in their lives. It gives you a feeling of such accomplishment.”