Onondaga Center OTR Recognized For Her Outstanding Work

A big congratulations goes out to Onondaga Center Licensed Occupational Therapist Registered Mary Estes (OTR/L), as she is being recognized in April 2022 as an outstanding occupational therapist by Sigma Health Rehab and Centers Health Care. This recognition is part of month-long celebrations by Sigma Health during Occupational Therapy Month. From both residents and staff at Onondaga Center in Minoa, New York, Mary continues to be a shining light for the residents, helping them get better and the residents say that she is always there for them in a lovable and heartfelt way.

Fellow staff and leadership say that Mary is always on top of her game and loves working with her. A proud Director of Rehab, Jocelyn Nackley (OTR/L), brought in brunch for the residents and staff to celebrate Mary’s recognition. Both residents and staff nominated Mary at the 80-bed skilled nursing facility on East Avenue.

“Mary does tremendous work for our residents here at Onondaga Center,” said Ms. Nackley. “She’s a pure natural and the love and caring for the residents comes out in the work that she does. The staff also love her and the new therapists who are just starting out really look up to her.”

Mary is a 28-year-old occupational therapist who graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, a private Catholic college preparatory school in suburban Syracuse. She went to Siena College for a BS in Biology and graduated in 2015. Mary played Division One golf for four years and was captain of her golf team senior year. She then went to Sage graduate school for her MSOT and graduated in 2017.

Ms. Estes worked at Daughters of Sarah, a 210-bed skilled nursing facility in Albany, New York for two years, and then relocated to Syracuse and was hired at Onondaga Center as a full-time Occupational Therapist in March 2020. Mary quickly became a leader in the department and became the second in command in September 2021. She has assisted in the management of the rehab department at Onondaga Center despite being a mother of her one-year-old son.

(All photos courtesy of Onondaga Center)