When Liberty Wright first set out to choose a career, she imagined herself on the basketball court, whistle in hand, coaching players to reach their full potential. What she did not realize then was that her passion for coaching would eventually find its place, not in athletics, but in healthcare.
“I played basketball in college and thought I wanted to be a coach,” Wright says. “When I discovered occupational therapy, I realized it was still coaching, just in a different way. Now, I get to coach people back to their lives again.”
That mindset has defined Wright’s career and recently earned her the honor of being named 2025 Occupational Therapy Assistant of the Year, a recognition that celebrates her leadership, compassion, and innovative approach to patient care.
After earning her associate degree in occupational therapy from Oklahoma City Community College, Wright began her career in skilled nursing before joining The Rehab Center at The Stillwater Medical, where she has spent the last decade helping patients recover from strokes, orthopedic injuries, and other life-altering events.
Her patients and colleagues alike describe her as deeply empathetic and endlessly creative. She is known for her ability to meet people where they are and motivate them to reach where they want to be, often by connecting therapy to their passions, hobbies, or everyday routines.
“I love my neuro patients,” Wright explains. “Orthopedic injuries heal with time, but with stroke survivors and neurological conditions, it is about helping people rebuild their lives. If I can tie therapy to something they love, the motivation comes naturally. That is when we see the biggest breakthroughs.”
For Wright, that might mean guiding a patient back to daily routines like walking their dog or helping a parent regain the ability to play with their children. Regardless of the goal, her mission remains the same: to remind each person of what is possible.
“That is where my coaching side really comes out,” she says. “I tell people they can do hard things. Your mind is your strongest muscle. The work we do in rehab is not easy, but it is what gets you back to the life you love.”
Her supervisor, Katie Jones, Director of Rehabilitation Services, says Wright’s ability to connect with patients is part of what makes the entire rehab team shine.
“I want to empower our therapists to think outside the box,” Jones says. “Liberty embodies that perfectly. She takes the time to learn what matters to her patients and uses that to drive their recovery. That is the kind of care that makes a lasting difference.”
Jones leads a team of 25 therapists who serve patients across Stillwater Medical Center’s acute and inpatient rehabilitation programs. Together, they treat individuals recovering from strokes, surgeries, and serious illnesses, often those who require several hours of therapy a day.
This year, the team’s work contributed to an additional recognition when Stillwater Medical received the 2025 Gold Plus Stroke Award from the American Heart Association, acknowledging excellence in stroke treatment and recovery outcomes. For Wright and her colleagues, the award reflects their shared dedication and teamwork.
“We have an incredible group of therapists, nurses, and physicians,” Wright says. “Everyone works together toward one goal, helping patients get their independence back. It is so much deeper than just physical recovery. We are helping people find themselves again.”
She credits much of that success to the supportive culture Jones has cultivated within the department.
“Nothing is off the table when it comes to advocating for our patients,” Wright says. “Katie encourages us to be creative and to do what is best for the people in our care. That freedom and trust allow us to create truly meaningful progress.”
In Wright’s world, progress is not only measured by steps walked or strength regained, but also by passion reignited. Whether it is the moment a patient can use their dominant hand again or play their favorite song on the piano, those victories fuel her drive.
“I see patients at their most fragile, and then I get to see them leave here strong again,” she says. “That transformation, physically, emotionally, and mentally, is the most rewarding part of what we do.”
With her coaching heart and caregiver’s soul, Wright continues to inspire those around her, both patients and colleagues alike. Her award is more than a personal achievement; it is a testament to the power of compassion, creativity, and teamwork at The Rehab Center at Stillwater Medical, where every day is another chance to help someone reclaim their life.
