Release Date: 03/04/2016

Barbara Ostrove, of Chepachet, RI, has been awarded the President’s Award for Employee Excellence, a quarterly award presented by Butler Hospital. Currently the director of the Occupational Therapy Department, she was joined by members of her own staff as well as colleagues from across the hospital at a ceremony in her honor on March 3, 2016 at Butler.

Ostrove began her career at Butler Hospital nearly 34 years ago as a staff therapist in the Occupational Therapy Department and through her vision and commitment, has grown the department into an integral part of the clinical care team at Butler, as well as a nationally recognized teaching program for students in occupational therapy.

The goal of the Occupational Therapy Department is to enhance patients’ functional skills and abilities, including:

• Coping skills.
• Time management.
• Ability to relax and cope with anxieties.
• Balance lifestyle and routine.
• Actively participate in managing one’s illness.
  
  

Ostrove and her staff are known for their inspired thinking and problem solving. She is responsible for introducing new therapies and resources, like the Healing Art Program that utilizes music and dance as a form of therapy, and the Holiday Gifts for Patients Program that calls on the generosity of hospital staff to provide gifts for patients who are hospitalized during the holidays.

“Through her creativity, innovation, persistence and ability to mentor and support staff both within her department and across the hospital, Barbara is a force of transformation and progress,” said Butler President and Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Price, MD.

With a National Board Certification in occupational therapy, Ostrove earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from Temple University in Philadelphia, and a Master of Arts degree in adult education from the University of Rhode Island in Providence.

About Butler Hospital

Butler Hospital, a member of Care New England, is the only private, nonprofit psychiatric and substance abuse hospital serving adults, seniors and adolescents in Rhode Island and southeastern New England. Founded in 1844, it was the first hospital in Rhode Island and has earned a reputation as the leading provider of innovative psychiatric treatments in the region. The Major Affiliated Teaching Hospital for Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Butler is recognized worldwide as a pioneer in conducting cutting-edge research.