Newberry Occupational Therapist Recognized with Prestigious Clinical Education Award of Distinction

Celebrating Excellence in Occupational Therapy in Newberry

In the charming city of Newberry, something truly special has happened recently. Jessica Newton, a dedicated Occupational Therapist at Newberry County Memorial Hospital, has been awarded the prestigious Clinical Education Award of Distinction from Presbyterian College. This award is not just a recognition of her hard work, but a testament to her incredible contributions to the field of Occupational Therapy.

A Glimpse Into Jessica’s Journey

Jessica has been an Occupational Therapist for an impressive 13 years and has been with the Newberry Hospital team for nearly nine of those years. In her role as the Director of Occupational Therapy, she oversees the inpatient adult rehabilitation program and gets involved in supporting a range of patients. Jessica’s passion for her work is evident—not only does she cherish the family atmosphere at Newberry Hospital, but she is also on a mission to help her patients regain independence in their daily lives.

Currently, Jessica is furthering her education by taking virtual classes at MUSC, preparing to transition from her master’s degree to a doctorate in Occupational Therapy, which she hopes to complete by May 2025.

A Commitment to Helping Others

What drives Jessica in her career? She says it’s the fulfillment she gets from helping others improve their quality of life. Her enthusiasm for growing the Stepping Stones Pediatric program at Newberry Hospital is particularly noteworthy. This program aims to support young patients in their rehabilitation process, and Jessica is committed to making a big difference in their lives.

Additionally, her dedication to education has seen her mentoring many Occupational Therapy students over the past 12 years. Recently, she hosted students from Presbyterian College, who spend 12 weeks with her for practical clinical experience. This includes training sessions in sensory integration labs with pediatric patients—a hands-on approach that benefits everyone involved.

Community Engagement and Recognition

Jessica’s impact extends beyond the hospital. She plays an active role in promoting Occupational Therapy awareness in the Newberry community. Notably, during Occupational Therapy month, she collaborated with Allie Turner, the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at Presbyterian College, to spread the word about the profession and its benefits.

Working closely with Presbyterian College has led to some exciting initiatives, too. For instance, Jessica and the college teamed up with the Go Baby Go Program, which adapts power cars for pediatric patients. Recently, two power cars were donated to grateful families, showcasing the profound community spirit that exists in Newberry.

The Heartfelt Moment of Recognition

A Family-Oriented Life

Outside of her professional commitments, Jessica lives in Newberry with her husband, Brett—who is a football coach at Strom Thurmond High School—and their two young children, Avery and Ayden, who are seven and ten years old, respectively. Their family-oriented life is filled with passion for community, education, and of course, love.

As we celebrate Jessica Newton’s accomplishments, it’s clear that her contributions have not only advanced the field of Occupational Therapy but have also enriched the lives of many within her community. Her story is a reminder of the profound impact dedicated professionals can have in helping others live their best lives.