Meet VNS Health’s 2023 OT of the Year: Gladys Bayles-Panes!

As Occupational Therapy Month draws to a close, we’re proud to announce that Senior Occupational Therapist Gladys Bayles-Panes has been named VNS Health’s Occupational Therapist of the Year! Leaders from the Occupational Therapy (OT) and Rehabilitation teams reviewed nominations from across VNS Health to select an awardee who not only exemplifies our Core Values, but goes above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcomes and deliver outstanding service.

With nearly three decades in the health care field, including the past 15 years with VNS Health, Gladys currently serves as a field clinician in Queens and Nassau County, and often travels to assist other OTs and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) with home visits and consultations.

“I’m truly proud to be an occupational therapist and to work with a lot of wonderful and hardworking OTs,” says Gladys. “Every day we try our best to make a difference in our patients’ lives—to make sure they become as independent as possible, and that they’re able to achieve their goals and go back to their communities, their homes, and the way they used to function.”

“Gladys is an excellent role model. She has compassion, and her patients always love her,” wrote one colleague in a nomination letter. Another co-worker noted that “Gladys is easy to contact and willing to work together to adjust schedules and really collaborate for optimal patient care—I feel very lucky to work with her daily!”

Gladys acknowledges that when it comes to her profession, it takes a village. “I don’t think I do anything special,” says Gladys. “I’m so happy that occupational therapy gets a celebration of its own, that represents the things my colleagues and I do.”

Congratulations, Gladys! Happy Occupational Therapy Month to all of our amazing OTs!