‘I can never thank you enough’: Silver Lake therapist is newest TULIP Award recipient
Earlier this month, Rogers celebrated our most recent winner of the TULIP Award, which recognizes individuals who make a distinct difference for our patients and their loved ones. TULIP stands for Thoughtful, Unforgettable, Lasting Impact on a Patient. While the DAISY Award honors nurses, the TULIP Award gives us the chance to celebrate the many other compassionate and skilled clinical roles at the heart of our treatment.
This most recent presentation recognized winner Lucas De Smet, a therapist at the Silver Lake clinic. A former patient nominated Lucas, saying they will never forget him.
“I have had the pleasure of going through Rogers many times over the years now,” the former patient said. “I will have 3 years sober in July, and I have conquered many deep-rooted issues since blowing off the dust of addiction and discovering what was beneath. Although I had help from many amazing staff members along the way, such a discovery was only possible with the guidance of one specific therapist: Lucas De Smet.
“I have yet to encounter someone who organically cultivates such rich community in such a short amount of time, despite ever-changing group dynamics. It is an amazing thing to watch someone do what they are born to do, and Lucas is no exception to this. I never thought of therapy as an art until encountering him in his craft, and it’s truly breathtaking to witness him pulling even the most reserved of clients out of their shell.”
Drew Dyrssen, clinical services supervisor, Silver Lake clinic, reflected on Lucas receiving the award.
“The TULIP Award is a beautiful acknowledgment of his efforts, but in truth, it is only a reflection of what he already brings to the world every single day—a commitment to high-quality treatment and an unshakable belief in the power of human connection, Drew says.
Sabine LaLiberte, a behavior specialist in Madison, received an honorable mention after being nominated by a former patient.
“Have you ever met someone during a hard time and felt a breath of fresh air? Or someone’s presence immediately brings you peace? Sabine was that for me during one of the hardest times of my life. To say she is kind is an understatement,” the patient said. “
“I truly believe that I wouldn’t have ever made it as far as I did without her. Her support was always unwavering. Her ability to make you feel important and safe is something I’m not quite sure I’ve ever experienced with any other mental health provider.
I am a nurse, and I know how defeating it can be to work in healthcare sometimes, and I want her to know that if she ever has one of those days where she questions if she’s making a difference – she has.”
Please download the award presentation slides to read the full nominations of both honorees. You can also watch a recording of the presentation here.
Compassionate and skilled mental health technicians (MHTs), therapists and experiential therapists, behavior specialists (BSs), dietitians, educational specialists, milieu specialists, and Admissions intake specialists are eligible for the quarterly TULIP Award.
Learn more and nominate an employee here.
