Before taking a break for Thanksgiving, MGH Institute students and faculty took the opportunity Tuesday to thank the clients they work with during the Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery annual Client Appreciation Seasonal Social. There was plenty of conversation, celebration, and a little competition as everyone enjoyed food and a seasonal-themed game of bingo. 

“Our clients bring generosity and authenticity to our students’ learning, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership,” said Tedy’s Team Education and Community Outreach Coordinator Dr. Gwen Larsen, who designed and led the program along with Occupational Therapy Instructor Pauline Fiorello. “It’s a joy to celebrate their accomplishments and recognize all the ways they enrich our learning community.”

Interprofessional teams of students work with clients in the Sanders IMPACT Practice Center, providing occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech services while gaining real-world experience. There were 13 graduate assistants and student volunteers on hand to help make the event a success, and several faculty and students spoke of their appreciation, noting the significant role clients and care partners play in shaping learning and community-building at the IPC. 

“Clients are at the heart of my learning as a student,” said Emily Cudhea-Pierce, an occupational therapy student. “Their openness, their stories, and their generosity with their time and energy ground our learning in lived experience. I'm thankful for the opportunity to grow alongside them. Sharing food, playing bingo, and connecting outside of session reminded me how special the IPC community is.” 

On Post-it notes that formed a heart, students shared why they were thankful for the clients, including giving thanks for the time the clients dedicate to the students’ learning, helping them grow as future clinicians, as well as their kindness and stories. Their hard work and resilience was recognized on a Wins Wall that featured clients' accomplishments such as making progress in therapy, spending meaningful time with family, returning to favorite activities, and increasing independence.  

“As a graduate assistant, it’s inspiring to witness how much joy, courage, and progress our clients bring to this community,” said Lena Salino, a doctor of physical therapy student. “Celebrating their wins together reminds me of why this work matters — recovery is stronger when we all walk the journey together!”

The event was an opportunity for clients to gather socially, which many clients say is an important part of their recovery journey and provides meaningful connection beyond their therapy sessions.

"Gathering together to celebrate these wins reminds us how powerful community can be in the recovery journey,” said Tedy’s Team Center Director Dr. Kim Erler.  “I’m deeply grateful for the strength, kindness, and connection our clients and their care partners bring to the Tedy’s Team Center every day."