AMBUCS chapter honors Oaklawn's Ashley Widrig as 'therapist of the year'  

The Battle Creek AMBUCS chapter has honored Marshall-based occupational therapist Ashley R. Widrig as “therapist of the year” for her work in pediatric rehabilitation.  

Widrig, a registered licensed occupational therapist with Oaklawn’s Physical Rehabilitation Services, received the award Aug. 15 during a gathering in Battle Creek. 

National AMBUCS Inc., formerly known as American Business Clubs, is a nonprofit charitable organization with a diverse membership dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. 

Widrig joined Oaklawn in 2016 as a pediatric occupational therapist, after three years’ work at the Pediatric Place of Select Medical in LaGrange, Ill. A Hillsdale native, Widrig earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Alma College in 2006 and a master of science degree in occupational therapy from Grand Valley State University in 2013. 

In nominating Widrig for the award, her Oaklawn peers described Widrig as one who “goes above and beyond for her patients acting as an advocate to ensure that her patients are able to receive the additional services that they may need. … Anyone that has the opportunity to meet and/or work with Ashley will never forget the positive interaction they have with her.” 

The office of Oaklawn’s Physical Rehabilitation Services is in the Oaklawn Life Improvement Center at 13697 15-Mile Road. It serves children who require customized, specific therapeutic care. 

Such therapy assists children who have difficulties with such tasks as sitting, bathing, grooming, tying shoes, holding utensils and handwriting. As a pediatric occupational therapist, Widrig works with sensory deficits and regulation to help children with such activities. 

For information about Oaklawn’s therapy services in Marshall, call (269) 781-6030. Oaklawn also provides outpatient therapy services in Albion, Olivet and Beadle Lake near Battle Creek. 

For information about the national AMBUCS organization, visit ambucs.org, or call (800) 838-1845. 

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CAPTION: During a gathering Aug. 15 in Battle Creek, Maria Dobbertein (left), president of the Battle Creek AMBUCS chapter, presents the “therapist of the year” award to Ashley R. Widrig, an occupational therapist with Oaklawn Physical Rehabilitation Services.