CSM OT Student Receives Madonna Angel Wings Award

A College of Saint Mary occupational therapy student was recently recognized after she was nominated by a patient at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals in Omaha. Kylee Mastromonaco D’23 received the Madonna Angel Wings Award along with Madonna OT Katelyn Dupont.

“You have made my time here at Madonna fantastic – be it physically, emotionally or jokingly. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” the patient shared.

Tara Ruppert, assistant professor and interim director of CSM’s OT program, said this is a well-deserved recognition for Mastromonaco. “She is an outstanding student in the classroom but shines even brighter when interacting with people in the ‘real world’ as an OT student. Madonna is such a highly recognized center of excellence, and CSM is fortunate to partner with them. The fact that one of their superstars helped one of ours achieve recognition for providing excellent care is fantastic.”

Mastromonaco said being nominated by a patient for the award gives her satisfaction knowing she is changing lives. “One of the greatest rewards of being in the field of occupational therapy is being able to watch a patient’s life be changed and a new hope be restored after experiencing a life-altering situation. I feel extremely blessed to have been given this honor as I strive each day to make a lasting impact on my patients by helping them return to what they love to do, want to do and are expected to do in their everyday life.”

The Angel Wings program is a way for grateful patients to honor team members who go above and beyond in their care. Angel Wings Awards have been presented to more than 1,500 employees, volunteers and students since the program began in 2011.