Kim Frank inspires others by example.

An occupational therapist and manager of St. Francis Center for St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center, Frank was named the February Going the Extra Mile (GEM) award winner. She was nominated by a co-worker for her generous actions and charitable acts that are many times life changing to those she helps.

She was shocked, she said, especially because it's the second time she's received the hospital's recognition.

At the center, a residential program for adolescents ages 12 to 21, Frank supervises the staff and programs and works with teenagers and their families.

"I have an excellent staff, very skilled and sensitive to the needs of the kids," she said. "They work with kids individually and in groups, run a private school and work with families to get everything in line before they return home and to their home schools.

"I like to say it's my good work that makes a difference, but it's not, it's my staff," added Frank.

Frank, a Dyer resident, has been employed at St. Margaret Mercy for 19 years and has been at St. Francis since it opened in 1997. She supervises all occupational and recreational therapy for the behavioral health units and has for all 19 years she has been employed at St. Margaret Mercy.

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