Bethany Village Therapy Director Receives LeadingAge Ohio Emerging Leader Award

August 25, 2026

Matt Cassidy, Director of Therapy Services at Bethany Village, has been named the recipient of LeadingAge Ohio’s 2026 Emerging Leader Award. 

According to LeadingAge, the Emerging Leader Award recognizes “an individual within a LeadingAge Ohio member organization who demonstrates personal integrity, leadership and professional dedication in their career.” Matt was presented with the award August 25 at the LeadingAge Ohio Annual Conference & Trade Show in Columbus.

For two decades, Matt has made an impact at Bethany Village that extends far beyond the therapy department. He joined Bethany Village in 2005 as a therapy supervisor and has continued to expand his expertise across areas including regulatory compliance, reimbursement, technology, interdisciplinary collaboration and operational improvement. 

At the heart of that work? A commitment to people.

Despite his broader leadership responsibilities, Matt remains closely connected to those receiving care at Bethany Village. Known to stay late to meet people newly admitted for short-term rehabilitation, he helps them and their loved ones understand what to expect from therapy and gathers information that can help the team prepare for the following day.   

Matt’s leadership is also evident in the everyday moments that can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. “When he learned that a broken headrest on a resident’s power chair was making it difficult to use, Matt took the initiative to assess the chair and fix the issue,” recalls Lauren Coyle, Vice President of Strategy & Senior Services. “As a result, the resident could once again move more freely throughout the nursing area and visit others—including his wife.” 

That same willingness to step in and help extends to his colleagues, where Matt is known for sharing his knowledge and mentoring others. Matt also has a reputation for asking how processes can work better. His leadership has contributed to improvements involving reimbursement and documentation, data tracking, technology and interdisciplinary communication.

“Matt embodies servant leadership. His calm patience and encouragement foster confidence in those around him and help create stronger teams and future leaders.”

—Administrator Holly Artkamp

Through his willingness to listen, share his knowledge, and continually look for better ways to serve others, Matt demonstrates the kind of leadership at the heart of Faithful Caring:  leadership founded in compassion, competence, and a commitment to the people around him. 

Congratulations, Matt, on this well-deserved recognition!

 

Lauren Coyle, Matt Cassidy, Judy Budi, Bob Reichard

Matt shows off his Emerging Leader Award and supportive wife

 

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