11 May 2025 501DER WOMAN 2025: Carolee Cook

Posted at 3:55 PMh in 501Der Women by

Carolee Cook is singlehandedly redefining what it means to be a 501DER WOMAN.

The recipient of the Arkansas Therapeutic Recreation Society’s Professional of the Year award, the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist shines brightly as a beacon of hope for children, adolescents and families in her 501 community who are in need.

 “A 501DER WOMAN is someone who leads, whether demonstratively or quietly; someone who sticks to their ideals; someone who shows care to everyone around them and makes them better,” she said. 

For Cook, a college internship paved the way to a career specializing in spreading joy.

“Prior to graduation, I was required to do an internship with a behavioral health agency,” she said. “That internship opened my eyes to the hardships some children and adolescents face each day, and I felt a drive to be a person that those kids could look to for stability and acceptance.”

One of Cook’s proudest accomplishments is Methodist Family Health’s annual Christmas gift program, a staple in her community. “Each year, we are able to provide Christmas gifts for around 350 kids around the state,” she said. “It is a lot of hard work, but very meaningful in the end.”

When it comes to services offered at Methodist Family Health, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to basic therapy and behavioral healthcare, the nonprofit organization also offers free grief camps for families who have lost loved ones and a clothing closet to help clients in need.

“I love working for a nonprofit organization,” Cook said. “In health care, being nonprofit allows us to focus on the overall needs of our patients instead of the bottom line.” On a mission to uplift others, Cook draws inspiration from Wonder Women all around her. 

“I love where I am in life and appreciate the many Wonder Women around me,” she said. “One who stands out to me is my friend and co-worker, Shari Willding. She is tenacious, always fights for progress and ensures that the kids are receiving quality care and concern, even past their stay at the hospital.”