April & May Staff Spotlights: Rylee Butler and Kelly Plue

This month, we’re proud to recognize two team members whose dedication and compassion continue to make a meaningful difference at Hidden River. Our April Employee of the Month, Recovery Assistant (RA) Rylee Butler, and May Employee of the Month, Primary Therapist Kelly Plue, have each gone above and beyond in support of our patients, colleagues, and mission. Join us as we celebrate their well-deserved recognition and learn more about the impact they’re making every day.

An Interview with Rylee Butler, Recovery Assistant and April Employee of the Month

How long have you been with Hidden River? 

I have worked at Hidden River for a little over a year now. I mostly work at the Garland House 21+ Program as an Overnight RA. 

What inspired you to pursue this field? 

I’ve always had an interest in helping people. After losing my friend in high school to suicide, I knew that I had to keep on this path to help people who felt the way he did understand how much they deserve to live and how beautiful life can be with the right support.

What’s something people may not realize about the work you do?  

How much of an effect we can have on our patients beyond the duration of their treatment period. The positive reinforcement and techniques that patients will develop during this period can carry over into their ongoing recovery process, even after they leave our facility. 

In addition to helping others improve their quality of life, there is always something new to learn about ourselves and how we can improve by helping these girls.  

What’s a moment in your work here that has stayed with you? 

Although very bittersweet, getting letters from the girls before they leave really reminds me why I do what I do. Seeing how much of an effect I’ve had on their journey makes all the tough days feel so small. 

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this field? 

This field is very rewarding. Something about helping others will constantly bring brightness into your life. You need to approach this field with patience and understanding. No day is going to be the same, and some days will be harder than others. But at the end of the day, seeing others grow will make you want to be an even better version of yourself.

What’s a quote, mantra, or piece of advice that has stuck with you? 

People may be affecting your life, but they aren’t making your life happen. 

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? 

I am the oldest of five siblings.

What’s a small thing that always brightens your day? 

Paying it forward. Whenever I’m having a rough day, I go through a drive-through and pay for the person behind me. Seeing a strangers reactions and knowing I could’ve made a difference in their day makes me happy.

An Interview with Kelly Plue, Primary Therapist and May Employee of the Month

What does a typical day as a primary therapist look like?

A typical day as a primary therapist looks like therapy sessions with my patients, running therapeutic skills groups with a group of patients, paperwork, and collaboration. Every day doesn’t look the same, but we all try to sprinkle in some laughs and fun too!

What’s a moment in your work here that has stayed with you? 

While working at Hidden River, a moment that always stays with me is seeing the shift in personality within our patients when they choose to recover. Seeing a patient smile more, talk more, and show us who they really are inside is a moment that I always look forward to. I never forget it when I see it. 

What’s something people may not realize about the work you do?

As a therapist in a residential setting, you wear a lot of hats. One moment you are scheduling phone calls and meetings, and the next, you are holding space for someone’s trauma. Then, you’re teaching a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skill, ordering a new fidget that a patient broke, or de-escalating a crisis. 

Sometimes, the work we do as therapists isn’t given enough credit for how draining it can be, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. If I can help, I would always choose to do so. 

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this field?

My advice for someone interested in becoming a therapist would be to find your village. Find like-minded individuals who see the world as you do but who also challenge you to grow more. 

A benefit of being a therapist is that the work is never truly over. We can grow professionally as we grow our skills and our specialties. We adapt in so many ways to meet certain needs in the world and our own. And always practice self-care!!

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Outside of work, I love to spend time with my family and my two dogs. I enjoy reading, going to fun restaurants, and shopping. I enjoy taking my two kids out on fun adventures and making memories together!

Is there a place you’d love to visit or something you’d love to experience someday?

I would absolutely love to visit Greece one day. I love seeing photos of the landscapes and beautiful sea waters. I would love to see the ancient history and the culture that is so full of joy and making relaxation a way of life. It fascinates me, and I hope to experience it myself one day. 

If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be? 

If I could instantly master any skill, it would be to play a musical instrument. I tried so hard when I was younger to be able to play any type of instrument, but it never stuck. I get very jealous when others can just randomly play the guitar or piano. Like WHAT!

The strength of Hidden River comes from the people behind our mission. 

Congratulations to our recent Employees of the Month. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients, families, and fellow team members each day!

To learn more about Hidden River, visit our website or contact us at info@hiddenriverhealing.com.