Michigan Performance Excellence Award

Special Tree is a recipient of the 2020 Michigan Performance Excellence Award, the state's top honor for organizations that have demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, and operational excellence. Past honors from MIPEx for Special Tree include earning the Navigator Award in 2008, the Honor Roll in 2009, and the Top Tier Excellence Award in 2010.

AHCA/NCAL Bronze National Quality Award

Special Tree recognized as a 2013 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality award by American Health Care Association and the National center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through improved quality care. The program honors facilities across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality care for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Detroit Free Press Top Workplace in Michigan

Special Tree earned its tenth consecutive recognition in 2019 as one of the best places to work in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press. The annual Top Workplaces list recognizes the top 100 Michigan companies to work for and is based entirely on how employees feel about their workplace. Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, after ten years in a row of earning the Top Work place award, Special Tree voluntarily chose to conclude our chapter with the Top Workplaces program. However, we continue to strive each day to be an employer-of-choice. Our staff mean everything to us!

2016 Intalere Healthcare Achievement Award

In 2016 Special Tree was awarded Intalere Healthcare Achievement Award for Financial and Operational Improvement, partnering with Intalere to create a ‘win-win’ for patients and providers through supply chain management.

Best of 2012, Rehab Hospitals, Institutions, and Facilities, Rehab Management

Rehab Management Magazine awards the leading rehabilitation hospitals, institutions and facilities across the nation

Education and Public Awareness Award, Brain Injury Association of America

Special Tree was recognized nationally for our employee training and education by the Brain Injury Association of America. Effective training is essential to providing great care and treatment. Special Tree has an outstanding new employee training program, requires all staff to maintain a minimum number of continuing education hours, and supports ongoing learning through tuition reimbursement and more.

Brain Injury Association of Michigan Legacy Society

In 2003, founders Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Jean Richert were recognized with the Legacy Society Community Service and Leadership Award from the Brain Injury Association of Michigan. “Doc and Jean,” as they were affectionately known, were honored for their leadership and commitment to persons with brain injuries and their families. Presented by the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, the annual Legacy Society Award honors individuals who have contributed to the brain injury field, or have worked to improve the lives of persons with brain injury and their families. The BIA of Michigan bestowed this same Legacy Society honor on President & CEO Joe Richert just three years later in March of 2006 with the Professional Clinical Leadership Award. Other Legacy Award recipients from Special Tree include Peggy Allen Bock, Executive Director of Business Development, who received the Community Leadership Award in 2008, and Jack Richert, Vice President & Director of Referral and Admissions, who received the Community Service and Leadership Award in April 2018. In 2020, Char Combs, Founder & Executive Director of CC Rehab, Special Tree’s Home Health partner, was honored with the Community Service and Leadership Award.