Awards & Accreditations

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.

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Accreditation

Special Tree holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, demonstrating a commitment to continuously improve service quality and focus on the satisfaction of persons served. Special Tree voluntarily pursues CARF accreditation for its programs and services every three years, having first earned accreditation in 1991. Special Tree’s CARF accredited facilities include:

• Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs – Skills Nursing: Brain Injury Programs (Adults)
• Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Programs: Brain Injury Programs (Adults)
• Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Programs: Brain Injury Program (Children and Adolescents)
• Interdisciplinary Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Programs: Brain Injury Program (Pediatric Specialty Program)
• Residential Rehabilitation Programs: Brain Injury Program (Adults)
• Vocational Services (Adults)

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

In 2019, Special Tree earned its tenth consecutive recognition as one of the best places to work in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press. This year Special Tree came in at #13 in the large companies category. 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.

2016 Intalere Healthcare Achievement Award

In 2016 Special Tree was awarded Intalere Healthcare Achievement Award for Financial and Operational Improvement

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 is recognized nationally for our learning system by the Brain Injury Association of America

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.