CTE Rehabilitation Therapy Teacher Lori Lee Recognized as Career Connect Superstar

Lori Lee is a powerhouse of resilience and expertise. As the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Rehabilitation Therapy teacher for Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect, Lori has been named the Career Connect Superstar for January 2026. 

This is an award created to recognize team members whose work reflects our core values and embodies our shared vision: a community transformed by empowered learners building fulfilling careers. 

Lori was chosen as this month's Career Connect Superstar following a nomination that highlighted her passion, her deep industry knowledge, and the incredible engagement she fosters in her lab. 

Her path to the classroom is as inspiring as the curriculum she teaches. She began her career at community college, initially studying to become a French teacher, before transferring and graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology. 

After graduating, she worked on an interdisciplinary team at Hope Network and then went to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, helping patients with traumatic brain injuries regain their independence. As a mother of six who transitioned into public education to support her family, Lori brings a unique "bridge-building" perspective to her students, blending high-level academic rigor with genuine empathy. 

Her classroom is a place where learning is fun, and no question is off-limits. She intentionally keeps her program rigorous, preparing students for the "massive climb" of graduate programs in athletic training and physical therapy. Her class prioritizes hands-on activities that prepare her students for certification exams and continued education in the field. 

The depth of her impact was captured by Career Connect Campus Principal Mark Palmer: 

“The best way to describe Lori’s impact is what her students did for her before the holiday break. They surprised her with a basket containing over $200 in gift cards. Only educators who truly engage, positively impact, and genuinely care for their students receive a tribute like this. The best accolades always come from students. This is impact.” 

Several Career Connect administrators and staff joined the surprise visit to celebrate this achievement. Thank you, Lori, for transforming students' futures each and every day.