We’re proud to celebrate an incredible achievement: Karen George Niego, co-founder of Therapy Volunteers, has been named the 2025 College of Health Sciences Service Award recipient by Marquette University. This prestigious recognition celebrates Karen’s lifelong dedication to expanding access to pediatric therapy services across borders—and the incredible network she has built to empower future therapists along the way.
A Career Rooted in Service and Empowerment
Karen began her career as a speech-language pathologist and built a thriving private practice in the Chicago area. But her ambitions were never confined to one city or country. Recognizing a gap in access to high-quality speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy in underserved regions, Karen co-founded Therapy Volunteers with the mission of delivering life-changing care where it’s needed most.
From Belize to other regions in Central and South America, Karen has created opportunities for therapy teams to deliver free pediatric therapy services abroad, foster university partnerships, and train the next generation of professionals through immersive, real-world service trips.
Why This Award Matters
The Marquette University College of Health Sciences Service Award is given to alumni who exemplify the values of excellence, faith, leadership, and service in their professional and personal lives. Karen’s selection is a testament to her impact—not only on the children and families she serves but also on the many students, therapists, and community leaders who have joined her on this mission.
“I’m incredibly humbled to be recognized by Marquette,” Karen said. “This university instilled in me the importance of hard work, service to others, and building up those around you. Those values have shaped everything I do with Therapy Volunteers.”
And yes—she still fondly remembers the electric energy of Marquette’s unforgettable 2003 basketball season and the trip to the Final Four in New Orleans!
The Global Impact of Therapy Volunteers
Since its founding, Therapy Volunteers has:
- Delivered thousands of hours of therapy to children in need
- Partnered with ministries of health and education to create sustainable change
- Offered hands-on fieldwork opportunities for students from leading U.S. clinical graduate programs
- Developed an inclusive, supportive community of clinicians, educators, and volunteers
Through Therapy Volunteers, Karen has empowered countless children to communicate, move, and connect with the world around them—while creating a platform for aspiring therapists to grow in both skill and heart.
Why Volunteer with Therapy Volunteers?
Joining a Therapy Volunteers service trip is more than just a chance to travel—it’s a transformational experience for both the clinicians and the communities they serve. Whether you’re a graduate student in speech therapy, a licensed occupational therapist, or a future pediatric therapy leader, the benefits are enormous:
1. Gain Global Health Experience
Participating in a therapy service trip allows you to work in diverse clinical settings, improve your adaptability, and develop culturally responsive practices.
2. Build Strong Professional Networks
Therapy Volunteers maintains partnerships with universities and organizations across the U.S., offering volunteers a chance to connect with peers and mentors in the field.
3. Make a Real Difference
Every session delivered abroad helps a child meet their developmental milestones. Our volunteers leave with a deep sense of impact and purpose.
4. Boost Your Resume
Employers and graduate programs love seeing hands-on international experience—especially in healthcare and education fields.
University Partnerships That Open Doors
Therapy Volunteers works with a growing list of university partners to support graduate students on their fieldwork journey. By collaborating with respected academic programs, Therapy Volunteers helps ensure that students receive the clinical hours, supervision, and cultural experience needed to become exceptional professionals.
If you’re a student, faculty member, or administrator interested in building a partnership, reach out! We’re always eager to expand the community of learning and service.
A Final Word: Thank You, Karen
Karen’s leadership has made Therapy Volunteers what it is today—a compassionate, innovative, and impact-driven organization serving children and empowering clinicians. Her award from Marquette is not just a personal achievement; it’s a reflection of the mission that drives us all.
We’re proud, we’re inspired, and we’re excited to continue building the future of global pediatric therapy—together.
Learn More About Karen’s Award
You can read the official announcement from Marquette University here:
Marquette 2025 College of Health Sciences Service Award – Karen George Niego
Interested in volunteering? Get Involved with Therapy Volunteers and make a difference.
