Necole Cook receives the 2025 Louisville Business First Health Care Hero “Rising Star” Award

Necole Cook, LPN, has received the 2025 Louisville Business First Health Care Hero Award in recognition of the contributions she has made to health care for older adults at Treyton Oak Towers. The award will be presented on Thursday, February 27, at an evening event at The Olmstead in Louisville, Ky.

Louisville Business First recognizes individuals who have impacted health care in the Louisville community through their concern for patients, research and inventions, management skills, innovative programs for employees, and service to the poor and uninsured.

There are seven award categories. Necole Cook will receive the Rising Star Award that honors emerging healthcare professionals who are making an impact in their company or organization.

Since joining Treyton Oak Towers in 2008 as a nurse’s aide, Necole’s commitment to Treyton Oak Towers residents and her dedication to advancing her education exemplify the qualities of an emerging leader in healthcare.

Necole’s journey from a novice nurse aide to an accomplished Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) demonstrates her incredible work ethic and passion for patient care. Recognizing the importance of furthering her skill set, she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification shortly after starting her career and continued her education to become a Certified Medication Technician (CMT) and then a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by 2012. As an LPN, she became the Independent Living Health Coordinator. Then, in 2021, she was appointed to the Independent Living Wellness Director position. This remarkable progression is a testament to her determination to provide the best care possible to residents at Treyton Oak Towers.

In her current role as the Independent Living Wellness Director, Necole has transformed the way Treyton Oak Towers supports the health needs of its independent living residents. She oversees the innovative Towers Program, which offers cost-effective, concierge-style assistance that allows residents to maintain their independence while ensuring they receive the care they need in the comfort of their apartment homes. The program enables residents to maintain their independence for a longer period while receiving attentive support from the care team, all without the disruption of transitioning through multiple levels of care.

“These services allow me to remain independent in my home. They take care of everyday living, such as turning down your bed, making your bed, emptying garbage and waste, bathing, doing your wash, and wound care,” said one resident who benefits from the Towers Program.

Necole’s holistic approach to health and wellness focuses on mind, body, and spirit, ensuring that every resident is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Under her guidance, the care team provides not just medical assistance, but also emotional support that fosters strong relationships with residents and their families. Her leadership in this program enhances the quality of life for the residents while alleviating the concerns of their families, allowing them to feel confident in their loved one’s care. Feedback from resident family members reinforces the positive impact Necole has made in the community. One family member said,

“The staff treated our relatives with deep compassion, kindness, and endless patience as they adjusted to life in a new environment.  The “Companions” quickly came to feel like old friends because they treated residents and their families not only with dignity but also with affection. Moving our relatives to Treyton Oak Towers was an excellent choice.”

In addition to her role as Director, Necole manages the Oak Branch Companion Program, offering vital services such as scheduled outings and companionship, which help combat isolation and promote social engagement among residents. This level of care goes above and beyond the expected, showcasing her commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of the residents.

Necole Cook truly embodies the spirit of the Rising Star Health Hero Award. Her proactive approach, compassionate nature, and dedication to continuous improvement inspire her colleagues and significantly enhance the lives of our residents. Treyton Oak Towers celebrates Necole’s recognition and believes she is a true asset to Treyton Oak Towers approach to aging in place and to the wider healthcare community.