Healing through art, encouragement, and care

Kim Peacock, an art teacher at Cora Howe Exceptional School, began having trouble with her left arm in the summer of 2025. After two months of pain and limited movement, she sought care and was referred to physical therapy for frozen shoulder.

By the time Peacock started outpatient therapy at TriStar Skyline in September 2025, she could not raise her arm. With consistent therapy visits, commitment to home exercises and support from her care team, her range of motion improved. Today, she can lift her arm again.

Peacock said she felt welcomed from her first day, starting with Mary Ann, the outpatient office coordinator. Peacock shared that she had spent 29 years teaching art in special education and showed examples of her work.

She also found motivation beyond the clinic. Peacock’s students cheered her on by copying her exercises in the classroom and sending cards and artwork to the therapy team.

“The staff here are wonderful, every single one of them,” Peacock said. “They truly care.”

As she improved, Peacock looked for ways to give back. She made handmade cards for members of the therapy team, including photos showing her progress and words of encouragement. She also painted a piece for the staff inspired by her recovery. The artwork depicts a calm nature scene that mirrors the environment Peacock said she experienced throughout her care.

Peacock later revisited that first conversation with Mary Ann. She painted a replica of the piece she gave the entire group as a gift and included a note to say thank you. Mary Ann displays it proudly above her desk.

“I was on a journey, and they took me there,” Peacock said. “I love it here.”