Mercy announces new senior director of DeWolf Family Innovation Center

Kelly
Hawthorne

Mercy Medical Center is pleased to announce that Kelly Hawthorne, PT, PhD, will join The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia as senior director, beginning April 20, 2026.

Hawthorne brings broad experience in geriatric care, clinical leadership and higher education. She was most recently a physical therapist with MercyCare Marion and holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and a PhD in Higher Education and Administration from Saint Louis University, where she later served as an associate professor.

She is a board‑certified specialist in geriatric physical therapy and a certified exercise expert for aging adults. Her professional work has been presented nationally and internationally and published in multiple clinical journals.

Grounded in an education shaped by the Sisters of Mercy, Hawthorne has dedicated her career to advancing care and innovation for older adults. Her leadership and experience strongly align with Mercy’s mission and the Innovation Center’s focus on aging and dementia.

Hawthorne succeeds Kathy Good, who is transitioning from her role as senior director into an advisory position with the DeWolf Family Innovation Center, where she will continue to support its ongoing work.