What is your name?
Susan Grispino
What is your role at ARC Physical Therapy+?
Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist
What year did you begin working at ARC Physical Therapy+?
April 2019
Where are you from?
Maryville, MO
Where did you go to school?
I graduated in 1991 from the University of Missouri Columbia for occupational therapy, and later I completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from NWMSU.
Who or what inspired you to get into the physical (occupational) therapy space?
I first became interested in health care when I was a camp counselor during high school at Camp Quality in NW MO, which is a summer camp for children with cancer. I was unsure of which area of health care to go into, and really liked that you could do so many things for all age groups and different types of patients with occupational therapy. After I observed therapists at Children’s Mercy Hospital, I was hooked.
What do you like most about your work at ARC Physical Therapy+?
The compassion and professionalism of all staff and leadership is amazing. There is a true focus on clinical excellence and great communication. Everyone works so well together.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about the body or physical (occupational) therapy?
The mind/body connection is amazing. There as a huge neurological component to injuries or any disability – breathing, posture, pain management strategies, etc. are all important. As far as everyday life – I would recommend people move, move, move – in lots of different ways that have purpose and a sensory component. Everyone at every age can move!
Are you involved with any outside organizations? If so, what?
I have always been involved in school-related activities for my kids such as being a long-term room parent, 4-H leader, among others. As our boys are older, I am finding other ways to be involved in our community. I currently help serve meals for Manna Kitchen, to help community members in need, at St. Gregory’s Church each Monday evening.
What do you like to do in your free time? 
I think of life as a big buffet of new and interesting things to try, learning new things is fun. I like adventure and have gone sky diving, parasailing, and got to ride in a race car. I love travel with my family and to follow live music with my husband. I enjoy nature and travel photography, powerwalking with audio books and my dogs, playing golf and hanging out with my awesome friends. I do a little bit of ghost hunting and am a beekeeper. I like to read if I sit down long enough for that.
How do you like to celebrate a win or a good day?
I would celebrate many things with a very big frozen margarita, with lots of salt, with my friends.
What is your favorite quote or saying?
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
Favorite Sports Team?
Mizzou Tigers football
Sweet or salty?
Sweet and salty mixed together! Like movie popcorn and hot tamales, yum! And Lay’s potato chips are so good.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee, hot, black, and lots.
Beach or mountains?
I like the Florida beaches (gulf side) in the winter and the Rocky Mountains in the summer.
Go out or stay in?
I would go out, but for outdoor activities such as golf or hiking.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Related to the quote above: Chose to live as if everything is a miracle. Gratitude always.
