What was your journey prior to joining ARC Physical Therapy+?
I grew up in a small farm town in Iowa. Growing up on a farm and being involved in organizations like FFA and 4-H provided many life lessons and gave me a strong work ethic.
I gained a lot of perspective studying abroad in London for an internship in Physical Therapy. There I learned independence, the ability to explore through traveling, the weight of responsibility, and a broader perspective on different ways of living.
I really started down the healthcare path though when I enrolled in the Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Program at Central College in Pella, Iowa. I had a passion for treating acute and chronic sports injuries which led me to physical therapy. While there I had amazing mentors that drove home purpose, intention and the importance of a strong work ethic.
I also carry a lot of gratitude from working in Chicago at an outpatient orthopedic clinic for four years. I was surrounded by some amazing humans that pushed me to be better. That entire experience: the people, the style of treatment, and the approach to physical therapy, led me to ARC Physical Therapy+. It was really challenging to leave that amazing company when I moved to Kansas City and I wanted to find somewhere just as special in KC. The ending of the story is happy: I found exactly what I was in search of, tenfold, when I joined ARCPT+.
When did you join the ARC Physical Therapy+ team and what roles have you held at the company?
I joined ARCPT+ in 2007. I started in the flagship clinic in North Kansas City and also worked in the Overland Park and Olathe clinics.
I have been a clinic Director for over 10 years and a multi-site director for a couple years. I have also served as the Lead of the Chart Audit Team.
What are your top goals in your current role as Partner?
One of my top goals is to bridge ARCPT+’s amazing foundation with where we need to go in healthcare, all while doing what is right and ensuring we stay true to our strong ethics and caring foundation.
Another goal is to continue to foster and grow strong and compassionate staff that deliver quality outcomes through expert skills and treatment styles.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned in your time at ARC Physical Therapy?
Teamwork. Since the beginning I have been surrounded by so many really good humans that see the value of working together. It is in their DNA to be helpful, and they are perceptive – doing what needs to be done without being told. From Day 1, this family has invested in each other, showing up for one another in so many ways whether it is work-related or not. I have been a witness to countless displays of kindness, selflessness, and support that have influenced me to continually do better.
To seek joy every day. This usually is manifested in the marriage of: having fun, investing countless hours to get the work done, and exceeding our high expectations.
To do the right thing. This has helped ARCPT+ weather many storms. We stand up for what is right. We make sure we are seen as experts in the therapy world and that therapy is recognized for what it offers.
What three traits define you?
Work ethic. I credit my parents for teaching me what a solid work ethic is, and my friends and countless co-workers who continue to show me the meaning.
Loyalty. I am loyal to those who teach me. When someone invests in me I am grateful for the opportunity and knowledge given.
Self-proclaimed well-roundedness. I have had a lot of great experiences and have had many opportunities in life that lend to having a lot of different perspectives.
What is your personal philosophy?
I believe in treating everybody as a human. We may not always agree with someone’s choices or decisions and we don’t have to support those choices or decisions, but we do have to treat them as human beings, and with kindness.
What are the top 3-5 leadership principles that have led to your success?
A work ethic that is hard to be rivaled.
Posturing my heart with the correct frame of intention.
Leading by example, not doing anything I wouldn’t expect someone else to do.
Continuing to work on myself.
Being an active listener.
What do you find most exciting about the PT space now?
The current marketplace is really competitive which is a positive. It pushes the profession to have excellent clinicians which ultimately leads to effective treatments and positive outcomes for patients.
What do you find most exciting about the PT/workers’ comp space?
I find our ability to offer comprehensive workers’ compensation solutions to employers really exciting and unique, especially when we can work directly with employers and have access to their injured workers first.
We offer a full continuum of care: injury prevention through things like post offer employment tests and our onsite programs, injury treatment through physical and occupational therapy, and return to work programs like work conditioning and FCE’s.
What do you do to take care of your team?
I like to: frequently check in, support them in any way I can, inspire them, help them grow, and just show up for them in whatever way is needed.
How do you want to impact physical therapy in the Midwest and beyond?
We want to be the go-to for workers’ compensation solutions and physical and occupational therapy. We want to be a resource for the industry because we do things the right way, we communicate well with all parties, and because our outcomes are the best.
We want to be the company who sets the bar to create constructive competitiveness within the industry and to advance the therapy profession to ensure it remains valued, not diluted by networks.
How are you involved in the community?
I am active in my faith community and through that have volunteered with Cornerstones of Care – Spofford Campus, at transitional homes, and also with Harvesters Community Food Network. As a company we have supported many organizations such as United Way and Phoenix Family.
