Q: Where are you from and what experiences influenced your decision to become a PT?

“I was born and raised here in Zeeland, MI and grew up playing sports. I played soccer and baseball all through high school and finished playing with the GVSU men’s soccer team. These experiences certainIy played a role in my desire to pursue the type of career that would allow me to work with people on their ability to move, or to perform, and to do so without the limitation pain and dysfunction. However, it was after a 6-week bout with Sciatica in my first year of college, followed by a short but very successful round of PT, that I knew without question that I wanted to do this as a career.”

Q: Do you still get involved in any sports or recreation?

“I like to play softball in the summer/fall. In grad school I got into running when an uncle asked me to do a 1/2 marathon and since then I’ve completed several more. I like to take the snowboard out during the winter, if possible, bomb sled hills with my daughter, and if I’m really lucky I’ll get to surf a Lake Michigan swell.”

Q: How long have you been a PT and what are some things that keep you motivated in your profession?

“I’ve been a PT for 1O years now. Ultimately my clients are what motivate me the most. It’s rewarding to collaborate with someone and be able to help them reach their goals, and I have a responsibility and desire to be as helpful and effective as I can towards those ends. Learning the McKenzie Method early in my career and then becoming certified in it, and now working towards a Postural Restoration Certification, has been challenging but also exciting. It’s awesome to be able to learn skills that can immediately be used to help people better!”
“Another source of motivation for me over my career has been my mentors and colleagues. I’ve always tried to put myself in situations where I can be challenged and can learn from people who have knowledge and experiences that I don’t, and are also willing to share them with me. Between formal collaboration meetings, lunch, in-services, and random conversations throughout the work day, there are so many opportunities to discuss ideas, practice techniques, or seek feedback from my colleagues about patient care I’ve been so fortunate to work in that type of environment and their contributions to my practice can’t be overstated.”

Q: Now that we know a little about Nate the PT, what can you share with us about your life outside of the clinic?

“Well, I am a lucky husband to my wife Katie, and we have a 4 1/2-year-old daughter Olivia and a baby due literally any day now! We enjoy camping, going on hikes, and take frequent trips to the beach throughout the year. I dabble in the drums and enjoy occasional jam sessions with my daughter but she tends to kick me off the drums if I work. We live out in the country and the space has provided a nice respite and balance to the business of life.”

5 RANDOM QUESTIONS:

Last book you read? The Three Little Pigs
Last TV show or movie you saw? The Chosen
Are you a morning person or night owl? I tend to burn the candIe from both ends
Something that you’ve done that you never thought would be possible? Touch my toes!
Go-to Party trick? The Moon Walk!

Testimonials from Nate’s clients: