By Maria Kline, PT, DPT, Tyler Gulla, PT, DPT, Drea Renteria, PTA, OMTS, and Tyler Guymon, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, Clinic Director of Spooner Avondale
Celebrating National Physical Therapy Month With Stories From The Spooner Physical Therapy Team
Have you ever wondered what inspired your physical therapist to choose their career? Or which patients stories have stuck with them over the years?
October is National Physical Therapy Month, and we’re taking the time to share stories from our team that show the impact physical therapists make.
We asked four Spooner team members what drew them to physical therapy and what keeps them passionate about it. Their stories come from very different perspectives. One changed careers at 30 to become a physical therapist. One is training the next generation of physical therapists. One supports patients through their breast cancer journey. One has spent 15 years helping patients reach goals they didn’t know were possible. Each path is different, but they all share the same goal of helping patients.
Why did you decide to become a physical therapist, and what is it like to now treat and help patients every day?
Maria Kline, PT, DPT, Spooner Old Town
“Before I became a physical therapist I had another life at the Phoenix Zoo working in events and fundraising. During that time I found my love of triathlon and injuries that came along the way. I went to PT and had so much fun there. I thought maybe this is something I could do physical therapy was also something I truly believed in for taking care of my body and healing my injuries. I sat down with LaRissa Shaps (Vice President of Company Operations), and was convinced that I could start a whole new career at the age of 30.
Here I am now after PT school in four years as a physical therapist. I love challenging myself and my patients every day to strive for a healthier life and help them return to what they’re passionate about. My favorite days are when a patient comes in and is so excited to tell me what they were able to achieve from the work we did together.”
What is a recent moment that reminded you why you became and love being a physical therapist?
Tyler Gulla, PT, DPT, Spooner Scottsdale
“The moment that recently reminded me why I love being a physical therapist came from a simple interaction with my student. I love having students because it challenges me to be intentional with how I practice, explain my clinical reasoning, and continue to grow as a clinician while helping develop the next generation of PTs. Recently, we had a patient successfully discharge after completing their plan of care, and my student looked at me and simply said, ‘That must feel really good.’ It reminded me that we aren’t here just to work a 9-5, write notes, and make people sweat, we’re here to help people get back to enjoying their lives and doing the things that are meaningful to them.”
Why do you love treating and helping patients?
Drea Renteria, PTA, OMTS, Spooner South Mountain
“I love treating and helping patients because I believe healing is about so much more than restoring movement or reducing pain. It’s about helping someone find pieces of themselves again after life has changed them.
Working with breast cancer patients has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career. I’ve had the privilege of meeting women during some of the most vulnerable and uncertain moments of their lives, after surgery, during treatment, and as they navigate changes to their bodies that they never expected. I get to walk alongside them during that journey and help them regain not only strength and mobility, but also confidence, independence, and a sense of normalcy.
What means the most to me is knowing that sometimes the small things we work on in therapy represent something much bigger. Being able to raise an arm again, reach for something without fear, hug a loved one comfortably, return to an activity they enjoy, or simply feel more at home in their own body can be incredibly powerful.
I don’t take the trust my patients place in me lightly. I want every patient to feel seen, heard, encouraged, and reminded that they are more than their diagnosis. I love being the person who can say, ‘You can do this and you will,’ and then be there beside them as they prove to themselves that they can.
For me, physical therapy is not just about restoring function, it’s about restoring hope, confidence, and quality of life. Knowing that I can make someone’s journey a little lighter, help them believe in their body again, and be a small part of their story is what makes me truly passionate about what I do.”
What keeps reminding you why you became a physical therapist?
Tyler Guymon, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, Spooner Avondale Clinic Director
“I love that I am constantly reminded as to why I became a physical therapist. Each week in the clinic I am able to work with patients that feel like there is no hope for them and frustrated that they are not able to do what they want to do. I was able to recently help a patient go from needing a full knee brace and walking with a walker to the point where she frequently forgets her cane because she is feeling so good. It brings me joy and excitement to know that I was part of that journey but mostly because I was able to help them recognize and realize their potential.”
Our team members took different paths to physical therapy, but they all stay for the same reason. They love helping patients realize what they’re capable of. If you’re ready to get back to doing what you love, find a Spooner location near you!
