Meet Kelsey: From Athlete to PT

Hi everyone! My name is Kelsey, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of Optimal Performance. I thought I’d share a little bit about myself, where I come from, and how I ended up in the PT world.

A Little About Me

I grew up in Spencer, Iowa with my two older siblings—a brother and a sister—and I’m also a proud aunt to three awesome kids: a 7-year-old nephew and two nieces who are 5 and 2.

My boyfriend, Jake, and I have a dog and a cat, and we recently bought a house here in Aberdeen. Between settling in and tackling home projects, we’ve definitely been keeping busy!

Outside of work, you can usually find me watching sports (Go Hawkeyes and Go Jacks!), fishing, golfing (still working on my swing!), or just spending time with friends and family.

Sports and Setbacks

Sports were a huge part of my life growing up—basketball was hands down my favorite. But like a lot of athletes, I had my share of setbacks. I tore my ACL twice along with a handful of other injuries throughout my playing years.

As tough as those times were, they introduced me to physical therapy. The PTs I worked with pushed me, supported me, and ultimately helped me get back to the sport I loved. That experience stuck with me and lit the spark for my own career path.

Why Physical Therapy?

The gratitude I felt during my own recovery is exactly what drives me today. I know first hand how frustrating injuries can be, and I also know how amazing it feels to finally get back to doing what you love.

That’s why I’m passionate about helping athletes and active individuals overcome adversity, rebuild confidence, and return to the activities that bring them joy.

My Approach

When it comes to treatment, I like to blend hands-on techniques with exercise. My goal is always to help people move better, recover stronger, and ultimately optimize their performance.

Just as important, though, I enjoy getting to know each client as a person. Everyone has different goals, and I believe the best results come when I understand what truly matters to you.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better—I’m really looking forward to meeting and working with you all!