Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jenny & Kylie -. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jenny & Kylie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

As new grads following graduating from occupational therapy programs, we both started our careers working in skilled nursing facilities. We learned a lot from our patients and co-workers, but after a couple of years decided we both needed a change. We both ended up working together in an outpatient clinic within an assisted living/independent living facility. We loved this setting and establishing lasting relationships with patients. Five years ago, we decided to branch out on our own because we didn’t like being limited by the corporate healthcare structure. We wanted to be able to provide the care our patients needed and provide it where it matters most, in their own homes and the community. We now provide services to along with older adults living in the community. We initially began in the south Denver metro area but have grown our team to be able to provide services around the greater metro area and even into Colorado Springs. We thrive to encourage others to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, especially therapists. We have spoken at different conferences and have served as mentors to therapists wanting to step out on their own. While some days are difficult, the flexibility and autonomy of having our own private practice has been priceless. We wouldn’t have it any other way!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

We are both OTs with very similar backgrounds. We both started our careers in skilled nursing and then transitioned to outpatient working in senior communities. Five years ago we decided to branch out on our own because we didn’t like being limited by the corporate healthcare structure. We wanted to be able to provide the care our patients needed and provide it where it matters most, in their own homes and the community. We provide mobile outpatient occupational, physical, and speech therapy services.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

One of the best qualities for a therapist in our setting is the ability to build rapport and relate to our patients. We love having the opportunity to establish and grow our relationships with others and have really seen progress in our patients when we get to know them and what is important to them. Also, flexibility and being able to adapt in the moment. We frequently are changing our plan whether it be seeing a different patient at a different time or modifying our therapy plan for the day.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Kylie and Jenny initially met serving on the board of the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado (OTAC). Kylie was the Professional Development Chair and Jenny served as the Communication/Newsletter Editor. They had frequent meetings and eventually ended up working in the same outpatient facility. Upon working together, they knew they were a great fit and evened each other out well in the workplace. They began teaching in Creighton’s Regis pathway for OTD students and spoke endlessly on the hour long drive to campus each week. In conversation, the idea of starting a business developed and eventually flourished as we looked into the idea and sought out a mentor in Krista Covell (the then President of OTAC).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thrivetherapycolorado.com/
• Instagram: @thrivetherapyco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrivetherapycolorado