Empower PT Alaska: A Year of Growth, Achievements, and Community Impact

December 2024 Newsletter

As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the growth, achievements, and impact Empower Physical Therapy has had in Alaska this year. It’s been a busy year for our team, and we’re excited to share the highlights of what’s been an incredible journey.

A Stronger Team & Expanded Clinics

This year, Empower grew to a team of 44 dedicated professionals, with 20 physical therapists now helping to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients. Our team’s expansion has allowed us to serve more Alaskans in more locations, and we’re thrilled to announce the opening of our third clinic, located in Palmer. In addition to our existing clinics in Anchorage and Wasilla, the Palmer clinic enables us to meet the growing demand for quality physical therapy in the Mat-Su Valley and beyond. We’ve always believed that movement can heal, and with a larger team and more clinics, we are able to serve even more communities across Alaska.

Celebrating Our Successes

We are beyond proud to have received recognition from our community this year, with Empower being named Best of the Valley and Best of Anchorage for the third consecutive year! Additionally, we were honored to win Best of Alaska in 2024. These accolades are a testament to the trust and support we’ve built with you, our patients, and the wider Alaska community. We are deeply grateful to each of you who have taken the time to vote for us, share your experiences, and be a part of our Empower family. It’s because of you that we continue to grow and strive to be the best we can be.

While we tried our hardest to be in the running for Best Workplaces in Alaska, this year, we faced some incredible competition, and although we didn’t get featured, we’re not backing down. We’re ready for next year’s campaign, and we have every intention of bringing home the award in 2025. Our team’s dedication to creating a positive, growth-oriented, and supportive workplace for our staff is something we are deeply passionate about, and we know that a strong, happy team is key to delivering the exceptional care you expect from us.

Empowering Our Community

At Empower, we believe in the importance of giving back to the communities we serve, and this year was no exception. We had the opportunity to participate in several events aimed at improving healthcare access for Alaskans. We proudly attended the Mat-Su Breast Cancer Awareness event, helping raise awareness for what physical therapy can do for those who are fighting breast cancer. Additionally, we had the opportunity to help out Glacier Surgical & Now Health in Palmer with their annual Free Sports Physicals event for middle and high school athletes, ensuring that young athletes across the Mat-Su Valley had access to the necessary health screenings to stay safe and thrive in their sports.

These events were just a few examples of how we live out our mission to Empower All Alaskans. Whether it’s through providing quality care in our clinics or engaging with the community to improve overall health and wellness, we are dedicated to creating a WOW experience for everyone we meet.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we close out 2024, we are filled with excitement for what’s to come. We are expanding, growing, and constantly striving to be better for you, our patients. Our mission to Empower All Alaskans is stronger than ever, and we’re committed to continuing to provide the highest quality physical therapy services in the state. Thank you for trusting us with your care and for being a part of the Empower family. Here’s to another year of healing, growth, and community!

Celebrating Our Empower Team’s Milestones in 2024

At Empower, we’re more than just a team — we’re a family. And this year, our family has achieved some incredible personal milestones. We’re so proud of each of our team members for their hard work, growth, and dedication both in and out of the clinic. Here’s a look at the unforgettable moments that made 2024 extra special:

Engagements

Love was in the air this year! Congratulations to these wonderful team members who got engaged:

Wishing you all a lifetime of love and happiness as you prepare for the next chapter!

Weddings

We celebrated several beautiful unions this year, as these Empower team members said “I do” to the loves of their lives:

Here’s to many years of joy and adventure ahead!

Graduations & Certifications

We’re proud of our team for continuing to grow professionally! These individuals achieved new certifications or graduated this year, reflecting their commitment to excellence in physical therapy and patient care:

Your hard work and dedication inspire us all!

Growing Families

We’re thrilled to announce that some of our team members are expanding their families or preparing for new arrivals! Congratulations to:

Your Empower family is so excited for the little ones on the way and can’t wait to meet them!

Volunteer Spirit

We are so proud of the generosity and commitment our team shows outside of the clinic. These individuals volunteered their time and skills to make a difference in the community:

Your service to others is a true reflection of the heart of Empower!

Adventuring Across Alaska

Our team truly embodies the spirit of adventure that Alaska has to offer. Nearly everyone on our staff has ventured out to explore the beauty of our state, from hiking and fishing to camping and sightseeing. Whether it’s the stunning peaks of the Chugach or the wild waters of Prince William Sound, we love hearing about the breathtaking experiences our team has had in this incredible place we call home.

At Empower, we’re more than just a team — we’re a family. And this year, our family has achieved some incredible personal milestones. We’re so proud of each of our team members for their hard work, growth, and dedication both in and out of the clinic. While we’ve celebrated some unforgettable moments already, we also want to take a moment to recognize everyone who makes Empower such a special place.

Whether you were featured in the milestones above or not, every one of you plays a vital role in our success. Your passion, dedication, and unique contributions make Empower thrive. So, here’s to Ailyssa Lim, Andrew Nuesca, Autumn Dixon, Bree Brendle, Briana Leatham, Chandler Posey, Coleman Ahrens, Derek Kelkenberg, Destiny Levra, Dustin Staley, Dusty Hibdon, Dylan Westlake, Eleni Beck, Frances Briones, Haley Soares, Hayley Lincoln, Heather Bitgood, Jacob Pollard, Joanne Schultz, Jordyn Cox, Justin Handy, Keanna Gross, Kevin Stimmel, Klaudia Bereczky, Kristina Buck, Lindsey Wright, Lyndsey Owens, Madeline Richardson, Mary Hui, Michael Hollinger, Morgan Borkovec, Nikki Scott, Rachael Koehler, Rachel Stokes, Rebecca Fisher, Renae Plummer, Rese Anderson, Ryan Dupuis, Salem Matzinger, Sarah Swanson, Steve Satran, Tacha Thompson, Wes Mennear, and Xavier Duran — your unwavering commitment and positive energy help create the Empower community we all cherish.

Thank you for everything you do — whether it’s behind the scenes or out in front, you are all integral to our success. We look forward to more milestones, more growth, and many more moments of joy in the years ahead!

Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

Alaska’s long, dark winters can take a toll on our mental well-being, with limited sunlight and harsh weather often leaving us feeling isolated or drained. In such challenging conditions, it’s crucial to remember that a healthy mind is the foundation of a healthy body—our mental resilience fuels our physical strength, and together, they help us navigate the tough months ahead.

The holiday season is upon us, and getting wrapped up in the fun, festivities, and food is easy. While the joy of the season sparks a feeling of goodwill towards others, it’s also important to remember our physical well-being. Keep yourself feeling your best to enjoy the holidays by following these three tips: 

• Remember to Move: Prioritize exercise by taking a 20-minute brisk walk or doing a home workout. Movement can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being.

• Eat with Moderation: With tempting holiday treats all around, balance sweets with wholesome meals that include fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. 

• Mind Your Posture: Whether cooking, wrapping gifts, or working from home, being aware of your posture helps minimize back and neck pain. 

Prioritizing your physical well-being helps you to be present and active in celebrating the holiday season with loved ones!

Here’s to a healthy, happy holiday season
and a fantastic new year ahead!