Over the past 14 years, Katy Vidal has grown from a new graduate occupational therapist to vice president of operations without losing sight of the purpose that first drew her to healthcare. Her story highlights how clinician autonomy, meaningful patient care, and a people-first culture create opportunities for both professional growth and better outcomes at Pro Rehab.
Finding a Calling in Occupational Therapy
When Katy began her undergraduate studies at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, but searched for nearly three years to find the right fit.
“Towards the end of my junior year, I learned about occupational therapy, and it was like a light bulb went off,” Katy says. “Something just clicked and I knew that was the field for me.”
She was drawn to a profession focused on helping people get back to activities they value.
“What I love about occupational therapy is that it’s centered around helping people do the things that give their lives meaning,” Katy says.
Whether that means preparing a meal, getting dressed independently, or playing the piano, occupational therapy is ultimately about helping people regain independence and reconnect with the parts of life that matter most to them.
The Draw of Pro Rehab
After interviewing with Pro Rehab, Katy had the opportunity to tour a facility and meet a therapy team that greatly impressed her.
“What stood out to me most was how genuinely happy everybody seemed,” Katy says.
The therapists supported one another, worked collaboratively, and clearly cared about their patients; creating a culture that set Pro Rehab apart from other facilities Katy had visited.
That first impression from 14 years ago still reflects her experience, as she has grown from a graduate working under a temporary license to her current role of vice president of operations.
What Patient-Centered Care Looks Like
For Katy, care should focus on getting to know the individual behind the diagnosis.
“Meaningful care starts with understanding what matters to the person sitting in front of you,” Katy says.
Every patient arrives with different goals, challenges, and motivations. While clinical outcomes matter, Katy believes truly patient-centered care goes beyond scores and treatment plans.
“It’s about helping someone regain confidence, independence, and dignity.”
Success looks different for every patient. The role of a therapist is to understand those goals and help patients achieve them.
A Grandmother’s Success Story
One patient remains especially memorable.
A patient was admitted to a transitional care unit after a serious fall that resulted in a broken leg. While she faced a difficult recovery, she remained focused on one goal: attending her granddaughter’s wedding.
Every therapy session became an opportunity to build the strength, confidence, and skills she would need to make that happen.
On the day of the wedding, Katy helped her prepare by working through her grooming routine, helping with her hair, and assisting her as she got ready for a day she had been anticipating for months.
For Katy, that experience perfectly captures the purpose of rehabilitation therapy.
“It’s not just helping someone recover physically, it’s helping them get back to the moments that matter most in their lives,” Katy says.
Why Individualized Rehab Care Matters
Therapists spend the most time with patients. They hear patients’ goals, understand their challenges, and witness their progress firsthand. Because of that, Katy believes clinicians should have the autonomy to use their knowledge to best serve individual patients.
This approach allows therapists to build treatment plans around the unique needs of each patient rather than fitting patients into a predetermined model of care.
“I’ve always appreciated that Pro Rehab empowers clinicians to use their judgment and expertise rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach,” Katy says.
While many therapy providers rely heavily on group treatment, Pro Rehab takes the opposite approach.
“The majority of our therapy is one-on-one,” Katy says. “That allows our clinicians to truly tailor each treatment to patient goals, abilities, and needs.”
For patients, that often translates into a more personalized and meaningful rehabilitation experience.
A Culture that Supports Careers
Many employees spend years, and even decades, building their careers at Pro Rehab.
“In an industry where turnover can be really high, that’s something rare and very special,” Katy says.
For Katy, that longevity stems from a culture that supports employees both professionally and personally. Whether it’s celebrating milestones, helping coworkers through challenges, or providing flexibility when family responsibilities take priority, she says she has always felt supported through different seasons of life.
“I’ve never felt like I had to choose between having a meaningful career and being present for my family.”
Throughout her career, Katy has found fulfillment in helping people achieve goals that once felt out of reach and empowering others to do the same.
“Watching people achieve goals they never thought possible is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”
As she reflects on the organization’s priorities, Katy sees a common thread connecting everything together.
“When I think about our values as a whole, they really come down to one thing, putting people first.”
Explore a Career at Pro Rehab
When asked what she would tell a clinician considering Pro Rehab, Katy doesn’t hesitate:
“If you’re passionate about helping other people and looking for a place where you can grow, learn, and make a difference, I think you’ll find that Pro Rehab is a pretty special place.”
Visit Pro Rehab’s careers page to learn more about current therapy jobs in Minnesota, Iowa, and North Dakota.