Michelle Babcock joined the Spooner team in 2004, and now, 20 years later, we are here to celebrate and reflect on her incredible journey with Spooner! This exciting milestone marks two decades of growth, dedication, and hard work. Let’s take a moment to look at Michelle’s journey throughout the years.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AT SPOONER?

In 2004, Michelle worked for an outpatient sports medicine clinic in Chandler. She wasn’t looking for a new job then, but a friend of Michelle’s connected her with the Spooner Scottsdale team, which just happened to have a staff therapist opening. Michelle enjoyed the vibe of the company and the people she met, which led her to apply for the open position. Little did she know she would be calling Spooner home for the next 20 years.

WHAT DIFFERENT POSITIONS HAVE YOU HAD A SPOONER?

Michelle worked as a staff therapist at the Spooner Scottsdale clinic for two years before transitioning into a Clinic Director role at the Spooner Ahwatukee clinic. Michelle was the Clinic Director for four years. By 2010, the need for companywide operational support had developed, and Michelle transitioned to a part-time role with administrative leadership while maintaining an active schedule at the Ahwatukee clinic. Michelle has held many responsibilities since then and has had her hands in several business areas.

THE ROLE OF A CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER

Michelle has held her current role as our Chief Experience Officer for the last five years. The patient experience is something Michelle is committed to enhancing every day. Our company culture, rooted in collaboration, compassion, and continuous growth, directly influences the patient experience by fostering an environment where every team member is empowered to grow and deliver exceptional care. The patient experience has been the most developed area of her position, as it is the core of what we have delivered since Tim started the company 34 years ago. Michelle views the patient experience as a “golden thread” that runs through all patients’ interactions with our people, brand, services, and technology. She oversees this “golden thread” and ensures we deliver excellence in all ways and to every patient.

Michelle also oversees our brand experience. Michelle views the brand experience as a critical component of the patient experience, as they are closely connected. Our brand reflects our promise to our communities on what they can expect from our team and service delivery. So, it is critical that our brand message accurately reflects what our patients will experience when they call Spooner, step inside a clinic, and view our website or social media pages.

Michelle is also deeply involved with the employee experience. Michelle sees the employee experience at Spooner as the heartbeat of the company. The Spooner employee experience is why our team members choose to join the company, build their careers at Spooner, and contribute their energy to helping people achieve every day. Michelle works closely with our Director of Human Resources, Michelle Weller, to build systems that create an environment where our employees can thrive. This includes everything from training to continuing education to employee benefits to mentorship. It also incorporates how we listen to our team members and measure engagement and experiences.

The foundation of the patient, brand, and employee experiences stems from our company culture, values, vision, and core purpose of helping people achieve. Of course, Michelle is involved in the company in many other ways; however, this is just a glimpse into the role of Chief Experience Officer.

ONE OF MICHELLE’S PROUDEST MOMENTS IN HER CAREER

One thing that Michelle is most proud of in our company, which she had a big hand in, is how Spooner has built its culture. Michelle has made it her mission to disprove the notion that as we grow, we can’t keep Spooner, Spooner. Michelle says she has and will continue to ensure that the culture as Spooner improves over time. Our culture is our secret sauce. The environment we have all built helps us attract and retain talent, helps team members grow and thrive, and continues to improve as our company grows.

HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED TO KEEP GOING EVERY DAY?

Michelle says the people around her who always give their best inspire and motivate her to do the same. Michelle has a deep-rooted passion for helping others and making a positive impact. She finds joy in the little victories, whether seeing a patient’s progress or assisting a colleague in achieving their goals. She believes the key to staying motivated is to remain curious, embrace challenges, and never lose sight of the bigger picture—helping others achieve.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW PHYSICAL THERAPISTS?

Michelle’s advice to new physical therapists is simple yet profound: “Say yes.” Whether to yourself or others, say yes to trying new things and taking on different challenges, especially early in your career. The more you expose yourself to new things, the better off you will be in the long run.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME OUTSIDE OF THE CLINIC?

When Michelle is not working, she is usually on a baseball, softball, or football field with her family. She loves to be outside and stay active, whether hiking, biking, or walking with friends. Michelle is also passionate about traveling and returning to the East Coast to visit her family and her happy place, the beach.

Join us in celebrating Michelle’s incredible 20-year journey at Spooner and her unwavering commitment and dedication. She is an inspiration to all those around her!