It's time to for another edition of "Getting to Know..." This week's edition features Ryan Starner! Ryan is the clinic manager at Elite Therapy Solution's New Oxford location. Let's meet Ryan!

A little background...Ryan received his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in 2017 and earned his doctorate in physical therapy from Chatham University in Pittsburgh in 2019. He also completed a residency with a focus in orthopedic physical therapy in March 2022. Ryan, a native of New Oxford, developed a passion for physical therapy (PT) as a result of participating in PT to rehabilitate following injuries sustained as an athlete in high school. He believes every individual has the right to an active life and is passionate about empowering others to achieve their goals. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors, participating in sports and leading an active lifestyle through hobbies such as trips to the lake, hiking, hunting and golfing.

What originally got you interested in your current field of work?
I was injured multiple times in high school and attended physical therapy to rehab those injuries. In the process, I built a relationship with my physical therapist and grew to love the atmosphere, the idea of helping people regain their lifestyle and the individual interaction that therapists were able to give their patients. From there, with my sports background, my passion grew and led me to the path of becoming a physical therapist.

their independence and overall functional ability again. That is easily the most rewarding and enjoyable part of my job as a physical therapist. 
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What is the career highlight you are most proud of?
I am most proud of completing my orthopedic residency in physical therapy. It was a specialized one year program focused on the evaluation and management of orthopedic injuries and conditions from a physical therapy perspective. The program has allowed me to grow my skills and ability to be a leading professional in the area for physical therapy and I believe it was a valuable education that is going to translate into the overall improvement in health and wellness in our community. 

learning the most optimal movement patterns will reduce stress on the body and allow for safe and effective exercising, allowing you to continue to do what you enjoy longer. 
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Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names and what type of animal(s) are they?
I have one pet, and her name is Onyx. She is a nine year old black Labrador retriever.
 
What are some of your hobbies when you aren’t at work?
My favorite hobbies outside of work are spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy going to Penn State football games in the fall as well as going hunting. My friends and I frequent Lake Raystown and spend time at a cabin and enjoying the outdoors. My fiancé and I enjoy the outdoors and will go kayaking and hiking. We also like to visit historical sites in our free time.  Overall, anything that involves being active and outside is what interests me the most.

A little background... As an executive director at various branches with the Gateway Region YMCA in St. Louis, MO, Cami led with a growth mindset, 
​embracing change, challenges and opportunities to develop and guide staff. Under her 15 years of leadership in the greater Saint Louis (STL) region, the Y experienced tremendous growth in philanthropic efforts, community partnerships, membership/program innovation, revenue growth and resource mobilization. Aside from serving as an executive director at multiple branches, she assumed leadership positions on several committees within the STL YMCA association, for the YMCA of the USA and within the communities she served.  Cami was passionate about leading the association’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Committee initiatives because she believes an association is stronger when they are inclusive. However, nothing has compared to her experience of coaching/leading staff personally and professionally throughout her career.

What originally got you interested in your current field of work?
I was a YMCA kid and had first-hand experience of the benefits that YMCA had to offer! I learned how to swim and play sports at my hometown YMCA in Springfield, Illinois. When I moved to STL for graduate school, I was looking for a part-time job and noticed an opening at a YMCA near where I was living. I love kids, sports, leading people and giving back to the community, therefore, it was a perfect fit for me. The Y shaped me into the person I am today!  

What is your favorite part of your workday?
Hearing how the Y has helped enhance or change someone’s life. Perhaps they came to the Y to become healthier, meet a friend or just belong! It is wonderful to hear why people join the Y and how grateful they are to belong to a place that serves everyone in the community!

What is the career highlight you are most proud of?
When I was at the YMCA in sTL, I was often known as the fixer. I would be asked to go [from] one Y to another to help rebuild a team, generate more revenue, change culture etc. My biggest highlight would be seeing those YMCA’s go on to win the YMCA of the Year award after I left. I love seeing teams working together for the greater good of their YMCA and community.

What reality show would you want to be on and why?
I have always wanted to be on the Price is Right with Bob Barker! Who doesn’t want to be in the Showcase Showdown!?!

What is your favorite movie?
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

What is the best food you have ever eaten?
Indian food in Pembroke, Wales. We were vacationing after attending the 175th Anniversary of the YMCA on London. Seriously, the best meal we have ever had hands down!

If you had a month off to travel anywhere you desire, where would you go?
​We would rent a boat and head towards the Maldives and other various islands!