Dianne Mork, MPT

Began at Teachwell:

 2007

Why did you choose this field?

I chose the field of physical therapy because I have always wanted to help people.  Being a physical therapist allows me to make an impact in a person's life.  

What or who most inspires you?

I have worked with a lot of individuals who have had significant disabilities either new (from accident or injury) or long term.  What inspires me the most is when they have the will and drive to accomplish things that no one would ever think is possible.  I recently worked with a man who doctors said would never walk again.  He is now walking.  The mental toughness and drive to succeed that he demonstrates is amazing and truly inspiring.   

What was your favorite subject in school?

Anatomy

What keeps you motivated?

Seeing the improvement in a child's functional mobility or accomplishing something that they have been working on for a long time.   Helping children to reach their goals.  Celebrating those accomplishments with the student is great motivation.   

How do you hope to make a difference?

I hope to make a difference by being a "bright" spot in a child's day.  I hope to be a good "encourager", supporter and problem solver when it comes to helping a child reach his/her goals.   

What is your background? Experience, degrees, skills, etc.?

I have worked in physical therapy for the past 20 years.  I have worked at Avera McKennan for my entire therapy life and have worked in a variety of areas including inpatient acutes, rehab, aquatics, geriatrics, wound care, outpatient ortho and outpatient rehab.  I have worked for EDEC since 2007. Prior to going to PT school, I graduated with a Public Recreation degree from SDSU and worked at several camps and Y programs.  Because of my past experience of working with children, transitioning my career to Pediatrics was a smooth transition.