Your Story Matters: Celebrating 60 Years of Practicing Physical Therapy

If you find yourself visiting Lasata Senior Living in Wisconsin, and spot a gentleman in a bowtie, chances are you’ve just met Physical Therapist, Alan. 

A little over a year ago, Alan joined Concept Rehab. Recently, he reached an extraordinary career milestone: on December 10, 2025, Alan celebrated 60 years since becoming a licensed Physical Therapist in the state of Wisconsin. 

Take a moment to learn more about Alan and his reflections on a remarkable six decades in the profession. 

Alan, what stands out most from your career?

The realization that there can be immense appreciation for what we do, although it may not always be readily apparent at the outset. When hoped-for results are not achieved, or when goals are not reached despite our best efforts, an unexpected word of kindness or a gesture of appreciation can remind us that perhaps those efforts were not in vain. 

Moments like that renew our motivation to keep trying again and again. The appreciation—and our efforts—are remembered for a long time. 

After 60 years, what helps you keep showing up?

I have always felt a need to contribute. That feeling intensified when my wife suffered multiple medical crises without utte

ring a single complaint. As a thank you for sharing her life with me, I promised to do what I could for as long as I could.

What piece of advice do you have for fellow therapists?

We are fortunate to have received a calling to help others. We can do good things that create a positive ripple effect—one we are often unaware of, but that exists nonetheless. We can do more good than we realize.

Lastly, what do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, I host polka barn dances twice a year. I also have a “younger” swimming partner who pushes me through brisk 3,000-yard workouts four days per week. 

Below are reflections from some of Alan’s colleagues, sharing their experiences working with him. 

“I’ve been blessed to have worked with Al for almost 4 years. He is a beautiful human being inside & out. Incredibly knowledgeable and a wonderful educator. An amazing PT. Sincere. Well-respected. A true inspiration.  We’ve had so many laughs over the years. Celebrating Al’s birthday in the department a month after I started at Lasata is a day I won't forget. He's so gracious to host a Barn Dance twice a year that so many look forward to. One of my fondest memories is when our rehab team dressed up as Al without him knowing for Halloween 2022. Took 1st in the costume contest that year!   Al is truly a diamond in the ruff. Congratulations on a huge accomplishment!“ - Lauren

“I have had the pleasure of working with Alan for many years, in addition to being his polka partner at his annual barn dance. From him, I’ve learned the importance of slowing down and truly listening to what matters to patients during the initial interview. Establishing a personal connection at the beginning of therapy is essential to gaining a patient’s trust and confidence. Alan is a shining example of professionalism, and I have tried to mirror that behavior at work—especially outside of the therapy department. I’ve also learned how to polka dance pretty darn well! At one point, I even had to ask Alan to slow down because I was getting winded on the dance floor, only to learn he was happy with the suggestion. Above all else, I’ve learned to strive to be kind at all times. Alan is synonymous with kindness, and we are all lucky to work with him and call him our friend.” - Kellie

"Alan is a mentor to me, as well as an encourager who always has a word of humor to lift me up and make me chuckle. We've been working together for four years, and I took an instant liking to him. I try to soak up as much wisdom from him as I can, whether it’s about physical therapy or life in general. I remember one time when he came back down to the office following an evaluation with excitement in his voice and said, “Bonnie, we’re really going to be able to help this patient!” He then went on to explain the problem and the solution. I remember thinking how wonderful it would be if more of us got excited about the clinical side of our daily work like that. I love working with him. He is a genuinely good and kind person, and I hope he continues to sit next to me in this office—until I retire! What a blessing that our career paths crossed and that we get to work together here at Lasata Care Center.” - Bonnie

“Alan is so calm and adaptable. Whether it’s a long day, a short day, or unexpected evaluations, he just takes it in stride. He adjusts his schedule for his coworkers as needed, covering evaluations on random days when I need time off. I also enjoy hearing his stories about how things have changed and progressed over the years he has been treating.” - Meghan

“Alan is a dedicated and exceptional therapist who cares deeply for all of his patients. He goes above and beyond to make sure every patient is progressing, comfortable, and having their needs met. Alan is also a funny, caring, and fantastic friend and coworker.” - Brenda

Congratulations to Alan on a remarkable sixty years. He has, without a doubt, impacted the lives of many patients, caregivers, and colleagues along the way. May we all carry a little bit of Alan within us.