Everyone has a story that guides their path, and we are excited to share the story of this long-time Concept Rehab employee, Mario Baker. Mario is a Physical Therapist who is a part of our rehabilitation team at a facility in Wood County, Ohio. He has been working with Concept Rehab for 12 years.
Why he choose to become a Physical Therapist
Originally from Warrensville, Ohio, Mario’s first exposure to physical therapy was during an eighth grade career day where he got to learn about the “day in the life” of this great occupation. A few years later, he had the opportunity to work as a physical therapy care support attendant during his junior and senior year of high school. Since then, Mario knew he wanted to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist and eventually received his Bachelor’s degree at Bowling Green State University in Applied Health Science and his Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences with an emphasis in Physical Therapy at The University of Toledo.
Why Concept Rehab?
After receiving multiple job offers, Mario chose Concept Rehab as the company to help him build his career - and we are very glad he did! When asked why he chose Concept Rehab, it’s the core values we instill in every aspect of our business and the fact that we are therapist-owned and operated that gives him the confidence in the work he does.
Mario’s best career decision
Mario says the best career decision he has ever made was to become an educator. He has been an instructor for physical therapy assistant students in an associate degree program at Professional Skills Institute for the past 10 years and he has held an adjunct lecturer position at The University of Toledo in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. He also serves on the advisory board at the University of Toledo for the physical therapy program and annually assists at the University with the interview process for new admissions to the physical therapy program. Becoming an educator allows him the opportunity to stay in an environment where he can continue to learn new skills for his practice in the field as a clinician as well as inspire students in their study to becoming a Physical Therapist. Being an instructor, he wanted to ensure he was giving his students, as well as the residents within the facility he serves, the latest and greatest techniques. Mario is currently completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Arcadia University.
What inspires Mario in his successes?
Not only is Mario a Physical Therapist and university instructor, he is also a husband and father to four children. He has said many times that his family, along with his personal drive and self-motivation, are what encourages him to be successful in all that he is pursuing today. This motivation and encouragement has been recognized countless times throughout his career. Mario was recently appointed to the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainer Joint Board and the physical therapy section of the board. He is also one of our 2017 Jim Gamble Award winners and recipient of the 2020 Educational Foundation of OHCA Joan Bayer Family Foundation Scholarship.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
(Colossians 3:23 New King James Version)
At Concept Rehab, we are grateful to have Mario Baker as a part of our team! When asked about Mario, his Director of Operations, Tracy Huff, said, “He treats everyone with dignity and respect and has demonstrated integrity in all aspects of his job duties and responsibilities”. This drive and exemplification of our core values of Commitment, Respect and Integrity are a true testament to the person he is in the therapy gym, classroom and at home.