We recently had the chance to connect with Kristie Mulder and have shared our conversation below.
Kristie, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Wake up. Pull on cozy sweats (It’s cold here in MI). Go make coffee and some eggs. Sit down to eat and spend time working on my Bible study. All the while hoping neither kid wakes up early.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kristie Mulder, owner of Firm Foundation Physical Therapy. I specialize in treating patients with orthopedic concerns as well as women’s health. My practice was designed to be different. I value my patients because they are people, not customers. I want to connect with them in ways that are encouraging throughout their PT journey. In order to do that, I chose to not accept insurance. This takes the control away from insurance companies to determine what is the best care for the patient, and places that back in the patient’s court. I recently became a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and have been teaching a class for pregnant women so they feel empowered to know how to move their bodies safely in the first 6 weeks postpartum.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I feel like I have picked up valuable pieces from various leaders and mentors I’ve encountered along the way. I remember my coach and athletic trainer in college pointing out how much I enjoy relationships with people. Mentors during my clinicals taught me the importance of looking to the research to find answers. Another mentor taught me how to think on my feet, and encouraged me to continue caring for the person in front of me. My first boss opened up my eyes to seeing movement differently, and how to not treat just one plane of movement at once. Another boss taught me so much about how to build a business-take care of people instead of trying to keep them there and suck as much money as possible from them, and they will come back. Co-workers have sat and talked through hard cases with me all along the way, offering their wisdom and expertise. So it is no one person, but a collaboration of so many people along the way. I am so grateful to have encountered each of them.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of missing something and messing up. That was a hard one to overcome as I was setting up my practice. There are so many details, and I was afraid to miss something and look like a fool in front of others. I’m so thankful for this process though as it has really pushed me to be more confident, while also being ok with making mistakes. I am human. I will make mistakes. It’s ok. I can figure out how to fix them too.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I hope so. My goal is to live genuinely. I want people to come to therapy and be able to share what is really going on. They don’t need to have achieved anything for me to accept them, and I try to bring my genuine-imperfect self to sessions as well. I have loved creating Firm Foundation PT because it’s has allowed me to better express who I am as a person and a therapist instead of trying to fit into some one else’s mold.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they say I listened and shared Christ’s love with them. That in slowing down, sharing in the imperfection of life, and listening, they felt loved. Christ’s love is unconditional and I hope my love for others can be unconditional as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Firmfoundationpt.com
- Instagram: Firm Foundation Physical Therapy
- Facebook: Firm Foundation Physical Therapy
