We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Dobbertien and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Initially my business was started because I needed to support and provide for my family however once I started getting things in alignment I was able to expand to begin hiring and positively impacting more of my community. My thought process now with my business is to reach as many families and positively impact the communities that I am located in as much as possible. I want to grow my business to have outstanding professional relationships and collaborations with individuals families as well

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
– My professional life began at Memorial Children’s Hospital in South Bend IN where I worked in intensive pediatric care and also with adults in rehabilitation. Later I moved to the Battle Creek area where I worked at Southwest Regional Rehab Center in the pediatric outpatient center as well as the acute care inpatient hospital. I have also been a part of home care organizations and memory care related occupational therapy. Outpatient pediatrics was always my passion even as a student in my undergraduate program. I started my business just three short months after my daughter was born when Southwest Regional Rehab Center closed unexpectedly. I worked as many part-time jobs as I could to start up my business and literally had nothing more than some of the supplies I had purchased myself when working at SW rehab. I had no knowledge or background in billing or insurance credentialing and had to learn everything from the ground up. – The number of lessons I learned along the way seems innumerable sometimes but I would say some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that good people are worth their weight in gold and that there is never regret when putting your heart and soul into something that is your passion and creates a positive impact for others. All of the hard work will be worth it and is worth it!
– I would love for the world to know that it is best to never put parameters or limitations on what you think you can do. Did my business many people told me I would never be able to run a successful business and figure out insurance or be able to help low income families by billing Medicaid but I was determined to make this happen and absolutely did. The only person who can ever stand in your way truly is yourself and finding people that have equal passion and drive will create an unstoppable force of positive change.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots for business meetings is Cafe Rica here in town. Atmosphere of diversity and has a very fun and energetic feel. Torti Taco is a fantastic place for cocktails and the best meal in town is hands down kitchen proper. Lila Arboretum during the summer for concerts and nature walks is another great spot. Kcc’s classes during the summer for young kids are also fantastic.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All of my amazing staff is the reason that I have the energy I have every day to keep going and keep reaching goals. They make all the difference in the world and their efforts and support towards the business and to their clients is an inspiration! My staff is amazing and their talents are so valuable and worthy of recognition. I am beyond grateful for each one of them!!

Website: www.functionalkidstherapy.info

Instagram: functionalkidstherapy

Linkedin: Functional Therapy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FunctionalKidsTherapy/

Image Credits
Lori Davis OT Sophie Grelson SLP Jennifer Roelof OT Maria Dobbertien MSOTR/L, BCP, LMT

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