Exploring Life & Business with Stephanie Compton of Kids S.O.A.R. (Strengthen. Overcome. Achieve. Renew.)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Compton.

Hi Stephanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have dedicated 26 years to my career as a physical therapist. In 1999, I obtained my Master of Physical Therapy degree from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. My passion for this profession is genuine, and I feel fortunate to have worked with countless wonderful children and families throughout the years. My experience encompasses a range of environments, including:
* Schools
* Early intervention programs
* Outpatient clinics
* Aquatic therapy
* Hospitals
Additionally, I have served as an adjunct professor, teaching pediatrics in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Most recently, I achieved my Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) intro Level C certification, which has enhanced my manual handling skills to better support children in reaching their motor milestones. With a strong enthusiasm for fitness and wellness, I have taught Pilates and early morning exercise classes for past 16 years.
I am excited to run this clinic, where I can connect families and children through small group classes. Merging my love for fitness and wellness with my work with children with special needs has long been a dream of mine. I am eager to assist children of all abilities in the Northland. For the past 12 years, Smithville has been my home, where I cherish spending time with my two daughters, my husband, and my husband’s children and grandchildren.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have certainly been obstacles along this journey. While I hadn’t originally intended to launch my clinic when I did, a fantastic opportunity presented itself with an available downtown space, and I couldn’t let it pass by. Currently, I spend a large portion of my day traveling and providing early intervention physical therapy within homes, which makes it challenging to find time for marketing and promoting my services. I understand the importance of creating a space that fosters family connections, nurtures relationships, and encourages mutual support. So, I am trying to provide both in home services and clinic based services. Alongside my busy work schedule, I’ve been gaining insights into all facets of running a business which has been challenging.

We’ve been impressed with Kids S.O.A.R. (Strengthen. Overcome. Achieve. Renew.), but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business stands out from other physical therapy clinics because I provide not only traditional physical therapy services, but also enrichment classes, group classes, and adult fitness classes. My group classes are small in size to help meet the support needs of each child and family. These include:
* Parent/caregiver and child movement and music
* Adaptive dance
* Summer day camp
* Mother and baby fitness classes
* Fitness classes for caregivers of children with special needs
* Continuing education courses
* Community events
I believe in treating not just the individual child, but also in strengthening the entire family unit through connection and community. Many of the families and children who attend my classes have become friends, which makes it all worthwhile.
I am also thrilled to offer Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), the fastest-growing, internationally recognized manual therapy technique that aids children in achieving their gross motor milestones. I have attained certification at Intro Level C, enabling me to provide intensive sessions. There are only a few clinics in the KC metro area certified at this level, and I have witnessed significant progress since incorporating this technique into my practice.
Furthermore, the location of my clinic is beneficial to families that live north of the Kansas City area. My clinic is located in downtown Smithville with accessible sidewalks for children that require adaptive equipment for mobility needs. There are many kid friendly activities a family could do if they come for therapy or a group class including a cute coffee shop across the street, delicious restaurants, feeding the fish at Smithville Lake’s marina, visiting the library with a children’s section, playing at the slash pad, and enjoying one of the several parks.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have a few friends that have opened their own clinic that have given me some advice. I’m trying to put more content on Instagram to help with my networking. Also, thanks for letting me share my story with this interview.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kidssoarpt.com
• Instagram: kidssoarpt