Dr. Casey Smith
Dr. Casey Smith
Co-Owner & Co-Founder
Operations, Finance & Management
Professional Credentials: M.Ed. in Higher Education; M.S. in Human Services Counseling. Ph.D. in Higher Education.
My background is a little different from what you might expect to find at a physical therapy clinic! While my wife, Annette, brings the clinical expertise, my professional interests have always centered on helping people, developing organizations, and figuring out how to make things work better. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services from the University of Northern Iowa, followed by master’s degrees in Higher Education from Iowa State University and Human Services Counseling from Liberty University. Most recently, I have successfully defended my dissertation for my Ph. D. in Education.
Professionally, I’ve spent much of my career working in higher education, helping students navigate their academic and professional journeys. Along the way, I’ve developed a strong interest in organizational leadership, financial management, and business development. When Annette decided to pursue her dream of opening Mountain Laurel Physical Therapy, I had the opportunity to put those interests to work in a completely different environment. Together, we’ve been able to combine her passion for exceptional patient care with my interest in building and managing a sustainable, people-centered business.
My professional background combines higher education administration, organizational management, financial oversight, and business operations. Through my education and work experience, I’ve developed skills in budgeting, strategic planning, program administration, communication, and organizational problem-solving.
At Mountain Laurel, I’ve taken an active role in managing the business side of the practice, including bookkeeping, financial reporting, budgeting, payroll administration, operational planning, and coordinating the many moving pieces involved in owning and operating a healthcare business. While I’m not a physical therapist, I take pride in supporting and managing the professionals who provide our patients with outstanding care. My responsibility is to help build the financial and operational foundation that allows our clinical team to do what they do best.
My faith, family, integrity, and commitment to serving others are at the center of how I approach life.
I believe that people deserve to be treated with dignity, honesty, compassion, and respect, whether they’re a member of our team, a patient walking through our doors, or someone I encounter in everyday life.
I’m also a firm believer in being a good steward of the opportunities and responsibilities we’re given. Whether that’s managing a business, raising a family, or helping someone accomplish a goal, I want to approach those responsibilities with humility, diligence, and a willingness to keep learning.
Ultimately, I want to build things that matter, invest in the people around me, and leave the organizations and communities I’m part of better than I found them.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.” – Colossians 3:23
As Co-Owner of Mountain Laurel Physical Therapy, my primary focus is on the business management, operations, and continued development of the practice. I help oversee the financial and administrative aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial planning, payroll, business strategy, and identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
Another important part of my role is employee management and organizational leadership. I work to support our team through staff management, communication, problem-solving, and developing processes that help everyone work effectively together. I believe that building a successful business starts with investing in the people who make it possible, and I strive to help create a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work.
I also enjoy looking at the bigger picture—finding ways to improve our operations, strengthen the business, and position Mountain Laurel for long-term success.
While Annette and our talented clinicians focus on providing exceptional patient care, my responsibility is to help build and maintain the business foundation that makes their work possible. Ultimately, my goal is to help Mountain Laurel grow while preserving the personalized, patient-centered approach that makes our practice special.
One of the things that frustrates me most about healthcare is how complicated it can be for people to get the help they need.
When someone is dealing with pain, dizziness, or another condition that’s affecting their quality of life, the last thing they need is an unnecessarily stressful experience trying to find care, communicate with a provider, or navigate the administrative side of healthcare.
My goal is to help make the experience at Mountain Laurel as welcoming, organized, and straightforward as possible. I want patients to feel that their time matters, their concerns are taken seriously, and they’re working with a team that genuinely cares about helping them.
Even though I’m not the person providing treatment, I believe the work happening behind the scenes has a direct impact on the experience patients have when they walk through our doors.
I like working here because of the people, without question!
One of the most rewarding parts of building Mountain Laurel has been watching Annette’s vision for the practice come to life. She has always been passionate about helping people who have struggled to find answers or haven’t felt heard in traditional healthcare settings.
Being able to support that mission, work alongside her, and see our team grow has been incredibly fulfilling.
I also love that we’re building something that is genuinely ours. We have an opportunity to create a workplace where employees feel valued, patients feel cared for, and decisions are made with people rather than just numbers in mind.
Reading, Watching, or Listening To:
I am a large cinephile and would rate my top movies as the LOTR trilogy, Interstellar, and The Prince of Egypt.
Outside Of Work:
My greatest joy is spending time with my wife, Annette, and our growing family. I love finding opportunities to make memories together, whether that’s traveling, exploring the outdoors, or simply enjoying time at home.
I’ve always had a creative and entrepreneurial side, which often shows up through DIY projects, brainstorming new business ideas, and finding creative solutions to everyday challenges. I enjoy learning and challenging myself, whether that’s listening to real estate and business podcasts, growing in my faith through sermons, or exploring new interests.
I’m also a big fan of strategy-based board games and enjoy the challenge of thinking through complex problems and finding creative ways to succeed. Another meaningful part of my life is volunteering with local youth, where I enjoy building relationships, encouraging personal growth, and investing in the next generation.
Ultimately, I enjoy anything that allows me to be creative, continue learning, serve others, and spend quality time with the people who matter most to me.
