Kelly Vredeveld has a vested interest in his community. He's a Bradshaw Mountain High School grad who returned to open a business in his hometown.
Vredeveld is married to wife, Erin, a Prescott High graduate, which encourages the occasional rivalry at home.
"Every year we debate which side of the field to sit on," Vredeveld said of the annual match between Bradshaw and Prescott football teams.
After his 1994 graduation from Bradshaw, Vredeveld attended Yavapai College for two years, and then transferred to Northern Arizona University. In 1998, he completed his BS in Exercise Science at NAU with honors, and entered NAU's Physical Therapy program in 1999. He graduated with his Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy in 2002. He returned to Prescott to work for a private physical therapy practice, while continuing to plan for his goal - his own business.
"I had anticipated three to four years to be out on my own," he said. "I wanted to take the reins and have the patient setting and methodology that I felt worked best."
His ideas have obviously worked, even in a tough economy, because his Canyon Physical Therapy & Aquatic Rehabilitation this month is celebrating its five-year anniversary.
Vredeveld said a number of things make his business stand out. He had a concept in mind, and in partnership with his father, he built Canyon's open, inviting building, complete with private treatment rooms, a fully equipped therapy gym, and a saltwater, chlorine-free pool.
"Without my family, there is no way I could have done this," Vredeveld said. "They are a huge part of making this all work."
Family is such an important concept that Vredeveld and his staff work to create and maintain a family atmosphere, an environment that is comfortable to patients.
Vredeveld said Canyon Physical Therapy & Aquatic Rehabilitation, with its therapists and equipment, is capable of supporting all levels of patients, from those who are very debilitated to high level athletes.
Therapists include Vredeveld, who said he enjoys both the management of his business and working with patients, Israel Albarran, DPT, and Ashley Millikan, physical therapy assistant. Paula McCann is a traveling therapist who will be at Canyon through January. Added to the therapists are what Vredeveld calls a "great tech and front office staff."
Canyon's therapy pool plays big part in patients' options for recovery.
"It helps get people into therapy with a faster progression," Vredeveld said. "We're geared toward functional progression - what a person wants to get back to doing. Our treatment is individualized and relates to real life."
Vredeveld said Canyon has a commitment to excellent customer service with a high level of attention, both to the patient and other details.
Canyon's Wellness Program is another option for patients who have completed therapy but want to continue their fitness or recovery program in the same environment.
"It's a nice addition," Vredeveld said. "It allows patients to continue (their rehabilitation) and have contact with a therapist, someone who knows their background."
Canyon Physical Therapy and Aquatic Rehabilitation is located at 2852 N Navajo Dr #A in Prescott Valley on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Phone is 928-772-9797 or visit the website at canyonpt.com.
Vredeveld and his staff invite the public to an Anniversary Open House from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 14. The informal celebration will include refreshments, tours and an opportunity to talk with therapy staff.
