Bio
Danae Mierau completed both her undergraduate and graduate-level education at the University of Missouri. Right out of school, she moved to Utah and was a PT at an acute care hospital, focusing on physical therapy interventions for patients in the ICU. She then moved to Colorado and did home health for a year which led her to find her true passion in rehab, geriatric care.
She was a rehab director at a memory care assisted living community for two years before taking the “leap of faith” and becoming the administrator of the community. Being an administrator launched her career in the senior living industry. She is currently a general manager at KARE, which is the leading solution to solve the labor shortage in senior care.
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Q&A with Danae Mierau
What is your desired transformation(s) from this alternative journey?
Currently, my desired transformation is helping develop and implement the expansion of KARE services into the therapy world to help therapists like us have increased autonomy, flexibility and financial freedom. My husband and I are expecting our first child in a few months. The most important part of my transformation is the ability to be both a successful career woman and a dedicated, loving mom.
What made you decide to become a Rehab Professional in the first place?
Growing up I was a competitive gymnast. Due to injury, I had the pleasure of working with wonderful PTs throughout my gymnastics career. Like many aspiring physical therapists, I thought I wanted to work with competitive athletes, specifically the Olympic Gymnastics Team.
What is your story behind the first sense of awareness that things weren’t quite right with your rehab career?
I had this overwhelming sense of wanting more and didn’t see that a rehab career could offer me what I was striving for. I wanted increased opportunities for career growth and leadership opportunities. I am passionate about impacting senior care and senior living on a larger scale. I aspired to lead a large, diverse team. Lastly, I wanted increased financial stability and freedom for my future family.
What are some personal struggles you went through while finding and then transitioning to an alternative career? How did you overcome them?
The judgment of what others thought when I told them I wasn’t going to practice PT any longer was definitely an internal battle I faced. However, I never doubted the decision I was making. I overcame the “doubters” by being successful in my new journey and talking with people about how I was applying my PT skillset to my new role.
What was the first sign(s) of traction with your new career? When did you know this could actually work?
I had an amazing support system when making the transition. My husband, who is also a PT, had made the transition to a nonclinical role a year prior so his encouragement was much appreciated. I knew things were going to work out when the residents, families, and employees of the senior living community started seeing the positive changes I was making in the community and began believing in me. In the beginning, they were hesitant about me taking on the administrator role because of how “young” I was.
What did you learn in your rehab career that you apply to your new career?
There are several transferrable skills and strengths that therapists possess that make them successful in different career paths and industries. My top five would have to be 1. How to get from a problem to a solution = results driven 2. Strong communication skills 3. Sales. Yes, I said it. Therapists are great at building relationships which contribute to a strong sales skillset. 4. We care. We care about people and the mission of the companies we work for. 5. Work ethic. You can’t teach someone how to work hard. Therapists consistently show up and do their best.
What is obvious to you now that you struggled to see in the moment of working in the rehab profession?
Even though I’m not currently practicing PT, the cost (financially, mentally, time commitment) of going to PT school was worth it. It’s just paying off in a different way than I originally pictured it.
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