South County Profile: Kelli White

Photo by Tracye Dethero

Kelli White of Cottonwood knew at 12 years-old that she wanted to become a physical therapist.

"I don't know why I wanted to become a physical therapist, I just knew that it was where I belonged," said White, who grew up in Cottonwood and attended West Valley High School until the middle of her junior year.

She then transferred to Red Bluff High School, graduating in 1991.

After high school, White attended Chico State, earning her bachelor's degree. She then started working her on pre requisites for Physical Therapy school and earned her master's degree at Sacramento State University.

After completing her master's degree, White went on to attend Physical Therapy school for a total of 11 years of university or specialist training.

While in college, White met her husband, Jason, and the two purchased Cottonwood Physical Therapy while White was still working to obtain her physical therapy license.

Cottonwood Physical Therapy has been open for the past nine years. White received her physical therapy license in 2004 and has been working at the center since that time.

White loves her job because she is able to work one-on-one with her patients. She also enjoys getting to know them and hearing the interesting things about their lives and how they got to where they are today.

White also likes to help make a difference in the lives of her clients as she works with them. White also enjoys being able to work with her husband Jason. Ninety percent of the patients at Cottonwood Physical Therapy see both White and her husband.

"I can't imagine not working with Jason. Being a small practice, we share our patients and know exactly what is going on with their conditions," said White. "If I find that I am having a problem working with a patient's injury, I can talk to Jason and he can share his ideas with me on how to treat them and I can do the same with him."

In the future, White and her husband would like to expand Cottonwood Physical Therapy.

A vast majority of the patients at Cottonwood Physical Therapy are orthopedic patients. Their therapies include work on the knees, shoulders and spine, but include many other sites as well.

The Cottonwood Community is very supportive of White and her husband. Community members enjoy healing in a small environment, instead of making the trip to Redding.

"People like to see others buy local and stay in the area to run their business," said White.

"I love my job."

Name: Kelli White.

Born where and when: Red Bluff, 1972.

Occupation: My husband and I are both Physical Therapists. We own Cottonwood Physical Therapy.

Marital Status: Married to husband Jason for 10 years.

Family: My parents, who live in Cottonwood; my brother Brent, who lives in Kiev, Ukraine, and Christopher, who lives in Montana. Also lots of aunts, uncles, cousins and a grandma that all live in the Cottonwood area.

Pets: Four black cats - What were we thinking?

My worst job: Working at a Frosty for four months. It was not a bad job, it was just not my cup of tea.

My first job: Babysitting.

In my spare time I: Spare time? What is that? I like to cook and play the piano.

My favorite book: The Harry Potter series.

My favorite recording artist: Josh Groban.

My favorite movie: I don't have a favorite movie.

My dream car: A BMW M3 that is paid for.

My friends like me because: You'd have to ask my friends.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: A way off. I get bored quickly.

The one thing in life I've learned is: Do not judge people quickly. They will surprise you in both directions.

The best advice my parents gave me: At the end of the day, we are all responsible for our own choices and behaviors. Make good choices.

My most embarrassing moment: I was riding my bike as a kid and hollering to a friend who was in his front yard. I rode into the back of a parked semi-truck trailer.

My most irrational act: I don't think I have done anything irrational of any significance. I'm too analytical.

My most valued material possession: Our cats, if you can consider them material possessions. Anything else I can replace.