[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 134 (Thursday, September 17, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING MELANIE MASSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, the folks who commit their lives to 
nursing people back to health provide tremendous benefit to their 
communities. Whether it is physical or speech therapy, providing 
community members with hope during a difficult time is a noble act, and 
one that is greatly appreciated, especially when those community 
members are children. This week's Small Business of the Week employs 
folks who provide therapy sessions to adults and children alike. I 
would like to recognize Melanie Massey Physical Therapy as Small 
Business of the Week for their commitment to providing exceptional 
health and therapy services to children in Monroe, West Monroe, Ruston, 
and Shreveport, LA.
  Louisiana native Melanie Massey began her career as a physical 
therapist upon graduating from Louisiana State University School of 
Allied Health Sciences in 1993. Shortly after graduation, Melanie began 
working at LSU Medical Center in 1994, spending the majority of her 
time tending to wound and burn victims. However, she soon realized 
pediatric care was her passion. In 1995 with only 2 years of physical 
therapy experience, Melanie opened her own practice. Under the motto 
``Joyfully use your gifts to brighten the lives of others,'' Melanie 
began spending one-on-one time with her young patients, developing 
unique relationships with her clients and building a strong reputation 
attractive to patients and parents seeking top-notch therapy centers 
for their children. As her clientele grew, so did her staff. Melanie 
has hired over 20 therapists and opened three more centers across north 
Louisiana within a few years of opening her business. Pediatric 
patients enjoy a multitude of events hosted by Melanie's clinics, such 
as boy's and girl's movie night and a summer camp that specializes in 
teaching handwriting, friendship building, and sensory integration. 
Today, the Melanie Massey Therapy team consists of full-time physical 
therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, as well as 
a full billing department that allows patients to receive the necessary 
care upon arrival worry free.
  Melanie Massey Physical Therapy maintains a hopeful spirit and high-
energy staff that continuously motivates their patients in reaching 
their recovery goals. Furthermore, Melanie encourages her staff to 
continue their education while employed in her physical therapy 
centers, ensuring her staff can be among the most highly trained 
therapists in north Louisiana.
  The ability to help her patients overcome some of the most 
challenging hurdles in their young lives serves as an inspiration to 
all entrepreneurs who devote themselves to the well-being of their 
customers. Congratulations to Melanie Massey Physical Therapy and her 
team for being recognized as this week's Small Business of the 
Week.

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