Daily Inspiration: Meet Krista Covell-Pierson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Covell-Pierson.

Hi Krista, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I graduated from Colorado State University with social work and occupational therapy degrees. I worked in multiple healthcare areas during my career’s early stages, including social services, marketing, and even as a van driver for a skilled nursing facility. Because of my eclectic work history, I had the privilege to meet different people in the world of therapy and also other areas of healthcare. At the time, I felt frustrated that I couldn’t find a full-time position as an OT. Now, looking back on the last 20+ years, I see how valuable those experiences were and how they greatly supported me in my journey as an entrepreneur. During those early years, I established strong working relationships which eventually led me to a neuropsychologist that was searching for an occupational therapist to assist her in her neuropsychological assessments. She had a strong value for the benefit of functional assessments in a person’s normal environment which is something I could provide as an occupational therapist. I set up my business in order to provide these assessments for her and word started traveling about what I could do.

Eventually, my phone started to ring more and more with inquiries about how to have someone assessed at home. I worked with patients living with a variety of diagnoses like dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, arthritis, cancer, and more. I loved stepping into patients’ homes and helping them become more independent, safe, and empowered. I landed a full-time position as an OT with a traditional employer, managed my small business on the side, and enjoyed the variety of patients I could see. The business started to grow and I found people needed more services in the home outside of traditional healthcare models. I added physical and speech therapy, fitness training, pelvic health service, and driving assessments to our provisions. Therapists came to me when they wanted to exit their employers and set up a private practice so I set up an infrastructure to give them business support while also honoring their unique styles and values as private practitioners. Today, we provide mobile outpatient services to people living up and down the Front Range of Colorado from Wellington to Pueblo. We also provide services outside of our area via virtual platforms. Covell Care is one of the great joys of my life. I love what we do every single day to help our Colorado communities.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth, as it typically isn’t for any entrepreneur. One of my biggest challenges came with the pandemic. Running a healthcare organization during the Spring of 2020 felt like I was a captain of a ship caught in a storm. I knew I needed to take the lead, guide my ship and pray that things would be ok for our patients, contractors, staff, and the business itself. It was the most trying time in my career.

Another struggle we face currently is the lack of available therapists to provide services. As we see in many areas of healthcare, and even across the workforce in general, we need more and more therapists to work with us to meet the ever-growing needs of our communities.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work allows me to lean into my creativity as an occupational therapist and business owner. I thrive in finding a way to make things happen, connecting with others, and watching progress and success. People with dementia are near and dear to my heart, and I have spent many hours studying how to help as an OT. Supporting the patients and their families is certainly a place I feel comfortable and find joy. After a handful of years of providing care to patients living with all kinds of issues, a colleague and I started discussing the prevalence of people living with pelvic health concerns like incontinence, pain, and prolapse. We pursued an education in this area and earned our board certifications in pelvic muscle dysfunction. In addition to my clinical skills, I deeply enjoy teaching, public speaking, and sharing knowledge acquired over my journey. I recently completed a four-part video series on fall prevention that will release in January.

I’ve provided webinars, online coaching sessions, 1:1 business consultations, keynote speeches, and in-person training sessions for various organizations. I love this part of my career. I am most proud of the small things that happen every day. Getting someone approved for services with their insurance, holding a patient’s hand, creating a program to enhance care, and taking the time to listen to someone. These things don’t get noticed on a grand scale, but they are so meaningful to me. I am proud that people know when they come to me, I will be honest, helpful, and kind. Integrity matters a great deal to me and being a business leader with integrity is key.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I love the Happier podcast with Gretchen Rubin. It’s helpful, encouraging, relatable, and inspiring. I’m a big fan of the note apps on my phone to stay organized.

I like the Samsung Notes and Google Keep. The book Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod was a game-changer for me and Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. (Anything by Brene Brown is a must in my opinion!) I also enjoy the podcasts At Home with Sally and We Can Do Hard Things. The most used app on my phone is likely Audible. Audiobooks are a best friend, for sure!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.covellcare.com
• Instagram: @kristacovellpierson
• Facebook: Krista Covell-Pierson
• Other: www.covellenterprises.com