They sit, an impressive trio of 24-karat Marion-PCI/Rock Valley Physical Therapy gems, each with one eye locked on the present and the other excitedly fixed on the future. There is enthusiasm in their words and compassion in their actions.
Their backgrounds are varied in many ways, yet their goals are aligned, especially with the latest task before them.
Ashley Dostal, LAT, ATC, Michael Schwartz, LAT, ATC, MBA, and Jonathan Staab, PT, DPT, BFR, have found their respective callings – and footings – in an awesome setting nestled squarely inside an impressive Iowa town.
Dostal and Schwartz are the athletic trainers for Marion, Iowa-based Linn Mar High School, an amazing blend of nearly 2,300 young people surrounded by a bevy of caring and compassionate coaches, teachers, parents and administrators. Dostal and Schwartz are the first line of offense for Linn Mar athletes, with Staab at the ready, forever willing to assist the two trainers – and Linn Mar athletes – with his dedication and advanced expertise as a physical therapist.
Recently, the bond between Marion-PCI/Rock Valley and Linn Mar forged a tremendous leap forward, with Rock Valley moving from its Marion-PCI/Rock Valley Physical Therapy location at 1260 35th St., Marion, to 917 Barrington Parkway, Suite A, Marion, just a few hundred feet from the gorgeous Linn Mar campus. The clinic is in partnership with Physicians Clinic of Iowa (PCI) Orthopedics.
“We have absolutely loved our working relationship with Marion-PCI/Rock Valley and appreciate our district recognizing and supporting us having athletic trainers and physical therapists on site or near our campus for our student-athletes,’’ said Linn Mar athletic director Tonya Moe. “Our school district continues to grow, and the responsibilities and expectations of our coaches are evolving every year. Their jobs become more demanding, so it is nice to take the “trainer” title off the many hats they already wear.’’
Moe says working with special people, tremendous Marion-PCI/Rock Valley professionals, simply makes everything work for the Linn Mar family.
“Ashley, Michael and Jonathan are always so professional with our student-athletes and families,’’ Moe said. “But they also have a level of care and empathy that is very much appreciated. As the athletic director I always know our athletes are in capable, qualified hands.’’
In any setting, finding the perfect fit is never easy. The combination Marion-PCI/Rock Valley Physical Therapy and Linn Mar High School have created the perfect life’s storm for the forever-upbeat and dynamic Dostal.
“Linn Mar is special on so many fronts,’’ she said. “The student-athletes are engaged, and they care. They are hard workers, have the support of their parents, have tremendous coaches and an administration that is in full support of them. The athletic department is amazing. Student-athletes come to us at a tough time, and it is up to us to make sure they are at their best when they return to play. Working for Marion- PCI/Rock Valley and having a great relationship with the Linn Mar community is the best.’’
Staab, an empathetic, patient-first therapist, simply lives the mantra that his role is to give anyone the opportunity to increase their overall quality of life and be able to return to what they love doing or achieve a goal they’ve set for themselves.
“When I think about life in general, I think about moments of impact and what makes the most impact,’’ said Staab, an ever-gifted and compassionate sort, who like Schwartz and Dostal, has a tremendous sense of humor. “When I look at that – through the physical therapy profession – I am doing something important in life. There is nothing more rewarding than having a positive impact on someone’s life, and I believe that is what we are doing each day. I am also doing it with like-minded people who have the intent each day to better the lives of others. And that is rewarding.’’
Schwartz, a tremendously skilled, down-to-business type with great comedic timing, is the most recent addition. From an athletic family, his course of bettering the lives of those in need began at an early age.
“Growing up in and around sports was beneficial,’ said Schwartz, noting he has several family members in the athletic training field. “My parents were sports enthusiasts, and I was exposed to a wealth of sports growing up. In high school I realized I had varsity-caliber, high-school ability, but not collegiate-level ability,’’ added Schwartz. “But I knew I wanted to stay in sports and began shadowing our athletic trainers as a sophomore. Today, being around all aspects of sports in a high school setting, being there for the athlete, is a big part of why we all do what we do. I’m excited for the future.’’
As a group, Dostal, Staab and Schwartz all share great enthusiasm regarding their relationships with Linn Mar and the Marion community. The new clinic setting simply takes that positive to another level.
“We are literally right across the street from Linn Mar,’’ said Schwartz. “We can walk an athlete to the clinic and walk them back, we are that close. It makes our job that much easier. If that athlete needs something more, we are close enough to get them in and get them seen with Jonathan.’’
“You want to have an impact on your community,’’ Dostal said with a smile. “We all have that opportunity, whether it be us with Linn Mar or Jonathan in the clinic and with the athletes. You never forget someone who helps you get better.’’
Added Staub: “It is amazing,’’ he said of the new location. “Same great care, but more room to work and provide better care for all. You combine that with Linn Mar being so close and you have the perfect combination.’’
Like Marion-PCI/Rock Valley Physical Therapy, Linn Mar High School and the Marion community.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller