Doctor of Physical Therapy and Clinic Manager, Apex Physical Therapy & Wellness Center
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: Hi! My name is Morgan Siems, and I am a physical therapist and clinic manager at Apex Physical Therapy & Wellness Center. I was born and raised in Aberdeen, SD, and later pursued my undergraduate degree at Concordia College in Moorhead, followed by my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.
I am deeply passionate about my work and grateful for a career that allows me to positively impact the quality of life of others while building meaningful relationships within our community. Walking alongside patients during some of their most difficult moments is both fulfilling and challenging, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support them during this time. I strive to make a positive difference in their lives—big or small.
Outside of the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my close friends and family. This past year, I married my best friend, Brendon, and we are looking ahead to 2026 with excitement as we prepare to grow our family and continue building a life together.
Q: What inspired you to get involved in your community at a young age?
A: I’ve always had a deep desire to help others—it’s something intrinsic that I just can’t turn off. Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by an environment that encouraged servant leadership and community involvement. Both of my parents were highly active in our church, school, and local community, and my education reinforced strong values, faith, and the importance of giving back. Being immersed in that kind of environment taught me by example—and through a sense of gratitude—the importance of serving others, a mindset I carry with me to this day.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: I have been fortunate to have many incredible leaders in my life, but the person who has influenced me the most is my father. He was a quiet leader—a man of integrity, compassion, and selflessness. He taught me some of my greatest lessons, including one I hold particularly close to my heart: Teddy Roosevelt’s 1910 speech, “The Man in the Arena.”
My father shared this quote to remind me that it is not the critic who counts, nor the one who points out how the strong stumble. True credit belongs to those who strive to do great deeds—who, at best, triumph, and at worst, fail, yet fail while daring greatly. This lesson has guided me through both challenges and triumphs, reminding me that it’s okay to fail. At least we tried. In life, all we can do is try—try to be better, try to help others, and try to make a meaningful impact.
Q: What does success look like to you right now?
A: My definition of success has changed a great deal over the years. It’s no longer about accolades or accomplishments—now, success is resting my head on the pillow knowing I lived today in a meaningful way. Success is knowing I acted with integrity, pure intentions, and selflessness. It’s telling my family and friends I love them, without expecting anything in return. Success is living life with intention and purpose—being fully present in every moment and making the time we have count. I love Brené Brown’s concept of sliding glass door moments, those small, everyday opportunities where we can make a profound impact on someone’s life. To me, success is recognizing those moments and valuing the difference we can make, no matter how small.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
A: I wish I had learned earlier in my career to depend more on others. As a leader, it’s easy to feel accountable for every operational and functional need of your team. While I was exposed to the concept of servant leadership throughout my education, I’ve come to realize that the best leaders don’t try to do everything themselves—they focus on helping others grow. True leadership means creating space for team members to develop skills, confidence, and independence. By doing tasks for others, we may unintentionally limit their growth and independence. As John C. Maxwell says, leaders “show the way” while empowering others to walk it on their own. I strive to foster a leadership style that serves others while giving them the opportunity to shine independently.
Q: Where do you hope to make the biggest impact over the next five years?
A: Over the next five years, I hope to make the biggest impact by ensuring that every person I interact with feels seen, heard, and valued. In healthcare, it’s easy for patients to feel overwhelmed or alone, and I want to change that by listening deeply, offering guidance, and creating an environment where they feel understood. My goal is to not only help people navigate their challenges but also to empower them to feel confident, supported, and hopeful throughout their journey.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: I’ve learned that how we experience life—and failure— depends largely on our mindset. Our brains naturally look for confirmation of what we believe, so when I approach challenges seeking learning opportunities or focusing on the long-term lessons from each setback, I notice moments that reinforce growth, connection, and gratitude. In other words, I see what I choose to look for.
This perspective has helped me completely reframe failure. Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, has shared that her father would ask her each week what she had failed at—not to shame her, but to teach that true growth comes from taking risks, stepping outside your comfort zone, and learning from mistakes. I remember hearing this story and finding so much value in it. Mindset is key: failure isn’t merely a measure of shortcomings, but an opportunity for growth.
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: My local United Way is important to me because it embodies the power of community and collective impact. It’s a way to invest directly in the people and neighborhoods around me—to support programs that address real needs, build stronger connections, and create lasting change. Being involved reminds me that meaningful impact isn’t just about big gestures, but about showing up, collaborating, and lifting others in ways that truly matter to our community.
Q: What is a hope you have for our community?
A: I hope our community can be a place where every person feels seen, heard, and valued. A place where people experience genuine connection, support, and opportunity— whether in healthcare, education, or everyday life. I hope we continue to cultivate a culture of empathy, collaboration, and growth, empowering individuals to overcome challenges, embrace learning, and thrive together. Ultimately, I hope our community reflects the very best of what we can achieve when we invest in one another.
Q: Finish this sentence: Lifting families out of poverty is important to me because…
A: It creates the foundation for dignity, opportunity, and growth. When basic needs are met, families can focus on education, health, and personal development, which strengthens the entire community. I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered, and helping families rise above financial hardship allows them to build confidence, pursue their potential, and thrive alongside their neighbors.
