Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Wagner.
Hi Gabrielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2014, I made the leap from employee to owner and purchased Compass Therapeutic at a pivotal moment in my life. At the time, my children were in kindergarten and second grade—young enough to still need me deeply, yet old enough to witness firsthand what perseverance looks like. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with the demands of running a healthcare business was not easy. There were long days, late nights, and constant decisions that required both courage and faith.
Building a practice from the inside out meant learning every role—clinician, business owner, administrator, and problem-solver—often all in the same day. Like many women in healthcare, I experienced firsthand how rigid schedules, limited flexibility, and lack of support can make it incredibly challenging to thrive professionally while raising a family. The road was tough, but it shaped the foundation of Compass Therapeutic.
Those early years became the compass that still guides our practice today.
Compass Therapeutic was created not only to deliver exceptional physical therapy care, but also to foster a workplace where women are supported, valued, and empowered. We prioritize flexible schedules, work-life balance, and an environment that recognizes clinicians are also parents, caregivers, and whole people with lives beyond the clinic.
Our mission is rooted in empathy—both for our patients and our team. We believe that when clinicians are supported, they provide better care. When women are given flexibility and opportunity, they lead with strength and compassion. And when a practice is built on understanding and resilience, it can truly make a difference in the community it serves.
Compass Therapeutic is more than a physical therapy practice. It is a reflection of a journey—one that honors hard work, family, and the belief that success does not require sacrificing what matters most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Those early years were defined by constant tension—building a business almost entirely within school hours, rearranging schedules around pickups and drop-offs, and managing sick kids with no safety net. There was the daily pull of being needed in two places at once, and the quiet guilt of never feeling like enough—never enough at work, never enough at home. Every success came with exhaustion, every setback felt personal, yet the business continued to grow alongside my children. That experience shaped not only who I became as a business owner, but the kind of workplace I was determined to create.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Compass Therpeutic, INC?
Compass Therapeutic, Inc. is a locally owned physical therapy practice rooted in experience, compassion, and community. Founded and led by Gabrielle Wagner, MSPT, a licensed physical therapist with over two decades of clinical experience, the practice has proudly served the Vero Beach area since being locally purchased in 2014. We specialize in individualized orthopedic and geriatric physical therapy, with a strong focus on post-surgical rehabilitation, joint replacement recovery, balance and fall prevention, osteoporosis management, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and age-related mobility challenges.
What truly sets Compass Therapeutic apart is our commitment to one-on-one care. Every patient works directly with a licensed physical therapist for the entirety of each visit—no handoffs, no rushed appointments, and no cookie-cutter treatment plans. This personalized approach allows us to deeply understand our patients’ goals, tailor care to their specific needs, and build meaningful, trusting relationships that support long-term outcomes.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of creating a practice that values both exceptional patient care and a supportive workplace culture. Having built the business while raising young children, our founder intentionally shaped Compass Therapeutic to prioritize flexibility, respect, and sustainability—especially for women in healthcare. This philosophy extends to our patients as well: we meet people where they are, listen first, and care for the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
We want readers to know that Compass Therapeutic is more than a physical therapy clinic. It is a place where experience matters, time is respected, and care is delivered with purpose. Our mission is to help people move better, stay independent, and feel confident in their bodies—while staying deeply connected to the community we serve.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding the right mentor and building a meaningful network doesn’t happen overnight—it grows from showing up consistently and being genuinely invested in others. For me, the most effective networking has come through community outreach, both with patients and with referring physicians. Taking the time to educate, listen, and build trust has led to relationships that feel authentic rather than transactional. Those connections often turn into informal mentorships, collaborations, and long-term professional support.
I’ve also found that opening your doors is one of the best ways to build a network. Students are always welcome at Compass Therapeutic, and mentoring future clinicians has been incredibly rewarding. Teaching keeps you learning, creates natural professional connections, and often leads to long-lasting relationships on both sides.
Pricing:
- Insurance accepted
- Private pay $150 per visit
- Wellness packages available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.compasstherapeutic.com
