Meet Denise Higdon: A Leading Voice in Occupational Healthcare in Memphis
Located in the vibrant and bustling city of Memphis, one of the most captivating and melodic places in the U.S., we want to introduce you to an inspiring figure making waves in the world of occupational healthcare. Her name is Denise Higdon, and she is the proud owner of WorkSite CARE Clinic – the only locally owned and certified woman-owned occupational healthcare clinic in the area.
A Passion for Helping Others
Denise’s journey into the field of occupational therapy began in her early years as a competitive gymnast. Spending countless hours at the gym not only honed her physical skills but also paved the way for her lifelong commitment to health and wellness. While coaching a girls’ gymnastics team at Wimbledon Sportsplex during her college years, she had a transformative experience.
When asked to teach private lessons to a young boy who had a unique leaning to his left side due to a medical condition, Denise found herself diving deep into the world of occupational therapy. It was a lightbulb moment; she knew instantly that this was her calling. From that pivotal point, she has gracefully navigated a career that now spans over 30 years in the industry.
From Employee to Entrepreneur
Denise’s entrepreneurial journey kicked off in 1999 when restructuring at her workplace resulted in the phasing out of injury prevention programs she had meticulously developed. But here’s where the story gets intriguing; her clients loved the programs so much, they didn’t want them to end. “Companies said they would pay me directly to continue the programs, which paved my entrepreneurial journey,” she recalls.
As a single parent, Denise made a conscious decision to grow her business at a sustainable pace. Her goal was to strike a balance between being a dedicated businesswoman and a loving mom. She admits, “I’d love to say I had a clear vision. What I had was a willingness to listen to our clients, problem-solve, and make strategic plans.” And this humble approach has undoubtedly paid off.
Serving the Industrial Workforce
Today, the WorkSite CARE Clinic stands as a testament to Denise’s dedication. She and her team are committed to offering various services – from drug screens to DOT physicals, ergonomics assessments, and employee wellness training. Denise emphasizes, “We are dedicated to serving industrial workers and employees. These are our people.”
Denise shares that her clients work in factories, drive heavy machinery, and perform repetitive tasks. Each visit to their worksites presents an opportunity for her team to understand their work better, which ultimately leads to tailored, effective solutions. “Sometimes, they just need to know someone is listening and cares. That’s me. I care,” she adds with a warm smile.
A Bit About Denise
With such a busy schedule, you might think Denise rarely finds time for herself. However, she finds joy in the little things. Whether it’s cooking up a storm in her kitchen to unwind or soaking in the tranquility of the great outdoors, she makes sure to take time for herself. “When I’m not working, I’m outside being quiet and clearing my head,” she explains.
Moreover, Denise has a circle of supportive friends who help keep her grounded. “They force me to stop working and have some fun!” she laughs. She treasures the unique charm of Memphis, especially its incredible live music scene that is simply unmatched. “It’s everywhere, and sometimes it’s even free!” she exclaims.
Life Lessons and Advice
One thing that Denise truly believes in is authenticity. Her advice to others is simple yet profound: “Know you’re responsible for your own life, treat people how you want to be treated, and trust your intuition.” With a genuine passion for life, she continues to inspire others in her community.
So next time you find yourself in Memphis, take a moment to appreciate the stories of remarkable individuals like Denise Higdon. Her journey reminds us all of the power of listening, caring, and doing what you love.
