Staff Spotlight: Corey Bird

Get to know Corey! 
We are thankful to have Corey at The Smith Clinic. He techs with our physical therapists and teaches group fitness classes. He's also one of our coaches during our Transformation Challenges. 

Ashley: How did you come to work at The Smith Clinic, and have you worked in this field before?                                Corey: Honestly?  It was fate!  I was coming up on the deadline of finalizing where I was going to do my senior internship at the University of Memphis and I never got a return phone call from another clinic that I used to work for.  I ran a search on Google and The Smith Clinic was the first clinic nearest me.  I called and Angie was quick to respond!  Before doing tech work for 2 1/2 years at another clinic,  I worked for Ci-Ci’s Pizza.  I was the General Manager of the Cordova store when I decided to move on. 

A: We are glad that other place never called you back! 
​Tell us about your family.                    
C: I am born and raised here in Memphis.  Everyone should know my beautiful wife, Kristina.  She is a nurse at Midsouth Family Medicine.  No kids – yet.  My family is here in/around Memphis.  My mom and dad are retired and live in Bartlett.  One of my brothers is a PT at Campbell Clinic.  My other brother works at FedEx.  Kristina’s parents and her sister and family live in Knoxville.  All in all, we have 1 nephew and 4 nieces.  

A: Kristina is beautiful and so sweet. She's been a help during our Transformation Challenge kick off sessions too! I heard you are a handyman of sorts, tell us more about some of the projects/hobbies you enjoy outside of work.                                                                                          
C: I like tools!  I am always on the lookout for a good tool sale.  I have experience in painting, concrete countertops, floor resurfacing, and designer epoxy floor coatings.  I try to do most of my automotive work as well.  I helped do the blue floors in the Café at the 50 in the Liberty Bowl!

A: Wow, those are some great skills to have! What is one reason why you chose to work in the physical therapy/fitness field?                                                                                                        
C: I enjoy helping people.  I always say, “Happy to Help!”  I feel that making the experience of rehab and overall health to be as fun and productive as possible.  

A: What do you appreciate in the staff at The Smith Clinic and/or the community that we have with our patients?                                                                                                                                
C: I love how everyone is so friendly and welcoming at the clinic, from the staff, the fitness members, and the patients.  It makes coming to work an honor and a privilege!

A: I totally agree! Angie, Michael and Chris do such a good job at setting a high standard of excellence. And we do believe we have the best patients! Do you and Kristina have a favorite vacation spot or travel memory?                                                                                                 
C: Last October, my wife and I went to Ormond Beach, Florida.  We had a blast!

A: Do you or your wife do the cooking? What are some favorite dishes y’all like?                
C: When it comes to cooking, I do most of it.  My wife would rather bake.  We make a salmon dish and a taco salad at some point during the week. A: Sounds delicious! We need to get those recipes and post them here on our blog soon! 
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​Thanks to Corey for taking the time to answer some of our questions. If you haven't tried out one of his classes then you need to do so...a fun and quick way to burn some calories! 

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