Cultivating Work-Life Balance through Meaningful Care
For Brooke Pflum, becoming a Director of Therapy was all about family, a busy life, and a simple desire to help people. Growing up in a small town in southern Minnesota, she got her first glimpse of healthcare while visiting her grandparents in a memory care unit. Seeing firsthand what therapists do inspired her to pursue a path of helping others.
Brooke spent her first two years of college at St. Cloud State University before transferring to Mankato State to finish her undergraduate degree. Everything clicked during her senior year when she walked into the therapy department and instantly felt at home. As Brooke recalls, "It kind of just clicked for me that I always wanted to help people. The people really did it for me, just seeing how much those therapists cared." She moved four hours away to attend occupational therapy school at Allen College in Waterloo, Iowa. After two and a half years of hard work, she earned her master's degree and relocated to Des Moines in February 2020.
Since officially taking over as the Director of Therapy at the end of January, her busy days have been a continuous and fast-paced whirlwind. Her daily routine changes constantly, she is always on the move treating patients, taking phone calls, meeting with families, and syncing closely with the wellness and executive directors.
Despite the incredibly hectic schedule, she still somehow manages to find the necessary time for lunch, outdoor runs, and her own personal life. That fast pace could easily lead to severe burnout, but Brooke stays completely grounded because of the incredible work-life balance currently offered at Blue Stone Therapy.
.png?width=350&height=350&name=Untitled%20design%20(18).png "Brooke Pflum, Director of Therapy, Copper Shores Village, Pleasant Hill, Iowa")
That flexibility was actually a major reason she joined the team. Blue Stone Therapy truly cares about its employees, knowing that therapists can only take great care of patients if they are supported themselves. The company gives Brooke the freedom to set her own hours and manage her schedule. Whether she wants to work a straight eight-hour shift or split up her day to take her daughter to an appointment, the company culture allows it.
The organization also makes sure its team never feels alone. Brooke saw this firsthand during her first week when an incredible mentor showed her the ropes. That mentorship grew into a lasting friendship, giving her a reliable sounding board for questions. Supported by two leaders who truly care about her life outside of work, Brooke can show up fully for both her family and her career, a rare gift in healthcare.
Because she feels so valued, Brooke can put all her energy into what she loves most: personalizing care for her patients. For her, it is all about boosting morale and bringing joy to people going through a difficult time. Whether she is helping someone get groomed so they feel better about themselves or just pausing to enjoy the view of Copper Lake with them, she loves making that one hour of their day better.
This dedication perfectly matches the company's mission of "Building Strength to Enhance Lives." Brooke views her role as far more than just a typical paycheck. "Building Strength to Enhance Lives' is such a strong, bold statement," Brooke explains. "We're not just here for a paycheck, we are here to give our patients meaningful care.” It is her chance to live out the company's "Blue Energy" culture. She loves sharing that positive, empowering spirit with others, proving that when an employer truly takes care of its people, you really ca;n balance a rewarding career with a full personal life, allowing you to show up as your absolute best self for your patients, your loved ones, and yourself every single day.
Article Written By: Sarah Linder
Sarah uses her creative talents to build uplifting environments and inspire those around her. Driven by a passion for making a meaningful difference, she channels her artistic perspective into work that encourages and supports others. Her commitment to bringing positivity and genuine warmth to her community shines through in every project she touches.