Feb. 7, 2023

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Jenna Bortnem, a physical therapist at Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital.

Name: Jenna Bortnem

Age: 32

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I moved away right out of graduate school for a few years but knew I would eventually make my way back to Sioux Falls. My husband was offered a job back here in Sioux Falls, and we couldn’t jump fast enough at the opportunity to move back! We are fortunate to be back in Sioux Falls now, where I was born and raised.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I like how Sioux Falls offers such a wide variety of activities, while simultaneously having a “small-town” feel. I can’t think of anything I would ever need to do that I wouldn’t be able to do in some capacity here in Sioux Falls. At the same time, it’s not uncommon to see someone I know or have a connection to at the grocery store.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I love helping people get back to what they enjoy doing! Oftentimes, people come to see me in a very vulnerable state — pain, surgery, etc. — and I get the opportunity to help them get back to doing activities they love! I also enjoy that my job is so variable and I get to work with people from all ages and backgrounds. Every patient I meet has such a unique story, and I am fortunate to get to know them so personally!

How did you get connected to your industry?

My mom is a physical therapist, so I got to grow up around the profession and realized as I got a little older that it would be a great profession for me.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Supportive, dedicated, rewarding.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I could eat pizza for every meal.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

My favorite way to give back to the community is through helping those in need, whether that is donating to local shelters or giving to the church to support various ministries.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

The Cheesecake Factory.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

Some sort of collaboration between mental health assistance for children mixed with a shelter for dogs. Maybe a dog shelter where children can come to receive animal therapy from the dogs there. It’s a work in progress. 🙂