Today, we’re featuring Kurt Gorrell, one of our wonderful employees. Even though he will be the last one to advertise it, we are a close-knit team here at Beacon Physical Therapy and we enjoy celebrating one another when we get the chance.

Kurt has been with us at Beacon for just about 4 years. He finished his last clinical training rotation here, and we were fortunate that he decided to stay with our team! Prior to joining the Beacon PT team, Kurt had a 16-year career as a professional ballet dancer, was a competitive gymnast for 10 years, and has more than 20 years’ experience as a gymnastics coach, personal trainer and Pilates instructor. Please see below to learn more about Kurt, and help us celebrate him!

1. Hometown

I’m originally from Millersville, MD. My parents still live there, and I love going back to visit. I especially loved going to Ocean City, MD as a kid in the summers.

2. Cat or dog person

I am a total cat dad now (you don’t really have a choice when you live with a Siamese) but growing up we always had dogs. I am entirely allergic to both, but love them equally!

3. Favorite meal (feel free to include where, and with whom)

I’m not just saying this for points, but my wife is a great cook. When we go out, we love supporting restaurants and bars in our neighborhood. If you haven’t been to Beach’n SF, definitely check it out, it is an incredible vegan spot in the Outer Sunset.

4. What are three things you like to do when you have downtime

I love to surf and bodyboard at Ocean Beach and walking on the beach is a favorite weekend activity especially when the waves are too crazy to go out. I recently bought an electric guitar which I try to practice as often as I can. I also love doing my own workouts that keep my gymnastics skills up. It’s a far cry from what I used to do competitively, but I still find that time meditative.

5. Favorite lesser-known spot/activity in the Bay Area

Treasure Island is a really fun afternoon spot to hit up. Woods Beer & Wine Co. has an outpost there and Treasure Island Wines also has a really chill area where you can bring your own lunch and sit outside on picnic tables and try wines from three different vineyards/wine companies. Both have great beverages, it’s a totally low-key scene, and the views on the drive there are unreal.

6. Book, music, movie recommendations

I am a fan of books based on true-life harrowing adventures. Some recent faves: The Third Pole (Mark Synott); Touching the Void (Joe Simpson); and The Wave (Susan Casey). One book that was a game changer for me is Breath by James Nestor. It really got me clued into how important proper breathing is, and how to make some changes to improve my own breathing. I do breathing exercises every morning, and it really sets me up for the day. A movie that I would recommend to everyone if you haven’t seen it already is The Hundred Foot Journey.

7. Fun fact

Some people already know this about me, but I had a 16-year career as a professional ballet dancer. I finished my time onstage with two Broadway tours, Contact and Movin’ Out.

8. Favorite part of your job

My job now really feels like an extension of prior experience, and I like being able to carry forward that narrative. From my time playing elite soccer and then as a competitive gymnast and professional dancer, my body was so important to me and I relied so much on my physical therapists to help me figure out why I was having pain, and how to prevent it. It feels meaningful to do that for others now!

At Beacon Physical Therapy, we support our patients in leading a happy and healthy life and establishing a happy and healthy lifestyle. That includes coming in to see any of our wonderful therapists, including Kurt! He’d love to meet you and get you back to doing what you love!