Dr. Cheryl Miller serves as the Vice President of Therapy Operations at Encompass Health Corporation, the largest provider of inpatient rehabilitation in the United States. With over 160 hospitals nationwide, Encompass Health discharges around 200,000 individuals annually who receive inpatient rehabilitation. The corporation boasts a workforce of approximately 40,000 employees, including nearly 10,000 physical, occupational, and speech therapists, all contributing to its mission of providing exceptional rehabilitative care.
Dr. Miller is an executive leader, professional coach, researcher, author, and a passionate occupational therapist. Her career spans over forty years, during which she has made significant contributions to the field of rehabilitation through her leadership, service, research, and advocacy. One of her most notable achievements is her unwavering commitment to the development, mentoring, and coaching of future leaders across the nation.
Her dedication to the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation is evident in her numerous roles and accomplishments. Dr. Miller has not only led physical, occupational, and speech therapy operations at a corporate level but has also been a pivotal figure in advancing the practice and understanding of occupational therapy. Her research and publications have provided valuable insights and have been instrumental in shaping contemporary occupational therapy practices.
In addition to her corporate and academic contributions, Dr. Miller is a recognized public speaker, often invited to share her expertise and advocate for the occupational therapy profession at various conferences and events. Her advocacy efforts have significantly elevated the profile of occupational therapy within the broader healthcare landscape.
Dr. Miller’s leadership extends beyond her immediate professional responsibilities. She is deeply involved in professional organizations, contributing to policy development and the establishment of best practices within the field. Her service has been acknowledged through various awards and recognitions, underscoring her impact and dedication to the profession.
As a mentor and coach, Dr. Miller has guided countless clinicians, helping to shape the next generation of leaders. Her efforts have ensured that her organization not only remains a leader in rehabilitative care but also a nurturing environment for professional growth and excellence.
Dr. Miller began her career in healthcare as a staff occupational therapist, accumulating over 40 years of diverse experience in the industry. Throughout her extensive career, she has held numerous positions, gaining insights into leadership, coaching, and lifestyle practices that she will share on this blog. For more than fifteen years, Dr. Miller also owned and managed a small business, operating a bar and grill, where she oversaw all aspects of the business. This unique combination of managing a small business and serving as a corporate healthcare executive provides her with a wealth of leadership experience.
Additionally, Dr. Miller is an executive and professional development coach, dedicated to helping leaders create and implement effective development plans and leadership practices. Her coaching expertise and strategies will be a cornerstone of this blog, offering valuable guidance to aspiring leaders looking to refine their own leadership skills.
Dr. Cheryl Miller’s enduring passion for occupational therapy and her visionary leadership continue to inspire her colleagues and the broader healthcare community. Her legacy is marked by a profound commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of occupational therapy and it’s leaders.
Dr. Miller’s influence extends beyond her administrative duties. She is dedicated to promoting work-life balance, a value she exemplifies through her diverse personal interests. In her free time, Dr. Miller enjoys painting watercolors, creating pottery, playing pickleball, writing her blog, and boating in the Florida Keys.
Her visionary leadership aims to inspire others within the field of rehabilitation, driving continuous improvement and innovation. Dr. Cheryl Miller’s extensive experience, combined with her dynamic approach to leadership and her commitment to personal and professional balance, makes her a pivotal figure in the realm of rehabilitative therapy and coaching future leaders.
MY STORY ……… I am Cheryl Miller, I am a mother of two amazing sons and live in an ocean front in the beautiful town of Pompano Beach, Florida. I am a true believer that if our lives are balanced and healthy then our relationships with others will also be balanced and healthy. Throughout this blog I aim to share information to inspire others to achieve personal and professional development goals and relationships that can improve their satisfaction with life and success as a leader.
Over the years I have served as a leader in many capacities. To name a few … I was the captain of my high school and college basketball teams; volunteered as a leader of my sons’ Boy Scout troops; coached numerous sports’ teams; worked as a certified spinning instructor; taught continuing education and college level courses; appointed to numerous Boards of Directors and Trustees; owned and managed my own small business; led operations for many small and large departments in hospitals; been a professional development coach; and worked as a corporate executive leader. In my current roll I lead operations for nearly 10,000 therapy professionals in more than 160 hospitals, spanning 40 states and Puerto Rico.
I fill my bucket with many fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding activities which help to keep my life in-balance. A few of my interests include pickleball, watercolor painting, photography, playing the piano, calligraphy, cycling, swimming, throwing pottery, boating, fishing, and so much more. Throughout future blog posts I hope to share stories about how many of these interests inspire and influence me and keep me in-balance. This life-balance helps me to better engage with all of the individuals that I have the privilege of leading and interacting with on a regular basis. Please enjoy my gallery of photos representing some of my most enjoyable interests and the authentic me.
