Patient care and a healthy culture are priorities for Ryan Mueller at the Nashville clinic

09/14/23 12:00:pm

Since 2008, Ryan Mueller, director of operations in Nashville, has enjoyed learning and advancing in his career at Rogers.

“I originally applied to be an experiential therapist since I graduated with a degree in psychology and a minor in recreational therapy,” says Ryan. “I didn’t get that job because I was a little green and was told I’d be a better fit as a residential counselor while I worked to get my CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) license. It didn’t take long before I was drawn to more of the CBT side of things. Since I was working daily with behavior specialists, it was a natural interest.”

Ryan worked at the OCD and Anxiety Center in Oconomowoc as a residential counselor (known now as mental health technician (MHT)) for two years before moving into the behavior specialist role.

“In the residential setting, you see patients all day, every day,” he says. “You really get to see CBT work firsthand and its life-changing impact in real time. I thought to myself, ‘I want that.’”

When the Nashville clinic opened in 2015, Ryan took advantage of an opportunity to relocate and continue in direct patient care as a behavior specialist, a role he held until another opportunity presented itself.

“When Monica (Robertson) was promoted to VP of operations for the Northern Service Area in November 2022, I was able to become director of operations,” he says.

In his latest role, Ryan says he’s able to use all that he’s learned working with patients to make the Nashville clinic the best it can be.

“I feel blessed that I have so much firsthand experience with our patient care,” he says. “I can bring that mindset of how I want the programs to run while making sure we’re continuing to deliver the best care possible. I love being part of the process and the incredible work that we do. I stand behind the life-changing treatment we provide.”

Ryan works hard to balance caring for as many patients as possible with maintaining a positive culture for the Nashville team.

“My job is to make sure we’re a sustainable, thriving clinic, and that the patient care we’re providing is second to none,” he explains. “I also want to make sure my colleagues are working in a very healthy culture, that they’re satisfied and engaged, and that there are opportunities for growth. I want us to be a well-oiled machine.”

Ryan says he enjoys being part of training new clinicians and sees Rogers as a place anyone can grow their career.

“It’s really nice to see some of the initiatives that have rolled out,” he says. “Hopefully, I can be a bridge for anyone who has questions about my journey and can find a way to support and encourage them. It’s an exciting time to be part of this organization. Good things are on the horizon.”

Ryan says for him, the learning never stops.

“I come to work every day and work to keep myself sharp,” he says. “Every day is different and it’s exciting.”

Getting to know Ryan

Ryan and his wife, Kristy, met while working at the OCD and Anxiety Center and have been married for six years. Today, they live near downtown Nashville and enjoy all the things there are to do in the city, like walk to dinner and see comedy shows.

The Muellers have a 12-year-old cat, Brody, and recently adopted a Great Pyrenees mix puppy named Brinley. Ryan says they planned to go to Hawaii this past May to make up for a trip that was cancelled due to COVID, but they decided getting a dog was the best use of their time and money for now. Maybe the third time will be the charm? In the meantime, Ryan adds Brinley is keeping him on his toes.