2021 40 Under 40: Brandi O'Reilly

Brandi O’Reilly, 39, has built a successful career on the idea of empowering others.

Whether it’s by building up confidence among staffers or helping children through Dynamic Strides’ occupational and physical therapy programs, O’Reilly works to build the mental strength and abilities of those around her.

The nonprofit O’Reilly started in 2018 now has a team of 13 people, an annual fundraising goal of $600,000 and a waiting list of more than 250 children who need therapy.

O’Reilly’s hopes for the future include advocating for children and educating lawmakers on how current Medicaid restrictions prevent children from getting care.

“I speak loudly for those who cannot,” O’Reilly says.

Proudest moment? Marrying my best friend and the births of my three children.

Best productivity hack? Organize priorities each week before the start of the week.

Professional aha moment? I left my previous job as a pediatric physical therapist in a school district to be more of a full-time mom, but the ideas of what this community needed in pediatric therapy would not stop. Within a few months of quitting my job, I figured out it wasn’t for me and took my ideas to the next step to start the development of Dynamic Strides Therapy.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Slow down and smell the roses. I tend to take on so much that I forget to stop and enjoy my family and myself.