WEST PLAINS, MO, April 06, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Mary Helen Schrag, PT, OSC, Cert. MDT has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Schrag has distinguished herself as a leader and innovator in the field of physical therapy, with a career spanning more than four decades. Since 1990, she has served as the founder and chairman of the board at Physical Therapy Specialists, where she leads a team of 20 professionals, including physical therapists and athletic trainers, and oversees subcontracted occupational therapy and speech services. In her role as a ABSPT Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Ms. Schrag manages both the operational and financial aspects of the company. Her expertise in physical therapy is widely recognized, and she is lauded for her commitment to advancing patient care in southern Missouri.

In addition to her current leadership roles, Ms. Schrag was also Chairman of the Board and Founder at Physical Therapy Specialists from 1990 to 2025. She established the clinic at just 23 years old, managing employees from its inception and building strong professional relationships with referring physicians, particularly the Columbia Orthopedic Group. Her early decision to invest in specialized equipment—prompted by encouragement from her mentors—ensured that patients in the region received high-quality care.

From 1984 to 1990, Ms. Schrag served as the director of physical therapy at Ozarks Medical Center. She was instrumental in founding the hospital's physical therapy and rehabilitation departments at a time when no such services existed locally. Her initial involvement was secured after multiple recruitment attempts by West Plains Hospital, which emphasized the community's need for qualified therapists. The hospital supported her education financially in exchange for a two-year commitment, ultimately repaying her loan and benefiting from her expertise as a therapist.

Additionally, Ms. Schrag contributed to public health initiatives as SOARHigh project manager for the Ozarks Public Health Institute at the Missouri State University which was funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health from 2015 to 2020. Throughout her career, Ms. Schrag has been actively involved in numerous professional organizations and boards. She currently serves as president of the Missouri State Board of Education and has served for 7 years and is a member of the American Cancer Society Springfield Chapter, the Central Bank of the Ozarks board of directors and the Missouri State Board of Education.

Ms. Schrag also holds leadership roles with the Board of Trustees at Missouri State University and has served on various committees related to professional regulation and education within physical therapy. Her service on three statewide boards including State Board of Education, MSU Board of Governors, PT Commission for the Board of Healing Arts under seven governors over 30 years underscores her significant longevity and influence in the field.

Academically, Ms. Schrag's background laid a strong foundation for her professional achievements. She earned a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1984 after completing a Bachelor of Arts in biology and psychology with a minor in chemistry at Drury University in 1982. Furthering her expertise, her credentials include certification as an orthopedic clinical specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties since 1993 and certification as a medical diagnosis therapy manual therapist by the McKenzie Institute USA since 1998.

Ms. Schrag's journey into physical therapy was inspired by an early interest in health care and global mission work, coupled with encouragement from mentors who recognized her potential. Initially considering medical school while at Drury University, she discovered her passion for physical therapy after observing its dynamic environment during a hospital visit.

Ms. Schrag's thought leadership is further demonstrated through speaking engagements, such as serving as commencement speaker at Drury University in 2025 and the University of Missouri in 2016, as well as panelist roles at national conferences, including the Distinguished Events Summit National Conference-Workshop for the American Cancer Society in 2026. She has also contributed research articles to advance knowledge within her profession.

Reflecting on her career, Ms. Schrag credits her success to the values instilled in her by her parents, including risk-taking, fearlessness, hard work and focus, as well as support from close friends who provided growth opportunities. She also acknowledges the unwavering encouragement from her family.

Outside of her professional work, Ms. Schrag is civically involved, serving on the board of directors for Isabel's House and holding leadership positions with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Southern Ozarks Alliance for Rural Development, the GO-CAT Community Advisory Board, the Workforce Investment Board and the West Plains Civic Center. Her volunteer work also includes medical missions to Jamaica, Ghana and Guatemala over several years.

Ms. Schrag's contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, such as Philanthropist of the Year from Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2024, inclusion among Ingram's 50 Missourians You Should Know in 2023, The Missourian Award in 2009 and recognition as one of "417 Women Who Mean Business" in 2022—a distinction highlighting exceptional female leaders with national and regional impact. She has also received a range of honors recognizing her professional excellence, leadership and service within physical therapy, as well as her broader contributions to education, community development and humanitarian efforts.

Born in Fayetteville, Ark, Ms. Schrag finds fulfillment outside her professional life through spending time with her daughter, Ashley, who serves as president of Cox Hospital in Springfield, and three grandchildren. Ms. Schrag enjoys taking them to swim lessons, helping out with family activities, riding horses, snow skiing, diving and visiting the ocean and beaches. In the upcoming years, she intends to continue making meaningful contributions that positively impact children, communities or those needing advocacy, continuing a legacy defined by service, leadership and compassion.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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