About Us
WHY CHOOSE US
Strive! is certified by Medicare as an OutPatient Rehabilitation Agency, providing a comprehensive approach to patient evaluation and treatment.
OUR MISSION
Enhancing the lives of our patients by helping them return to normal activities and self‐sufficiency quickly and safely.
WHAT WE DO
OUR CORE VALUES
Humanity
Service
Value
Integrity
Quality
Who We Are
In 1997, we changed our name to Strive! and since that time we have continued growing. We currently have offices in Ocala and Belleview.
Our standards are high – we strive for excellence in all that we do: providing the best possible patient care, unmatched customer service, and an unwavering commitment to our core values.
We are leaders in our profession, and proud to have been named by Focus On Therapeutic Outcomes as a “Center of Excellence” and have been ranked as #1 top-ranked provider in the nation on six occasions.
We are are also Medicare-certified as an Outpatient Rehabilitation Agency, providing a comprehensive approach to patient evaluation and treatment. Our objective is to return our patients back to a productive life as quickly and safely as possible.
We offer therapeutic services to all physically challenged, disabled, and injured individuals regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or geographic location.
1984
1997
Now
What do our clients say?

Once you finish your basic PT, my suggestion is to join the gym here and keep coming back until you are very, very comfortable. I know, with my personality, I couldn’t go home and do this myself because I would find way too many things to do, not to exercise. But what I really like about Strive! are the personalities of the people who work here. It’s like a family. They keep driving me.
This place saved my life.
Our Administrative Staff
Our administrative team is located at 2300 SE 17th St, Ocala, FL 34471, just down the street from our Maricamp Center.
Rick Shutes, PT, CEO
Avena Dat, Healthcare Administrator
Amanda Kennedy, Human Resources
Joe Halter, DPT – Compliance
Renee Tyre, Accounting
Rebecca Hoban, Executive Assistant
Renee Tyre
Staff Accountant
Amanda Kennedy
Human Resources
- BA in Criminal Justice
Experience
- Working for Strive since 2016, Previously worked in Healthcare in many roles since 2010
Hobbies and Personal Interests
- I enjoy spending time with my husband, and two kids.
- Graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2018 with my Bachelors degree.
- Starting school in 2021 to earn my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Experience
- Working for Strive since October 2018, Previous experience in banking
Hobbies and Personal Interests
- Strive! has been an asset in preparing me for school and helping me gain as much knowledge as possible in real world Rehabilitation.
- Camping and Family
Rebecca Hoban
Executive Assistant
Joe Halter
Physical Therapist
Joe’s clinical duties include working at West Marion Community Hospital, Ocala Regional Medical Center & providing Work Comp specialty testing.
Additionally, Joe serves as Strive’s Compliance Officer and one of our frequently requested Community Educators.
Credentials
- Florida Southern College: Bachelor of Science (Biology & Psychology)
- Baylor University: Master’s & Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Memberships
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Florida Physical Therapy Association
- Toastmaster’s International
Hobbies and Personal Interests
- Public Speaking
- Self Defense & Shooting Sports
- Certified Firearms Instructor
- Cooking
- Church Activities