Dr. Michelle Collie PT, DPT, MS, Board‑Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, is the Chief Executive Officer of Highbar. Born and raised on a sheep farm in New Zealand, she was drawn to physical therapy after her life-changing experience as a 15-year-old basketball player with a devastating injury. Her experience as a patient of an inspirational physical therapist became the catalyst to a career in physical therapy. As owner and CEO, she has led Highbar for more than 20 years.

Her passion for helping people is matched only by her drive for igniting industry-wide changes. As President of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Rhode Island chapter, she regularly advocates for alternative payment models focused on clinical outcomes and higher standards of care. Michelle leads with passion, courage and authenticity. She believes in embracing change every day to ensure the team at Highbar is continually evolving to provide the very best care.

​In her spare time, you will find Michelle participating in just about any activity that involves water, snow or running. She lives in Providence with her husband and two teenagers, as well as their two dogs and two cats!

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Physical Therapy Degree:
University of Otago, New Zealand

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Post Graduate Education:
Advanced Masters, MGH-IHP, Boston, Massachusetts
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, MGH-IHP, Boston, Massachusetts

Certifications:
Board‑Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Dry Needling Certified

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Professional Affiliations:
President American Physical Therapy Association, Rhode Island
PR and Marketing Committee Chair for APTA, Private Practice Section
President Emeritus Rhode Island Reach Out and Read
Board of Governors for the RI Hospital
In the past Michelle has served on the Brown/Guachipilincito, Shoulder to Shoulder Board, Providence Children’s Museum Board of Trustees and the Multiple Sclerosis Board of Trustees.

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Awards and Achievements:
2019: APTA Board of Directors Service Award
2019: Providence After School Alliance (PASA) Loyalty Award.
2014: Jane L. Snyder National Private Practice of the Year award by the American Physical Therapy Association.
2014: Entrepreneurial Women to Watch Awardee by the Rhode Island Small Business Journal
2012: Rhode Island Outstanding Philanthropic Business Award, Association of Fundraising Professionals
2012: Corporate Heroes Award from Reach Out and Read in Rhode Island
2010: 40 under 40 honorees by Providence Business News
2006: Distinguished Service Award and Private Practice Service Award from the Rhode Island APTA
2004: MGH-IHP Ionta Award for Clinical Excellence

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