Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born on Feb. 2, 1972, in Greenville, Miss.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I attended secondary school at Carroll Academy (in the Delta). I then furthered my education at Millsaps College, where I graduated in 1994 with a degree in biology, and then earned a degree in physical therapy at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1996.
Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job/company.
A: I'm currently employed as a physical therapist at St. Luke Health Care and Hospice, and I travel to treat our clients remotely in the comfortable setting of their own homes.
Q: What led you to your profession?
A: For my entire life, I've always had a strong desire and personal drive to work in the medical field. I originally envisioned taking the route of going to medical school, but while I was at Millsaps, I was encouraged by one of my counselors to consider pursuing a career in physical therapy, which, as it turned out, was some great advice.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Something unique that I really enjoy about my job is the one-on-one type of setting, where the clinician and the client can communicate clearly. It allows me to help them through whatever physical problems they may be having, whether it's an injury or a disability, and help to return them to their normal life functions.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
A: Ironically, some of the most challenging parts of my job are the exact same aspects that go hand-in-hand with many things that I enjoy. For instance, most clients have very unique situations, so there's not a universal fix for everything. I like the challenge of constantly exploring what should be the next step in finding those unique ways for them to reach their goals because every case is different.
Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?
A: I'd say the best lesson I've ever learned is to be a good listener. Simply sit and listen to what your client has to say because they know themselves better than anyone and they will tell you what they need. It's a process and you have to be patient, understanding and encouraging to your client. It's very important to be optimistic because they're often very concerned, and as their therapist, they will sometimes hang on your every word.
Q: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to do something in the medical field. I'm not really sure why, because there's no one else in my family history that has ever been a physician or nurse or anything like that.
Q: What was your first job?
A: My very first job was working as a farm hand, which was fairly typical since I grew up in the Delta.
Q: Who is the person who has been most influential in your life?
A: I would have to say that my parents, as well as my entire family, have been sort of a combination of great influence in my life. They've always been there to encourage and support me, and overall they're influence has made me a better person.
Q: What is your spouse’s name?
A: I am married to my wife, Amber Mattox.
Q: Do you have children?
A: Yes, Amber and I have a son, 20-year-old Parker, and a daughter, 17-year-old Anna Price.
Q: If you could have anything for your last meal on earth, what would it be?
A: Growing up in the Delta, I would naturally have to choose fried catfish as my last meal on earth.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I've never really thought too much about that, but I suppose if I had a choice, I would enjoy traveling to see the old Aztec and Mayan Ruins.
Q: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I work so much that I really don't have any specific hobbies. I prefer to just spend any extra time with my family, and then we all decide together what's fun to get into at the time.
Q: What do you enjoy about Columbia and Marion County?
A: Since I've been living here for about the past 25 years, it's always amazed me how everyone treats each other like family. Even the first week when I moved here as an outsider, I can remember eating at Jack's Restaurant and everyone was just so friendly and welcoming
Q: What clubs or organizations are you involved with? Where do you go to church?
A: I'm not currently affiliated with any organizations. My family and I attend Morgantown Church of God.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone from your life or history, who would it be and why?
A: If I had the chance to meet up again for lunch with someone, it would be my grandparents. I would really enjoy sitting down with them and learning more about our family's history and ask them questions about things I was too young to know at the time they passed away.
Q: What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
A: I can't think of any specific guilty pleasure that I've ever had, but I suppose you could say that I probably get into my job too much, since I often work six to seven days a week.
Q: What moment in your life has had the biggest impact on who you are today?
A: That's a pretty easy one for me -- the biggest moments that have ever impacted my life were the births of my two children. Having them in my life makes me want to strive to be the best person I can be.
Q: What is one thing you want to do that you’ve never tried?
A: The one thing I'd like is, for any one of our state universities to play in the National Football Championship, and be able to attend it and sit on the 50-yard line while they win the game.
Q: Using one word for each, what are your top three defining characteristics?
A: I'd say my three defining characteristics are: dedicated, encouraging and resilient.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: After I'm gone, I would like to be remembered as a kind person who was always willing to help anyone in need.
