Women in Business Series – Winter Haven Chamber

Women in Business Series – Sports Medicine on Skis

Local sports medicine doctor, Michelle Henne, can be found around Winter Haven getting active and playing sports. In fact, if you ever watch the Cypress Gardens Water Ski team on the 3rd Saturday of the month, you might just see her skiing on Lake Silver! Her presence on the water ski team is not only a representation of her passion for sports and activity, but it also represents her love and dedication towards our community.

Dr. Michelle Henne, owner of Relevé Sports Medicine and physician specialized in the non-surgical and non-opioid treatment of joint pain, graduated from the University of South Florida. After medical school, she completed her residency at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and her sports medicine fellowship at Orlando Health. At first, she and her husband thought they’d settle in Orlando, but because of her husband’s roots in Winter Haven and the need they saw for sports medicine here, they decided that Winter Haven would be the perfect place to start their journey with Relevé Sports Medicine.

Relevé Sports Medicine has been servicing the residents and visitors of Winter Haven for two years now and they aren’t planning to slow down. In just two years, Michelle has already made deep connections with our local schools, as well as higher education organizations. Currently, she is the team physician for Polk State College, working alongside athletic trainers to care for the medical needs of their athletes. She also works with Webber International University, Warner University, Lakeland Renegades Rugby League and All Saints Academy. Not only does she see athletes, but she also sees active adults with joint pain that is slowing them down from the activities that they enjoy doing or affecting their ability to work.

One of her main goals is to bring more athletic trainers to the area. “Ideally, we would have well-trained and well-equipped trainers at every school in the county, so that care is easily accessible for all students in athletics.” Michelle continues to have regular meetings with county officials and principals to brainstorm ways to bring more of these professionals to the area. “If we can bring these services to where the people are, and give them more access, then we can continue to increase what we are doing in the healthcare arena here in Winter Haven.”

Michelle has fully committed herself to providing quality care and services not only to all of her clients, but also to the many other organizations and initiatives she devotes herself to. Michelle has been involved in fundraising for the Junior League of Winter Haven through events like their Light Up the Night 5K, Kids in the Kitchen, teacher mini grants, student scholarships, as well as helping to gather necessities for women who don’t have the necessities after having their babies at the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital. She also participated in Leadership Winter Haven Class and through that program made vital connections and got a better understanding of the community.

One of Winter Haven’s most historical staples, the Cypress Gardens Water Ski team, is another part of her community involvement. “The unique thing about being a part of the water ski team is that it connects people across the entire community. We have attorneys, teachers, doctors and physical therapists on the team.” These Winter Havenites that come from a variety of different backgrounds and occupations who collaborate together to present incredible shows to the community free of charge. Michelle loves the collaborative spirit of Winter Haven, so much so that she collaborates with many local business on a regular basis. She works with Protected Trust, Techmate, Peterson & Myers, CliftonLarsenAllen and others. “This isn’t just me. This is all about other businesses that continue to support each other so we can all grow.”

Although Winter Haven has been a catalyst in her career, she also gives credit to the support of her family and mentors. For Michelle, she found a mentor in her father-in-law, who has helped her create a solid foundation for her business. “Talk to people who have been there before and they can help you get to where you want to go.” Michelle also encourages finding mentors through organizations like Central Florida SCORE as well as respected community leaders.

When asked what it means to be in a woman in business, Michelle compared it to being a woman in medicine. “Being a woman in business is very similar to being a woman in medicine, in that, historically, it isn’t the norm. But as time goes on, we see more and more woman leading successful businesses.” She also thinks it’s special that women bring a different approach and perspective to how they do business and she is proud to be a part of that.

Whether she is on her water skis on Lake Silver or meeting with a patient in her doctor’s office, Michelle promotes excellence in all she does, making her a wonderful example of what it means to be a dedicated woman in business.