Leon Robert Anderson, Jr. is the father of Growth Opps client Sports and Spine Physical Therapy founder, Leon Anderson, III. At Growth Opps we believe it is important to acknowledge the beginning and celebrate the legacy of the people our communities are built upon.

Creating Legacy

A Tribute to Leon Robert Anderson, Jr.

Mr. Anderson was the first born of six children born in Mindin, Louisiana in 1932. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Johnson C. Smith University. After earning his Post Graduate Certificate in Physical Therapy from Boston University. Mr. Anderson obtained a Master’s Degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1967.

Creating Legacy

A Tribute to Leon Robert Anderson, Jr.

Mr. Anderson was the 16th person to become a licensed physical therapist in the state of Ohio. He was the first African American elected to the national office of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). He was the first African American to open a private practice physical therapy center in Ohio. Mr. Anderson opened Centers for Rehabilitation in 1982 with five other therapists. Leon Anderson, Jr. was the authorized signatory on the physical therapy license for his son, Leon Anderson, III.

Creating Legacy

A Tribute to Leon Robert Anderson, Jr.

Leon Robert Anderson, Jr. had a tremendous impact on the physical therapy profession for over 40 years. This impact was felt on the local, state and federal levels. He was appointed by the governor to chair the Ohio PT/OT Board from 1987 to 1995. He held over 15 elected positions in the APTA. Mr. Anderson was nationally and internationally recognized as a lecturer and workshop leader in physical therapy. He provided clinical education for many physical therapy programs throughout the nation from 1961 to 1994. Mr. Anderson served on the faculty of Case Western Reserve University. He was also the Director of the University Hospital Physical Therapy Department in Cleveland, Ohio for over 20 years.

Legacy of Impact

A Tribute to Leon Robert Anderson, Jr.

Leon Robert Anderson, Jr. inspired his son Leon Anderson, III. to start Sports and Spine Physical Therapy with a focus on patient care and having a positive impact on the community. Mr. Anderson had a philosophy that “Everyone has a level of dignity that needs to be respected, regardless of their status in life.” He was an advocate for healthcare access in minority communities. He was a founding member and President of the American Academy of Physical Therapy, an organization whose mission is to provide relief to poor and disadvantaged African Americans and other minorities. The commitment to education and care for the community continues today through Mr. Anderson’s son, Leon Anderson, III, and the team at Sports and Spine Physical Therapy.

Legacy of Impact

A Tribute to Leon Robert Anderson, Jr.

“Many of our patients say Sports and Spine is extraordinary and the difference between extraordinary and ordinary is that little extra. You have helped put that extra in our company. Thank you for your friendship, teamwork, your advice and your resources.”

Mrs. Annette Anderson –

“Not just a normal funding source, but someone who we could come to with problems and you have real solutions always taking us to the next level.” “We appreciate everything you have done for us.”

Leon Anderson, III –

“You have been a high-level advisory council, all three of you. It’s been fantastic.”

Leon Anderson,III –

“I am grateful for you and your team taking a chance on me and my pop and our company.”

Andre Russell –

Sports and Spine Physical Therapy, now in their 17th year operates in 5 locations across 2 states. The practice employs approximately 30 staff and continues to grow.

“Growth Opps is proud to call Sports and Spine Physical Therapy led by Leon Anderson, III, an ideal inaugural client,” says Michael Jeans, President and CEO of Growth Opps.

“I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you guys have been for us,” says Leon Anderson, III, President of Sports and Spine Physical Therapy.