Billie Wagner’s story begins on a farm just outside of Spillville, Iowa, a place where movement, routine, and connection to the world around her were part of everyday life. That foundation naturally shaped who she would become. Now a student at Winona State University, Billie is pursuing a degree in Exercise Science with a minor in psychology, driven by a deep belief that physical activity and mental wellbeing go hand in hand. For her, understanding the body has always been important, but understanding the mind, and how the two work together, is what truly brings her passion to life.
That passion is what led her to Home and Community Options (HCO), where she found an internship experience that challenged expectations and expanded her perspective. While many in her field follow a more traditional path, Billie was drawn to something different, an opportunity to connect movement with meaning, and health with independence.
At HCO, no two days look the same, and that’s exactly what Billie loves most. Her work takes her into the community and into people’s lives, walking through stores, swimming at the YMCA, lifting weights, participating in aquafit classes, and even enjoying weekly bowling outings. Beyond the activities themselves, her role is rooted in something deeper: encouraging individuals to stay active while supporting their independence and personal goals.
What surprised Billie most wasn’t the work itself, but the people. Each individual she supports brings their own personality, preferences, and pace to the day. She quickly learned that while routines are important, flexibility matters just as much. Meeting people where they are, physically and emotionally, can make all the difference.
Before starting her internship, Billie expected a more structured, clinical environment. Instead, she found something far more meaningful: a community built on positivity, respect, and genuine relationships. At HCO, support doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s the point. Individuals are empowered to make their own choices, shaping their days around what matters most to them. That sense of autonomy left a lasting impression on Billie and reinforced the kind of professional she hopes to become.
Some of her most meaningful moments have come through simple experiences. She recalls one day at the YMCA, swimming with an individual who found pure joy in being in the water, moving freely, taking breaks when needed, and later relaxing in the hot tub, sharing how much better he felt. It was a powerful reminder that even small opportunities for movement can have a big impact on someone’s wellbeing.
Another connection that stands out is her time spent with an individual she now visits multiple times a week. What started as a slow introduction grew into a relationship filled with laughter, music, and trust, dancing to country songs, smiling through every moment in the pool, and sharing in the simple joy of being present. These experiences have shown Billie just how meaningful access to the community can be, and how important those moments are for the people she supports.
Through it all, Billie has been deeply impacted by the way HCO staff interact with individuals, with warmth, humor, and respect. She’s seen firsthand how strong relationships can be built while still maintaining accountability, something she recognizes as rare in many healthcare settings.
As Billie looks ahead, she’s preparing for her next chapter: beginning the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Des Moines University this August. Her time at HCO has helped shape that path, strengthening her skills, deepening her compassion, and reinforcing her commitment to helping others live more independent, fulfilling lives.
To anyone considering a similar path, Billie would wholeheartedly recommend an experience like this. It’s not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about growing as a person. It’s about learning patience, flexibility, and the value of meeting people where they are.
If she had to describe HCO in just a few words, Billie keeps it simple: fun, inclusive, community.
And outside of it all, she still finds joy in the same things that shaped her early years, running around the lakes in the morning, baking cookies on the weekends, spending time with loved ones, and training for her next marathon. Because for Billie Wagner, movement isn’t just something she studies or teaches, it’s something she lives.
