As a teenager growing up in Worcester, New York, Morgan Rutkowski enjoyed playing soccer and basketball as well as participating in band and chorus. Driven by an affinity for movement, rhythm and music, she pursued a bachelor’s of science degree in public health from the State University of New York at Potsdam.
In 2016, Rutkowski moved to Denver, Colorado to work as a home health care provider. From that experience, she realized she wanted to provide a proactive service to clients rather than reacting to their circumstances. Instead of enabling patients to justify their pain due to aging, for example, she wanted to guide them towards tangible resources that would help them feel better.
Searching for a way to make a more meaningful impact, she moved back to her home state and took a position in discharge planning, social work and recreational therapy for a 500-bed nursing home. While she enjoyed aiding patients with movement and dexterity, she still hadn’t found the passion she was searching for in her career.
Recognizing that she had an entrepreneurial spirit and an excess of energy to share, Rutkowski opened Essential Habits Wellness Center in Liverpool, New York in 2021. “I’ve always wanted to help build confidence in others and show them what they are capable of achieving,” she said. “Building on that, I realized I could make more of a lasting difference than I had in social work.”
When the time came in 2023 to make another change, Rutowski followed her dreams to Charleston where she opened the Holy City Wellness Hub. “More than a training studio, the space is designed for collaboration,” she explained. Along with personal trainer and Pilates instructor, Kyra Eby and DPT Karlye Capplemann, Rutowski, the team creates individualized approaches to promote strength, mobility and forward movement, she said. Additionally, because the Hub offers individual work stations for the providers, sessions are semi-private. “We start by talking about your goals and address your needs. From there, we guide you to find your path, your pace and your strength, opening the door to a healthier and more confident you.”
The Hub’s wellness packages include options such as physical therapy, dry needling, cupping, Pilates, strength training and more. “Whether we are taking walks on the beach or building strength in the studio, our personalized recovery plans help you heal in a way that fits your body, goals and lifestyle,” Rutowski said. “Recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s rest, movement or hands-on therapy, the process is personal. Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. By focusing on consistency, trusting the journey and showing up every single day, each challenge will make you stronger.”
Rutowski added that she’s currently working on bridging the disconnect from medical services and wellness practitioners so the Hub can provide the most cohesive care, refer doctors and prescribe exercises based on doctors’ guidance.
Having found passion and joy in her work, Rutowski and her husband also enjoy hanging out with their Husky mix named Mango, hiking, kayaking, and taking walks along the beach. Rutowski also loves to cook and bake. In addition, she volunteers for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that builds beds and delivers them to underprivileged children. “When you’re having a bad day go do something nice for someone else,” she said. “You’ll be surprised how much better it makes you feel.”
To learn more about the services that the Hub provides, visit holycitywellnesshub.com and follow holycitywellnesshub on Instagram.