Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Cesar Rios-Villena RN, Founder & CEO of VIGEO Physical Therapy, for sharing your story with us!

Where were you born and raised, and if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?

I was born in Lima, Peru, in 1990. My parents were successful business owners, but like many immigrants, they dreamed of a better future for my brother and me. In 2001, they made the courageous decision to migrate to the United States in search of new opportunities. With the support of family and friends, they faced numerous challenges and overcame adversity.

Our journey was far from easy. We started by sleeping on a sofa and sharing a bunk bed, then moved to living in a basement. Eventually, my parents were able to buy the house where we had rented that basement, and years later, they fulfilled their dream of tearing it down and building a home of their own.

Through their perseverance and hard work, my parents paved the way for our future. They provided us with the resources and support to succeed in life, even managing to pay for college for two of their three children without taking out any loans. The youngest is still in school, continuing on the path they’ve worked so hard to create. Their support has been unwavering then, and it continues to this day.

Tell us about Vigeo PT and how long you’ve been in your industry.

VIGEO PT is an in-network physical rehabilitation practice offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy. We provide care both at our Falls Church facility and through in-home visits at no extra cost, with a large percentage of our home visits serving the Loudoun County community.

As a Registered Nurse with 11 years of experience in home health, specializing in wound and ostomy care, I became aware of the significant health disparities facing homebound patients, particularly those with socioeconomic challenges. Often, after discharging patients, I would see them return with the same conditions due to the lack of preventive care and ongoing maintenance once home health services ended. Many of these issues could have been prevented by providing habilitative therapy at home, which inspired the creation of VIGEO PT.

A staggering fact is that over 800,000 Americans aged 65 and older are hospitalized every year due to falls. This highlights the importance of our Geriatric Therapy Program, which has a large percentage of our home visits in Loudoun County, addressing the needs of this vulnerable population.

Raised with the mindset that you can only control what you can do, and to always do good for others, I carried that belief into the heart of VIGEO PT. We strive to provide quality care for everyone, regardless of social factors. What started with just two providers has grown into a practice of nine providers over the past four years, all committed to improving lives through comprehensive rehabilitation services both in-home and in our clinic.

Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that guided your career?

I’ve been fortunate to have had incredible professors, mentors, clinicians, and business owners guide me throughout my career. However, my greatest inspiration has always been my parents. Their unwavering dedication to ensuring my siblings and I succeed is what fuels me to keep going, to never stop, and to never settle. Their resilience and commitment to our future continue to drive my passion for helping others and striving for excellence in everything I do.

What is the best part of your job and why?

The best part of my job is a tie between two rewarding experiences. The satisfaction that comes from discharging a patient once their goals are met, knowing that their lives have truly changed for the better. Equally fulfilling is being exposed to a variety of scenarios and cases that allow me to educate others. Raising awareness about the prevention of future medical needs.

What is it like doing business in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?

Doing business in Loudoun and Northern Virginia has been rewarding. The sense of community here is incredible, from the supportive community members to the dedicated business owners in the chamber.

I’m particularly grateful for my amazing Senior Resource Partners LeadShare group, which has, and continues to be supportive of our goals.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for celebration and reflection. It honors the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. It’s an opportunity to recognize the resilience and achievements of those who came before us and to inspire future generations to embrace their heritage while striving for excellence in their pursuits.

What are your favorite things to do when you are not working?

When I’m not working, I love staying active. I often go for runs or play in an adult soccer league to help destress. Additionally, I am the head coach for the boys’ varsity soccer team at Edison High School, which allows me to mentor and guide our younger generation, fostering both their athletic skills and personal development.