Michael Joseph Binet DPT, (43) of Taos, New Mexico tragically and unexpectedly passed away on August 7, 2021. Mike was born on February 5, 1978, in Englewood, Colorado, to Bill and Maggie Binet. He was the middle child of their three sons.

Mike grew up in Denver, and spent his childhood exploring the mountains of Colorado. He loved playing soccer, sang with the Colorado Children’s Chorale, excelled in martial arts, especially judo, and enjoyed many summers at the YMCA Camp Chief Ouray where he was a camper as well as a camp counselor. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1996, did his undergraduate at Montana State University, and in 2003 he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Pacific University in Oregon.

Mike began his successful career at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. There he found a true calling as he gained expertise in providing care for children and young adults. While there he was a co- founding member of The Rett Syndrome Clinic and Complex Concussion Clinic.

Mike earned his manual therapy certification through the Institute of Physical Art (IPA), and in 2014, with his wife, Dr. Katherine Kulp DPT, began representing IPA as Clinical Lead at the Vardan Physiotherapy Center in New Delhi, India.  Mike and Katherine then spent two years sharing their skills with patients in Anchorage, Alaska.  They continued their incredible journey when in 2017, Mike was internationally recruited to serve as Clinical Lead and co-founder for the High Hopes Pediatric Therapy Center in Dubai, UAE. With his wife Katherine, he guided a global team to create and grow an innovative therapy program for underserved families and children with complex medical presentations.

After many years of traveling the world, and working to bring exceptional pediatric physical therapy to many people worldwide, in 2019 Mike and Katherine returned to the United States, settling in Taos, New Mexico, to be closer to family. Mike fell in love with the abundance of beauty, outdoor activities and the community in Taos.

Mike touched so many families’ lives during his career as a pediatric physical therapist. He had a profound love of life and of people. He was truly a giver, giving freely of himself to others. He was playful and adventurous, which gave him a unique ability to connect with children. His patients’ families called Mike “The Child Whisperer with a child-like spirit.”  He adored his wife, and enjoyed traveling and exploring new cultures with her. He loved his family and was an incredible son, brother and uncle. He was a friend to many people not only in America, but around the world, leaving a bright light everywhere he went. He lived life fully with no regrets and experienced large joy in his 43 years.

Mike is lovingly survived by his wife, Katherine Diane Kulp, his parents Bill and Maggie Binet, his brother Ted and wife Lisa and their children Liam and Emery, and his brother Thomas and wife Rebecca and their son Arden Michael.

Mike’s sense of adventure was matched by his desire to help children with special needs wherever he landed.  We invite you to honor his spirit while supporting a cause for children with disabilities, which he was passionate about – The Taos Winter Sports Teams’ adaptive skiing programs.  You may donate in Mike’s name to the link:  https://gofund.me/56a38b72.