Paulette Thompson’s life took a devastating turn when her husband, United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was fatally shot outside Manhattan’s Hilton Hotel on December 4, 2024. While the tragic incident thrust her into the national spotlight, Paulette Thompson’s own story extends far beyond this heartbreaking chapter.

A dedicated physical therapist with over two decades of experience, Paulette Thompson has built a distinguished career while raising two sons in their Maple Grove, Minnesota home. Her journey began at the University of Iowa, where she earned her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy in 1999 – the same institution where she met her future husband, Brian Thompson. At 51, she continues to practice physical therapy, maintaining her professional identity even as she navigates the challenges of sudden public attention and family crisis.

Who is Paulette Thompson: Beyond Being Brian Thompson’s Wife

Born in Webster City, Iowa, Paulette Thompson established herself as a dedicated healthcare professional long before her connection to the corporate world. Her roots in the Midwest shaped her early years, fostering values that would later define her career path and personal journey.

Early life in Webster City, Iowa

Growing up in Webster City, Paulette Thompson developed a strong foundation that would later support her professional aspirations. The small-town environment of Webster City instilled in her the values of community service and dedication to helping others. These formative years in Iowa played a crucial role in shaping her future career choices and personal development.

Education and professional background

Following her passion for healthcare, Paulette Thompson pursued higher education at the University of Iowa. Her academic journey culminated in earning a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy in 1999. Subsequently, she joined Park Nicollet Health Services, where she has built an impressive career spanning more than two decades. Throughout her tenure, she has specialized in rehabilitation and wellness, demonstrating exceptional expertise in physical therapy.

Meeting Brian Thompson at University of Iowa

The University of Iowa proved significant not only for Paulette Thompson’s academic achievements but additionally for her personal life. During her time at the university, she met Brian Thompson, who was pursuing his degree in business administration with a major in accounting. Their paths crossed at this prestigious institution, where Brian achieved remarkable academic success, graduating as valedictorian of his 1997 class with special honors and a GPA above 3.95.

Their shared experiences at the University of Iowa created a strong foundation for their relationship. Brian’s academic excellence, demonstrated by his position as valedictorian of both his high school and university graduating classes, complemented Paulette’s dedication to healthcare. This period marked the beginning of their journey together, leading to a marriage that would span two decades.

The couple’s professional paths, though different, showcased their individual commitments to their respective fields. While Paulette established herself as a respected physical therapist at Park Nicollet Health Services, Brian pursued a career that would eventually lead him to become the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Their relationship exemplified a balance of professional ambitions and personal connection, rooted in their shared Iowa beginnings.

Throughout her career, Paulette Thompson maintained her professional identity distinct from her role as Brian Thompson’s wife. Her work at Park Nicollet Health Services has been marked by consistent dedication to patient care and rehabilitation services. Her expertise in physical therapy has earned her recognition in the Minneapolis healthcare community, where she continues to practice and contribute to patient wellness.

Paulette Thompson’s Professional Journey

Paulette Thompson’s dedication to physical therapy spans more than two decades, marking her as a respected figure in the healthcare community. Her professional journey exemplifies a commitment to patient care and rehabilitation excellence.

Master’s degree in Physical Therapy

After choosing healthcare as her career path, Paulette Thompson pursued her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Iowa. Her academic journey culminated in 1999 when she earned her MPT degree. Throughout her educational years, she developed a strong foundation in rehabilitation techniques and patient care methodologies that would shape her future practice.

Career at Park Nicollet Health Services

Upon completing her education, Paulette Thompson joined Park Nicollet Health Services, where she has established herself as a distinguished physical therapist. Based in Minneapolis, she collaborates with a team of healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive rehabilitation services. Her practice focuses primarily on empowering patients to take control of their health journey.

At Park Nicollet Health Services, Paulette Thompson demonstrates exceptional expertise in:

• Injury recovery and rehabilitation
• Physical wellness programs
• Patient empowerment strategies
• Baseline physical ability restoration

Professional accomplishments and specializations

Throughout her tenure at Park Nicollet Health Services, Paulette Thompson has achieved notable success in patient care and rehabilitation. Her approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of patient needs. She specializes in helping patients recover from injuries and often guides them to surpass their baseline physical abilities.

In her professional practice in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Paulette Thompson maintains an impressive track record of patient satisfaction. Her dedication to patient care is reflected in her perfect 5.0 rating from patient reviews, with 100% of patients giving her the highest possible score.

Paulette Thompson’s work philosophy centers on a holistic approach to physical therapy. In her professional bio, she emphasizes her commitment to making meaningful differences in patients’ lives. Her treatment methodology focuses on:

1. Comprehensive injury recovery programs
2. Personalized rehabilitation plans
3. Long-term wellness strategies
4. Patient education and empowerment

As a physical therapy specialist in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Paulette Thompson continues to expand her expertise and contribute to the field. Her professional accomplishments include developing innovative rehabilitation techniques and maintaining consistently high standards of patient care. Through her work at Park Nicollet Health Services, she has helped countless patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Her commitment to excellence in physical therapy extends beyond individual patient care. Paulette Thompson actively participates in continuing education programs to stay current with the latest developments in physical therapy. Her specialization in rehabilitation and wellness has made her a valued member of the Minneapolis healthcare community.

Family Life in Maple Grove, MN

The Thompson family’s life in Maple Grove, Minnesota, centers around their USD 1.50 million residence, where Paulette Thompson has created a nurturing environment for their two sons. Despite living separately since 2018, both parents maintain active roles in their children’s lives.

Raising two sons with Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson wife Paulette Thompson’s dedication to her sons, aged 19 and 16, remains unwavering. As a mother, she prioritizes their activities and personal development, regularly attending their sporting events and school functions. The boys’ involvement in athletics has been a significant part of their upbringing, with both parents consistently present at team events.

The family’s shared passion for sports created lasting memories through attending Twins, T-Wolves, and Vikings games together. Furthermore, special occasions like birthday celebrations, holidays, and lake outings strengthened their family bonds. Even after the separation, both parents maintained their commitment to creating meaningful experiences for their children.

The Thompson family home

Located in the affluent suburb of Maple Grove, the Thompson residence stands as a testament to their established life in Minnesota. Although Brian and Paulette Thompson lived in separate homes approximately half a mile apart, both properties remained within the same community, facilitating co-parenting arrangements. The younger son resided with Paulette in the family home, maintaining stability in their daily routines.

The strategic proximity of their residences, less than a mile apart, enabled both parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives. This arrangement allowed for seamless transitions between homes and ensured consistent parental presence at important events.

Balancing career and motherhood

Paulette Thompson exemplifies the delicate balance between professional success and maternal dedication. With over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist, she has successfully managed her career while prioritizing her role as a mother. Her work biography reflects this dual commitment, emphasizing her love for spending time with her children and supporting their various activities.

Throughout their family life, Paulette Thompson has demonstrated remarkable resilience in:

• Maintaining her professional practice while attending her children’s activities
• Creating a stable home environment despite challenging circumstances
• Supporting her sons’ athletic pursuits and personal development
• Fostering family traditions and meaningful connections

The Thompson family dynamic showcases how modern parents can maintain strong relationships with their children despite separate living arrangements. Paulette Thompson’s approach to motherhood combines active involvement in her sons’ lives with professional dedication, creating a balanced framework for family life in Maple Grove.

Even through periods of change, Paulette Thompson has preserved the family’s core values and traditions. Her commitment to both career and family exemplifies how maternal dedication can coexist with professional achievement. The family continues to prioritize quality time together, maintaining strong bonds through shared activities and regular gatherings.

Personal Interests and Community Involvement

Beyond her professional achievements, Paulette Thompson maintains an active lifestyle filled with diverse interests and hobbies. Her personal pursuits reflect a balanced approach to life, combining physical activities with artistic expression and family time.

Hobbies: boating, biking, and playing piano

Among her favorite recreational activities, Paulette Thompson finds joy in spending time on Minnesota’s numerous lakes through boating excursions. These water adventures often become family affairs, creating cherished moments with loved ones. Moreover, she maintains an active lifestyle through regular biking sessions, which align with her commitment to physical wellness.

Music holds a special place in her life, as she dedicates time to playing the piano. This artistic pursuit showcases her creative side, offering a peaceful counterbalance to her busy schedule as a physical therapist. These varied interests demonstrate how Paulette Thompson embraces both physical and artistic pursuits in her leisure time.

Travel experiences

The Thompson family prioritized quality time together through carefully planned vacations and special occasions. These family trips served as opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories. Their shared experiences included attending sporting events, with frequent visits to Twins, T-Wolves, and Vikings games.

Family gatherings took various forms, from relaxed home viewings of sports matches to elaborate holiday celebrations. The Thompsons made intentional efforts to schedule special dinners, birthday festivities, and lake outings. These moments strengthened their family bonds and created a tradition of togetherness.

Community service and local connections

In Maple Grove, Minnesota, Paulette Thompson has established strong community ties through her professional work and personal involvement. The family’s $1.50 million home in this Minneapolis suburb serves as a base for their community connections. Their residence in this tight-knit community reflects their commitment to maintaining strong local relationships.

The Thompson family’s approach to community life emphasizes:

• Active participation in local events
• Supporting children’s activities and sports
• Building lasting connections with neighbors
• Contributing to community well-being

Through her work at Park Nicollet Health Services, Paulette Thompson combines her professional expertise with her passion for fostering well-being in the community. Her dedication extends beyond individual patient care to broader community health initiatives. This commitment to service aligns perfectly with her personal interests in promoting active, healthy lifestyles.

Currently, as she focuses on supporting her children through challenging times, Paulette Thompson continues to maintain her connections within the Maple Grove community. Her resilience and dedication to both family and community exemplify her strength of character and unwavering commitment to those around her.

Paulette Reveiz Thompson: Navigating Life’s Challenges

Recent events have thrust Paulette Reveiz Thompson into an unexpected spotlight, revealing her remarkable resilience in the face of profound personal challenges. As the estranged wife of former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, her story encompasses both private struggles and public grace.

Living separately from Brian Thompson

Long before the tragic events of December 2024, Paulette Thompson and Brian Thompson had established separate lives within their Maple Grove community. The couple maintained residences less than a mile apart, prioritizing their children’s well-being above all else. Even after their separation, both parents remained actively engaged in their sons’ lives, demonstrating their commitment to co-parenting.

Paulette Thompson notably kept her professional identity distinct, omitting mention of her marriage in her work biography at Park Nicollet Health Services. This decision reflected her determination to maintain independence and professional autonomy. Nevertheless, the couple maintained an amicable relationship, focusing on their shared commitment to their children’s welfare.

Coping with public attention

In the aftermath of Brian Thompson’s tragic death, Paulette Thompson faced intense media scrutiny with remarkable composure. Her initial response revealed both shock and concern for her children, as she told reporters, “I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children”.

As the story unfolded, she handled public interest with dignity, sharing that Brian had mentioned receiving threats related to insurance coverage issues. Her statement to the press demonstrated both candor and restraint: “Yes, there had been some threats basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details”.

Strength during family crisis

Throughout this challenging period, Paulette Thompson Maple Grove MN resident, has remained focused on supporting her children. Her sister-in-law, Elena Reveiz, immediately traveled to be with the family during their time of grief. The local community rallied around them, with Wayzata High School, where one son currently studies and the other recently graduated, expressing deep sympathy.

In her public statement, Paulette Thompson honored Brian’s memory with grace: “Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.”

The family’s tight-knit community in Maple Grove has provided crucial support during this unimaginable time. A security guard now stands posted outside Paulette Thompson’s residence, ensuring her family’s safety and privacy. Throughout these challenges, she has maintained her professional commitments at Park Nicollet Health Services, demonstrating remarkable fortitude in balancing personal crisis with professional responsibilities.

Paulette Thompson Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Paulette Thompson?

Paulette Thompson is a respected professional known for her contributions in her field. She has been recognized for her dedication and impact in both her career and community.

What is Paulette Thompson’s professional background?

Paulette Thompson is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience. She earned her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa in 1999 and has been working at Park Nicollet Health Services, specializing in rehabilitation and wellness.

Where does Paulette Thompson reside?

Paulette Thompson lives in Maple Grove, Minnesota. She resides in a family home valued at $1.50 million, where she has been raising her sons. The neighborhood has been a source of strong community support for her family during challenging times.

How many children does Paulette Thompson have?

Paulette Thompson has two sons, aged 19 and 16. She is actively involved in their lives, supporting their activities and personal development. She prioritizes creating a nurturing and stable environment to help them succeed.

What are some of Paulette Thompson’s personal interests?

Paulette Thompson enjoys a variety of activities including boating on Minnesota’s lakes, biking, and playing the piano. She also values family time and travel experiences with her children.

What impact has Paulette Thompson had on her community?

Paulette Thompson has been a pillar of support in her community, known for her kindness and generosity. Her strength and perseverance have inspired those around her, especially in times of personal hardship.

Does Paulette Thompson participate in any volunteer work?

Paulette Thompson has been actively involved in community outreach and health awareness programs. She believes in giving back by supporting initiatives focused on wellness and rehabilitation.

How does Paulette Thompson balance her personal and professional life?

Despite facing personal challenges, Paulette Thompson continues to excel in her career while prioritizing her family. She manages her responsibilities with resilience, ensuring a strong support system for her children.