Where do you practice?
I own the practice and have 3 clinic locations as well as serve children in a variety of community settings: eight preschools/special needs schools, four medical daycares, a Belle Glade Outreach program at a church, Tennis program geared to kids with Autism, Aquatic Therapy program, a Port St Lucie outreach program, and three speciality clinics (orthotics clinic, wheelchair clinic, and AAC clinic). We are a multidisciplinary practice providing occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and feeding therapy to children birth to 21 years old. Our mission is to empower children, families, and the community by providing evidenced based quality care.
What led you to become a physical therapist?
I was born with a gift of always connecting with children. At the age of 15, I volunteered in the Explorers program, which allowed me the opportunity to observe different occupations in the medical field. I was interested in physical therapy so I began volunteering with Horses and the Handicapped. That's when I knew I one day wanted to be a pediatric physical therapist and help children.
What’s your favorite thing about being a PT?
I love so many things about being a pediatric physical therapist. I love how children adapt and change so quickly so you're always having to think out-of-the-box and creatively. I love being able to work with an entire team and treat the whole child. I love not only breaking things down from a neuromuscular perspective but also coming up with activities that fit the child's and family's goals. I love being able to help a child learn a new skill or educate a parent on how to help their child. I truly love empowering children by meeting them where they are that day and being flexible, empowering families through effective communication and helping them to achieve goals for their child, and empowering the community by providing the best evidenced based quality care through continual education on the newest and innovative techniques or modalities available.