Growing up, were you interested in sports and physical activity?
I grew up dancing, swimming, playing tennis and skiing. Growing up, it was really important to keep active. Having the opportunities to be on sports teams taught me the value in collaboration and teamwork. When I was in high school and college, I got certified in being an aerobics instructor and loved teaching zumba classes.
When did you know you wanted to be a physical therapist?
In high school, I tore part of the capsule in my shoulder during a swim meet. This was devastating as I loved swimming and this took me out for the rest of the season. I then met Dave, my physical therapist, who helped me rehab my shoulder after surgery and train to return to swimming for my senior year. During this time, I learned how physical therapy can make a huge difference in someone's life and help them get back to something they love. This sparked my interest in physical therapy. While in college, I had the opportunity to shadow in several different clinical settings. This is where I was introduced to working in the hospital setting at Roswell Park Cancer hospital. This was influential in the overall path I went during PT school and during my early years as a therapist. To be able to help someone be able to return home and care for themselves more independently had me hooked that this was what I was meant to do!
What is your educational background?
After graduating high school, I attended SUNY Geneseo College in Geneseo, NY. I studied biology with a health professionals focus. I decided to pursue physical therapy during my junior year, after shadowing PTs in a variety of settings. I attended SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY for 3 years and earned my doctor of physical therapy degree in 2008. In 2013, I received my board certification in neurology as a clinical specialist.
What is the best part about being a physical therapist?
The best part about being a PT is helping people achieve their goals, especially goals that they did not think were attainable! My goal everyday is to help those I work with live their best life.
What do you like about working at Engage?
I feel really lucky that we get to work with the clients we work with. Everyone comes ready to work and we have the opportunity to really get to know those we work with. I also really love the team we have at Engage! Everyone works together so we can provide the best care to those we work with.
What kind of patients do you work with?
I work with patients with a variety of diagnoses including Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, dizziness and vestibular disorders, balance issues and stroke.
What is one thing you want new patients to know when they start working with you?
We are here to help! Our goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you meet your goals. Letting us know what your goals are and how we can best help is really important. Also letting us know if something is not working. We want to help get you the tools to help you succeed!
If I have more questions, where can I learn more?
Visit our website, engagebrainbodybetter.com, or call us at 315-810-2423.
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