When did you know that you wanted to be a physical therapist?

As a former competitive swimmer and soccer player, I had multiple injuries that landed me in physical therapy. I worked with the same therapist from when I was nine years old until I was volunteering for hours to get into PT school. I was inspired to pursue the profession because of their knowledge of the human body and the level of impact they had on people’s lives

What’s your favorite song to get you motivated?

Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones

What is the biggest challenge involved in being a PT?

One of the biggest challenges as a PT can be managing your time wisely. When seeing patients full time, we have to manage to finish all of our documentation and still mange to take good care of ourselves.

How do you like to stay active?

I enjoy running, swimming, lifting and yoga. I also love taking group fitness classes so I’ve tried everything from orange theory to CrossFit.

What surprised you the most about the physical therapist profession?

I was amazed by how broad the profession of physical therapy. There are therapists working in hospitals, clinics, schools, etc. with specialties in ortho, pediatrics, geriatrics, neuro. Each subset of PT has different skill sets that make them unique and valuable to their respective setting.

Are you currently pursuing any further education/certifications?

I’m currently working on continuing education to treat pelvic floor dysfunction and women’s health

What’s your go-to breakfast?

Smoothie with protein powder, almond milk and fruit.

What do you wish everyone knew about PT?

That you can now come directly to a physical therapist for an evaluation due to direct access laws. I would love to continue to share with everyone the knowledge that PTs have in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions.

What is the most important personality trait that a PT must have?

Being a good listener in order to truly understand your patients on both an emotional and physical level. That way we can work together to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

What do you do to de-stress/unwind?

Exercise, hang out with friends, listen to music, meditate

Finish this sentence: On Saturday mornings, you can usually find me…

Exploring the bay area. I just moved to San Francisco a few months ago so I’ve been enjoying all the outdoor activities and trying new restaurants.

What is your favorite piece of wellness advice to offer?

Start small and find something that works for you. Find something that you enjoy and find sustainable. Whether that’s enjoying a hike with friends, taking a yoga class or going for a bike ride. Consistency is key.