May 9, 2020 ・ 2 min

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a physical therapist?
 

A: “The personal relationships that I form with my students and their families.”

Q: When did you decide to become a physical therapist?
 

A: “When I was a Junior in high school. I had an injury and had to go to physical therapy.”

Q: Why did you choose a career in physical therapy?
 

A: “From an early age, I knew I wanted to work with children in the medical field. My experience in physical therapy in high school exposed me to the career, and I loved the dynamic and helping nature of it.”

Q: What’s the biggest challenge/reward in working with individuals who require physical therapy?
 

A: “The biggest reward is when I know I am helping students and their families in their everyday lives.  The biggest challenge over the years has been documentation, insurance approval for equipment, etc.”

Q: How has ASD personally affected/influenced your life? Do you know anybody outside of the workplace that has ASD?
 

A: “Some of my students have ASD. I have a family member with ASD.”

Q: In your opinion, how can we, as a society, move forward from preconceived, negative ideas surrounding those with ASD?
 

A: “Education and exposure.”

Q: Describe what a typical day is like for you. What do you typically do during sessions? What resources do you use/adapt? What is the most important thing you do at school?
 

A: “A typical day is going into students' classrooms, working with students directly, working with and educating classroom staff, and assisting families. I work with students in their classrooms or anywhere in the school, on the playground, or in the community during field trips. I typically work with the students on their specific goals/objectives, as well as, teach the staff how to incorporate the goals/objectives into the students' school day. I fix equipment and coordinate equipment vendors and orthotist visits. I have a generous supply of therapy equipment including, but not limited to, toys, walkers, standers, adapted tricycles, mats, bolsters/wedges, swings, therapy balls, and balance equipment. I adapt each session to the specific student. The most important thing that I do at school is address individual needs that arise each day, whether it be directly related to student care, a caregiver or staff question, or an equipment question.”

Q: How do you motivate students? How do you keep them engaged throughout sessions?
 

A: “I look at each student individually and adapt the session depending on their specific interests. Flexibility is very important.”