Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a Northern Virginia native who has been back in the DC area for the past 3 years after a brief stint in Denver. I'm the middle of five kids, most of whom still reside in the area, and regularly spend time with them out in Northern Virginia. Outside of work I enjoy weight lifting, swimming, running, and the grooling sport of bocce ball.
What inspired you to become a physical therapist, and what motivates you to continue in the field?
I was an economics major through college, but directionless in what I wanted to pursue as a career following graduation. I had always loved anatomy and understanding how the body worked, but never knew a career path for that outside of becoming an MD. I then suffered a weightlifting injury senior year that required surgery, which gave me my first exposure to physical therapy and I was able to connect the dots from there. What keeps me int he field is getting to be a contributor in people's journeys to physical success.
What sets you apart from other physical therapists? What is your unique approach or philosophy?
I put a lot of stock in the personal connection between PT and client. One motivation for this is just an enjoyment in getting to know the people that make up DC. The other being that establishing trust and rapport can greatly aid in maximizing outcome potential.
How do you stay current with the latest advancements and techniques in physical therapy? Are you learning anything new right now?
I am fortunate to work for a team that prioritizes education, which leads to opportunities to attend courses pertaining to the latest developments in physical therapy. Most recently I was able to attend a course in Boston covering the research behind the shockwave therapy that we offer to clients.
Can you describe a moment when you felt particularly proud of helping a patient?
I once had a client who had had constant pain running from her chest through to her shoulder blade for almost a year following a surgery. She had tried a number of different treatment options without relief. The symptom location followed the referral pattern of the scalenes and once we dry needled that muscle the pain subsided. I get a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction from getting to solve the puzzle for people's pain.
What are your goals for the future, both professionally and personally, in the field of physical therapy?
My next short-term goal is to take coursework in vestibular rehabilitation to start being able to treat clients for vertigo and balance-related conditions. My long-term goal is to get my Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist certification within the next 2-3 years. Outside of work, I plan to train and compete in the next Hyrox competition in DC in 2026.
How do you maintain work life balance and what do you do for fun?
I keep myself to a consistent routine throughout the week, which allows me to allocate the necessary time between both work and my personal life. Through this I have been able to meet the professional, fitness, and nutrition goals I've set for myself.
