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What have been the highlights along your professional journey thus far?

After going to PT school in the suburbs of Chicago I spent a few years working in Chicagoland under some wonderful experienced PT’s who helped guide me with furthering my knowledge base and shaping my treatment philosophy and approach to care. I was able to utilize my Spanish language skills speaking Spanish daily with many of my patients, and at one time was the primary PT for inured horse jockeys from a racetrack located near the clinic! After moving back to WI, I’ve worked in various settings in the Milwaukee area, again getting a chance to interact with patients of all backgrounds, allowing me to enrich my understanding and sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic factors that impact care and giving me additional skills to provide effective and individualized services. I take an active role in physical therapy student education as a Clinical Instructor in the clinic setting and have served as adjunct faculty for PT students at Carroll University which has been very fulfilling. I have also pursued special interests in care for youth athletes, various manual and kinesiotaping techniques, and served on committees looking at best practices for post- joint replacement and post-ACL reconstruction.

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What can a patient expect from a physical therapy session with you?

I take a common sense approach to trying to get to the bottom of what might be the underlying cause of your pain or dysfunction and then design an efficient treatment plan to address those issues including hands-on care, therapeutic exercise and an approach that involves you as an active participant. I initially spend a lot of time asking questions and listening to you, keeping in mind not just your physical concerns but also other stressors that may be impacting your body. I consider each patient individually and concentrate on “solving the puzzle” of what is going on, while keeping a positive atmosphere of encouragement and support. I care about each of my patients and will be your biggest cheerleader throughout your therapy journey!

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What do you do to stay healthy and well?

I prioritize eating healthfully and try to cook primarily at home. Mealtimes are really important to me and it is crucial to wrap up my day with a family meal. I try to keep a consistent sleep schedule, and focus on using positive ways to decrease stress, like taking walks, listening to music, or spending time with people I care about.

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What are your favorite hobbies/things to do?

I love the outdoors, and actually enjoy most yard work since it keeps me out in the fresh air! I love to read, travel, hike (and search for great hiking spots while traveling!), watch my kids on as they participate in sports as well as attend WI Badger football games to cheer on my favorite team!