How did you become interested in physical therapy, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
I actually started out to be a vet. Then, I thought I was going to be a teacher. I made it up to student teaching during my senior year of college and decided it wasn't for me. My college counselor suggested I look into physical therapy (PT) because it offered opportunities in health care, teaching, and canine rehab. I went and shadowed some physical therapists and loved it—and now here we are!
Why is exercise important in maintaining overall physical health and preventing injuries?
It's cliche, but it's true—you use it or lose it! Over time, our bodies tolerate less load, and we become more prone to injury. When we're really young, our bodies are naturally building themselves up, growing, and repairing. Once we cross the adulthood threshold, we have to work more actively to maintain our strength, flexibility, bone density, and function. The good news is there are a lot of ways to stay active and healthy!
What activities do you enjoy outside of work that contribute to your physical health?
I take my dog on a long walk every day, and we'll go hiking or paddle boarding in the summer. I also enjoy gardening, which comes with lots of heavy lifting. Sometimes, I will throw in a yoga class, jog on the treadmill, or just 10-15 minutes of stretching at the end of a long day. My job also keeps me pretty active.