Though originally from the Pacific Northwest, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Physiology and Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Andrews University in Michigan. With a background in competitive gymnastics and outdoor sports as well as classical performance on violin and viola, I understand both the rigorous demands on the body of an athlete and the refinement required by an artist. I like to look at injured or painful areas in the context of the entire body structure and lifestyle of the person before coming up with individualized goals and treatment plans. My specific professional certifications include Strain/Counterstrain (www.jiscs.com) and Structural Integration (www.anatomytrains.com), and Manual Therapy–joint manipulation (www.usa.edu), though I also use exercise to correct muscle imbalances, stabilize the spine, and build general strength, flexibility, and endurance.
I recently joined the faculty of my alma mater where I will assist in the anatomy lab, coordinate the behavioral science classes, and teach therapeutic exercise within the entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy program. In the postprofessional degree program, I will serve as assistant director and capstone research coordinator for the orthopaedic manual therapy track. As you can imagine, I am excited about the opportunity to bring fascia science and the whole body approach of structural integration into the academic environment. I will also learn and grow as I pursue my own Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy. Though I will be extremely busy with these new responsibilities, I plan to maintain a cash-based mobile practice with a caseload of 1-3 clients because this is what makes it all matter. I would be pleased if some if not all of my clients would be open to allowing physical therapy students to observe our sessions.
