1. How Long have you been a member of NYPTA?

 

I have been a member of the NYPTA for 12 years.  Unfortunately, I didn’t truly appreciate the benefit of membership and participation early in my career.

 

2. What do you enjoy most about NYPTA?

 

As I have become more active in the NYPTA I have met many physical therapists who work in a wide variety of settings.  I have had the opportunity to learn from all of the people that I have had the opportunity to meet and work with.  I love that the NYPTA is continually trying to make our profession better and stronger.  I have recently worked on the Minority Affairs Taskforce and it was wonderful to see how each member of the Board of Directors cared so deeply about improving inclusivity and diversity in our profession.

 

3. Tell us a little about your background, and how your path led you to where you are today.

 

My first degree was in biochemistry, I know this seems like a giant leap.  During my undergraduate years I had the good fortune to work closely with the Athletic Trainer of a Division III school (so there were no student trainers).  The ATC taught me a lot and sparked an interest in the rehabilitation process. I worked in a biochemistry lab for a couple of years, but missed direct interaction with people and so I applied to the Stony Brook Physical Therapy Program.  I thought that I would pursue sports physical therapy, until my first pediatric class.  I loved and still love watching children of all ages achieve their goals and am honored that I can play a small part in their successful rehabilitation. 

 

In the past I have had the pleasure of working in Early Intervention, School based programs, center-based outpatient programs, and at Blythedale Children’s Hospital. More recently, I began working with the older adult population and have found that I enjoy meeting and working with individuals in this demographic as well. I have learned so much from each physical therapist I have worked with both novice and experienced, as well as each patient and their families. 

 

I am currently a full-time faculty member of the newly accredited DPT Program at Marist College in the beautiful Hudson Valley.  The switch to academics was one I had not planned but I could not be happier!  I love meeting students and hopefully encourage them to consistently ask themselves “why.” I hope that they leave this program as confident physical therapists who are prepared provide optimal care to their future patients.   I continue to provide pro bono evaluations and sessions to local children and several years ago began working in the field of geriatrics as well.

 

4. What’s the most rewarding part about your work and what are some challenges?

 

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a member of a DPT program is when you see a student have that “ah ha” moment.  When the information that has been presented in several classes clicks and the student becomes more of a clinician.  I also really enjoy having a student tell me that they are interested in pediatrics.  One of the most challenging things has been the COVID restrictions of the past year and a half.

Trying to teach content that is very hands on via a virtual platform was difficult and I found myself constantly questioning whether or not I was doing an adequate job.  Fortunately, we were able to navigate the challenges as a team with a lot of help from our administration as well as all of the other faculty members across the United States.  There were many forums, webinars, and mentoring available to assist us because what we all strive for is to provide our students with the best physical therapy education possible.  So, let me take just a minute to Thank Everyone who has assisted me not, only during COVID but throughout my very short career as a DPT faculty member.

 

5. What is a typical day like for you?

 

I am now in my office by 8am daily (hooray). Each day is different depending on if/when I teach.  I usually leave for home between 4:30 and 6 pm where I like to be outside as much as possible.  I almost always facetime with my daughter and grandchildren in Savannah GA. 

 

6. Who is one of your role models and why?

 

I have so many professional role models that it is impossible to choose one.  Right now, I would have to say Dr. Nia Mensah.  I met Nia at Blythedale and she has shown me what passion and resilience looks like.  Nia cares so deeply that she started a not for profit organization, Kusudi International, to provide outreach to individuals in underserved communities around the world.  Nia did not just talk about the needs of the community, she is actively doing something to address them. 

In addition, she is a fierce advocate for her patients and the best friend and colleague you can ask for. She is raising two wonderful children and has returned to school to work toward her PhD.  I am honored that she often refers to me as a mentor, she has set the bar high for me to be as passionate and never wavering in my dedication to the profession, and my community, both local and global.

 

7. What’s the most important trend you see today?

 

Since I have been practicing for some time, I have to say the move toward evidence-based practice is the best and most important change I have seen that is impacting every area of our practice.

 

8. What advice would you give NYPTA members who are new to the profession and want to make a difference?

 

I admit to being afraid to volunteer and get involved.  I think that is a common issue particularly with newer members.  It can be very intimidating walking into a room where everyone else appears to know one another.  It is also much easier to remain quiet in these situations.  My advice is to take the leap.  It took me much too long to realize that my perspective is not only appreciated, but it is needed. I can also speak from experience when I say, the people in that room are not there to intimidate or control the narrative, and they will quickly become people you look forward to seeing and working with.

 

9. How do you make time to volunteer and be active in groups you’re involved with?

I think if anything is important you make time for it.  My husband always jokes that I am only happy when I am doing something for free.  It is true, service is something that feeds my soul and I could not live without it.

 

10. What else would you like your fellow NYPTA Members to know about you? (Feel free to tell us a little about yourself here, whatever you’re comfortable sharing – family, hobbies, pets, fun facts about you, etc.)

 

I have been married to my wonderful and understanding husband for almost 32 years.   We have 2 grown children who have made me so proud that if I start gushing here, you will all stop reading.   One of the most significant things is that in 2017 I had an intercranial hemorrhage.  This experience really helped me see physical therapy and physical therapists in a different way.   I gained a perspective of how our patients feel during their rehabilitation process.