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August 2021
A recent addition to our eastern district, Sarah Gardener is one of NYPTA’s valued members. Sarah talks about how she was inspired in middle school to become a physical therapist. Her passion for physical therapy and skiing brought her
to New York where she studied at Clarkson University and specialized in Orthopedics. Sarah talks about how she was inspired by her fellow NYPTA community to get more involved. Sarah is currently one of our district chairs and NYPTA
is glad to have her valuable expertise in our eastern district.
Take a few minutes and get to know this month's member spotlight with us! Enjoy the Q&A with Sarah below.
1. How Long have you been a member of NYPTA?
I became a member of the NYPTA 13 years ago in 2008.
2. What do you enjoy most about NYPTA?
The NYPTA started as a source for me to strengthen my career with continuing education, community outreach, and helping our profession to grow. Now the NYPTA community is more than that for me because I have met so many wonderful people and made friends across the state that inspire me to be a better therapist.
3. Tell us a little about your background, and how your path led you to where you are today.
I first learned about physical therapy in middle school at a career fair, and from then on my goal was to be a physical therapist. I found a college that had both a PT program and Nordic skiing which was my passion for a long time, so I left Maine where I grew up and attended Clarkson University. I was fortunate to be accepted into the Cayuga Medical Orthopedic residency just out of school which gave me the tools I needed to pass the OCS. After the year in Ithaca, I have lived in the Eastern District ever since moving recently from the capital region to the north country.
4. What’s the most rewarding part about your work and what are some challenges?
I continue to gain energy every day from teaching people how to move safely in order to gain function and independently overcome their limitations. I struggle with the constraints and restrictions placed on our profession that increase financial burden for our patients and ultimately limits their access to services.
5. What is a typical day like for you?
Now that I live in the Adirondacks, a typical work day is followed with a hike, ski, or run in the woods.
6. Who is one of your role models and why?
I struggle to name just 1 role model in regards to our progression. I think of all my colleagues and friends who are parents and balancing caring for their caseload and their families. Suzanne Debauche, a physical therapist in East Greenbush, NY is a strong woman and therapist who inspires me with her dedication to research, to her patients, and still makes time to train and perform as an incredible dancer.
7. What’s the most important trend you see today?
Living in an area with more remote and limited resources, I enjoy seeing the growing trend for people to access telecommunication and reputable online resources that increase their access to physical therapy services.
8. What advice would you give NYPTA members who are new to the profession and want to make a difference?
Reach out to your district leaders and find out how you can increase your involvement locally.
9. How do you make time to volunteer and be active in groups you’re involved with?
Even during college, volunteering and participating in community groups like the NYPTA was an important way for me to stay active and up to date. Because it feels important to me, I make time.
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 define myself by our profession and am proud of how we help our communities. I also value the importance of a work-life balance and hope to meet you out on the trails!
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