Why Did I Become an Orthopedic Physical Therapist?

I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS). I work at Activcore in Denver, Colorado. I enjoy working with all types of orthopedic conditions, but I am most passionate about helping athletes overcome injury and return safely to their sport. That's because I participated in athletics from a young age and played competitive volleyball throughout my high school years.

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As a young athlete, I was fortunate to not suffer any injuries that would have landed me in PT. However, I had several teammates who were injured and went through rehab to get them back in the game. Since middle school, I was in the weight room and training outside of sports practices. I believe that the work I did off the court played a role in preventing injuries on the court.

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As I approached college admissions, I knew that I wanted to work in the realm of health and wellness. I attended the University of Colorado in Boulder and studied Integrative Physiology in pursuit of a fulfilling health centered career post-college. I had the fortunate opportunity to shadow several healthcare practitioners and ultimately came to the realization that physical therapy combines all of the elements of health that I value most.

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After graduating from PT school at Mount Saint Mary's University, I went straight into an orthopedic residency with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. I wanted the opportunity to help individuals during all phases of life, from working with young athletes and college students, to young professionals and parents, to older individuals looking to continue doing what they love.

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My education and fitness exploration has helped me to be more in tune with my own body and to help others better understand their own bodies. I believe there is so much to gain from moving well and moving often.

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Here are some more Qs & As to get to know me better:

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Why did I join the team at Activcore Denver? 

I was first introduced to the Redcord suspension system in 2016 by one of my graduate school professors. She owned her own physical therapy clinic where she incorporated Pilates and Redcord in the management of her clients. I saw the value provided to patients when incorporating deep stability training utilizing these apparatuses. Fast-forward to 2022… I was looking for a new team to take my clinical practice to the next level. I sought out a space where I could incorporate Redcord into my practice and thankfully found Activcore, a leader in suspension based PT! I am thankful to be able to provide hour long treatments on a one-on-one basis, and to apply Redcord and Pilates into my treatments. The combination helps my clients achieve their goals so much faster than conventional PT.

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What are my favorite ways to move my body?

I enjoy many forms of fitness and have gravitated towards different forms of activity. I spent several years doing and teaching heated power yoga and ran 3 half marathons throughout graduate school. In more recent years, I have spent more time working on strength and stability in the forms of Lagree pilates and HIIT training. I also love indoor cycling and getting outside to walk and hike. I love snowboarding and playing volleyball when I have the chance.

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When I’m not treating, what can you find me doing? 

I am a mother of two young children. When I’m not at Activcore, you can find me adventuring with my kids. We love getting outside at our local parks and playgrounds, hiking at nearby trails, riding bikes in our neighborhood, going the zoo, seeing the seasons change at the botanical gardens, grabbing coffee (for mom only!) and croissants at our favorite coffee shops, and ice skating at our local ice rink. 

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How can you get in touch with me? 

If you would like to schedule a physical therapy evaluation with me, contact Activcore Denver.

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Disclaimer:  The views expressed in this article are based on the opinion of the author, unless otherwise noted, and should not be taken as personal medical advice. The information provided is intended to help readers make their own informed health and wellness decisions.