I developed a strong moral character and diligent work ethic while growing up in Missouri, along with a love of St. Louis style pizza, St. Louis Blues, and the St. Louis Cardinals. At the age of 16 I had the privilege of moving to Curitiba, Brasil to complete high school.
It was this experience that broadened my understanding of diversity and empathy. I learned to combine my hard work ethic in groups consisting of diverse students and professors. I was also able to complete the rigorous International Baccalaureate Program gaining my first college credits and participating in volunteer experiences with numerous organizations and people in need.
Following high school, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy at San Diego State University, graduating Cum Laude. I then set my sites on establishing a profession as a Pilates Instructor specializing in bridging rehabilitation and fitness. These experiences solidified my conviction of incorporating smart, functional movement into everything I do as well as deepened my desire to educating those around me.
I decided to further my education and entered the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at San Diego Mesa College. Upon completion with a 4.0 GPA in all program coursework, I worked with an amazing group of therapists at Comprehensive Therapy Services, Inc. in San Diego. I was able to blend my skills using Pilates exercises with my manual therapy to treat a variety of clients ranging from low back or neck pain, post-op, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and women's health diagnoses.
To give back to the program that taught me so much, I became a clinical instructor to mentor future Physical Therapist Assistants and became an adjunct faculty member focusing on orthopedics. Luckily, my desire to educate and ability to lead led me to the role of Acting Program Director for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at San Diego Mesa College.
As the Acting Program Director, I found the need to continue my quest of life long learning and enrolled in my Masters of Education through Northern Arizona University focusing on Community College and Higher Education. My experience as program director and the pursuit of my master's degree has allowed me great exposure to program review, numerous leadership styles, conflict resolution, curriculum construction, and the benefits of assessment. I hope to continue as the program director and lead the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, continuing past successes and improving the profession and community.
I have continued to enhance my leadership skills and progress my profession by running for PTA Caucus Representative within the California Physical Therapy Association. This demonstrates the social presence and involvement necessary of a successful program director and exemplifies responsibilities of a strong leader for both my students and colleagues.
All of my experiences would not have been possible without the support from those around me. My husband Waylyn and two boys Ozzie and Wes, have provided comfort and laughter throughout my career and education. My parents, sister and brother in law have been supporters and cheer leaders. I thank you all and look forward to sharing my success!
It was this experience that broadened my understanding of diversity and empathy. I learned to combine my hard work ethic in groups consisting of diverse students and professors. I was also able to complete the rigorous International Baccalaureate Program gaining my first college credits and participating in volunteer experiences with numerous organizations and people in need.
Following high school, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy at San Diego State University, graduating Cum Laude. I then set my sites on establishing a profession as a Pilates Instructor specializing in bridging rehabilitation and fitness. These experiences solidified my conviction of incorporating smart, functional movement into everything I do as well as deepened my desire to educating those around me.
I decided to further my education and entered the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at San Diego Mesa College. Upon completion with a 4.0 GPA in all program coursework, I worked with an amazing group of therapists at Comprehensive Therapy Services, Inc. in San Diego. I was able to blend my skills using Pilates exercises with my manual therapy to treat a variety of clients ranging from low back or neck pain, post-op, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and women's health diagnoses.
To give back to the program that taught me so much, I became a clinical instructor to mentor future Physical Therapist Assistants and became an adjunct faculty member focusing on orthopedics. Luckily, my desire to educate and ability to lead led me to the role of Acting Program Director for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at San Diego Mesa College.
As the Acting Program Director, I found the need to continue my quest of life long learning and enrolled in my Masters of Education through Northern Arizona University focusing on Community College and Higher Education. My experience as program director and the pursuit of my master's degree has allowed me great exposure to program review, numerous leadership styles, conflict resolution, curriculum construction, and the benefits of assessment. I hope to continue as the program director and lead the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, continuing past successes and improving the profession and community.
I have continued to enhance my leadership skills and progress my profession by running for PTA Caucus Representative within the California Physical Therapy Association. This demonstrates the social presence and involvement necessary of a successful program director and exemplifies responsibilities of a strong leader for both my students and colleagues.
All of my experiences would not have been possible without the support from those around me. My husband Waylyn and two boys Ozzie and Wes, have provided comfort and laughter throughout my career and education. My parents, sister and brother in law have been supporters and cheer leaders. I thank you all and look forward to sharing my success!