Physical Therapy

Role:  

Here at L.I.F.E. I have the opportunity to guide the therapy team.  My focus is to make sure that the therapists can provide the very best services to their consumers.  That includes working closely with therapists for training and instruction.  It also goes beyond that to collaboration with other individuals on our campus such as back office/administrative staff, Academy staff, and Behavioral Support staff.  It also extends to collaboration with representatives from the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and parents.   

Education: 

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ, 2013 
• B.S. Elementary Education, Northern Arizona University, 2008 

Continuing Education and Certifications: 

• Myofascial Release clinical application workshops, John F. Barnes PT 
• Pediatric Myofascial Release 2/7/15 to 2/8/15 
• Myofascial Release I 3/12/15 to 3/15/15 
• Myofascial Release II 3/17/16 to 3/20/16 
• Water-Based Interventions for the Pediatric Therapist, Kiki Dickson MPT, PAqI 5/13/16 to 5/14/16 
• Out-of-Sync Child: Sensory Challenges and Sensible Solutions, Carol Kranowitz 6/16/17 
• Social Thinking Across the Home and School Day: The ILAUGH Model, Ryan Hendrix, MS, CCC-SLP 6/1/17 to 6/2/17 
• Prevent and Support trained through DDD, Chris Garcia 5/29/18  

Specific Treatment Strategies, Equipment, or Expertise Utilized:  

• Myofascial Release for range of motion, deep pressure (sensory) 
• Use of LiteGait system for gait training 
• Aquatic Therapy  

Career History:  

I currently serve as the Director of Therapy Services here at L.I.F.E.  I started my career in Physical Therapy here at L.I.F.E. in August of 2013 as a treating therapist.  I provided skilled physical therapy interventions for a diverse group of individuals.  I have experience working in the hospital setting, outpatient orthopedics, and school settings prior to coming to L.I.F.E.   

Personal Treatment Philosophy: 

I believe in treating the whole child.  The entire team has valuable ideas that I can implement into my treatment to target as many areas of function as possible.  I also believe that therapy should be fun.  Work yes, but also fun.   

Personal:   

I am one of the few Arizona natives.  I grew up a few hours down the road in the Gila Valley. I grew up participating in sports including basketball, football and track in Jr High and High School.  I am married to Chelsey Curtis, also from the Gila Valley.  We moved here for me to attend PT school and have been here ever since.  We have 8 kids.  Yes, 8!  Tucker (13), Hayden (12), Camilla (10), Carmen (8), Cora (5), Reed (3), Matthew (2) and Jeffrey (7months).   The kids keep us busy with sports, choir performances, band concerts, strings performances and drama productions.  In my free time I enjoy carpentry work and home remodel projects.   

Education:

• Masters of Physical Therapy (MPT), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ May 1993
• B. A. General Studies Spanish/Health Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ, May 1991

Special Certifications:

• CPI Certified
• Previously certified in New Mexico and Colorado
• River Rampage Mentor – Phoenix Parks and Recreation

Specific Treatment Strategies, Equipment, or Expertise Utilized:

• Neurodevelopmental Treatment Strategies
• Tele-therapy experience
• Easystand sit to stand system for weight-bearing and standing
• Pediatric Motor Learning Principles

Career History:

I started at Lauren’s Institute for Education in March 2021 as a physical therapist. I previously worked in the Mesa Public Schools as a physical therapist for 23 years. I have served as a clinical instructor and mentored physical therapy students within the public school setting. I have experiences working in other physical therapy settings – acute care ICU, outpatient settings -orthopedic, work injury, and in the home care settings.

Personal Treatment Philosophy:

I believe in creating an engaged working relationship with my clients adapting their program based on their needs, encouraging and supporting their participation and involving them in therapy activities and decisions.

Personal:

I’m from Minnesota originally. I did attend school at North Dakota State University as a mechanic engineering major before moving to Flagstaff, AZ. I used to perform with the Jester’Z Improvisational Comedy Troupe for 10 years in Scottsdale, AZ. I enjoy hiking, exploring Arizona, traveling, and participating in yoga and other fitness classes.

Education: 

• AAS-PTA, Butler County Community College, 05/14  

Specific Treatment Strategies, Equipment, or Expertise Utilized:  

• Telehealth and in-person
• Aquatic Therapy  
• Lite Gait System 
• Bike Riding 
• Sport Skills (including throwing/catching, kicking a ball, running/jumping, basketball and soccer skills) 
• Exergamming System (x-box Kinnect, Wii) 
• Functional strength and balance including stair and curb navigation 
• Yoga treatment Interventions 
• Kinesiotaping for the Pediatric Population 

Career History:   

I began working at L.I.F.E. in June of 2018. Previously, I have worked in several other pediatric facilities, including an outpatient clinic in the greater Phoenix area and a center for children with autism in central Indiana. I also have previous experience in a clinic specializing in injuries of the spine, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), as well as with amputee clients in the VA hospital system of Western Pennsylvania. I have had the opportunity to work with clients with balance deficits, as well as clients with autism extensively in my previous employments. I also have attended continuing education courses for Infant positioning and handling, Torticollis Treatment Interventions, Kinesiotaping, orthotic management and assessment, and seating/mobility.  

Personal:   

I grew up in the Midwest, and lived in several different places in Indiana, as well as Pennsylvania. I truly love the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates, and will always be a Peyton Manning fan! I knew from the start of my schooling that I wanted to work with children, and I have loved seeing my clients make progress throughout my years in the field! I am involved in several different ways with children besides work, including trips overseas as well as regular volunteering at my church. I enjoy traveling to new places, hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.