Improving gross motor skills.
Physical therapists (PTs) evaluate if a person is functioning at an age-appropriate level in physical skills such as mobility, coordination, and strength and establish functional goals that are important to the person/family. Interventions are provided by physical therapists and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) to improve gross motor skills and subsequent progress toward goals.
Our therapists embrace a transdisciplinary approach and communicate with other members of a treatment team to support the whole individual and best outcomes. Families are always welcome and encouraged to attend therapy sessions, are provided a home program to assist with skill acquisition across environments, and are provided quarterly reports from the therapist to keep them informed of progress.
Physical Therapy Team
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:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, May 2005-Class President and recipient of Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities Recognition award in May 2005
- B.A. in Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, May 2002
Special Certifications:
- Credentialed clinical instructor for PT and PTA students completing their school clinical affiliations at L.I.F.E.
- Certification received for Pilates Matwork Fundamental Instruction, SCW Fitness, Fall 2003
Specific Treatment Strategies, Equipment, or Expertise Utilized:
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) especially for clients with cerebral palsy
- Gait training with Lite Gait device and RT 300 Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Cycling Systems
- Aquatic therapy (when L.I.F.E. pool is open for use)
- Chronologically Controlled Developmental Therapy
- Yoga and Pilates for the Special Needs Child
- Kinesiotaping
- Orthotics management including SMOs, AFOs, and Bioness
Career History:
I joined the L.I.F.E. family in August 2008 and transitioned into the lead physical therapist role from March 2013-2016. In addition to L.I.F.E., I worked part-time at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) Outpatient Rehabilitation from 2012-2017 where I have expanded my knowledge working with children diagnosed with cancer, orthopedic injuries, and infants following their stay at PCH’s neonatal intensive care unit. My work experience also includes geriatrics, adult orthopedics, and emergency room physical therapy at Gilbert Hospital.
As much as I love working with my consumers, I also have a passion for educating students and parents in the community on topics related to the physical therapy profession. I have guest lectured at the PT program at Northern Arizona University and the PTA programs at Carrington College and Gateway College regarding the topic of “Ethics in Physical Therapy Practice.” I currently guest lecture annually to the staff at Life Christian Preschool and Childcare (Chandler, AZ), as well as tri-annually to the moms receiving services at the Pregnancy Care Center of Chandler regarding the topic of “Typical Gross Motor Development from Infancy to Age 6” since 2017.
In addition, I am part of L.I.F.E.’s orientation team and train new employees bi-monthly on “Developmental Disabilities” and “Ergonomic Safety with Transfers.”
Personal Treatment Philosophy:
I always aim to put the “FUN” in “FUNCTIONAL” in all my treatment sessions.
Personal:
I grew up in Skokie, Illinois and moved to Chandler, Arizona in June 2005 after marrying Mike Groenwald, an aerospace engineer at Northrop Grumman. We have 4 kids: Nathan, Matthew, Samantha, and Angela, who keep me very busy outside of work. In my free time I enjoy cheering on my kids at their sporting events, scrapbooking, or watching any TV show related to The Bachelor/The Bachelorette franchise. I also have been a member of the Basileia Christian Dance Company, based in Chandler, since 2011.
Contact Us for More Information About L.I.F.E.
Call us at 480-621-8361 EXT 136 or complete this form