Professional background
I grew up on a farm in Eastern Iowa and attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA, before coming to DMU. I am a part-time physical therapist with Iowa Health in West Des Moines, IA, at an orthopedic outpatient clinic. Patient issues vary from neck pain to foot pain and a lot are post-surgical rotator cuff repairs and total knee replacements. I have an emphasis in working with athletes, especially runners, using video analysis to correct their biomechanics. I am also skilled in orthotic assessment and casting.
Best part of my job
Helping people get back to their regular activities/sports.
Advice to those just starting out in the profession
Find a facility that has a lot of therapists from whom you can learn. Don’t start out running a clinic by yourself.
How I stay connected to DMU
I stay in contact with the faculty and am a class representative. I stay involved because I want the school to be successful. I care about the students graduating from DMU as they reflect on us as alumni.
Hobbies
With three kids I have very little time to travel a lot; but I do enjoy exercise, mostly running and sand volleyball and any travel I can fit in!
