Joined Lighthouse 1998 – 24 years

My desire to become a Physical Therapist started back in 8th grade when a family friend, in her senior year of P.T. school, was visiting for dinner.  She spoke that night of her classes, her experiences on her affiliations, and what her plans were after graduation. My curiosity was piqued.  I volunteered that summer at our local Physical Therapy department and was hooked! Even back then, I loved working with people from all walks of life. I loved the creativity it required to optimize a person’s function.  I loved helping improve their quality of life any way I could, even as a volunteer.  Twenty-five years working in this field and I still feel the same way.

On one of my last affiliations of P.T. school, I had my first introduction to the “art” of manual therapy. It was so new and intriguing compared to the traditional theories and techniques that I learned in school.  I started to incorporate manual therapy into my treatments.  While I have gone down many paths as a therapist, I always come back to working with my “first love”, Outpatient Rehabilitation with the focus on Integrated Manual Therapy (IMT).

As a Physical Therapist primarily focused in IMT, I enjoy solving the mystery of what is at the heart of a Client’s symptoms.  (I always wanted to be Nancy Drew or Quincy as a young child).  I love the process of then going in and addressing the root of the issue.  IMT has afforded me a deeper understanding of the complexity of the body and given me a bigger tool belt to use with my Clients.  Even though I have been using IMT for over 18 years, I am still amazed at how interconnected the body is and how a person’s whole history can affect their function.  I enjoy imparting that deeper understanding of the body onto my Clients so they can better help themselves.

I’m a 1988 graduate from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Physical Therapy.  I have experience in many different arenas of P.T. including Aquatics Therapy, Outpatient Orthopedics, and Home Health Care.  I have worked numerous years treating Women’s Health Issues and now enjoy combining this with IMT.  Being a runner and a cyclist, I also enjoy working with these populations, and frequently use Chi Running Principles and a multiplanar approach to exercise.  Recently I became certified in Bowen Technique, which is a manual therapy technique used to address muscle, connective tissue and nervous system imbalances.

I have been a Portsmouth resident now for over 20 years.  I enjoy being outside and spending time hiking, running, cycling, and gardening in our beautiful Seacoast Area.  I enjoy sharing this with my family and friends.  A frequent quote when out running or cycling in the area is “Pinch me, I can’t believe I live here!”