About Me and My Personal Journey

I am a graduate of Northern Northern Arizona University with a Masters in Physical Therapy (MPT). I graduated with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude. My passion is solving difficult cases that do not respond well to other methods of treatment, as well as treating patients with chronic pain and athletic injuries. 

I am extremely thorough in my approach and have eyes that “see beyond” and hands that feel not only as a therapist , athlete and medical intuitive, but also as an individual who has had chronic pain, a multitude of injuries and knows what it feels like; physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

I believe that this gives me an understanding that is an extremely rare find. I feel it is my calling to help others on their journey of wellness and healing to obtain peace, happiness and balance which often leads to a pain-free existence.

I began competing at age 5 in swimming until age 16. My desire was to go to the Olympics. I also competed in gymnastics with Mary Lou Retton, ran track and cross-country. I won multiple state titles in swimming and track. I also had begun skiing at age 6. At 16 I left to attend to ski racing academies. 

I was ranked 10th in the nation in the downhill event. After a huge crash at age 18 while skiing 70 mph, I had to stop ski racing and found road cycling. This was my new favorite sport. I competed in 2 Olympic Trials and won 2 Collegiate National Cycling Championship Titles. 

I am no stranger to injuries. I have suffered 8 knee surgeries, 9 ruptured spinal discs (4 cervical, 1 thoracic and 3 lumbar), a complete ruptured Achilles tendon, and most recently, I suffered a complete disruption (tears) of my entire shoulder girdle on Nov. 30th, 2016. I got lymphedema and a return of CRPS from the surgery. 

I developed Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (formerly known as RSD) from a 3rd surgery on the right knee to remove a neuroma that had developed. The procedure was not successful. CRPS is the most painful medical condition known to man at a 45/50 on the McGill Pain scale. Because it is so painful, and it is so hard to find good doctors to treat this condition, CRPS has a grim nickname: the “suicide disease”. 

I was bed bound for 3 years 1998-2001 and home bound for 5 years. I developed liver, thyroid, heart problems, and many other systemic issues. I also gained 50 pounds. I fought my conditions with many techniques and medical procedures, and am now in remission. In 2004 I was able to get back on my bike and return to bike racing in 2005. 

All of these big injuries and others not listed have led me to be empathetic and understanding of the journey on the recovery path. I had to study persistently and learn techniques and treatments to get myself well. In my experience, not many practitioners are patient, interested and /or detailed enough to walk through those with in depth issues. 

It was MY responsibility to get well. Now it is a blessing to share what I have learned with my clients to help them get well too. 

Call me for a free consultation to learn how I can help you be pain-free too.

2018-08-06