Simply put, Heather enjoys working in healthcare because of the relationships with patients and colleagues that have been built over the years. Some of her colleagues have even become lifelong friends. She feels she has made an impact on someone’s life throughout their treatment, and the gratification from that is something truly special—and unique to working in healthcare. She also thrives in a challenging career path, and healthcare has not disappointed! Despite any adversity she faces, she’s encouraged to maintain her integrity while striving to achieve her own personal goals, as well as the goals of her patients.

Originally from Washington DC/Northern Virginia, Heather is certified in Dry Needling, BLS, and as a Yoga instructor (200 hour), and has participated in multiple courses towards the MTC certification. She also has a passion for Women’s Health, especially PreNatal and Postpartum care, and has received additional education on PreNatal and Postpartum Rehabilitation to ensure she is providing the best care to that specific patient population.

When she’s not treating patients, Heather loves to travel with her husband (and their dog for domestic trips), camping, hiking, participating in yoga and barre classes, and reading (she’s a huge bookworm and prefers mostly non-fiction).

• BS, Virginia Commonwealth University
• DPT, University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences

What makes me unique:
My communication skills and ease with building a therapeutic alliance is one of the things that makes me unique. I also have a great sense of humor and that allows me to form great relationships with my colleagues and patients alike. As someone who has traveled often and has lived in six different states, I am relatable and can discuss a variety of topics and experiences. My travels have also made me more empathetic towards a variety of social situations, understanding of different cultural beliefs, values, and customs, and these experiences have allowed me to form stronger relationships with my patients and colleagues.

Why do I practice healthcare:
Creating professional and interpersonal relationships is very important to me. There aren’t many career fields where you get to develop both simultaneously. Practicing as a physical therapist, you see people at their best and at their worst and it can be a very vulnerable state of transition for most. Maintaining professionalism, and striving towards achieving my patients’ goals while maintaining integrity and displaying empathy is something that comes naturally to me. The gratification that comes with success or, even failures as those are also learning lessons, is something very unique to the healthcare field and my experiences have allowed me to develop professionally as well as personally. The knowledge, the experiences, the professional and personal growth that is possible from a career in healthcare is irreplaceable.