Well hello, it’s so great to meet you! Let’s chat.
1. What inspired you to specialize in maternal health?
Two words, awe and wonder. That breathtaking process of watching a woman transform into a mother that is achingly tender, yet so powerful, makes this work so fulfilling. On the flip side, it’s also quite challenging because I want each mother to have so much more access, support, knowledge, honesty and empathy then what our culture and healthcare system provides.
2. What is your professional background?
I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy in clinical practice for over 25 years. I have specialised training in pelvic health and certified in Advanced Obstetrics Physical Therapy (CAPP-OB). I’m also a clinical Pilates instructor and have integrated motion analysis technologies throughout most of my career. I’ve held faculty and research positions and am always collecting data, formally and informally.
3. Are you also a mother?
Yes! I have an amazing grown daughter which allows me to constantly confirm for new moms: it’s SO worth it, you WILL survive, they DO hear you, even when they ignore you and heaven forbid, roll their eyes at you!
4. What’s something patients might be surprised to learn about you?
You ready? I love watching professional bull riding. Eight seconds of sheer adrenaline, skill, bravery and “clowns” that risk their lives, absolutely love it. I even have a favourite bull, although he’s passed on. RIP Little Yellow Jacket!
5. How do you define success in a client’s recovery?
Their confidence. It’s the fluidity in their movements, their lit-up eyes, the excitement in their voice or their eagerness to do more and push harder.
6. How do you balance science and intuition when working with clients?
I actually did a TEDx talk about this over 10 years ago called the Modern Art of Recovery! I try to meet clients from “humanness” or that intuitive sense we feel for each other and use science for information and to validate what I sense. So for me, I think both are always present.
7. If you weren’t a physical therapist, what would you be doing?
It’s hard for me to envision anything else but, I love aesthetics so maybe some kind of designer, a vet or what about a matchmaker? That sounds fun, hard but fun.
8. How has your background in Pilates influenced the way you treat and teach movement?
I discovered Pilates during my own postpartum journey and have since integrated it into my clinical practice. It taught me to view the body not as muscles and joints but as an integrated movement system like a structural engineer continuously checking the foundation.
9. What has been the most challenging phase of your career?
I worked in Singapore for six years around the pandemic and the cultural differences was challenging in the beginning. It’s hard not to judge what feels unfamiliar, but it’s taught me to pause and ask lots of questions instead. It was challenging but also my most rewarding phase, isn’t that how it often works?
10. What gives you hope for the future of women’s health?
How brilliant, brave, insightful, savvy, plugged-in, and amazing this next generation of women (and my clients) are!
Photos by Praise Santos McKenna of ComePlum, www.comeplum.com