While most people are just learning about the pelvic floor, I’ve been asking people about their bladder and bowel health since I was a new grad in the 90’s! As a relatively new physical therapist, I diligently asked all of my patients with back pain if they had any bowel or bladder changes. This had been drilled into my head as a student in order to screen for serious medical issues. I had never been prepared for the not-medically-serious, but very common concerns that people expressed, though. Nearly every woman – and especially those who were postpartum – responded by telling me about urinary incontinence and constipation.  I had to learn more about this!

After participating in continuing education courses, journal clubs, and everything else I could, I became the go-to person for pelvic health at the clinic I was working at. Since then, I’ve worked at pelvic health clinics where I was the only orthopedic PT, and at orthopedic clinics where I was the only pelvic health PT.  

Fortunately over the years, more and more physical therapists recognize the relationship between the pelvic floor muscles and the musculoskeletal structures of the back and hip.  The hip in particular is of great interest to me.  This stems in large part from my background and experience dancing – especially ballet where my hips were not very cooperative!  The hip – pelvic floor interaction is a strong focus of mine both in clinical work and in my research.  

I have been involved in entry-level and post-graduate education since 1997 and continue to have passion for teaching and learning. I love working with patients who have been unsuccessful with PT and other treatments because I can often put the puzzle together for them, looking at their entire body, how they move and their symptoms versus just addressing the pelvic floor. 

I have been an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of New England Since 2012, and live in Portland with my husband, son and toothless cat, “Josie”.  I enjoy the nearby lakes, hiking and snowshoeing as well as the offerings at Merrill Auditorium and Portland Stage.

I love learning from patients, students, and colleagues as we continue to build our knowledge. I treat all orthopedic conditions and pelvic health dysfunction for both men and women and look forward to helping you live an active and symptom-free life!