I grew up in the small, rural town of Camanche, Iowa. I attended undergrad at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and then got my Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. After 8 years of practice, I got my Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston. As both a civilian and military physical therapist, I have had the opportunity to practice in many locations both in the U.S. and overseas. As an officer in the U.S. Navy, I was able to see patients in training environments and while I was deployed overseas. In Nairobi, Kenya, I opened an outpatient clinic in my home office seeing diplomats from the U.S. embassy. Most recently, I managed an outpatient clinic in the D.C. area before putting down roots in Asheville. I have been a physical therapist for over 20 years! Most of that time has been spent in outpatient orthopedic settings.