Movement has always been a part of me. From as young as 4 years old, I used to disappear into trees for hours on end. I would ascend door frames and narrow hallways, jump fences, and climb clothing line posts 4-stories high. Both feet were rarely on the ground at the same time. This eventually turned into an obsession with rock climbing, then yoga, then a yoga teacher certification that led me into instructing others on movement.
Due to my fierce mama-bear personality, it took teaching only a handful of classes before students began asking how to care for their injuries and I panicked. Understanding that the health and fitness world is saturated with people offering (well-intentioned-but-not-always-founded) advice, I was genuinely scared of falling into that trap, so I stopped teaching altogether. Dramatic? Maybe. However, my recurring thought was “I am going to do this properly”. I was scared of unintentionally hurting people teaching yoga and thought that if I was going to truly help, I would do it properly and thoroughly. Pursuing my doctorate in physical therapy at MGH Institute of Health Professions was life-changing.
Now, with patients, we have daily discussions regarding injuries and how best to return to the movement they enjoy. Coming from a diverse background of movement and knowing how amazing I feel when I move, I am stubborn in the realm of rehab. I am often heard saying “I am not ready to give up on your (insert joint here)” and “I am optimistic about your (insert joint here)”.
What I never realized was that my years of disassembling toys and dolls (now, yearly cadaver dissections for the Doctor of Physical Therapy students at MGH), learning about power tools and mechanics, and translating to/for my grandparents in medical appointments, would eventually lead to a general intrigue in all things health-related and the development of a holistic practice. The body is incredible and I would love to help you rediscover that; in clinic, in class, or online.
Please contact me at the Contact form above, if I can be of service.
I look forward to meeting you.
A little bit more about myself: I am a self-described “continuing education junkie”, likely stemming from the above-mentioned fear of hurting someone. Below you will find an abbreviated list of my brain adventures (research articles and textbooks not included) and the styles of thinking that influence my physical therapy and health coaching practices :)
Certifications, Continuing Education, Academic Involvement
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist - “OCS” (March 2021): “Orthopedic Clinical Specialists are recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as individuals whose clinical specialization in orthopedic physical therapy demonstrates knowledge, skill and experience exceeding that of an entry level physical therapist. The specialist certification program was established to provide formal recognition for physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in this special area of practice and to assist consumers and the health care community in identifying these physical therapists. The credentials of Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) are designated to those individuals who have successfully become board certified clinical specialists in the areas of orthopedics. At a minimum, therapists who receive this clinical distinction have completed 2,000 hours of direct patient care in the area of orthopedics and have successfully completed a rigorous written examination.” https://integrehab.com/professional-certifications/orthopedic-clinical-specialist/
Graston - M1 Training (June 2019): “Basic training introduces clinicians to Graston Technique® therapy, its clinical applications, physiological effects/benefits and potential contraindications. The course also instructs clinicians on the proper use of the instruments.” https://grastontechnique.com/Clinicians/Trainings/
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training - “RYT” (Summer 2010): http://pureyoga.com/pure-yoga-teacher-training?icmp_teachertraining_200
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Velona Health PLLC
Owner and founder
Established 2019
American Physical Therapy Association
Combined Section Meeting (2018-Present): Annual, national physical therapy conference
Special Interest Group Meetings (2016-Present): https://www.aptaofma.org/about-us/special-interest-groups
MGH Institute of Health Professions (2018-2019)
Lab instructor for various classes
Cadaver dissection for doctor of physical therapy student lab activities
