A Mom's Perspective -Being a Pediatric Physical Therapist
Sara Johns
Physical Therapist
A Mom’s Perspective - Being a Pediatric Physical Therapist
When Sara walks into a client’s home, she doesn’t just enter as a physical therapist. Sara brings her empathy as a mom, experience as a medical professional, and advocacy as a friend.
“In early intervention we may start seeing kids when they’re as young as a few months old, up to age three and sometimes even beyond. During that time, we become part of the family.” Sara explains of her role.
“I feel so honored to be trusted to enter family’s homes—their private space—and to support them in advocating for their kids. It’s amazing to see the children grow, develop and gain confidence.”
At M Street the entire family is part of the team and we view our role as coach and advocate. We believe no one knows their child better than a parent. As a child’s confidence grows, so does their parents’ confidence in their role as and parent, advocate, caregiver.
Sara says, “It’s truly a privilege to take part in this work.”
“It’s truly a privilege to take part in this work.”
Sara’s Story
After graduating with a doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois in 2008, Sara gained a wide range of experience across the field. Sara knew early on during her internship with M Street’s founder, Alison Liddle, that Early Intervention work was her passion. After 5 years in pediatrics at a Chicago hospital, where she worked in the NICU, PICU, developmental follow-up clinic and outpatient pediatrics, Sara was certain in-home therapy was where she could make the biggest impact. This philosophy was further reinforced after the birth of her first child.
Early intervention therapy, or “EI” is provided under the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for children ages 0-3. What makes EI special is that the therapy sessions are carried out in the home, a family’s natural environment where kids feel most comfortable. Therapy centers around everyday activities and challenges the child may face, unique to their real day-to-day lives.
Sara educates parents on what to expect regarding developmental aspects as well as treatment options. Preparing parents with the skills and knowledge necessary to confidently speak up for their child, ask questions, or facilitate circumstances to fit their child’s needs are all necessary aspects for success. It’s about turning parents into advocates. “Equipping parents with the right knowledge so they ultimately feel confident as the utmost expert on their own child is a beautiful part of the process,” explains Sara.
“We see families who may face the typical struggles you have with any two-year-old, but those challenges are compounded by the fact that the two-year-old may be on a ventilator, or they may not be able to hold their head up independently. We see families struggle with how to include their child. They often just need support and empowerment,” explains Sara.
“Just because a child may do things a little differently, or may look a little bit different, they can still participate in activities. They can still do a lot of the things that typically developing kids can do.”
As a pediatric physical therapist, Sara also loves working with families in a home setting because it’s more natural. Coaching in the home allows her to observe the daily routine of the child and use her expertise and knowledge to guide parents in how to offer frequent practice of skills that will help strengthen their child’s muscles or improve their balance so that they can participate more fully. Observing how family members interact with the child allows her to make suggestions for strengthening relationships as well.
Sara uniquely understands and relates to the families in her care because her own child also has special needs. Not only does Sara bring her knowledge and experience from a therapist’s perspective, but she brings her empathy and experience as a mom. She’s been through the same emotions the parents she works with are experiencing and is highly sensitive to their feelings.
Sara wears both hats (or super-hero capes) with ease, confidence and curiosity. She loves learning along with children and families. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing just how much a child is capable of. She strives to advocate for the children in her care and empower their parents as well. Sara understands that parents may also need advice, positive recognition, or emotional support throughout their family’s time in therapy (and beyond).
“We see families who may face the typical struggles you have with any two-year-old, but those challenges are compounded by the fact that the two-year-old may be on a ventilator, or they may not be able to hold their head up independently...”
Working with Sara and M Street
Sara’s experience with each family she works with is one-of-a-kind, as is their care plan. Each family has their own situation. Sara works with each family to decide on a care schedule and timeframe that works best for them.
Like all M Street therapists, Sara is focused on emphasizing what kids can do and all the ways they can be an active part of the family without feeling excluded. More than any other role, Sara treasures the job as advocate for every child she works with. She’s their biggest fan and she loves the opportunity to build their confidence.
Early intervention therapy is not designed to change something wrong with a child, but rather to help parents and kids realize they’re able to function as a family even if the picture is painted a little differently.
“That’s a big part of the philosophy at M Street: we’re not here to ‘fix’ your child. No one can cure a child of Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy. And in fact, the child doesn’t need to be cured or fixed, but rather accepted and included. We coach parents and children, so they feel confident working together. We help kids to learn how to interact with their peers, prepare for school, and experience all the exciting parts of childhood that a typically developing child experiences,” says Sara.
In this field, nearly every single emotion is tapped into at one point or another. From joy to laughter, anger and sadness, Sara is there to help every step of the way. In many cases, families fear one thing: the future. It’s the uncertainty that’s terrifying. Sara brings reassurance and empowerment. She works to erase the stigma of disability. It’s about helping people understand that different doesn’t mean bad. Different just means that a unique approach may be required.
As a pediatric therapist and a loving mom, Sara knows that parenting and childcare is rarely easy by any means. Parents often need a coach in their corner to cheer them on. Sometimes, a little reassurance that they’re doing a good job as parents can be exactly what they need.
“At M Street the entire family is part of the team…”
Discovering Different Abilities
Our approach at M Street doesn’t limit us to just the typical physical therapy--where kids come into an office for an hour of exercise that may or may not translate into their daily routines and are then sent on their way. We focus on inchstones, rather than milestones and we get to celebrate each triumph together. Parents realize how lucky they are to raise a child that has different abilities as they discover their strengths.
“When a family comes to us, they’ve often been bombarded with all the typical, developmental milestone information that says, ‘at this many months your child should be doing this.’ They see friends’ children physically progressing differently. I love to show the family what their child can do. I can help instill the parents with the confidence to say, ‘Yes! Even though my child may not be exactly like the kid down the street, they’re still making real progress!’
Sara’s motivation, first and foremost as a pediatric physical therapist, is always the children. She has worked with children with a wide variety of needs. Children under Sara’s care have many different challenges, including developmental delays from premature birth, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, the effects of exposure to Zika virus, and more.
Additionally, many of the families Sara works with have faced socioeconomic hardships too, whether due to unemployment, addiction and social factors, or hurricanes, floods, and other extreme conditions. One thing all the families have in common is that they love and want the best for their child.
Sara’s role as a pediatric therapist and a mother has shaped the person she is today and helped her connect and empathize with families under her care. She strives to help kids grow and to help families see that a disability is more like a different ability.
“What I appreciate most is a family’s willingness to let me into their lives. I appreciate their trust, allowing me to work with the most precious thing they’ve ever had—their child. I feel honored to do this work.”
At M Street, we’re more than therapists. We’re real people who care. We’re passionate about supporting you, your child, and your family on this unique and sometimes overwhelming journey of parenthood.
““...I feel honored to do this work.”