I began working as a PTA with Olean PT Professionals shortly after graduating from Villa Maria and will soon be celebrating my 4-year anniversary at the outpatient orthopedic clinic.
I love playing a positive role in changing lives for the better. As a retired teacher, I‘ve always enjoyed educating, motivating and supporting others to succeed in reaching their potential. Working as a PTA provides me the opportunity to continue my passion of working with and assisting others in a clinical setting instead of a classroom. I find it truly rewarding when patients progress and accomplish their rehab goals. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than helping someone persevere, especially when they are faced with obstacles and/or in a difficult phase of life.
After teaching for nearly 20 years, returning to the classroom as a student was not an easy decision but I came away with no regrets. I also came away with a true appreciation for the faculty, staff and every individual who made my Villa experience enjoyable and rewarding. Attending Villa Maria College was the best decision for me largely due to the well-designed PTA program and the teachers who have made it undeniably successful. I only wish I had met Dr. Kim Kotz and Mr. Jim Kelley decades sooner as they both are extraordinary individuals and exhibit exemplary character in & out of the classroom. Their leadership continues to motivate me to be a better teacher, a terrific PTA, and simply said – a finer person.
My advice to future PTAs is to ALWAYS keep in mind “The Golden Rule.” The principle of treating others as one wants to be treated is something I believe to be important regardless of the setting or situation. In the world of healthcare, I would actually expand the rule and recommend treating all patients as if they were a close family member or dear friend. Individuals tend to be more patient, understanding, flexible, and compassionate when working with people they love. Therefore, my advice would be to remember every patient you encounter is in need of your help, so actively demonstrate all the previously mentioned characteristics and use your skills to make a significant difference.
