An Interview with Our PT and Dance Rehab Specialist Faith!

Keep reading to learn what inspired Faith to become a physical therapist, how her background in dance shaped her approach to care, and why she's passionate about helping people return to the activities they love.

What or who inspired you to choose your career path? I grew up with a multiply handicapped brother, and we constantly had therapists and nurses coming in and out of our home like a revolving door. From an early age, I was heavily exposed to the medical field and the world of rehabilitation.

It didn't take me long to recognize the difference between the therapists who genuinely cared about my brother and his potential and those who simply accepted the limitations of his disabilities. Seeing that inspired me to become the kind of therapist who doesn't say, "Oh well, he just won't be able to walk well," but instead says, "We're going to do everything we possibly can to help him succeed."

On the other side of things, I was a ballet dancer from the time I could walk. I was always getting injured or watching others get injured, and I wanted to find a way to help. When I suffered a severe stress fracture that took me out of my pointe shoes for a while, I went to physical therapy for rehabilitation. The PT simply told me I wouldn't be able to dance in my upcoming performance which, as any dancer knows, isn't an option. I actually despised PTs after that experience.

However, when I went to college, I decided I wanted to be the change. I wanted to become a physical therapist who truly understood the demands of dancers, while also bringing the same dedication and determination that I had seen make such a difference in my brother's life growing up.

Why do you love what you do? For me, it's all about the connection. I love being a part of someone's story and being able to help them get back to doing what they love. It is so fulfilling to me even if I can provide a small fraction of relief to make someone's day better. Whether its pain, making them laugh, or even giving them hope for a better life!

What is something surprising you have learned in your field, if anything? How huge of an impact marketing has on services. Marketing is a full-time job for a reason and so important for clinicians to learn and understand. It has definitely been a learning curve in terms of having patience in myself and to understand that it takes time to build up clients and gain trust from providers. I think it's so easy to get excited and ready to build a whole new program that sometimes we forget to have patience with ourselves and realize its a journey to get there that takes a lot of work.

What is frustrating for you in your field, or something you wish the general public could know about what you do? I think many people would be surprised to learn that physical therapists are doctoral-level healthcare providers. While we're not medical doctors, we complete seven years of higher education, extensive clinical training, and a rigorous national board exam before entering practice. I think there is sometimes a misconception that PT is a certification-based profession, when in reality it requires a tremendous amount of specialized education and expertise. I'd love to see greater awareness of the role physical therapists play in helping patients recover, prevent injury, and optimize their movement and function!

Charleston is a hot spot destination—what is one of your go-to places for food, a drink, or entertainment? The best cup of coffee I've had is at The Daily. Their lavender honey latte is so good. I also love Second State Coffee. Silent Disco at Share House downtown is so much fun, I love it!

What book are you currently reading? Currently almost done with Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry with A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair queued up!

Faith brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, personal experience, and genuine passion for helping people move with confidence. From dancers and athletes to everyday movers, she believes everyone deserves individualized care that supports both their goals and their lifestyle.

Ready to experience a different approach to physical therapy? Schedule with Faith today.