I have been in private practice since 2006, starting out on a part-time basis and gradually growing into a full time practice by 2010. I received my Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College (1999), and a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Geography from Portland State University (1981). In 2004, I completed a 400-hour yoga teacher training with Todd Norian; in 1993 I completed the Certification Program for Massage Therapy at the Baltimore Holistic Health Center. Since 2008, I have been training and continue to train with instructors in the Barral Institute learning Visceral Manipulation, Neuromanipulation, and Viscerovascular Manipulation. In 2020, I completed a three year program in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy at Turtleback Craniosacral Therapy and Education in Upstate New York. Please go to the services page to learn more about each of these modalities.
I worked in several outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinics in the upstate NY area before starting my own private practice. I gained invaluable experience working with people with a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological problems ranging from headaches and TMJ problems, to post-surgical rehab, scoliosis, impingement issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, stenosis, osteoporosis, SI joint dysfunction, pelvic/postural misalignment, balance issues, pre and post partum pain, strokes and Parkinsons. For five years, I worked in the home care setting, teaching people how to function safely in their homes with aging issues such as gait deficits, fall risk and general deconditioning, as well as post-surgical rehab. Since 1986, I have taught yoga: prenatal, therapeutic, and general. My passion for yoga has only grown as I continue to see the positive results it has in my clients lives in terms of decreased pain, improvement in balance, strength and flexibility, and most importantly, empowered self-management of their symptoms.
When I opened my own cash-based practice in 2006, it was a result of seeing that a certain percentage of people with acute problems did not progress in the traditional outpatient setting because of underlying, chronic issues that required a different approach in order to improve. It was with this population in mind, that I started a practice that enabled me to spend an hour of uninterrupted, one-on-one time with individuals, creating an environment where it is possible to feel safe and relax, and there is time to allow for the deeper, manual work necessary for healing.
My work is influenced by my long time affiliation with my zen buddhist teacher, Barry Magid at Ordinary Mind Zendo in NY (ordinarymind.com). My ongoing meditation practice supports me in listening whole heartedly to my patients and responding with respect, spontaneity, humor, and honesty.
“I have suffered for many years with chronic upper back and neck pain and frequent severe headaches relieved only partially with regular chiropractic and acupuncture treatments. I began treating with Pat four months ago and already the frequency and level of my pain and headaches have decreased noticeably. Pat is very caring and calming and it is clear that she values her patients. I highly recommend Pat to anyone who seeks relief of their pain at the hands of a skilled and caring professional.”