As a young athlete, Erin had faced her share of injuries, requiring her to go through physical therapy (PT) several times. These transformative experiences that ignited a passion within her. “The care I received sparked a desire to help others regain their ability to participate in the sports and activities they love,” Erin reflects.
Initially, she envisioned a career focused on pediatric rehabilitation, driven by her understanding of the challenges young athletes face. However, during her physical therapy schooling, a neurology rotation at the MS Comprehensive Care Center exposed her to world of neurologic rehabilitation.” I was drawn to the complexity and challenge of working with the neurologic population and discovered a passion for adaptive equipment,” says Erin.
After graduating, Erin gained valuable experience in both acute care and outpatient settings. Her skills and knowledge grew with each patient she treated. A few years into her career, she was encouraged to take on a lead role in an adult wheelchair clinic. Although this wasn’t the direction she had originally planned, it soon became clear that this was where she belonged. “I developed a deep appreciation for the power of equipment and the impact it can have on a person’s life,” Erin says. The clinic allowed her to see firsthand how the right adaptive tools could transform daily living.
In 2014, Erin made the decision to transition into pediatrics, joining the Nemours Assistive Technology Clinic. This move was a perfect blend of her long-standing desire to work with children and her expertise in adaptive equipment. “. It has been an incredibly rewarding career thus far, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my professional journey,” says Erin.
One of the aspects she values most about her position at Nemours Children’s is the diverse range of opportunities for growth and development. “I’m fortunate to work in the Assistive Technology Clinic, where I can pursue my passion as a physical therapist and equipment specialist, while also contributing to the Neuromuscular Care Team and engaging in research initiatives focused on neuromuscular populations,” says Erin. “These experiences have allowed me to expand my skill set and make a meaningful impact across multiple areas of care.”
“Over the past 11 years at Nemours, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional group of therapists,” shares Erin. “The sense of teamwork and camaraderie here is truly unique and has created an environment where collaboration thrives and professional relationships flourish. It’s this supportive culture that makes each day fulfilling and has made my time at Nemours incredibly rewarding.”
For Erin, one of the most fulfilling aspects of her job is the opportunity to connect with people and help them navigate paths they never thought possible. “Supporting families in caring for their children and empowering them through mobility solutions is incredibly rewarding,” says Erin. “I especially enjoy the hands-on, problem-solving nature of my work it engages my mechanical mindset. There’s a unique satisfaction in being able to grab a wrench and make on-the-spot adjustments or repairs to a child’s equipment, instantly improving their comfort and functionality. These moments, where I can combine technical skill with compassionate care, are what keep me going.”
While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single favorite memory from her time at Nemours, several highlights stand out as especially meaningful to Erin. For example, the annual Halloween events where her team dresses up in costumes and trick-or-treats with the patients. Another highlight for Erin was the collaborative work to implement eye-gaze technology for a young man with a C2 spinal cord injury. “Above all, some of the most powerful memories come from witnessing the reactions of children and their families when a piece of equipment enables independent mobility for the first time,” says Erin. “Those moments are a profound reminder of why I do what I do.”
One of the most significant ways Erin has contributed to the field of assistive technology and rehabilitation is through her presentations at the International Seating Symposium. Erin’s commitment to ongoing professional development is also evident in her webinars for RESNA, where she has delivered valuable training and education to her peers. Additionally, her leadership in a pre-conference workshop at the MDA Conference has been instrumental in addressing the specific challenges faced by individuals with neuromuscular disorders. Erin’s involvement in groundbreaking drug research and treatment initiatives for individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) has further solidified her role as a leader in the field.
Beyond her professional achievements, Erin’s work at Nemours is deeply personal and emotionally rewarding. “I work each day to empower children and their families by providing opportunities for mobility, participation, and independence in daily life,” says Erin. “The impact of this work is reflected in the smiles, sighs of relief, and sometimes tears of joy when a child is presented with a piece of equipment that enables them to engage in tasks they previously couldn’t, gain independence in daily routines, or move freely within their environment to interact with family and peers in new and meaningful ways. Improving a child’s quality of life and the quality of care they receive is what drives my commitment to the job. The diverse and unique backgrounds, abilities, and needs of the patients and families I work with have shaped me and who I am both as a clinician and a person. I’m honored that families from across Florida, the Southeast, and even former patients who have transitioned to adult care continue to choose me to provide guidance and care. Their trust and continued connection lets me know that the work I do is having a lasting impact on their lives as well.”
