Anna Lawrence
Early Intervention Physical Therapist
Prince Georges County Public Schools
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Volunteered in high school at camp for kids with muscular dystrophy.
Enrolled in PT program with pediatric internship.
Work in various pediatric settings but loved interactions with parents.
Returned to school for focus on teaching families.
Attended early intervention leadership academy.
Education
High School
Career
Early Intervention Physical Therapist
Teach and train parents of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Education
Helping People
Day to Day
On a great day, I would visit four different families. I would use a coaching model to help the caregiver help their child. It might be through information on play activities and exercises to help the child learn to roll over, sit up or walk. Or info on what types of toys to get to help build their child's cognitive or motor skills. I would provide hands on physical therapy for the child. There is great satisfaction in seeing a child sit up by themselves, crawl or take their first steps.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Visit hospitals or other offices where physical therapists work, look for some that specialize in working with children - pediatrics - contact your local Infants and Toddlers Program, each state has one, and see if you can shadow someone for a day. Take classes for pre professional development for health care careers - sciences, math, communication.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"It's so depressing to see the children suffer. It will take you too long to get your degree."
Challenges I Overcame
In a biracial relationship
