Tina developed a special interest in Men’s and Women’s Health during one of her internships. She was at a facility to learn about pediatric and sports physical therapy, and was asked if she wanted to observe a pelvic floor PT for a day.  Not sure what this would entail, she never passed up a learning opportunity.  That day, she discovered the unique physical ailments that pelvic floor dysfunction causes and was immediately mesmerized.  It was that "ah-ha" moment in life when one discovers their purpose and calling.  During adolescents and early adult life, she herself had off and on pelvic floor dysfunction and abdominal dysfunction.  She learned that she was not alone; although common, it was not normal; and most importantly, there are solutions with a conservative, holistic, whole-person approach to therapy.  Through the course of her training, she learned ways to treat and manage her own symptoms of leakage, pain, & constipation.  She wants to empower others to do the same!

Within 6 months of starting her post-doctoral training in this specialty several years ago, she found herself at her sister's side during the labor and delivery of her niece.  Having not had much training on pregnancy or labor and delivery yet, she wasn't sure what to expect.  After this experience, she stared learning more about natural childbirth, hospital birth, interventions during labor, how to prepare for labor and delivery and maternal care in the postpartum period.  Throughout her training Tina developed a special interest in providing care for mothers during pregnancy, during labor/delivery, and in the postpartum period alike, and became a doula.  She feels it is essential for women to have a collaborative support network of caring providers in order to treat and prevent many physical and emotional side effects of pregnancy and birth. 

She especially has a passion for postpartum care.  Many of the physical ailments that start showing up later in life (urinary/fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, low back pain, ongoing "mommy tummy", pubic pain, tail bone pain) can be prevented with proper postpartum rehabilitation.  Pregnancy and birth take a toll on the body.  Whether it was one or five births, whether vaginal or Cesarean delivery, all women need and deserve proper postpartum rehabilitation. 

Tina has found that her background as a massage therapist has complemented her physical therapy treatments, especially when it comes to dealing with persistent pelvic pain, constipation, scar restrictions and infertility. 

Like the North Star, she considers herself to be your guide in finding the true driver of your symptoms and dysfunctions, and will give you the tools you need to reach your goals!

License/Certifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certified

• Certified Doula

• Basic Life Support, Adult and Infant CPR Certification

• History of National Board Certification in Massage Therapy for 12 years

Memberships

• Global Pelvic Health Alliance

• Academy of Pelvic Health PT

• International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health

• National Vulvodynia Association

• International Pelvic Pain Society

• American Physical Therapy Association

• Texas Physical Therapy Association

Teaching Experience

• Previous Adjunct Professor at the University of St. Mary (Women's Health Elective Course, 2015, Leavenworth, KS)

• Clinical Instructor for PT Students

• Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute (Teaching Assistant, 2016 - Present)

• Community Education (Ongoing)

Education

• Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute (Pelvic Specialty Training)

• Institute for Birth Healing

• American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (Functional Dry Needling)

• Pelvic Guru Academy

• Academy of Pelvic Health PT (APTA) (Pregnancy & Postpartum)

• Wichita State University (Doctor of Physical Therapy)

• University of Kansas (Bachelor's in Health, Sport, and Exercise Science)

• Pinnacle Career Institute (Massage Therapy)

• BEST Doula Training (Labor & Delivery)