I’m a Filipina, born to immigrant parents. Our family of 8 lived a very modest lifestyle. Growing up with “less than,” there was always a curtain of shame that hung over me. It took many years to build my confidence and self-esteem, but by growing up in California in the Bay Area, I was exposed to a open-mindedness and diversity which is unique and special to our part of the country.

I have been practicing physical therapy in the hospital setting for 30 years. I have worked with thousands of patients with a variety of conditions and from a variety of cultural, socioeconomic and gender identity backgrounds. I have been told my “superpower” is my infinite patience and tolerance, my ability to work with anyone, especially people with difficult personalities. I was often assigned patients that no one wanted to treat, because they were mean or rude. I have learned that most people behave this way for a reason; if someone would take the time to listen and care, their armor is often shed. I don’t look at this as a “superpower,” I simply treat all people with the same respect, dignity, compassion and most importantly with an open heart. For me, a homeless person gets the same care as a CEO. Some people have a hard time looking past the unclean clothes sitting in a bag in the corner or the color of a person’s skin, understanding a thick accent or the spectrum of gender identity.

Truth be told, my only training consisted of diversity, mental health and gender identity sensitivity in-services in the hospital. Last month, I left my hospital job of 18 years to start my own mobile vestibular physical therapy practice. I specialize in treating people suffering from vertigo, dizziness and imbalance. I use a holistic approach and not only use traditional vestibular exercises but also incorporate nervous system regulation techniques like breath work, mindfulness, grounding, acupressure massage, and emotional freedom technique (EFT) tapping, as many of my patients also suffer from stress, anxiety and depression. As I start my journey as a solopreneur, I will continue my practice of providing heart-led care and I feel I would make a great addition to the Outlist directory.