Valerie grew up in the San Fernando Valley and attended California State University Northridge, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy in December, 1978. She started work with Therapeutic Associates at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center February 1979, and has specialized in multiple areas of physical therapy treatment over her 45 years of service. Starting in Acute Care for 2 years she moved to Outpatient for Ortho/Neuro 8 years and acted as Clinical Coordinator of Education working with our local Physical Therapy schools for 5 years. She moved to the Providence Occupational Clinic in 1989 to join our Workstart Program for returning patients to work after injury. She became involved with ergonomics, specializing in concerns of Animation and Computer graphics at Disney, Dreamworks, Warner Bros and Nickelodeon Studios. She received her Hand Therapy Certification, ASHT in January 2005 and has been an active caregiver in hand rehabilitation for over 20 years. Her additional professional certifications include Maitland Manual Therapy, Functional Capacity Evaluation, Ergonomic Assessment and Job Analysis, Le Duc Certification in Lymphedema Management, Kinesiotape, and Graston Tools for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. She is currently a senior therapist in our Providence Outpatient Therapy and Hand Rehabilitation Clinic and specializes in Hand related injuries and with non-cancer related lymphedema.
Valerie has been an active participant in many of Providence’s programs for the Community, volunteering her time for community lectures, and fund raisers for cancer and arthritis research. Her recognitions include the Therapeutic Associates McKillip award for excellence, the Providence Mission Spirit Award and the Providence Core Value Award for Justice.
Valerie is married for 41 years to her husband Patrick, has one daughter Ariel. Valerie is active in her local church and cares for her 100y/o mom. Val’s hobbies involve crafts, dog obedience, cooking and gardening, and she loves home decorating for the holidays.
Certified Hand Therapist
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
