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 in February 1979 and has specialized in multiple areas of physical therapy treatment over her 38 years of service. She received her Hand Therapy Certification, ASHT in January 2005 and has been an active caregiver in hand rehabilitation for 20 years. She holds additional Certifications in Maitland Manual Therapy, Functional Capacity Evaluation, Ergonomic Assessment, Le Duc Certification in Lymphedema Management, and Graston Tools for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. She is currently the senior therapist for the Hand Rehabilitation Clinic at Providence, and also treats patients with lower extremity lymphedema.
Valerie has been married for 33 years to her husband Patrick, a Professor of English at LAVC, They have a daughter, Ariel, who graduated UCSC in marine biology and works as a naturalist educator in Santa Cruz, Ca. Valerie loves crafts, sewing, dancing and is an active member of her church participating in Membership, Welcoming and Staff/Pastor Relations committees.
Valerie is often involved in Providence’s programs for the Community, volunteering for senior community lectures, support for area schools and homeless shelters 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.
Certified Hand Therapist
Certified Lymphedema Therapist