Physical Therapist/Co-Owner

Describe the essence of what you do in your job:

We improve a person’s quality of life. Our aim is to restore a person back to where they are able to participate in the things they enjoy.

What are some of your interests, outside of work?

I love doing anything outdoors, especially being out on a boat. I enjoy running, golfing, working out, playing in softball leagues, and recently I began learning to play tennis. I like music and going to concerts as well. I always enjoy learning new things.

What are some things you believe in? What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom?

“Never let anyone come to you without coming away better and happier.” – Mother Teresa

 What do you like most about working at this organization?

I love the relaxed atmosphere that is present at Thrive, and the ability to provide quality, individualized treatment to my patients. I like that having time to spend with my patients and genuinely listen to their concerns and offer solutions or suggestions for them.

 What do you like most about caring for patients?

I love the relationships that develop between a therapist and a patient. Every person that I meet I learn something from, and my hope is that they are able to take something away from me as well. I meet so many wonderful people, and I am able to grow and learn from interacting with each of them.

 What do you think patients like most about your organization?

What our patients like most is our ability to take the time to listen and genuinely care about their problems. I am able to take the time to explain things and offer up possible options, solutions, or alternatives for them and each of their individual situations. We provide a home-like and relaxing atmosphere that our patients love!

Physical Therapist/Co-Owner

Describe the essence of what you do in your job:

I treat patients that have pain or decreased mobility that is hindering them from performing their normal everyday activities or decreasing their quality of life. I aid in restoring their mobility and decreasing their pain so they can return to their normal everyday activities. We specialize in treatments specifically for women including treatments for urinary incontinence, breast cancer rehabilitation, pelvic pain, and prenatal/post partum dysfunction. We also have therapist specialized in Dry Needling.

What are some of your interests, outside of work?

I enjoy working out, playing tennis, and being active. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

What are some things you believe in? What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom?

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough”—Mae West

What do you like most about working at this organization?

Opening Thrive Physical Therapy has been my life’s dream! I have always had a passion for Women’s Health Physical Therapy and I had always wanted to open up a place where Women could get the treatment and care that they needed for those problems and conditions that were so personal to them. I know that there are very few Physical Therapist who specialize in what I do, so I felt a need a calling to open Thrive Physical Therapy to be able to practice in the environment that was most suiting for providing these special types of treatments.

What do you like most about caring for patients?

Being able to help a patient with a problem or condition that they felt was just going to be “part of their life” and to improve their quality of life is what makes my job worth every minute. I love the feeling of helping someone overcome a problem or issue that has affected their life and to be part of them returning to doing something that they enjoy again.

What do you think patients like most about your organization?

Patient most like the feeling that they have when they are at our clinic. They like the one on one personalized care and the private, comfortable setting that Thrive Physical Therapy has.

Physical Therapist

"Do one thing every day that scares you." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Blakelee is a Doctorate of Physical Therapy graduate from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport. She has a desire to assist people do what they love without restrictions or pain. Her interest in Physical Therapy began following a back injury while playing softball in high school. Her desire to keep people healthy and involved in their interests, motivates Blakelee to pursue continuing education. She is Functional Dry Needling and Rocktape certified, which assists in returning her patients to pain free movement.

Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Biology from Northwestern University of Louisiana, 2009 Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, 2012 In addition to outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, she continues to receive experience in hospital medical/surgical settings.

Harvey (my fur baby)
Running
Violin/Fiddle
Family Time
Outdoor activities

Physical Therapist Assistant

“The body achieves what the mind believes”

Emma graduated from Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge, where she received her degree for studies as a Physical Therapist Assistant. While attending school, Emma completed rotations in multiple settings that served diverse populations of the community as well as being very active in school/class organizations and events. Since school, she has gained experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings and loves helping patients move more and live better! Through her continuing education, Emma has also become a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP), using the rehabilitative taping method to re-educate the neuromuscular system, reduce pain, enhance performance and prevent injury.

TIP: If it’s covered in glitter, Emma is in love!

Vacation: St. Lucia and Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Restaurant: Mexican (especially Pappasito’s for Sunday brunch)
Team: LSU, Geaux Tigers!
TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder (TGIT!)
Hobbies: Learning to sew, shooting skeet, building bonfires, spending time with friends and family

Physical Therapy Technician

"Every challenge you encounter in life is a fork in the road. You have the choice to chose which way to go - backward, forward, breakdown, or breakthrough."

Maria has worked for Thrive Physical Therapy for 3 years now and has over 5 years of hands on experience in therapeutic exercise. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree at McNeese State University to advance her knowledge. She has a passion to make patients feels comfortable and happy. She is also determined to educate them on how important exercise is to living a healthy life.

Vacation: Puerto Rico
Celebrity: Alicia Keys
Book: Hunger Games
Team: Saints
Hobbies: I live anything outside activities, playing softball and volleyball, and spending time with my daughter.

Physical Therapy Technician

"The best view comes after the hardest climb."

Cheyenne is currently studying Exercise Science at McNeese State University. She will be applying to PT School in the Spring of 2017. Cheyenne decided she was interested in Physical Therapy when she partially tore her Achilles Tendon during a gymnastics practice and recovered through the use of Physical Therapy. She finds that the most rewarding part about being a technician is helping and also watching patients progress back to their daily functional activities.

Vacation: Grand Cayman
Celebrity: Kenny Chesney
Book: Harry Potter
Team: LSU, McNeese, and the Saints
Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Kayaking, Drawing and Painting

Physical Therapy Technician

“The Best View Comes After The Hardest Climb.”

Jessica is a recent graduate of McNeese State University earning her Bachelors of Science in Health Promotion. She plans on pursuing her dream and getting her Masters of Occupational Therapy. She enjoys the rewarding experience to see patients progress and knowing that you can impact a patient’s life greatly.

Team: McNeese State University & LSU
Hobbies: Hunting, Mudding, Working Out, Riding Backroads, Hanging With Friends, & Anything Active
Movie: Sweet Home Alabama
TV Show: Real World The Challenge
Food: Chicken & Sausage Gumbo with Potato Salad