Hey y’all!
I wanted to introduce myself! My name is Catie and I am a pediatric physical therapist. I am originally from Mississippi but I currently live in Asheville, NC with my husband and my fur babies (1 dog & 2 cats). I love all things outdoors and fortunately we live in a place with tons of opportunities & activities to get outside. We have enjoyed exploring Asheville & other parts of Western North Carolina getting to experience a lot of delicious food & drink, beautiful scenery, and friendly people.
I have been a physical therapist for 3 going on 4 years working exclusively in pediatrics. I work in a public school district outside of Asheville where I serve children with special needs and other gross motor deficits to assist them in accessing their educational environment as well as supporting their independence & participation in their education. I have experience treating clients of differing ages and with a diversity of diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Rett’s Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, various genetic disorders, and other various neurodevelopmental disorders. I have practiced in a wide variety of pediatric settings including developmental preschools, public school districts, various outpatient clinics, daycares, home health, as well as functional vocational training centers for special needs adults. I have also treated clients utilizing alternative treatment methods like hippotherapy.
Why pediatrics? I believe children are our future. It is imperative that we teach them the necessary skills & give them the necessary tools they need to foster independence in order for them to participate to their maximum potential in all areas of their life (home, school, & community). Eventually, THEY will be the contributing members of our society. Furthermore, kids are so resilient & adaptable, approaching the world with an innocent outlook not yet so heavily influenced by society.
Why physical therapy? What I love most about physical therapy is that it is a comprehensive, holistic style of treatment which addresses the root of these impairments versus just addressing the symptoms. It is often a long process that may involve a lot of emotions and require a lot of patience. However, to watch a child improve in an area whether it be with strength, coordination, balance, or with a specific gross motor skill (sitting for longer duration, riding a bike, propelling their wheelchair, hopping on one leg, learning to swing by themselves, etc… the list goes on and on and is incredibly rewarding. Physical therapy intervention not only strengthens children’s growing bodies but its benefits spill over into other areas of their life, improving cognitive functioning, mood, body awareness, self confidence, and self efficacy. It is truly an honor & pleasure to work with kids and assist them as they grow & develop into the wonderful adults they will become.
I hope this post gives you more insight into who I am and why I chose this calling! As we explore the wonderful world of pediatric physical therapy with The Sensory Path, I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned & topics that are close to my heart.
Catie
Catherine C. Skelton, PT, DPT
Pediatric Physical Therapist
