Elaine was born in California, and travelled frequently in her youth. She graduated from UCSF in 1975 with a degree in physical therapy and has thoroughly enjoyed 43 years as a physical therapist. She has two sons that currently live in Humboldt and Italy. She and her boyfriend are avid kayakers and work frequently with Kayakers Unlimited, which opens up the kayaking community in San Francisco, on an affordable basis, to community members in need.
She’s kayaked around the world, loves to hike, mushroom hunt, and has a special passion for medical mission work. As a therapist, Elaine has brought her medical expertise to marginalized areas around the globe through Operation Rainbow and other medical outreach programs. From the highs of the Andes Mountains to Ghana, Elaine’s missions have taken her to Africa, Central, and South America.
1) What's your professional background?
“I graduated UCSF in 1975, so I’ve been working in physical therapy for 43 years. I’ve always just wanted to be the best clinician I could.” She has done extensive coursework from neuro-rehab to orthopedics. Elaine is a scholarshipped and certified Mckenzie Institute therapist and those methods are generally her first approach to care.
She’s lectured, treated patients, and mentored blossoming therapists at St. Mary's Medical Center for over 25 years while also being a clinical expert for the state and working with the California School of Podiatric Medicine.
2) Why did you become a physical therapist?
“I always felt a calling towards medicine and a desire to help people, coupled with my passion for being physically active and the sciences lead to physical therapy.”
Elaine describes her fierce independence solidified her career path, “As I gained more experience, being autonomous and provide treatment based on my evaluation rather than being solely dependent on doctor opinions is incredibly satisfying. It’s intellectual work with a lot of responsibility. You get to figure out what is causing the problems in a non-invasive manner in a career where you have a lot of autonomy.”
Elaine emphasized her passion for helping others, “I most enjoy working with people because I am able to connect and establish a special bond. These relationships go beyond just being their clinician. If you can't relate, it will be challenging to help patients progress in their rehabilitation. I love that I play a role in restoring a patient's quality of life.”
3) Why did you choose Luna?
“Luna’s vision statement. Luna enables autonomy, while providing services needed to fill the void in healthcare. Profitability with a social awareness and a conscience that are compatible with my own personal philosophy.”
4) What do you love about what you do?
“It’s rewarding to have a career that makes a difference in people's lives. I learn so much from my patients.”
For Elaine, physical therapy allowed her to help others in meaningful ways and also learn about herself.
5) What's the best part of being part of the Lunaverse?
“Luna’s helping me balance my life and now I can get to visit my family and take part in my hobbies and personal passions.”
“Increased patient time, extra income and without sacrificing time to visit my sons feels a blessing. I love that I can spend time with my family and pursue passions like kayaking. It is equally important to take care of yourself while providing care to patients; Luna uniquely equips me to do just that! I can create a more balanced life.”
Just For Fun!
6) Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
“Princess Diana. She was a woman who had to take a good look at herself. She had the courage and strength to be true and authentic to herself. She raised two incredible sons with good values and was a wonderful humanitarian. She lived her life through her heart, and that took a lot of courage. She was a truly pioneering female entrepreneur and adventurer.”
7) For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
“My health, at 67 years old I’m so grateful that I can enjoy a life without pain and sickness.”
8) If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
“The ability to embrace life each day to the fullest through kindness - to enjoy each days gifts. More gratitude and more kindness while living more in the present.”
