Why I Started Ready to Roll: Lessons in Mobile Pediatric Physical Therapy in Reno, NV

“But I can’t do this all on my own. No, I know I’m no Superman.”

I was doing housework while one of my favorite TV shows, Scrubs, played in the background. I’ve always loved that theme song and the show's pilot episode. The very first line is such an accurate embodiment of what it feels like to be a fresh healthcare provider:

“Since I was a kid, I've been able to sleep through anything - storms, sirens, you name it. Last night, I didn't sleep. I guess I get a little goofy when I'm nervous. You see, today isn't just any other day. It's my first day. I'm the man. And four years of pre-med, four years of med school, and tons of unpaid loans have made me realize one thing… I don't know jack.”

The theme song cues right after, paired with the iconic image of an X-ray hung backward. 

I am a pediatric physical therapist, not a physician. I readily acknowledge there are aspects of the show I can’t relate to—on-call shifts, grueling overnights, or high-stakes medical errors. However, I deeply relate to the complexity of trying to provide the best possible care while navigating the hurdles of the American healthcare system. I also relate to needing a community and a strong support system along the way, because “I can’t do this all on my own.”

As I reflect on the past 18 months of Ready to Roll Physical Therapy, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the support that brought this dream to life.

My husband, parents, and siblings have offered endless encouragement. My husband has been my rock, supporting our family while I built this business with unwavering patience and love. It was actually a family group chat with my parents and siblings that helped me land on the name "Ready to Roll." My older sister, Mary, designed my brand kit and helped me connect with an artist for my logo.

I also leaned heavily on fellow practice owners, including Rachael Brown of Manual Method PT and Nina Routon of Salt and Light Wellness. Mentors like Alicia Young and Linda Bollinger were always a phone call away, while friends and family who work as attorneys, CPAs, and physicians offered invaluable guidance. I will always be grateful to everyone who helped me save a few dollars or pointed me toward better resources.

My patients and their families have shown incredible patience while I worked through the intricacies of running my own practice. At times, figuring out how to make a mobile clinic work felt nearly impossible, but being able to treat my patients with full independence and deliver the exact care I believe in has made every bit of chaos worth it.

Finally, I am so thankful for the Reno-Sparks community. A CPA I found on Facebook introduced me to a local BNI chapter; while it wasn't a long-term fit, the members were instrumental in teaching me how to manage a small business in Northern Nevada. Organizations like the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities provided encouragement, and collaborating with other local pediatric therapy clinics serving this area has been deeply rewarding.

This journey has reinforced one absolute truth: as healthcare providers, we need others to give our patients the best possible care. Because quite frankly, on our own, we “don’t know jack.”

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Time Toxicity in the Special Needs Community: Rethinking Pediatric Physical Therapy in Reno