Outpatient Physical Therapist Lauren Snolis helps children with special needs reach their goals
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It’s National Physical Therapy Month and we are celebrating the vital role physical therapists play in the lives of patients at Bethany Children’s Health Center.
Since joining the outpatient clinic staff in 2015, Physical Therapist Lauren Snolis has treated patients with a variety of special needs, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), other genetic syndromes, and developmental delay.
Inspired by her favorite verse,1 Samuel 16:7, which reminds us that “The Lord doesn’t look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart,” Lauren transformed her high school passion for babysitting and caring for special needs children into a dedicated career in physical therapy.
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a child learn a new skill and watching the parent when their child does something they never thought they would be able to do,” she shares. “That never gets old!”
Lauren knows that children respond best to therapies that are fun.
“People are often surprised that PT sessions with children often look like play. However, it is actually playing with a purpose to help increase the child’s functional skills,” she explains.
Lauren uses a variety of tools and therapies for her patients. You might find her putting casts on a child’s legs to aid in stretching muscles, ordering special equipment like a wheelchair, car seat or device to help a child stand or walk, or using the HydroWorx aquatic therapy pool for a treatment session.
“I love working at a place that supports me professionally and allows me to dream big dreams,” Lauren says. “When the PT team or therapy department has ideas for programs we want to develop or specific equipment that will benefit our patients, the answer is usually, ‘What can we do to make this happen?’”
As a busy mom with a one-year-old daughter, Lauren jokes that her desired superpower would be carrying an infinite number of objects because she frequently carries a child and multiple bags and other items at the same time. Outside of work she enjoys running, baking, reading and spending time with family and friends.
On the job, she values being part of a team that serves as many children as possible to the very best of their abilities. To her fellow physical therapists, Lauren says, “Keep up the good work, continue learning, and challenge yourself to try new things.”
Fun Facts:
Something people might not know: “I love Christmas! I have 3 Christmas trees that I put up at my house along with other décor every year.”
A recent accomplishment you are proud of: “I ran a marathon with a friend during the pandemic after the official race was cancelled.”
Three words your best friend would use to describe you: Intelligent, caring, funny
Favorite movie: “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”
Favorite food: Mac and cheese
From the bucket list: Travel to Paris & Italy