Check Out Haley McDonald’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley McDonald.

Hi Haley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As cliché, as it may seem, I’ve always enjoyed the reward of helping people. As a high schooler and college student, I think the satisfaction of seeing people do things that were once difficult was inspirational to me. As I progressed through physical therapy school, I had opportunities to see and work with children with special needs. I worked with children who are mildly delayed with infant milestones, and I’ve worked with families with children who had significant injuries or diseases, and would potentially never get back to the level they were prior to their injury. Being able to be a part of their story and a small helper to get them back to doing what they can do best, is simply inspirational. I have had immense opportunities working in pediatrics in a variety of settings. I’ve worked with amazing mentors, colleagues, and families who have made my journey and career what it is today.

I did my undergraduate degree at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and received my Doctor of Physical Therapy from Emory University. I worked at the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham Alabama for several years before moving back to Atlanta in 2018. I then worked in early intervention and outpatient pediatric physical therapy. In 2021, I opened my own business, Pathway Pediatric Therapy Services, and I’m now operating as a independent clinician. In addition to my clinical work. I am also an adjunct professor at Brenau University, Emory University, and Mercer University. I assist with a variety of classes, including those for pediatrics, general skills, and advanced clinical skills. I am a Board-Certified Pediatric Physical Therapist, which means I have additional education to focus on complex, pediatric skills, cases, and diagnoses.

I also have a passion for serving my profession as a whole. I have served in multiple volunteer and elected positions at the state and national level for our American Physical Therapy Association. My current role is Vice President of the Georgia state chapter of the APTA as well as a delegate representing Georgia at our national Congress.

Besides my work, my primary role is mom of two amazing kiddos and wife to the most supportive husband. My identity as a mom overrides any clinical work that I may do or achievements that I may receive from a work setting.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say that I am blessed that my journey from student to clinician has been relatively smooth. I have been blessed with amazing mentors and colleagues who have supported me through my clinical journey and throughout my personal life. My husband and I experienced two difficult pregnancies which grew my empathy and connection for families who have walked similar roads, including difficult, pregnancies, and premature deliveries. I believe my story as a mom and a therapist with two premature babies helps resonate with families who are experiencing similar struggles.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My primary role as a pediatric physical therapist is to support children in their families through developmental milestones, childhood play, and engagement with their peers for socialization. The majority of my patients are under five years old. My primary role with these families is to ensure that children are meeting their milestones of skills, such as crawling, walking, and navigating their environments. I also specialize in diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome, spina bifida, torticollis, and general, developmental delay. In addition to supporting these young children, I also work with children in the school, setting to ensure that they are able to access and engage with their peers at school. This involves making sure that they have the appropriate equipment, modifications, and staff education to support them for their educational needs.

I believe that my ability to connect with families on a personal level sets me apart from a traditional Therapist model. A lot of of the families I work with, we are a team for months to years at a time. I get to know the child, the family, the siblings, the pets, and support the family through all the struggles and triumphs along this child’s journey. I believe the emotional connection to the child and the family deepen the relationship and growth for movement and it’s potential for their functional independence.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Several of my favorite memories, stem from trips with my family to Disney World. My mom and I would take girls trips to Disney, even when I was in college. Many of those memories included feelings of joy, freedom from daily routines, and the magic of being in that environment. I’ve shared my love of Disney with my husband and children, and we have taken many trips to continue these special traditions.

Pricing:

• Evaluation – $250
• Developmental Assessment: $150
• Treatment Sessions: $200
• Foundation Builders Program – See website

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pathwaypediatrictherapy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathwaypediatrictherapysvcs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087388307092&sk=about
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-mcdonald-pt-dpt-pcs-3739691b8/