COMMUNITY MAGAZINE April 2021

NISSAN - IYAR 5781 / APRIL 2021 55 those classes that Renee decided to specialize in neuro PT. “Dr. Schreyer painted the issues and treatments in a way that showed me what PT looked like in practice. People have to live with their disorders but there are ways we can intervene so they live with them in an optimal way.” Renee was required to do four hands-on affiliations in grad school. She was fortunate to do the fourth one at Dr. Schreyer’s PT clinic. Renee was six months pregnant with her second child when she started this track. For ten weeks, Renee shadowed Dr. Schreyer and was guided by him in the evaluation and treatment of neurological and orthopedic cases. Her preceding affiliation was in pediatrics, and she noticed overlapping concepts between the two specialties. WHAT EXCITED RENEE ABOUT PT SCHOOL? “I was taught how to differentiate between true back pain versus pain that was related to another disease such as kidney disease or a tumor. I learned how to look for symptoms that were presenting from medications that my patients were prescribed. My neurological patients, for example, the ones with Parkinson’s Disease, rely heavily on medications that cause side effects.” Renee discovered that PT was not just about treating a patient’s pain but was also about evaluating the whole picture. She developed the confidence to communicate well, which is so essential in treating her clients. “The training got me out of my comfort zone and I love the human connection part of my profession. I am so grateful that, with Hashem’s help, I’ve helped so many people.” PRACTICING PT Six years ago, whenReneebeganher career at theAspireWellness Center, her two daughters were four and just four months old. She worked there two days a week, treating adults and children with neurological and orthopedic issues. The other two days, Renee treated young yeshiva students through a school-based agency. She juggled her family responsibilities and two jobs with the help of a babysitter, her devoted mother, and, of course, Solomon. When Renee graduated from Touro, she wanted to be the best physical therapist and to save the world. However, she began to recognize that she had other precious obligations to her wonderful husband and children, and she worked to create a work-life balance that was fulfilling and manageable. Renee did a combination of clinical and yeshiva-based PT work for approximately five years and then started seeing patients independently. She currently visits clients in their homes, wearing a mask and working safely. Renee is available for virtual visits and has been leading online Zoom classes for parents, with a focus on exercise, pediatric awareness of red flags, and games to incorporate for children. She has also been doing home exercise programs via Zoom for adults. “I am so happy and grateful every day that I chose PT as a career. I educate mothers to get PT for their children early on, to avoid problems later. Mothers can often pick up on issues earlier than pediatricians. For example, ‘my nineteen-month- old son is walking on his toes.’ Parents are scared of labels. I encourage them to view intervening early and taking advantage of medical knowledge, as positive steps.” As Renee and I talked I noted how upbeat, energetic, self-aware, and spiritual she is. Renee is impassioned about family, Judaism, physical therapy, and exercise. She confessed that she did not exercise during PT school and committed to exercising 100 percent in 2017 when she was focused on losing weight. “I really love exercising in a crazy way. I do cardio, strength training, yoga, Pilates, and barre. It helps me mentally, emotionally, and physically, and most definitely helps me to help my PT clients.” Renee also makes time for Sephardic Bikur Holim community projects, cooking and baking for families in need, and supporting patients of the Morris I. Franco Community Cancer Center. Renee encourages aspiring therapists to do as much volunteer work as they can, including shadowing a physical therapist, before applying to PT school. WHAT’S NEXT? Renee is a lifetime learner. She thrives on taking continuing ed classes to sharpen her PT skills. Check out her Instagram page and you will be wowed by Renee’s positive energy and creativity. Renee’s goal is to educate her followers about what PT is and how it can help them. Click on the games for children (gross motor skills) and tips for adults relating to orthopedic and neurological issues. You can reach Renee by phone - 718-687-3180, email reneezarifdpt@gmail.com , or on Instagram @reneezarif. EllenGellerKamaras,CPA/MBA, isan InternationalCoachFederation(ICF)AssociateCertified Coach. Hercoachingspecialties include life,career,anddatingcoaching. Shecanbecontactedat ellen@lifecoachellen.com ( www.lifecoachellen.com) .