At PT Solutions, we’re proud to celebrate Black History Month by spotlighting the incredible contributions of our team members. This year, we asked employees to share their experiences and highlight how their journeys have shaped their approach to patient care and their impact within our clinics.
Our featured team members embraced this year’s theme—African Americans and Labor—by sharing what drives their passion for healthcare and how their work makes a difference in the lives of others. These spotlights reflect the diverse perspectives and dedication that strengthen our mission to expand access to care.
Le’Shaunda showcases that patient care is about more than treatment. It is about breaking barriers, fostering trust, and ensuring every patient feels seen and valued.
“My experiences have deeply shaped how I approach my work, especially in how I care for patients. The history of African Americans in labor—overcoming systemic barriers and fighting for equity—resonates with me daily. It reminds me that the fight for fairness, respect, and opportunity is ongoing, and healthcare is no different.”
This perspective fuels Le’Shaunda’s commitment to culturally competent care. “I strive to embody empathy, resilience, and a commitment to breaking down the barriers that patients, particularly those from marginalized communities, face. Culturally competent care goes beyond understanding someone’s background; it is about actively listening to their concerns, validating their experiences, and being patient-centered in every interaction.”
Motivated by a passion for equity, Le’Shaunda sees her work as part of a greater movement for change. “Healthcare is a space where diversity and representation matter. By showing others that they can thrive, I am helping to build a future where our collective voices are heard and respected.”
For Le’Shaunda, being unstoppable means lifting others up, mentoring future healthcare professionals, and ensuring that healthcare remains inclusive and equitable for all. “The more we empower the next generation, the more we ensure that healthcare is a space where everyone, regardless of background, is treated with dignity and respect.”
As a physical therapist, Adrienne believes that building trust, showing compassion, and making a meaningful impact is essential to providing exceptional care.
With nearly eight years in the field, Adrienne has developed a care philosophy rooted in respect and understanding. “During my time as a practicing clinician, I have encountered patients who chose not to work with me—before even giving me a chance—because of the color of my skin. In those moments, I have had to remind myself of who I am and that I am qualified to do my job,” she shares.
Rather than letting these experiences define her, Adrienne remains committed to patient-centered care. “I never want anyone to feel the hurt of rejection or the disappointment of not being heard. I treat my patients with respect and empathy, regardless of race, color, or background. I let them know I am here for them—to help them—and I encourage them to share what I can do to make their experience better. The outcome is always better when we work together.”
Her passion for excellence drives her to continually refine her skills, making PT Solutions an ideal place for her growth. “I was drawn to PT Solutions because they prioritize my goals and provide the resources I need to reach them.”
Beyond her career, Adrienne’s purpose is deeply rooted in her family and community. “Whatever I do, whatever knowledge I gain, it is for them. I come from a small town, and there are young girls who look up to me. I want to show them that pursuing their dreams and turning them into reality is possible. I have overcome many obstacles to get to where I am today, and I do not plan on stopping anytime soon!”
For Myles, being a physical therapist is about creating lasting change in patients’ lives through movement, confidence, and care.
“Growing up with the need for physical therapy from sports injuries, I saw how much of a lasting impact a physical therapist could have on their patients. Every day, I strive to provide that same impact to promote lifestyle change for my patients.”
Inspired by strong mentorship, Myles was drawn to PT Solutions by the opportunity for continuous growth. “My last rotation as a student physical therapist was at our Tyson’s location with Andrew Shipp. For me, he exemplified clinical excellence, dedication to his craft with continuing education, and utilizing evidence-based care. From that experience, I valued the opportunities PT Solutions provided for clinicians to grow clinically and professionally through the orthopedic residency and mentorship to better serve my patient population.”
At the core of Myles’ motivation is the belief that confidence leads to transformation. “My motivation comes from helping my patients build their confidence in their daily lives and activities so they can become unstoppable.”
Quintin’s journey to becoming a physical therapist was personal. It was the care and motivation he received as a patient that shaped his career.
“There’s a quote that my grandma said to me once. It goes, ‘If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.’ As a child, I couldn’t put this quote in terms of my life. Now, I understand exactly what she was telling me. Feeling the way you want to about something requires you to put things into perspective and take action.”
As a former student-athlete for the Northern Illinois Huskies, Quintin knows the importance of resilience in recovery. “Upon suffering my own turf toe injury, I was introduced to the field of physical therapy. These were the individuals that kept me motivated to keep playing the game that I loved. After surgery, I thought my playing days would be over. They helped me gain confidence and return to the sport that I loved.”
That experience shaped his patient-first mindset. “I learned that to get better, I had to be positive about the situation regardless of the circumstances and put the work in. My main goal in the field of physical therapy is to improve people’s lives both physically and through perception. I want to help clients understand that I have their best interest in mind and will help them reach optimal improvement.”
In her clinic, Lauren creates a supportive and uplifting experience for every individual.
“My experiences have taught me that everyone carries some form of pain, whether physical or emotional, and it is important to acknowledge that. Approaching each patient with empathy and a positive attitude helps shift their focus from discomfort to hope, fostering a more supportive environment. By maintaining optimism and compassion, I can help make their treatment journey feel less daunting and more empowering.”
Lauren’s journey into physical therapy began with a desire to make a meaningful impact. “I originally wanted to become a physician, but I realized that I can still make a significant impact on patients’ lives by supporting their recovery in a more hands-on way. PT Solutions allows me to help people heal and regain their strength, which fulfills my passion for improving others’ well-being.”
What truly drives Lauren is the connection she builds with her patients. “I am motivated by the desire to provide exceptional customer service where every interaction leaves a positive impression. Seeing my patients leave with a smile gives me an incredible sense of fulfillment, and it fuels my commitment to go above and beyond every day. The opportunity to make a lasting impact on people’s lives and ensure that they feel valued and cared for is what makes me unstoppable in my career.”
