Kaela McDaniel- Introduction

Hi All! I'm Kaela McDaniel. I live outside of Evansville, Indiana in a more rural, farming community with my husband, our nearly two-year-old wild man, and two cats and two dogs. We are also due with our second after the first of the year. 

I have a Bachelors in Athletic Training from the University of Evansville with current national certifications, but am also a Physical Therapist Assistant, Registered Orthopedic Technologist, Orthopedic Physician Extender, and Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I have worked in the Division 1 setting in Athletic Training during undergrad, NAIA level while I finished my Associates in Applied Science (PTA), and since then in the high school setting and in an orthopedic surgeon's office as a physician extender. I have also done some outreach work in the industrial setting. 

My favorite place is Estes Park, Colorado. It was a cherished childhood memory during vacation, and I"ve since hooked my family on the magic there as well. The air is cleaner there and the wildlife and scenery are second-to-none. We could go every vacation if we let ourselves, but we try to put in some variation so the kids can pick their own favorite places. 

I think a strong point of mine is the drive to undertake and finish anything I start. I don't function well with too much downtime, and often juggle more than I should. Perhaps enhanced since becoming a mother, I can run the household, the work environment, balance school work, and still make time for my family. 

I'm interested to see what this course's content can add to my practice of patient-centered care. I have some experience with Pelvic Health and Bone health via professionals I worked alongside. There are certainly differences in the needs and patterning of female patients, and I hope to be able to better incorporate that into our orthopedic practice.