Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Panetta
Hi Rachel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was first introduced to pediatric physical therapy while volunteering at Rady’s Children’s hospital in my teen years. I loved how committed the therapists were to their patients, and how much time they got to spend with them each week. I knew if I was going to work in healthcare, I would want to be a physical therapist. While in college, I worked at Rehab United as a front and back office assistant, and I really grew to appreciate the physical therapy community. They are some of the most down to earth, friendly people you will ever meet. I then completed my undergraduate degree at San Diego State University, and my doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos. After I graduated, my now-husband and I moved to Portland, OR for eight years to try out a new place, and grow. I worked the majority of the time at an outpatient clinic that specialized in intensives. Over that eight years, those clients and coworkers became family. It was a place that really pushed me to grow as a therapist. I became the director of that clinic after about five years. However, once I knew we wanted to start our own family, we felt it was time to move back to San Diego. Here we have the support of family and friends and jobs we both love! For the first few years I worked for an Early Intervention company, but recently decided to branch out and start my own! I am currently serving the birth to three population via early intervention and love the relationships I have built in the San Diego community and with the families I work with.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Two bumps come to mind. The first bump was when I was not accepted into PT school the first year I applied. I was really eager to move out of San Diego, so I applied to mainly schools in the midwest and on the East coast. Unfortunately, I was waitlisted at many of them, but did not get in to any the first year. The second year I was more open to the idea of staying on the west coast, and I applied to schools in California, as well as other schools all around the country. I did get accepted to a few schools that year, and opted to stay in San Diego to take advantage of USA’s accelerated program, to help makeup for the time I lost taking that year off. The second “bump” came after graduating, when trying to get a job in the pediatric setting. I always knew I wanted to work with children, although getting into this niche wasn’t easy. My first year in Portland, I applied to several pediatric jobs, but with only volunteer and internship experience under my belt, I was not a top choice. After about a year and a half I was given the chance to work in a pediatric clinic, and that ended up being where I worked for seven years.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bean Sprouts Physical Therapy?
I started Bean Sprouts Physical Therapy in the fall of 2024, which is a pediatric physical therapy company serving mostly children birth to three. This is mainly supported and funded via the San Diego Regional Center, which provides free in-home services provided to children who are at risk for developing delays related to premature birth, or other neuromuscular or genetic diagnoses. I also accept cash-pay for services, which can be provided in-home. I specialize in treating children that may have genetic diagnoses, cerebral palsy, or general gross motor delays. I am also trained in Cuevas Medek Exercises (CME) and Total Motion Release (TMR). Although my company is fairly new, and currently is just me, I do look forward to growing the company to be able to serve more children in San Diego. Mentoring newer therapists is also something I love!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
2020 was the year I became the manager of the clinic I worked at in Portland. It was a very stressful time to take over, to say the least. That year I really learned a lot about how to empathize with, and support my team. I think everyone had anxiety and stress that year, whether it was job, health, or financial issues. As a group, it was stressful, but I really think it helped us grow together as a team in the end.
Pricing:
- If you qualify for early intervention services through San Diego Regional Center, therapy is free until the chid turns three.
- Cash pay services are $250 for evaluations and $150 per visit following
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bean-sprouts-therapy.com
- Instagram: @beansproutsphysicaltherapy
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