Amy Davis, DPT, began her career at The New England Center for Children (NECC) as a part-time physical therapist in 2014, before being hired full-time a few years later. She was nominated by a colleague because she “juggles half the school on her caseload for PT services, has exceptional rapport with each student, communicates with other staff flawlessly, collaborates with other disciplines professionally, is a team player within her department, picks up overtime shifts, and keeps us laughing throughout the day with her incredible wit and sense of humor!”
How long have you worked for NECC?
I started at NECC in August of 2014. I first started part-time working just two days a week, and after a few years, I was brought on full-time.
Why is PT an important part of the students’ education?
The main goal of a school-based physical therapist is to work with students to help them improve strength, balance, coordination, and mobility, as well as overcome any physical challenges that they may have. By working on student’s gross motor skills, you can help prepare them for further education, participation in recreational sports or family activities, employment, and independent living.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love watching my students meet motor milestones and reach the goals I have set for them. I am beyond proud when one of my youngest students finally learns how to jump forward on command or a student learns how to reciprocally pass a ball back and forth because their family wants a simple activity for them to do with their sibling. These small achievements can really make a world of difference in a child’s life.
Why did you choose a career in helping children with autism?
I always knew I wanted to work as a pediatric physical therapist. When I was in grad school, I did two internships with children – one was with early intervention, and the other was in the Boston Public Schools; both really inspired my passion for working with children.
Why NECC?
I started as a school-based physical therapist in a public school, and while I was doing that my grad school buddy, Rob Silva—who has been an occupational and physical therapist at NECC since 2001—recruited me to join the team. When I started working at NECC, I really fell in love with the collaborative team approach and the positivity of the staff I worked with. And working with the students here was the icing on the cake.
What is something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?
I love all outdoorsy hobbies and animals. Growing up, my family had some pretty big vegetable gardens that we spent a lot of time working in, and also over the years had many different types of animals like cows, pigs, peacocks, turkeys, chickens, etc. I still love to have gardens, and I am always trying to convince my family and friends to go with me to local farms to visit the animals (because my yard currently is definitely not big enough to house those types of animals)!
Who is someone you look up to?
I really look up to my director at NECC, Kristen Sidman. She is just a great leader and mentor for us. I think working for a really good boss is a very motivating experience, so I am very appreciative of the environment she helps to create within our department. Kristen is also a supportive, caring, and extremely thoughtful person.
What is your life philosophy or motto you like to live by?
I’ve always liked the saying, “The grass is greener where you water it.” It just reminds me to be present and appreciate where I am at. Focus on yourself and what makes you happy, stay true to your goals, and believe in yourself.