PT Spotlight

We are all really excited about being back in the office, and the ability to see everyone in person again.  Over these last few weeks and months of doing only telehealth appointments you have invited us into your homes, which has been an amazing experience for all of us.  We have gotten to meet your spouses, your kids, and your pets!  We thought it would be fun to give you a little lens into the side of us that you don’t often get to see, and so over the next couple of weeks, our blog is going to be dedicated to helping you learn a little bit more about us.  Up first is Ashley!

Ashley Witson, PT, DPT

Where Did You Grow Up – Wappingers Falls, NY 

First Injury You Can Remember –  When I was nine years old, I was at a school picnic, and my friends and I were trying to run through the woods to get to another school. I just happened to jump over a log, not knowing what was on the other side. Well, it just happened to be a big hole. I ended up with a pretty gnarly ankle sprain that kept me from playing soccer for quite a few weeks. 

What Made You Want To Become a PT – Well, it all began during early high school when my stepdad (on his 5th bout of PT) told me he thought I would make a great therapist one day. Who knew I would then spend over a year of my time in PT after tearing my ACL. What did I learn? My doctor may have “fixed” the ACL, but my PT allowed me to play soccer again. I wanted to be that person that allowed people to live again. So, here I am helping people achieve their performance and rehabilitation goals. 

Other Professions You Would Choose If Not PT – These are the three I normally say to people when they ask: event planner, forensic medical examiner, or college professor. Don’t ask about the second one, I’ve always been intrigued by forensics. 

What is one thing most people don’t know about you- I was a pretty awesome oval track go-kart racer as a kid, and I still give my professional racecar driver fiance a run for his money every time we compete.  Being at race tracks around the country has led me to meet some of the most amazing, supportive people in my life. Any race track is like my second home. 

Actor You Would Like To Play You On SNL – 100% Tina Fey, because I love Tina Fey.

Favorite Sport To Watch On TV That You Never Played- Ice Hockey. There’s a reason I quit dancing as a child, I needed contact sports in my life. Ice Hockey calls to me- I just never even gave it a thought as soccer always came first! 

Guilty Pleasure- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

Sport You Think Would Give You The Best Chance Of Making The Olympics-  With my small stature, quickness and need for speed, I would say bobsledding! I’d really love to learn one day.

What Is Your Favorite Way To Exercise- There is no better feeling than lifting a 200# barbell from the floor. Yet again, I do love going for a long bike ride or a run too!

Least Favorite Food – Well, this is a typical answer when you ask most people. I must say anything to do with liver of any kind. 

Favorite Breakfast Food –  How can you choose? Omelets, Chicken & Waffles, Home Fries…. I really could eat potatoes all day long. 

Place You Want  To Visit That You Have Never Been To – Machu Picchu. I find it extremely intriguing. 

Hardest Class You Took In PT School –  Modalities. I think my lack of interest in the subject drove me to just not want to learn it. 

Highest Altitude You Have Ever Been To – I don’t have any fun altitude stories. This is one thing I have still yet to experience. I mean, I’ve flown on a plane to California- that is about 35,000 feet, right?

First Job – I mean, my real first job was running a lemonade stand in the corner of my front yard. Other than that, I babysat regularly throughout high school and college. 

Favorite Part About Being a PT – I love everything about being a physical therapist. I love the learning aspect of being a PT. I love how multifaceted my profession is. I love helping people. I love learning new things from my clients daily. But, my favorite part? Seeing people achieve their goals!