Hidden Gems: Meet Taylor McElwain of Aspire Kids Physical Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor McElwain.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Pediatrics was never a random choice for me. Long before physical therapy school, I worked with children in a variety of settings, including youth hockey coaching, behavioral intervention, and sports camps. It was through those experiences that I discovered how much I loved working with kids. Once I found a way to combine that passion with physical therapy, the path forward became clear.

I graduated from physical therapy school in 2020 and spent the following five years as a pediatric physical therapist at Kids Physio Group, where I continued developing both as a clinician and a leader.

I was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, and lived there most of my life. In 2024, my wife and I visited Los Angeles, and that trip changed everything. We fell in love with the city, and during that visit, I decided to open my own pediatric physical therapy practice, which eventually became Aspire Kids Physical Therapy.

The road from that decision to opening day took about two years. Becoming licensed in the US with a Canadian education meant returning to my studies, completing extensive paperwork, and bringing in the right professionals to guide me through licensure, immigration, and business formation. Alongside all of that, my wife and I relocated our lives from Vancouver to Los Angeles to make it a reality.

Today, I’m the founder and physical therapist at Aspire Kids Physical Therapy in West LA. We opened our doors in June, and I’m actively welcoming new patients. I’m genuinely excited to be building something of my own here, and I have to admit, I’m loving the sun so far.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not, but I’ve always welcomed a challenge. Looking back, I’m proud of what it took to get here, speed bumps included.

I grew up playing hockey, which I know is a bit of a Canadian stereotype, but it shaped how I approach almost everything. The training, tournaments, and constant drive to improve never really left me. In many ways, I still approach life the same way: learning new things, meeting new people, embracing the unknown, and taking on whatever comes next.

Some of the earlier hurdles included getting into physical therapy school and navigating my first years as a new graduate before eventually taking on clinical leadership roles. That period taught me a great deal, both professionally and personally, about who I am and what I want from my career and life.

More recently, becoming licensed in the US meant returning to my studies and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination after I had already established my career in Canada. Then came the immigration process, which was a journey of its own. It required patience, sacrifice, and plenty of uncertainty, but ultimately made opening Aspire possible.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Aspire Kids Physical Therapy is a pediatric physical therapy clinic serving children from birth through age eighteen. Our mission is simple: to help children build the skills and confidence for a lifetime of movement.

In practice, that means working with children facing a wide range of challenges that affect how they move. I work with babies experiencing developmental delays, torticollis, or head-shape concerns, helping them develop early movement skills while giving their parents practical guidance. I also work with children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, supporting functional goals like walking, keeping up with peers, and building independence. Some of my patients are young athletes recovering from injuries, while others have difficulty with coordination, frequent falls, running, or jumping.

What I’m known for is connecting with kids. I’ve always been a bit of a big kid myself, and that comes through in how I work. It helps children feel comfortable, willing to try, and confident enough to challenge themselves.

At Aspire, we have a wall where children track their progress as they climb their own mountain. It connects to the story behind our logo: every child who walks through our doors is climbing a mountain of their own, whether that means learning to walk independently, recovering from an injury, or gaining the skills to participate alongside other kids. My approach is functional and family-centered. I use my clinical knowledge to help each child and family pursue the goals that matter most to them.

What I’m most proud of is simply being here. It still feels surreal that I get to call myself a clinic owner and founder. We’re early in our journey, but I’m excited about what lies ahead and about continuing to build relationships within the Los Angeles community.

If there’s one thing I’d want readers to take away, it’s this: if you’re concerned about your child’s movement or development, trust your instincts. Early support can make a meaningful difference, and parents shouldn’t feel that they have to simply wait and see when a concern persists. Talk with your pediatrician or connect with a pediatric physical therapist in your area. I’m always happy to help however I can.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is movement and how deeply it connects to every part of a child’s life: physical, social, and emotional. Movement looks different for every child, so my goal is not to fit children into one definition of success. It’s to help each child move in a way that supports their own goals, abilities, and participation in the things they enjoy.

I also believe that what children learn early carries forward. The skills, confidence, and willingness to try that they build today can shape how they approach challenges throughout their lives. I feel privileged to work closely with children and families during some of their most formative and challenging moments. What matters most to me is helping them move with greater confidence and recognize what they’re capable of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aspirekidspt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspirekidspt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspirekidsphysicaltherapy/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspirekidsphysicaltherapy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AspireKidsPT
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aspire-kids-physical-therapy-los-angeles
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aspirekidspt

Image Credits
Josh Stuart (GRAYN Media)