Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Rodriguez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In April 2016, I opened the Stepping Stones pool to the special needs community, providing the only aquatic-based pediatric Physical Therapy services in Ventura County. Word quickly spread throughout the community, with the help of therapists, friends, clients, and social media. In my four short years in business, I have provided 685 treatments to more than 50 clients, ranging from 6 months to 18 years. Through social media, I have had the opportunity to connect with families from other states and even other countries. I have also mentored eight undergraduate Pre-Physical Therapy students and Pediatric Physical Therapists in the aquatic setting.
It has been so fulfilling and humbling to hear the feedback from my clients’ families. Aquatic therapy has been life-changing for their kids; there really isn’t anything like it. The unique properties of water relax high tone muscles and assist with movement when there is low tone or reduced strength. I’ve worked with clients who have Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Prematurity, Spina Bifida, and Down Syndrome. I have witnessed children’s joy splashing and playing in the water while developing their motor skills, strength and balance. Our Physical Therapy treatments take motor development and utilize the naturally fun environment that an outdoor swimming pool provides. I incorporate swimming skills in my therapy treatments, using kicking to improve coordination and strength, arm strokes for a range of motion and motor planning, and blowing bubbles for lung capacity and breath control.
A big part of my business model is giving back. I found two charities to assist me in funding scholarships, donate services to local non-profits, and spend time doing volunteering around the community at special needs events. But there was still something missing. I knew that after clients were discharged from my aquatic program, there wasn’t anything waiting for them on the other side. While other recreational activities have special needs teams, like VIP AYSO soccer and Challenger Baseball, there isn’t anything involving swimming. I found that there wasn’t an opportunity for children with special needs to participate in swimming on a team if they were not able to meet a basic skill level. So what did we do? We made one!
Through a mutual friend, I connected with a local mother who had been trying to find a recreational swim team for her 10-year-old daughter, with no luck. Together, we worked with Ventura County Special Olympics to create one in the Conejo Valley, starting in the spring of 2019. Our swim team comprised of 11 athletes, ages 8-14, at any ability. The Special Olympics organization programs are no cost to families. Their programs rely heavily on volunteers. I am fortunate to have a supportive community of friends who are donating their time to coach our team.
What next? I hope that this Special Olympics team continues to grow and is maintained for years to come. I hope we have returning athletes and new ones joining us next year. I hope we have encouraged others to volunteer as swim coaches so that more families can experience this joy. I hope that my actions continue to inspire others to make small differences in their community because the little things are the biggest.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Having a medical background, I had no idea how to start or run a small business. I leaned on anyone and everyone, from colleagues to family and friends for support. I asked a lot of questions, read a lot, and learned along the way. What nobody tells you is that being an entrepreneur is lonely and tiring. You are essentially creating something from nothing; while trying to make something that works well for your clients and yourself. It’s the graceful act of fumbling and picking yourself back up, one lesson at a time. All the while putting on a brave face, like I know what I’m doing. (Truth: I have no idea what I’m doing.) But, this I promise, I’m not going to stop trying to be a better business for my community. Here’s the truth behind the small business owner: I’m the therapist providing the service, the pool maintainer, the marketing department, the scheduling wizard, the financial guru and the strategic planner. It’s exhausting, and at times I’ve questioned why I’ve put myself through it all. All the late nights, giving up my weekends, endless hours in the pool, managing a growing program single-handedly; all the while maintaining full employment elsewhere. Then I take a step back and look what I’ve created. It’s amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Stepping Stones Physical Therapy – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Pediatric PT is a specialty within the Physical Therapy field already. I additionally earned a 45-hour Aquatic Clinical Competency from the American Physical Therapy Association. I’m most proud that I provide high-quality service to clients. I created this business based on a need that I saw in my special needs community. I am thankful that I can allow children of any ability to receive aquatic therapy treatments.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me has always been about personal happiness through meaningful and fulfilling work. The progress that my clients make, their enjoyment during therapy, and the relationships that I have built with clients over the years, has made my business venture a successful one.
Contact Info:
- Website: steppingstonesaquatics.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steppingstonespt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppingstonespt/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stepping-stones-physical-therapy-thousand-oaks
Image Credit:
Tess Michelle Photography for the group swim team photo
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