Sara Johns

Physical Therapist, Peer Mentor, Site Coordinator of Clinical Education (SCCE)

PT, DPT

Biography

Sara Johns, PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist, Peer Mentor, and Site Coordinator of Clinical Education (SCCE) at M Street Pediatric Therapy. Sara has worked in Early Intervention, a level III NICU, PICU, and a high-risk developmental follow-up clinic. She is passionate about working hard to bridge the gap between a child’s medical history and their function, with the focus of her interventions being on participation, independent mobility, and advocating for inclusion. Sara values interventions that are child-centered, child-led, and allow the client and the family to be active participants rather than passive observers.

Licensure and Certifications

Licensed Physical Therapist, Illinois
Illinois Early Intervention Credential - Physical Therapy
Illinois Early Intervention Evaluator Credential - Physical Therapy
APTA Credentialed Advanced Clinical Instructor in Physical Therapy
General Movements Trust - Prechtl General Movement Assessment (Basic & Advanced)
MOS-R Trained

Education

Doctorate in Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2008
Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences with a pre-health emphasis, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, 2004

Organizations

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA)

Awards and Acknowledgements

Adjunct Instructor - UCM Pediatric PT Residency Program

Publications and Presentations

Expertise

Assistive Tech & DME

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cerebral Palsy

Congenital Heart Disease

Down Syndrome

Early Detection of CP (HINE)

Functional Mobility (F-Words)

Generalized Weakness

Genetic Conditions

Gross Motor Development

Infants

Medically Complex

Orthotics & Prosthetic Training

Post-NICU

Post-NICU Preemies

Pulmonary Dysfunction

Torticollis

Trache/Vent

Assistive Tech & DME
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cerebral Palsy
Congenital Heart Disease
Down Syndrome
Early Detection of CP (HINE/GMA)
Functional Mobility (F-Words)
Generalized Weakness
Genetic Conditions
Gross Motor Development
Infants
Medically Complex
Orthotics & Prosthetic Training
Post-NICU
Post-NICU Preemies
Pulmonary Dysfunction
Torticollis
Trache/Vent

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Specialties

Physical Therapy

Promote independence, increase participation, facilitate motor development and function, improve strength and endurance, enhance learning opportunities, and ease challenges with daily caregiving.

Sub-Specialties

Balance & Coordination

Balance and coordination are crucial for stable, smooth movements. Our PTs assess and develop tailored plans to enhance these skills, promoting safe, confident movement in children.

Cardiopulmonary Endurance

Cardiopulmonary endurance is vital for overall fitness. Our PTs design personalized plans to enhance cardiovascular health and support sustained, active lifestyles for children.

Developmental Activities

Our PTs work with caregivers to design personalized plans that enhance physical, cognitive, and emotional skills, fostering overall confidence and development.

Movement & Mobility

Our PTs help families enhance their child’s movement and mobility through personalized plans and environmental adjustments for optimal development.

Orthotics & Prosthetics

Orthotics and prosthetics enhance mobility and comfort for children. Our team provides personalized solutions and support for effective integration.

Participation

Our PTs prioritize participation. Our approach empowers you as you support your child’s growth and development.

Posture

Good posture supports your child's overall health and well-being. Our PTs work with families to tailor assessments and exercises to ensure proper alignment and balance.

Safety, Health Promotion, & Prevention

Our PTs create personalized plans emphasizing safety, health promotion, and prevention to support children’s growth and well-being effectively.

Strengthening

Our PTs create customized, play-based plans that support caregiver priorities and preferences for everyday opportunities for your child to gain strength and independence.

Featured Resources

View ALL

A Mom’s Perspective - Being a Pediatric Physical Therapist

January 1, 2020

5 min