Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Erika Shumock, PT, DPT Pediatric Physical Therapist.
Hi Dr. Erika Shumock, PT, DPT; we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field, and since I grew up playing sports & running marathons, the field of physical therapy seemed like a great blend of my interests. Although I always enjoyed working with children (I was a camp counselor throughout my high school & college careers), it wasn’t until I completed a 12-week clinical rotation in the Early Intervention setting that I found my calling as a pediatric physical therapist.
I decided to start Mastering Milestones in 2020 when my husband and I moved to the Charleston area to provide a more personalized experience and a higher level of care to my patients & families. Mastering Milestones started 100% mobile, with treatment sessions performed solely in each child’s natural home, school, and community environments. I quickly realized I needed help and hired my first therapist within 6 months of starting Mastering Milestones. Mastering Milestones started out serving the early intervention (0-3 years) and early childhood populations with a variety of diagnoses; however, my passion for working with young infants & babies grew throughout my years of clinical and personal experiences. I have since gradually shifted my focus to specialize in infant & baby development within the first year of life. I continue to dive into continuing education, taking related courses, reading related books, participating in formal mentorship with one of the most highly regarded therapists in the field, and networking with other local infant & baby specialists to provide the highest quality of care to my clients. And most exciting, in January 2023, Mastering Milestones opened our first clinic in Mount Pleasant to serve all of our Charleston families better.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting and running my own business has been the most satisfying professional experience ever. But opening up a business in 2020, at the start of the pandemic, sure tested me a few times. There were some tears shed and episodes of self-doubt, but I continued to persevere, making changes & adapting as needed. And I’m so glad I didn’t give up! I have met so many wonderful families, mentors, & colleagues along that way that have made this process very much worth it. In as little as two years, I’ve hired a Therapist and went from exclusively in-home visits to creating a Clinical office so I can help even more patients. And, on top of that, I’m due with my child in May. Challenges make us stronger, and the care I can provide families in the Low Country will also help children overcome their challenges.
We’ve been impressed with Mastering Milestones, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
Mastering Milestones is a pediatric physical therapy practice specializing in infant tension, torticollis, plagiocephaly, bodywork for infants with feeding difficulties (including pre-and post-tethered oral tie releases), and early gross motor milestones (birth through walking).
Dr. Erika received her Bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She has spent the last several years studying the acquisition of infant motor skills within the first year of life to understand normal development better, catch disturbances much earlier, and optimize movement to help prevent future motor delays. Dr. Erika takes a whole-body treatment approach with training in advanced manual therapy bodywork techniques, oral motor work, and developmental play. Dr. Erika provides treatment primarily in the South Mount Pleasant clinic location. Home visits are offered to Mount Pleasant residents pending therapist availability.
Our sole mission is to provide the highest quality of care to the infants & babies of the Charleston area. Mastering Milestones has chosen to be out-of-network with all Private Insurance Plans to continue providing this highly specialized type of treatment.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice, in addition to being a committed lifelong learner, having a love & passion for what I do, and surrounding myself with a strong support system, have led to my personal & professional success thus far. My husband has been my biggest supporter; I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.masteringmilestones.com/
- Instagram: @masteringmilestones
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MasteringMilestonesPT
Image Credits
Emma Lili Photography
