Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosalia Arellano.
Hi Rosalia, 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 have been physical Therapist with a neurologic specialty for 25 years. Making sure that my patients and clients have resources within their community that help them to thrive, beyond the limitations of a health care system that focuses on only rehabilitation. I began working at Reneu Health Fitness Gym as an interventionist for an extracorporeal spinal stimulation study for SCI and ending up staying on the team because I loved the clinicians and their strategies. I began teaching a PWR for Parkinson’s class there and seeing clients for mobility needs after Discharge. This is where I met Stephanie, WDO board member, who mentioned to me that they were searching for a new Executive Director.
At WDO, my neurologic PT world meets my personal love for music and dancing. Throughout my 25+year career I’ve witnessed the magic of music igniting movement, returning freedom of expression, and creating belonging through dance, grounded in the belief that accessibility is a human right.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can only speak to what I have heard from my team members and board members who have been in the organization for longer than I have, including Bev, our founder who is still very active in her treasurer role.
The class began in 2008 with increasing popularity, but when covid hit, the organization struggled to keep engagement from participants and raise funds. They were as creative as possible in creating virtual opportunities which helped the org survive until they could finally resume in person classes. Many team members felt that Covid hit was hard and they still haven’t fully recovered. Enter me. My goal is to get this org not only back on it’s feet but grow it beyond it’s highest point. It’s been a lot of work but I feel extremely hopeful. We have already begun rebranding, strengthening our Mission and Vision and begun fundraising so that that we can create a fantastic showcase in october, and begin implementing some new strategies and tactics to reach our goals
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Physical Therapist, Master’s Degree in PT from UCSF/ SFSU and transitional DPT from NeuroRecovery Training Institute.
PWR for Parkinson’s certifies Therapist and Instructor. Lead Adult Neurologic Instructor for SDSU Doctor of Physical Therapy program for 12 years (until end of May 2025) I have worked in nearly every setting, Inpatient, outpatient, Skilled Nursing, Outpatient Home PT, and Wellness. I have a specialization in Neuro rehab and implement music and dancing any chance I can not only in my PT care but with teaching. I currently also teach for SDSU’s Faculty and Student Success Program. I have held several leadership positions and am active in the American Physical Therapy Association at the District, State and Federal level as chair of the Community Affairs Committee, the SD Outreach Chair, CA Delegate for the APTA House of Delegates and Representative to the CA Assembly. In addition to this I participate regularly in State and Federal Advocacy efforts for ensuring more access to care for clients and patients.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Absolutely! VOLUNTEER!!! get involved, stay involved. You meet so many people when you start engaging with your profession or your community and you develop new passions that can lead you into directions you had no idea were connected to your values and, in my case, my career.
Networking can be fun. Challenge yourself. As far as gaining mentorship- slice it thinner. It doesn’t have to come in a big complicated package with strict timelines, You can find mentors in any space you engage in. I have mentored so many people in a non formal way, it just developed on it’s own. I have gained SEVERAL mentors by my engagement with my professional and my community, just by being curious and asking questions, observing, learning and taking what I see and hear into different components of my life. There are definitely good programs out there for formal mentorship but I beleive you find mentorship in almost every activity you participate in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wheelchairdancers.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheelchairdancersorg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WheelchairDancersOrg/
