Physical therapy has always been more than checklists and prescriptions for Melanie Parker, DPT, ATP/SMS. “When I look back on my career, I can see how much of it was influenced by my mother,” she said. Her mother, a home health and hospice care nurse, often had a special connection with patients. Parker and her brother would often accompany their mother. “We would help with household chores or bring food. I always admired how she would quietly champion those needs, and I am grateful she gave us those early experiences.”
Parker’s mother also modeled patient advocacy. “She was definitely a nurse ahead of her time and was not afraid to question a doctor if she felt they were missing something,” Parker said. “She became a nurse practitioner shortly after I became a PT.”
Teenage Parker realized she wasn’t suited for hospice work. “I asked my mother what is ‘the happy side of medicine,’ where people get better and don’t die. She recommended physical therapy,” Parker said. That summer, Parker volunteered with stroke patients and later at a pediatric clinic. “To this day, I remember being 16 years old and volunteering during pool day for cerebral palsy patients … I remember thinking, ‘If I can do this for the rest of my life, I will be so happy.’”
Her path led Parker to Virginia Commonwealth University, where she graduated in December 2003 in the university’s first doctorate-level physical therapy program. By January 2004, she was on the inpatient rehab unit of Virginia Commonwealth University’s hospital. “I had requested to begin on the general rehab team but was placed on Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). I was terrified, but grateful for a wonderful team and the culture of a teaching hospital.” She rotated through SCI, brain injury and general rehab teams every six months, gaining skills quickly.
During those years at the hospital, wheelchair seating became Parker’s passion. “I loved putting the puzzle pieces together of a physical presentation, prognosis of recovery, home setup, caregiver situation and personal goals and matching those to wheeled mobility and seating solutions for optimal outcomes,” she said. “I learned quickly there is no ‘cookie cutter’ answer as each person is so unique.” Parker also earned her Assistive Technology Professional certification because she wanted “to collaborate as well as hold accountable the vendors who were coming into our clinic to ensure the best outcome for my patients.”
Marriage and motherhood shifted Parker’s career somewhat. “Inpatient rehabilitation will always be my first love,” she said, “but I wanted something more flexible with fewer weekends and long hours.” She worked in home health, skilled nursing and pediatrics. “In each of those career opportunities, I always found myself back to doing equipment evaluations — and loving it.”
That passion led to entrepreneurship. “Through this variety of experiences, I developed a desire to open a clinic that would be done ‘the right way,’ as I saw it.” Parker launched Confident Living in 2015, reestablished it in 2019 and watched it grow. “We had a vibrant team and did some great collaboration to elevate the outcomes of our patients.”
The challenges of running a private practice were real. “Unfortunately, given high overhead costs versus the reducing and unpredictable reimbursements of insurance, the business was not able to sustain financially,” Parker said. Yet she is proud of what she and her team built. “Many of our clients said they felt seen, ‘at home,’ and had their best outcomes with us. I am incredibly thankful for those who ‘stepped out of the boat’ with me.”
Now, Parker is embracing a new season. “Currently, I am balancing several contract positions. My primary job is with The Wheelchair Clinic, where I do an average of 20 evaluations per week, both in person and remotely. I also work PRN (as the situation arises) about three days a month at the Department of Corrections facility near me doing outpatient therapy with inmates. Lastly, I am consulting for adults and children on the intellectual disability/developmental disability waiver.”
Through her years of experience, Parker has seen many changes in the industry. “Insurance reimbursement, regulations and coverage criteria have been the worst. It’s a constant struggle to stay on top of the differences from one Medicaid plan to another or one Medicare Advantage plan to another,” she said. “It’s unfortunate that it often feels like we need to get the denial to understand what the latest interpretations are.” On a brighter side, she is encouraged by technology. “I continually get excited about the advancement of technology and how it empowers our clients to stay independently mobile longer. I love going to the International Seating Symposium and walking around to see what advances have been made.”
Despite the frustrations, what sustains Parker in her work is simple: “The outcome. I love seeing people and their caregivers excited on delivery day because their new equipment opens doors and provides comfort, support and function they did not have before. The words from caregivers, ‘I have never seen her sit so straight!’ or ‘I have never seen him so comfortable in a chair’ are music to my ears.”
(Use arrows to scroll. Click images to enlarge)
Her passion extends beyond the clinic. “Outside of work, I am engaged in my church, serve on nonprofit boards and run The Whole Family Foundation, which I founded during COVID-19. We surround families with support when a member has a disability, ensuring that siblings and caregivers are included, too.”
Family remains central. “My husband and I have three amazing teenagers, each with their own passions and talents, and we love spending time together — especially family game nights.” She is also excited about future opportunities: “I am currently talking with a couple in Guatemala about taking a team to work with them in wheelchair clinics in remote areas. The thought of combining my seating and mobility work with missions excites me more than I can say.”
Reflecting on her journey, Parker sums it up with humility. “Over the years, I’ve learned to never stop learning and to stay humble. My diverse experiences have given me perspective and made me better at asking questions. And I never lose sight of the fact that each client is someone’s loved one. For me, it’s always personal — and always will be.”
Melanie may be reached at melanie.parker.pt@gmail.com.
Melanie Parker, DPT, ATP/SMS, is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in a variety of settings, specializing in seating and mobility across all ages. She is also the founder of The Whole Family Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting families with the resources they need to thrive. She is married to her husband of 21 years, and they have three teenagers and two dogs.