Eliza Gunner, OTRL - UNC Center For Rehabilitation Care of Chapel Hill

As a pediatric physical therapist, I get to earn a living by playing with children. I enjoy being part of a team with my patients and their families to help kids become more independent. I also have a special interest in helping children and adolescents to find ways to enjoy fitness and exercise to improve their overall health. I believe that pediatric physical therapy should be a fun and uplifting experience and I love celebrating each milestone with the children and families I work with. Outside of physical therapy, I enjoy reading, drinking lots of coffee and spending time with my family and friends.

After working with special needs populations in recreation and support settings, as well as English as a second language (ESL) teaching, I decided to pursue speech language pathology. I was able to combine those two interests, as well as open more doors for helping individuals. My top priority as a provider is to establish a comfortable, trusting relationship with the patient and family and to work together as a team to determine goals. My areas of special interest include early childhood development, developmental disorders and bilingual development. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, water activities, skating, skiing and singing.

I chose the field of occupational therapy because it allows me to help individuals overcome their obstacles and participate in meaningful daily occupations at any stage of their lives.