Meet Lindsey Teefey
Lindsey Teefey leads Stepping Up, an exercise-based program from the Smith Alzheimer's Center. After growing up in Anna, Ill., and graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Lindsey joined the Smith Alzheimer's Center this past spring.
What interested you about physical therapy?
A friend encouraged me to job shadow a physical therapist in college, and from that day forward, I knew I would really enjoy the field because it was a practical way of helping people through exercise and physical activity. I finished the excellent physical therapist assistant program at SIUC and went on to get my bachelor's in communications.
My family and I moved here in 2006 where I have enjoyed providing physical therapy in mostly home health settings in Springfield and surrounding areas. I really grew to love home health because it felt like I was empowering people to be more independent in their own homes by helping them prevent their chances of falls or injury.
What benefits have you seen from those who attend Stepping Up?
I have already seen so many benefits of Stepping Up — not only are participants learning routines to maintain mobility and strength, but they are working on balance to decrease their risks of falling. Most importantly though, I have seen community and friendships grow between classmates that are truly irreplaceable.
