When Aprendamos opened its doors 20 years ago, Kerry Linnan was there and ready to make a meaningful difference. As one of the very first physical therapists to join the team, Kerry has been a foundation of the organization’s growth, impact, and heart from the very beginning.
Kerry’s career began with a clear sense of purpose. Before Aprendamos, she worked at our sister company, Direct Therapy Services, serving adults with developmental disabilities. While she found her work was meaningful, something was missing. “I knew I could accomplish so much more if I could get to them earlier,” she recalls. So, when the opportunity came to work with children through school contracts, Kerry jumped in without hesitation. Not long after, she was among the very first therapists to begin offering early intervention services through Aprendamos.
From school-based therapy to outpatient services, to supervising physical therapist assistants and conducting multidisciplinary evaluations, Kerry’s professional journey has touched nearly every aspect of Aprendamos’ programs. Today, she continues to serve as an Early Intervention Physical Therapist, a CME evaluator, and a Physical Therapist Assistant Supervisor—roles that showcase not just her expertise but also her dedication. Kerry is also one of our six shareholders, helping to guide and mold the organization from not just a Physical Therapist’s standpoint but from a leadership perspective.
Over the past two decades, Kerry has worked with several families, with each one leaving their mark. “Sometimes we give parents tools to help their child meet milestones. Other times, we ease their anxiety by helping them recognize all the amazing things their child is already doing. And for families navigating a new diagnosis, we walk beside them—helping them advocate, find joy in small steps, and see a hopeful path forward.”
One of Kerry’s favorite parts of the job is when parents send her videos. “Maybe we worked on something a few days ago, and now their child is doing it on their own. Those videos absolutely make my day. No matter where I am, I stop and watch them.”
Through every challenge and every celebration, Kerry has stayed grounded in the purpose that drew her to this work in the first place. “I chose this career because I love helping people and I’ve always loved physical activity,” she explains. “But the most valuable thing I’ve ever done is to be a wife and a parent. Being able to help other parents through their journey—it’s an honor. Sometimes I see them just once. Other times, I walk with them for years. Either way, it’s a blessing.”
Kerry has witnessed not just personal growth, but organizational evolution. As community needs have changed—especially with the rise in autism diagnoses—Aprendamos has responded with intentional expansion. From more local evaluations to the creation of our Mariposa Autism Service Center and Alegria Family Counseling Center, Kerry is proud to be part of a team that constantly asks, “If not us, then who?”
After 20 years, Kerry continues to find meaning and value in the important work we do. “The job isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding. No two days are ever the same. Every session holds little wins—and those wins build up to amazing accomplishments.”
From helping the youngest children learn to move, to empowering parents with knowledge and hope, Kerry Linnan has spent two decades shaping lives—one meaningful step at a time.
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