Kerry Linnan is an Early Intervention Physical Therapist and shareholder for the Aprendamos Family of Services and Direct Therapy Services organizations. Kerry was raised in the small town of Thermopolis, Wyoming and attended Chandron State College in Chandron, Nebraska where she played collegiate volleyball while earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology. After she completed her undergraduate program, she went on to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and in 1998, received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
She spent the first two years of her career working for a small rehabilitation center in her hometown. In 2000, she moved to New Mexico and began working in outpatient, inpatient, and home health programs and came into contact with Danny Palma. He had recently launched Direct Therapy Services and was exploring adding Physical Therapy services to the program, and being “in a position to try something new”, Kerry joined the team. “I heard great things about DTS from other therapists,” she said.
She began her Direct Therapy Services journey working with adults with developmental disabilities. “I enjoyed working with the clients, families and caregivers and supporting them with mobility, equipment and overall independence. I often found myself wishing I could have been a part of their lives when they were younger where I could have had an even greater impact,” she said. During this time, discussions and planning were going on behind the scenes to expand the organization and begin offering services for children. “I was thrilled and jumped at the chance to begin working with birth to 3 and school aged children when Aprendamos started,” she added.
When we asked Kerry what she values most about her work, she said “I love the work I do at Aprendamos and love working as a team with other professionals and therapists. We team up with families to support them to help their child to meet their chosen goals and often encounter families when they are at a challenging time in their parenting journeys. Our program empowers them to make big changes in their child’s life by utilizing our strategies in their daily routines.”
Since she is still a practicing Physical Therapist, Kerry is also able to experience first-hand the difference Early Intervention services can make for families. Kerry shared, “We support them in strengthening the bond that they have with their young child, whether it is helping a child improve their own gross motor skills to move on their own or supporting them in accessing adaptive equipment to ease caregiving support independence.”
Kerry also shared some of the moments that have had the greatest impact in her therapist and shareholder experience. “It always warms my heart to come across a family I worked with years ago and see how the child has grown, blossomed and evolved. Families are often appreciative of the support that was given while the child was in program. Families often send me pictures and videos of their child’s new accomplishments so we can celebrate their success together.”
She also has had a front row seat in watching the organization grow over the years. Kerry said, “It is a source of pride to see how our Aprendamos Family of Services has consistently expanded to fill the needs of the community by focusing on mental health services and autism supports. All of our programs are helping children and families to become their best version of themselves and reach their potential to live meaningful and purposeful lives.”
When Kerry isn’t busy with her shareholder and physical therapy duties, she spends her free time with her husband of 23 years, Andreas Linnan, and her 17-year-old son, Luke, and 15-year-old daughter, McKenna. Her family loves watching and competing in sports, and she enjoys watching her son play football and her daughter play volleyball. However, it’s not just the kids that get in on the action. “My husband and I have played volleyball together for years,” she said. “As a family, we are always up for a new adventure, and we have enjoyed many fun trips together.”
Thank you, Kerry, for making a meaningful difference for our clients and all you have done for the Direct Therapy Services and Aprendamos Family of Services organizations!
