Therapist Feature: Elli Rinaldi, PT

Our featured team member for this month is Elli Rinaldi, Physical Therapist!

Ellie has worked as a Physical Therapist for years and as a pediatric Physical Therapist for three of those years. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO. Elli went on to earn her doctorate at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, UT. Her experience thus far includes adult outpatient orthopedics and specialization in concussion and vestibular pathologies in addition to mobile therapy in the natural environment. Elli finds that working in pediatrics in and of itself creates a specialty in neurodevelopment, but she hopes to continue honing her skills in pediatrics in the future. 

Originally from Aspen, Colorado, Elli now resides in Northern Nevada and enjoys taking trips up to the lake, going skiing at Heavenly, and rock climbing around the area. Her mom was a Kindergarten teacher and has always inspired her to work with children. Through college, Elli was a gymnastics coach and often saw children with motor incoordination. She found it rewarding when they learned a new skill and Elli felt that working with kids in a physical domain was her calling. Elli was a part of the Tilton’s Therapy team for two months. 

Working in the mobile environment is something Elli enjoys. She says,

“it’s nice to come to kids in their own element where they are most comfortable and implement strategies in a place where they can continually work on them throughout the week.”

She says that she prefers this environment as opposed to an office environment because she has time to breathe and think while driving to her next appointment (although traffic might be the only issue!) Elli feels that she is working her dream job, and says,

“playing with kids all day while seeing them learn new skills makes me smile every day.”

Unfortunately due to the pandemic, it has been difficult for Elli to mentor a student, but she is currently working with the Tilton’s Team to begin a mentorship! Elli’s biggest passion is her occupation. She has worked hard to get to this level in her career and loves the children with whom she works. Other passions of Elli’s include the outdoors, her family, and her dog Targhee. She has four step-children who keep her busy and loves to ski and rock climb. 

Thank you for your work as an amazing Physical Therapist, Elli!