Steinbeisser works with patient Owen Dotson at the public pool.
Krista Steinbeisser, a 2013 Sidney High School graduate, has given her time this summer to benefit pediatric patients from the Sidney Health Center Rehabilitation Clinic with therapeutic swimming. Steinbeisser, who will return to Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD at the end of the summer, is pursuing a degree in exercise science with plans to attend graduate school to become an occupational therapist (OT).
She became interested in the field while Job Shadowing Vince McGlothlin, an OT at the SHC Rehab Clinic, her senior year of high school.
"I was curious about it, but once I saw him (McGlothlin) helping kids at the schools I became really interested in seriously pursuing it as a career," Steinbeisser recalls.
In the spring of 2015 she was asked if she would be interested in volunteering her time, working with pediatric patients at Svarre Municipal Pool and having a background in swim team, decided that it was an opportunity for her to gain independent experience. Swimming allows an easier range of motion because there is less weight bearing, and swimming is a way to make the physical demands of Physical and Occupational Therapy fun for kids.
"I want to help people of all ages, but there is something that makes me especially happy about helping kids live an easier life," said the Sidney native.
Steinbeisser has had regular swimming sessions with two patients, and is very grateful to her summer employer, Landtech Enterprises, for working with her and giving her the needed time to volunteer. She counts her experience this summer as a rewarding one and is appreciative of the therapists at the SHC Rehab Clinic.
"I am glad I got the chance to do this. I love it and I feel like I'm being spoiled because all the therapists at the clinic are great to work with," she commented.
Additionally, the families that have gotten to work with Steinbeisser are very thankful to her for the time that she has given and hope to see her in the future.
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