This month, we are proud to spotlight Andrea Schoonover, PTA/DOR at Rose Garden of Pana, as our Clinician Who Inspires. In speaking with her, it is evident that her passion for quality care shines through in everything she does.
Her journey into therapy began unexpectedly. Several years ago, as a stay-at-home mom, Andrea stopped by a skilled nursing facility to drop something off. The moment she walked through the doors, she felt something special. Watching the interactions and seeing the impact that staff had on the lives of residents sparked an interest that quickly grew into a calling. Her love for working with older adults continues to fuel her passion today. She believes there is so much to learn from her patients and values the relationships she builds with them every day. While her goal is always to motivate her patients to reach their fullest potential, she says the inspiration goes both ways. “I motivate them, and they motivate me.”
Known for bringing positive energy into the gym, she understands how powerful attitude can be. She believes enthusiasm is contagious and works hard to maintain an upbeat environment that supports not only her patients but also her teammates and facility staff. Collaboration is another cornerstone of her approach. She strongly believes that the best patient outcomes happen when the entire care team works together. She regularly seeks input from nursing staff and enjoys bouncing ideas off fellow team members to ensure residents receive the most comprehensive care possible. “Everyone brings a different perspective, and when we work together, the patient benefits.”
One of the experiences that has shaped her most as both a clinician and a person was her mother’s diagnosis with dementia. As a therapist, she thought she understood the challenges families face. Experiencing it firsthand gave her an entirely new perspective. “I thought I had it all figured out, but I had no clue.” Walking alongside her mother through that journey deepened her empathy and strengthened her ability to connect with patients, caregivers, and coworkers alike. She believes the experience has made her a better therapist, a better teammate, and a better advocate for those she serves.
Andrea’s passion for people, commitment to collaboration, and unwavering positivity make her a true example of what it means to inspire others. We are grateful for the difference she makes every day at Rose Garden of Pana and beyond.