Physical Therapy Staff

 

Andrea S. Callanen, PT, MPT

EDUCATION

  • Master of Physical Therapy. Shenandoah University. Winchester, VA.
  • Bachelor of Science in Science-Business. University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame, IN.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Founder of Looking Ahead Pediatric Physical Therapy in 2014
  • Over 20 years experience as a pediatric physical therapist with a primary focus on evaluating and treating infants/children with torticollis, plagiocephaly, and gross motor skills development.
  • Recognized as an expert in her field; guest speaker at national conferences sponsored by both Hanger and Orthomerica on the multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of torticollis and plagiocephaly
  • Published multiple peer reviewed papers for CINAHL's Rehabilitation Reference Center, an evidence-based clinical reference site for physical, occupational, and speech therapies
  • Member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Tennessee Chapter and Pediatric Sections
  • Member of the Monogram Club, University of Notre Dame

PERSONAL HISTORY

  • I am originally from the Washington, DC area but moved to Southern California (San Diego and Mission Viejo) for the warm weather and beach lifestyle. After 13 years on the West Coast, my family relocated to Franklin, TN for my husband's career. He convinced me to start my own practice so I could continue to pursue my passion to create a very specialized pediatric clinic that focuses on evaluating and treating infants with torticollis, plagiocephaly, and early developmental skills. It has truly been a blessing to grow Looking Ahead and play such an integral role within the Greater Nashville Community.
  • I am blessed to have a very supportive husband and two children along this journey. I enjoy an active lifestyle with my family including traveling, skiing, golf, and cooking healthy meals. I love supporting our children as they find what gives them joy!

Dr. Jessica Smith, PT, DPT

EDUCATION

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy University of Michigan, Flint.
  • Bachelor of Science Central Michigan University

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Experience in multiple pediatric settings including outpatient, school-based, home health and skilled nursing rehabilitation.
  • Advanced TMR TOTs trained in 1, 2, 3
  • Advanced training in torticollis and plagiocephaly
  • Member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Tennessee Chapter and Pediatric Sections

PERSONAL HISTORY

I am originally from Michigan! After getting married and graduating with my DPT in 2013, I moved to southern Alabama for 5 years and then found home here in Murfreesboro, TN in 2018. Been practicing pediatric therapy since graduating in 2013 (10 years). I am married and have 2 little ones, Colton and Evelyn; I love doing art projects, building forts with the kids, painting, being outdoors, traveling back home to see family. Personal experience: My son had torticollis and plagiocephaly due to a breech positioning in utero. The difficulties with breastfeeding, poor tummy time tolerance and reflux, gave me an entirely different outlook on my treatments and how I connected with parents as a mom and a physical therapist. My expectations changed drastically since I was experiencing first-hand what it was like to be on that side! I love the 1:1 experience that I get working with infants and families here at Looking Ahead. I am blessed with the ability to share my own stories as a mom as well as my clinical expertise to hopefully make their own journey as parents less stressful and more enjoyable without having to constantly worry about how their baby is developing.

Dr. Olivia Vanderveer, PT, DPT

EDUCATION

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy Georgia State University
  • Bachelor of Science Kennesaw State University

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

She has been practicing in outpatient pediatrics for over two years and has gained experience working with a variety of diagnoses including CP, torticollis, developmental delay and orthopedic injuries.

PERSONAL HISTORY

She is originally from Marietta, Georgia but made the move to Nashville after finishing school. Spends her free time attending sporting events, being on the lake, snowboarding and hanging out with friends/family. She loves to travel and never turns down a weekend getaway to explore a new place.

Dr. Rachel Schmidt, PT, DPT

EDUCATION

  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy Belmont University
  • Bachelor of Science Belmont University

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Rachel Schmidt has 5 years of experience working in pediatrics as a physical therapist. She has treated kids of all ages with a wide variety of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism, down syndrome, toe walking, and torticollis.

PERSONAL HISTORY

In her free time, she enjoys riding her bike, snow skiing, and visiting National Parks. Rachel joined the Looking Ahead team in June 2022. When asked what she enjoys about working at Looking Ahead she responded, “The close knit team at Looking Ahead along with the deep knowledge of the other clinicians make it a great place to work. I also enjoy working with infants and toddlers because I love seeing them progress so quickly with their new skills.”