Get to know: Your physical therapy team

Colt Smith Physical Therapist

Colt Smith wasn’t always in the healthcare field. He’d previously worked in sales and served as president of Downtown Parsons Inc. Perhaps this is why he’s so great with people, and patients

who’ve come through our Post Acute to Home (PATH®) rehabilitation program call back and request him for continued therapy even after they move out.

Christopher A. De Jesus

For Christopher, physical therapy is more than just a career – it’s a calling. One that’s taking him halfway around the globe. In 2001, he began his career as an educator in a review center for physical therapy students and was later a supervisor at a private caregiver school. “I really have a passion for helping younger people reach their goals in life,” said Christopher. “So I took a teaching job at Our Lady of Fatima University from 2004 through 2008. Once my kids were older, I took a job working at the Arab Development Institute in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” In 2012, Christopher once again had an opportunity to further his career – all the way in the United States. “A friend called and asked if I wanted to try working in the U.S.A. where I could bring my wife and kids. In the meanwhile, I took a job back in the Philippines at La Consolacion University until I was able to come to the United States in 2014.” And while Christopher has certainly accomplished many things in his physical therapy career, he’s not done learning yet! “I’m currently working on acquiring a certification in LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatments), which helps Parkinson’s patients, and I’m also planning to take the examination to become a board certified geriatric physical therapist next year.”

Kaysha O'Daniel

Kaysha has been at Parsons Presbyterian Manor for nearly a year and has brought a wealth of expertise to the team. She got her associate’s degree in applied science (Physical Therapy Assistant) through Labette Community College and has certifications in Complex Disease Management, Dementia 1, and GEM 1, which is a diagnostic tool to help address a dementia patient’s needs. When she’s not at work, you can find Kaysha on the softball field, where she coaches a girls’ 12-and-under team.

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