Meet Your Therapist...

Mirtha A. Holland, PTA

"Helping each patient achieve their goals and move on with life is what motivates me each day."

Beginnings
I received my Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy in 1981 from the University of Chile, which is located in the city of Antofagasta, in my native country of Chile. Immediately following graduation, I remained in Chile and worked for 12 years as a Physical Therapist (PT) with pediatric and adult patients. During this time, I was able to help the local community by providing care for children in orphanages for eight years. During my years of practicing in the orphanages, I was also able to supervise students who were part of the University of Chile Physical Therapy program and also presented topics at numerous educational seminars.

Licensed in Physical Therapy: Texas State board of Physical Therapy Examiners

BS: Bachelor of Science, Physical Therapy, University of Chile

A New Start
In 1993, I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to come to the United States and knew I wanted to continue practicing in the field of Physical Therapy. I took the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) license exam for the state of Texas with the main goal of continuing to help patients achieve their individual goals and return to their prior level of function in an efficient, timely manner. Since relocating to Texas, I have worked in the hospital setting, the home health setting, and in the outpatient setting. Although I have enjoyed every setting, I have been working under the direct supervision of multiple Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) since 2009. Working in a setting where all efforts are focused on the treatment of the hand has been a tremendously enriching experience and has helped to keep me focused on continuing my own personal and professional development.

Serving My Community
I have always enjoyed giving back to the community and have done so in different ways while in Chile and since coming to Texas. My work in Chile with children and young adults in less than fortunate circumstances was immensely emotional and very educational. Since coming to Texas, I have volunteered to mentor students entering the St. Phillips College PTA program. I have also been involved in the 'Career Ladder' program through one of our local hospital systems; this program is aimed at helping aspiring professionals reach their goals of finding a stable career in the healthcare setting. Giving back to the community is an important duty of every professional and I enjoy finding new ways to assist and improve my local community.