Darla Kroll becomes Gorge’s only board-certified pediatric PT

Getting her board certification in pediatric PT was an extensive process, but one she felt called to complete.

“When I was in physical therapy school, the coursework was generalized so that a new graduate could enter the field in any setting,” Kroll explained. “Specialization was achieved through work experience, but the idea of certification in a specialty area was just getting started.

“It wasn’t until a few years ago that I was wanting to work towards ‘something’ … so I decided to pursue a specialist certification through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Obviously, I chose to specialize in pediatrics as that is the setting I’ve been in for so long.”

Earning the certification, she added, was a confirmation of all she has learned over the years.

To become board certified, Kroll had to prove a minimum of 2,000 hours of direct patient care in the area of pediatrics over the past 10 years. That was the easy part.

“I have worked with kids for 18 years, so demonstrating work experience was easy,” she said. “The hard part was studying for the board exam.”

The APTA holds an annual conference to cover advanced topics to help clinicians prepare for the exam, and also provides study guides. Kroll joined an online study group as well, as there wasn’t a local group. After sitting the exam in March 2016, she had to wait three months to receive word of the results.

Her new certification offers children and parents the reassurance that she is “100 percent” a pediatric PT.

“All I know and study is this age group and the issues and concerns that come with it,” she said.

And being the only certified pediatric physical therapist in the Gorge means that clients do not need to travel to Portland to receive good care.

“Working with children is very specialized, as children grow and change, requiring different medical attention at various stages in their development,” said Annette Brody, Kidsense co-owner and licensed occupational therapist. “We feel this is a huge accomplishment … She affects many children’s lives in a positive way.”

Kroll has mostly worked in private therapy, but has a variety of experience ranging from non-profit special needs daycare to early intervention to schools. As part of her job at Kidsense, Kroll works for Columbia Gorge ESD for the early intervention/early childhood special education program, serving children from newborn to 5 years old who are experiencing developmental delays. This brings her not only to The Dalles, but to Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler counties as well.

Kroll takes a play-based approach to therapy, and enjoys the challenge of creating a solution to a problem in that way.

“If I can help a child learn to ‘play’ in a certain way that promotes strength, balance, or improves developmental skills, then that child can improve whatever issue he or she is experiencing on his or her own much easier,” she explained.

“I see a variety of conditions including genetic disorders, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, gait disturbances, orthopedic issues, developmental delays and traumatic brain injury,” she said — but she especially enjoys working with newborns and infants who may be experiencing motor delays. To that end, she and other Kidsense staff are working on creating a baby group so new and experienced parents can learn about all areas of infant development, she said.

“I have met some amazing kids and parents who have been faced with adversity,” Kroll added. “If I can do something to make life a little easier for them, then I’ve done a good job.”

Kroll can be reached at Kidsense at 541-386-0009, and she encourages anyone with questions to call for more information.