Today we’d like to introduce you to Temrah Okonski.
Hi Temrah , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was in high school, my mother helped me secure an internship with a close friend who was a special education teacher. Growing up, my family was connected to the special needs community, my mother’s brother had Down syndrome, so I was exposed early on to people with different abilities.
During one of my school visits, Mrs. Hanau asked if I would accompany a student to a physical therapy session. I remember that moment like it was yesterday. It was then that I knew physical therapy was what I wanted to do. I went on to graduate with a degree in physical therapy in 1988.
My career has taken me across the country and around the world, including Houston, Texas; Washington, DC; Misawa, Japan; Yakima, Washington; and eventually Ellicott City, Maryland. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with children born with disabilities, the geriatric community, and individuals recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and joint-related conditions.
In 2023, my father, who has dementia, moved in with my family. Needing greater flexibility while wanting to continue treating patients, I decided to start my own practice. That’s how Enhancing Movement In-Home Physical Therapy was born.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have always loved being a physical therapist, but the road hasn’t always been smooth. The first five years of my career were especially challenging. I spent countless hours learning how to create effective treatment plans and properly document patient progress. Everything took longer because it was all so new.
Over time, treatment planning and documentation became easier. I’ve always been a lifelong learner, which pushed me to continue growing. As daily practice became more familiar, I sought out new challenges by volunteering on medical missions in underserved communities and by publishing articles on various topics within the field of physical therapy.
Starting my own business was never part of my original plan. I don’t see myself as an entrepreneur. However, when my family needed more flexibility, I felt compelled to adapt. Launching my practice came with a steep learning curve, but it taught me more than I expected. I celebrated my third year in business in November 2025, and I’m grateful that I persevered through the challenges. I’m proud of the small business I’ve built and the care I’m able to provide.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The arts have always been an important part of my life, shaping who I am today. I studied modern dance with a student of Martha Graham, where classes emphasized expressing emotion through creative movement. This background helps me appreciate the complexity of movement: every motion is interconnected, and creating fluid movement requires the body to work in harmony.
I have always approached physical therapy as an art form. Though grounded in science, PT requires careful observation. I notice subtle movements with both my eyes and hands. When I assess a child or adult, it often feels like a dance in my mind. I observe intricate patterns, strive to understand the root causes of movement dysfunction, and then assemble the pieces like a puzzle to help clients move more easily, improve the quality of their movements, reduce pain, or learn new skills. It is a puzzle I love to solve.
Believing that physical balance is key to movement and emotional balance is key to happiness, I designed my business logo using the Yin-Yang symbol. My treatments are not just about fixing a problem, they are about cultivating balance in the whole system. The Yin-Yang represents duality and harmony: activity and rest, strength and flexibility. Neither side exists without the other, and true health comes from balance. I see this balance as a dance, and in every treatment, I strive to make physical therapy an art form where science coexists with intuition, and movements become easier.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
In addition to my passion for physical therapy, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. This journey began soon after graduating from college. While working in one of my first physical therapy positions, I volunteered with the Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation, an organization dedicated to teaching students how to reduce risk-taking behaviors and make safe decisions. I loved visiting schools and talking with students, knowing that I could change even one student’s trajectory made every visit worthwhile.
When my husband and I moved to Japan to work on a military base, I wanted to help the local community, so I volunteered in a local hospital, helping physical therapists learn techniques not included in their formal training. As our children grew and participated in school activities, I supported programs they enjoyed, volunteering during recess and lunch, serving on the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), coaching Girls on the Run (GOTR), and leading Venturing Troop outings.
Wanting to make a broader impact, I joined Rotary, a volunteer humanitarian organization guided by the motto “Service Above Self”. Through Rotary, I secured and coordinate grants supporting literacy initiatives in Kenya, clean water projects in Haiti, and the construction of a primary care clinic in Haiti. I also served in leadership roles as club president, Area Governor, and District Lieutenant Governor.
My service has come full circle as I now focus on supporting people with different abilities, volunteering with Cerebral Palsy Soccer and building inclusive programming for Howard County Jewish families with children and young adults with different abilities.
In addition to local efforts, I have dedicated many years to medical missions, visiting Haiti, Cambodia, and Mauritania to train local healthcare providers in basic rehabilitative care to create sustainable programs. All of these experiences reinforce my belief that meaningful change comes from collaboration, innovation, and a genuine commitment to helping others grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://enhancingmovement.com/home
- Instagram: enhancing_movement_pt_inspire
