Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Acheson.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Athena Wellness and Physical Therapy was born out of years of growing burnout and frustration that I experienced while treating breast cancer patients in a fast-paced outpatient orthopedic clinic. A cancer diagnosis is traumatic in itself, and rushed appointments with a crowded gym—while patients are navigating multiple physical impairments and processing a life-changing diagnosis—is not quality care.
My original plan was to open a clinic within a local breast surgeon’s office. However, while I was on maternity leave with my second child, that opportunity fell through. Without a formal backup plan, I knew one thing: I could not continue feeling frustrated and depleted at work while raising two young children at home. I decided to take a leap of faith and open my own clinic focused on oncology.
Deep down, I knew I didn’t want to just change the standard of care for oncology patients. My own experiences with pregnancy and childbirth left me wanting more for women. When pregnant with my daughter, I asked for a pelvic floor physical therapy referral, and was told it was typically only given if someone was in significant pain or had a previous traumatic birth—though they were willing to provide one if I really wanted. That conversation stayed with me.
Pelvic floor physical therapy should not be reserved for when women are at their worst. It has a profound impact on preventative care, preparation for labor and delivery, recovery, and long-term function. The more I worked with women—and moved through my own life experiences—the clearer it became that I wanted to build something more comprehensive.
To know I was making a meaningful impact on women’s healthcare, I knew I couldn’t focus on just one aspect of women’s health. My goal through Athena is to support women across the lifespan—through oncology, pregnancy and postpartum, pelvic health, and beyond with physical therapists that specialize in each area.
Today, my goal is to give women a place where they feel heard, supported, and empowered—to set goals for themselves they may not have thought were possible, and to move through life feeling strong, confident, and cared for.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? That’s a layered question. Starting my own business was something I once said I would never do. My passion has always been centered on patient care, and I never envisioned myself navigating the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business. However, when what I believed to be my dream job unexpectedly fell through, I felt a strong pull to take a chance and build something of my own.
The transition has required a significant shift in mindset. I’ve had to immerse myself in learning the fundamentals of business while continuing to prioritize high-quality care. I’ve been fortunate to have space in my home to establish a clinic, which allowed me to grow thoughtfully without the immediate financial pressure of commercial rent. Now, as my practice has expanded beyond what my home can accommodate, I am in the process of securing a dedicated space and preparing to hire additional support. This next phase presents new challenges, but also meaningful growth opportunities.
One of the most significant personal challenges has been stepping into greater visibility. By nature, I tend to prefer working quietly and focusing on my patients. However, I’ve learned that advocating for better standards of care—particularly for women—requires me to speak publicly, build community platforms, and actively network. While putting myself forward has been a learning curve, my commitment to improving women’s healthcare makes those conversations both necessary and deeply motivating.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Athena Wellness and Physical Therapy is a women-focused physical therapy and wellness company dedicated to providing comprehensive, individualized care across every stage of a woman’s life. We specialize in oncology rehabilitation—frequently supporting women with breast and pelvic cancers, while welcoming individuals with any cancer diagnosis—as well as pelvic floor dysfunction, including concerns such as urinary leakage, pelvic pain, and constipation.
Our services also include prenatal preparation for labor and delivery, strength training and pain management during pregnancy, postpartum rehabilitation, support through perimenopause and menopause, joint pain management, and general orthopedic care. Our goal is to meet women wherever they are and provide thoughtful, evidence-based treatment tailored to their unique needs.
We are currently expanding our offerings to include a dedicated wellness program centered on strength training for women. This program will be led by a personal trainer who has navigated her own cancer diagnosis while raising two young children, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to the women she serves. This addition reflects our commitment to creating a space where women feel understood, supported, and empowered.
At Athena, we strive to cultivate an environment that communicates, “We’ve got you.” We want every woman who walks through our doors to feel heard, respected, and genuinely supported. We recognize that many women have not always felt comfortable or safe in traditional exercise settings, and we are intentional about creating a welcoming space where movement is encouraged as a vital part of healing and long-term health.
What sets us apart is the time and continuity of care we provide. Every appointment is a full hour, one-on-one with the same physical therapist. We prioritize building meaningful relationships and developing personalized plans of care. Beyond rehabilitation, we offer continued support through in-house personal training, allowing clients to transition seamlessly from treatment to long-term wellness at whatever level feels right for them.
Equally important is the sense of community we are building. We aim to foster connections among women navigating similar experiences—whether cancer, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, or other life transitions. Having a supportive community can profoundly influence outcomes, resilience, and overall well-being.
What I am most proud of is the comprehensive, proactive model of care we are creating. We are working to shift the standard of women’s healthcare from reactive to preventative. Women should not have to wait until symptoms become unbearable before seeking support. Athena is designed to be a place where women can learn, stay strong, prevent pain, and feel empowered throughout every stage of life.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my favorite childhood memories are of going to the beach every summer with my cousins. Even though we lived several hours apart, those annual trips gave us something to look forward to all year long. They were filled with long days of playing outside, big sleepovers, and the kind of carefree fun that only childhood can bring. Those summers allowed us to build lasting relationships despite the distance, because we always knew we would have that dedicated time together.
I’ve always loved to travel, but looking back, it wasn’t just about the destination—it was about the connection. Those beach trips created a sense of belonging and tradition that shaped my childhood in meaningful ways.
Now, as an adult with young children of my own, I appreciate those memories even more. I’m fortunate to have three cousins whose children are the same ages as mine. Watching the eight of them—ranging from toddlers to early elementary age—play together reminds me how special that experience truly was. Seeing them form their own bonds, just as we did, makes me realize how lucky we were to grow up with that kind of shared history and built-in community.
Pricing:
- We are out of network with insurance companies at this time.
- We provide superbills for you to submit to insurance for reimbursement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.athenawellnesspt.com
- Instagram: @athenawellnesspt
- Facebook: @athenawellnesspt
