Connecting With Community
With a passion for holistic care and a background in dance, Beth Herring knows that movement is medicine. “I couldn’t decide between attending medical school or pursuing dance,” she shares. “Physical therapy combined my interest in medicine and my love for movement!” Stepping into her new role as executive director, Herring aims to educate others about the services provided through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). “Currently, Alexian PACE is the only PACE organization in the state of Tennessee,” she says. “It is a blessing to work here and serve our community.”
I love our mission of keeping our participants at home with family instead of in a nursing facility. Because we not only offer medical care, but also all of our wrap-around services, we help participants to remain in the community.”
My Credentials
Bachelor of Science
in Physical Therapy:
The Medical University of South Carolina – Charleston, SC
Bachelor of Fine
Arts in Dance:
State University of New York – Purchase, NY
Certifications:
Board-Certified, American Board of Physical Therapy
Certified Adaptive Tai Chi Instructor, Adaptive Tai Chi International
Recognitions:
Board Secretary, Adaptive Tai Chi International
Specialties:
Geriatric Physical Therapy
1. What does your day-to-day look like?
Our participants can receive in-home personal care from an aide, be transported by our drivers and brought to the day center. We provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks! While at the day center they can see their doctor, have their rehab sessions, and socialize with friends! We take trips to the Lookouts baseball games and Chattanooga Zoo, and we have entertainers perform for us.
2. What is your best advice for participants?
Be active in your medical care! Let your family and physician know your wishes so they can be honored.
3. What would you consider to be your main strengths
Perseverance and hard work have never let me down! Also, listening to and accepting help from others. I feel blessed to have mentors who continually support my career path, and I aspire to offer that same help to others.
4. What is one of your happiest professional moments?
One of my happiest professional moments was when Alexian PACE installed a ramp at a participant’s home, enabling him to remain in his own home. Despite being unable to walk or shower himself, with our assistance, he can live at home and has avoided placement at a nursing home.
5. Do you believe in miracles?
Absolutely! I see miracles happen in daily interactions with others when a kind word or deed evokes unexpected joy, or when an elderly participant shares a poem or a story from their past with others. These seemingly small things can alter your outlook and provide a deeper understanding of the human condition.
- 423.515.3278
- 425 Cumberland Street Chattanooga, TN 37404
- ascensionliving.org/alexianpace
