Dr. Cassie Swafford is the heart of the practice. If you schedule with her, know that you will be greeted with a huge smile!
Dr. Cassie graduated from the Ohio State University with her Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in Neuroscience and Zoology. She has long desired to work with animals and worked in a bioacoustics laboratory in college. Though she originally planned to go to veterinary school, she discovered the field of physical therapy after sustaining an injury that put her in PT as a patient for over a year. She ultimately decided to attend physical therapy school, drawn to the unique healing aspect of the field and the ability to develop meaningful relationships with patients. She attended Duke University for physical therapy school, graduating with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Dr. Swafford spent several years as a hospital-based physical therapist, helping her human patients recover from neurological and cardiovascular illnesses and injuries. She found it very rewarding helping people walk again and wanted to transfer those same skillsets over to animals. Knowing her true passion was to work with animals in a rehabilitative setting, she started her canine rehab certification through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and began working with dogs as a pool-based hydrotherapist. Her practice saw a variety cases including patients in orthotics and prosthetics, neurologic, and orthopedic conditions.
She completed her certification through an internship with Dr. Wynn and Dr. Kirsch and instantly felt at home at Walking Paws Rehab! Dr. Wynn, being incredibly impressed by Dr. Cassie, recruited her onto the team. Shortly after Dr. Cassie moved from Washington to the beautiful Colorado.
Dr. Cassie is known for her cheerful personality, huge smile, and dedication to learning. She has pursued many courses including canine massage, Walkin Wheels certification, and Class IV therapeutic laser certification. During her free time, she enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and hiking in the mountains with her partner and dogs. Dr. Swafford dedicates her all to helping pets live their fullest lives!