Meet the Speaker | Abby Gillard | Select Physical Therapy

Abby Gillard

PT, DPT, CSMT, CSCS

Abby Gillard began her career in New York before moving to Des Moines in 2013. She currently serves as the Director of Clinical Excellence with Select Physical Therapy and practices out of the Downtown Des Moines location.  Her clinical interests include adult and adolescent sports medicine and orthopedics, as well as pelvic floor rehab. In 2018 she received her Spinal Manual Therapist certification (CSMT) through ISPI and Evidence in Motion. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Prior to pursuing her doctoral degree, Abby graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Classical Archaeology. While at Dartmouth she played Division I soccer, and later had her first glimpse of Des Moines while coaching at Drake University in 2002.

Abby earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Columbia University in New York City in 2009, and was a 2009 recipient of the APTA’s Mary McMillan Scholarship.  She brings her own experience as an athlete into her physical therapy practice, and strives to help individuals of all ages manage injuries while continuing to work towards their goals. She is a runner and triathlete with marathon and Ironman experience, and enjoys all outdoor and team sports.

Abby is a Guest Speaker at our Practicing Physical Self-Care During the Workday Event this Thursday, March 7th from 11:30 am - 1 pm.

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Meet the Speaker | Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen

Lauren Grant

Zestful Kitchen

Lauren Grant is a trained Culinary Food Scientist and Journalist, food writer and photographer. She has worked for a number of food magazines and in numerous test kitchens including America’s Test Kitchen, Cuisine at Home and Better Homes and Gardens (Meredith Corp).

She is the founder of Zestful Kitchen LLC, a media company devoted to creating and sharing wholesome recipes that are interesting and inspiring. Her recipes and work can be found on zestfulkitchen.com and in various different publications including Diabetic Living, Cuisine at Home, Midwest Living, Eatingwell.com, Taste of Home, and more.

Lauren is a Guest Speaker at our Practicing Physical Self-Care During the Workday Event This Thursday, March 7th from 11:30 am - 1 pm.

SIGN UP HERE!

February Professional Member of the Month

Anna Squier

Modern Studio

Owner & Designer

1. What is the most exciting and energizing aspect of your current position?

Every single day is exciting and energizing.  As the owner of Modern Studio, a small Midwest design studio, no two days are the same as I continue to further develop my business plan, design approach, and client base. I am constantly learning across all spectrums of the profession – design, marketing, finances, collaboration – and am continually energized by the amazing community of collaborators in Central Iowa and the passionate clients who I get to work with.  

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

I have been working hard to finish my ARE’s, which is long over due on my end.  I love reading, but recently the only materials on my night stand are study books. I will say, I’m an avid reader of design publications, so Dwell Magazine and Australian Architecture are always on my coffee table and provide constant inspiration.

3. What do you worry about, and why?

As a business owner and a young woman in the architecture profession, I constantly worry about failing. There are a lot of risks being out on my own, running a company, and working towards establishing something meaningful in the design profession.  I worry about establishing my worth and my talent, proving that I and Modern Studio are capable of outlasting just a few years, and worry about making a positive impact in the design world and community.

4. How do you define success? And measure it?

How I define success has changed over the past few years. It used to be largely focused on being the best, being the top performer, doing as much as I could, etc. I quickly learned those measurements were not sustainable in being successful.  Now, success to me is more focused on: Am I doing something I am passionate about? Do I have balance between work and personal life? Am I helping people and making an impact? Are my clients happy? Is what I am working on helping me towards my ultimate goal? I have found it is important to think about long term goals and find success in making small steps towards that big picture goal. Success does not come over night and is measured by many things that take place day to day, month to month, year to year. Work hard, be passionate, stay driven, and success will come.

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?

I have been fortunate to have many role models in my life, both male and female. Some of the women were the very founders of this organization who encouraged me to get involved and ultimately take on the role of Chair a few years past. This amazing organization allows you to be inspired & encouraged by female role models daily.  Ann Sobiech Munson and Mindy Aust are two champions in my life and great leaders in the profession. Both have acted as meaningful mentors in my career. I also need to mention Kate Schwennsen, an admirable leader for women in architecture and my mother. Seeing her push boundaries and witnessing her professional accomplishments has encouraged me to look beyond norms and fear, and work hard towards accomplishing both what you want and deserve.  

January Professional Member of the Month

Susanne Roesch

AIA, LEED AP BD & C

Hubbell Realty, Design Manager Hubbell Homes

1. Our profession is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; how do you prepare for a meeting with a new client?

I like to keep an open minded attitude whenever I meet a new client. I think it is very important to build relationships, to learn something about my client, and to build rapport. I find that a project goes a lot smoother if there is a mutual understanding between the clients which I consider a part of my team.

2. We often design to improve the health of people and the environment; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?

I love to bike and row. In winter my evenings are short as I exercise early in the morning. After work I like to relax at home, plan my next travels, make jewelry, or paint. I would love to read more but typically fall asleep after a short time.

3. In 2019 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

WhatsApp, Podbean, NYTimes.

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside the realm of architecture/design?

I volunteer for the American Lung Association, Easter Seals, and Ronald McDonald House. I'm an active member of several bike clubs, support activities at the Art Center, and chair the Marketing efforts for the annual Regatta of the Des Moines Rowing Club.

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?

I didn’t have any role models growing up but I was always inspired by strong independent women who found their own way: My German teacher in High school, fellow female architecture students at Stuttgart University, Germany, and female Architects I met in Iowa like Laura Kessel (Past iaWia President), LaDan Omidvar, and Kate Schwennsen, to name a few.  As I get older I'm increasingly inspired by women outside of architecture, women with a strong sense of self, like my good friend and business owner Ali Hatfield and Roe Crosbie, owner of Tero International.

December Professional Member of the Month

Lyndley Kent

Neumann Monson Architects

Architect

1. Our profession is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; how do you prepare for a meeting with a new client?

I go into it ready to listen. Listening is important in all meetings, but especially with new clients. We must understand client’s motivation for a project and goals in order to deliver the right product. That is one of the best parts of this profession, making clients ideas come to life.

2. We often design to improve the health of people and the environment; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?  

I usually curl up with my dog and catch up on the day’s news, watch some tv, or go for a walk. I love to cook, but mainly keep the large meals to the weekend and stick to something easy during the week. Our weekday go-to is tacos.  Funny how many leftovers get reimagined into some sort of taco too.

3. In 2018 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

I love my Spotify, especially since it works with my speaker system at home. I love creating playlists and finding new songs to jam to.

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside the realm of architecture/design?

I am currently participating in the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, in which I’ve learned a lot about the community I live in and met many great professionals outside the design industry. We are currently planning a fantastic event to benefit the West Des Moines Human Services. Hopefully we will see some of our members there!

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?

Basically, any woman who was unapologetically themselves. To name a few, RGB, Dottie Hinson, my Mother and Grandmother, Michelle Obama, Leslie Knope, and our iaWia Members.  

November Professional Member of the Month

Heidi Pollmann, ASLA, LEED AP

Ryan Companies US, Inc.

Regional Marketing Manager

1. Our line of work is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; what have you found is the best way to communicate in times of conflict?

As designers, we learn the value of clear communication, the importance of listening and how to build consensus. I think this training has helped me in my role as marketing manager where I frequently work with very different personality types to craft a message, sell ideas and meet (often stressful) deadlines. I try to see the other person’s perspective, weigh all the options, pick my battles and stand up for what I truly believe.

2. Sometimes our careers can be demanding; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?

There are few things more relaxing to me than cooking. In an industry where projects can take a very long time to come to fruition and where sometimes we never get to see the end user experience a space, cooking provides instant gratification, a creative outlet and a way to connect with others. I try and start my day with a workout (either bootcamp at the Y or a run with friends)—and sore muscles are the perfect excuse to take a warm bath with a good book.

3. In 2018 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

Pinterest is definitely a favorite of mine as it allows me to save and share recipes, design inspiration, gift ideas and travel plans. I maintain a long ‘Want to Read’ list on Goodreads and by using the Buy Me a Pie app, my husband and I are able to share a real time grocery list (so that I have more time to read!)

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside of your profession?

I’m honored to be serving as Chair of Iowa Women in Architecture this year. I also serve on the WIRED (Women Interested in Renewal, Education and Discovery) committee at St. John’s Lutheran Church which provides networking, education and outreach opportunities. Recently I served as a coach for Girls on the Run, a program for 3rd-6th grade girls focused on developing self respect and healthy lifestyles through lessons and running. Ryan Companies also encourages community service through partnerships with Bethel Mission, Rebuilding Together and Meals for the Heartland.

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?

I originally became a landscape architect to design golf courses (which I did for the first 4 years of my career). Even more than traditional design professions, golf course design is male dominated with Alice Dye known as the “first lady” of golf architecture and not many after her. While I never met Alice, I was fortunate to meet and caddy for several LPGA professionals (Kathy Whitworth and Pat Bradley) who actively encouraged me to pursue my dreams.

After our move to Kansas City in 2002 I worked for Patti Banks Associates (now Vireo), a woman-owned business. In addition to the owner, Patti, I worked with many talented, strong and influential women including Lynnis Jameson who I am proud to call a role model, mentor and friend. She sparked my interest in walkability and mass transit and over the years has helped me to keep my priorities straight, set boundaries and maintain a work/life balance (and she shares my love of food and travel).