BIO

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren Varnell, PT, DPT — known as Ms. Lauren by my littlest of clients and simply Lauren by my adolescent clients.

I earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island and for the following 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of practicing as a pediatric physical therapist across a variety of settings, including a local acute inpatient hospital, outpatient clinic, and within local schools. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with children of all ages and abilities from the tiniest infants with simple or complex medical needs to growing children with both common and uncommon diagnoses, as well as adolescents navigating various psycho-social complexities that can accompany physical challenges.

My passion is helping children and families during times when they need support the most. I believe every child deserves to feel heard, understood, cared for, and most importantly hopeful. My goal is to create a space where children feel comfortable and families feel empowered, supported, and confident in their child’s journey.

In addition to my extensive experience working with infants and babies navigating gross motor and developmental challenges, I have spent much of my career working closely with inpatient and outpatient medical-psychiatric programs, developing an integrative approach to promoting function and healing in children and adolescence, based on their unique needs. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the connection between the mind and body, the ways psycho-social factors can influence physical health and function and how mindfulness based strategies can be the missing piece to healing.

More recently, I have received specialized training through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute focused on the treatment of pediatric bowel and bladder dysfunction. This training allows me to support children and adolescents experiencing concerns such as daytime urinary incontinence, bed-wetting, and fecal incontinence- challenges that can affect not only a child’s physical well-being, but also their confidence, participation in everyday activities, and overall quality of life.

Above all, I believe that physical therapy is about more than movement and milestones — it’s about considering the whole story and caring for the whole child. I’m honored to walk alongside children and families through each stage of their journey, celebrating the little victories, navigating the challenges, and helping them discover what they are capable of.

Aside from my passion of pediatric physical therapy I enjoy hiking, practicing yoga, gardening and spending time outdoors with my husband and three young children.

I look forward to getting to know your family and being part of your child’s story!