Duke DPT Alumni Entrepreneurs

"InsideOut Body Therapies is a fully equipped Pilates studio offering classes and private sessions for people at every experience level and life stage. InsideOut was a vision of my business partner, Deborah Matthews, who opened the studio in 2003. Upon joining her in 2006, I created the Pilates-Based Physical Therapy program, an approach to healing grounded in the moving body and utilizes the Pilates system as a main modality. We have been a Licensed Pilates Teacher Training Studio with the Pilates Center of Boulder since 2006 offering comprehensive Pilates training programs and continuing education opportunities for other movement practitioners.

InsideOut’s mission is to empower the healing wisdom of the body in a safe and inclusive space through movement-based practices and bodywork. We strive to create a welcoming environment for our diverse clientele and listen to our clients’ stories so we can help with their goals and needs.  We aim to empower and educate our clients to help them discover, attain, and maintain the natural ability of their bodies for optimal health.

Being a female entrepreneur for the past 20 years has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. Partnering with Deborah, we have created a space where we empower others to feel strong, capable, and healthy. This career has given me the freedom to raise my family on my terms while building something meaningful that brings me joy and supports others in our community. Being able to do work that I love and seeing the impact of our work every day is a true joy!"

Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, affectionately known as "Dr. E," is a celebrated clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and keynote speaker dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome stress and achieve their fullest potential. With a PhD in Psychology and a Master of Physical Therapy (Duke 1994), she uniquely integrates mind-body strategies to foster resilience and happiness. Recognized as "America's Most Trusted Celebrity Psychologist," Dr. E has been an advisor to high-profile clients, including NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, who refers to her as his "Head Coach for Happiness." Her latest book, "Get Out of the Red Zone," offers actionable insights into transforming stress for true success.

In celebration of Women's Month, Dr. Lombardo's unwavering commitment to enhancing well-being serves as powerful inspiration, encouraging women worldwide to silence their inner critics and lead lives filled with confidence and purpose.

“As an entrepreneur, I wear many hats—CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, and clinician! My husband, a fellow Duke DPT, and I co-founded our clinic in Durham, The Obstacle Doc, in May 2022, and I helped transition him to a full-time clinical role in November of that year. In October 2023, I left my full-time software job to dedicate myself fully to the business.

Navigating the world of entrepreneurship in healthcare as a woman of color has been challenging and eye-opening. I’ve had to learn and grow in many areas, from business strategy to leadership, but I know that strong clinical skills are the foundation of our success. Duke DPT helped me build a foundation that continues to guide me as I work to make a positive impact in my community every day.”

"Sweetly Rooted by Tasala (SRT) is a vegan bakery based out of Durham that creates plant-based desserts and baked goods and serves the Triangle area’s communities. SRT’s standard is to produce delicious, sweet treats using whole, organic ingredients, without refined flour or sugar, free from preservatives, and without compromising quality and taste.

The bakery was born out of my love for nature (as an avid hiker) and the plants that inhabit the world around us (as the mother of dozens of houseplants), coupled with my love for bringing people together through the sharing of something sweet. I believe deeply that nature and plants have the power to support health and wellness, which is why I remain intentional in using quality, natural ingredients in all of my dessert creations.

Being a woman entrepreneur has been a liberating and powerful experience. As a woman, I know that I can do all things, not by my power alone, but through the strength and opportunities given to me by God, and with the support of family and friends. As the owner and sole baker of SRT, I am tasked with making decisions on everything from product offerings, ingredients, packaging, labeling, marketing, customer service to financial management. There are days when I feel completely overwhelmed and exhausted, while at other times, I'm full of energy and ready to take on any challenge that comes my way. Through it all, I remain blessed and extremely grateful for the opportunity to bake and represent women entrepreneurs who represent such strength and resilience."

"I started Functional Phyzio PT a little more than four years ago and have loved every second. It is an out-of-network clinic that aims to change lives by helping active adults feel better, move better, and continue the activities and workouts they love, pain-free. We treat orthopedic injuries and pelvic floor issues with a focus on root cause assessment and treatment.

Not to say running a business is without challenges, but it's forced me to learn new skills, grow personally and professionally and help not only change the lives of patients but also provide amazing jobs for my staff. Being a woman and a mom also presents a few challenges with balancing responsibilities in multiple areas of my life. However, I'm thankful to have a supportive husband and be able to pass on all my knowledge of business, marketing, sales and leadership to my kids as they grow up."