Today we’d like to introduce you to Janki Patel
Hi Janki, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Jersey City within a large, tight-knit extended family, cherishing the support and joy of my childhood. Transitioning into high school, I pondered my future, finding my passion in aiding and connecting with children. Through volunteering and research, my path toward becoming an occupational therapist became clear. After applying to several schools, I earned acceptance into a rigorous five-year master’s program, where fate led me to meet my future business partner.
Post-graduation, I embarked on my career at a private practice and school-based agency, where I honed my skills. However, the demanding hours and lack of support swiftly led to burnout, a common challenge in our field. Despite exploring various settings, including private and public schools, even nursing homes, the desire for more substantial impact persisted.
That’s when I joined forces with Brittany, my current business partner, to establish Jump Ahead Pediatrics, a therapist-focused medical staffing agency. Seven years since its inception, we’ve grown to over 80 staff members, secured multiple contracts, and expanded to three locations. Our mission remains steadfast: to be responsive, therapist-friendly, and dedicated to positively impacting children’s lives. Today, I reside in New York City with my loving husband, whose unwavering support fuels my journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road definitely had its bumps. Transitioning from OT school to starting a business was a steep learning curve. We had to navigate funding, employee laws, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and the intricacies of running a business, which were quite challenging initially. However, with mentorship, extensive reading, and thorough research, we managed to overcome these hurdles.
Another significant struggle was balancing the demands of starting and running a business with personal life. It required careful time management to juggle family, friends, and work responsibilities effectively. These challenges taught us valuable lessons and shaped our approach to problem-solving and decision-making as we progressed along the entrepreneurial journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Jump Ahead Pediatrics is a therapist-founded and therapist-focused medical staffing agency that specializes in providing high-quality occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and ABA therapy services to children. What sets us apart from others is our commitment to being responsive, therapist-friendly, and dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of the children we serve.
We take pride in our ability to match skilled therapists with the right positions and settings, ensuring a positive and effective therapeutic experience for both therapists and clients. Our team consists of highly trained and passionate therapists who are dedicated to improving the lives of children with various developmental and behavioral challenges
Whether it’s providing therapy in schools, homes, or clinical settings, our goal is always to help children reach their full potential and improve their quality of life. We are proud of the positive impact we’ve had on countless children and families over the years, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community with passion and dedication.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
It’s surprising to many that despite being very work-oriented, I also prioritize having fun, traveling, and spending quality time with friends. Balancing work and personal life is important to me, and I believe it’s crucial for overall well-being and happiness.
As for our brand, what some people might not know is that we prioritize open communication and support for everyone who works with us. We believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where therapists can feel comfortable reaching out for help, guidance, or simply to chat about their experiences. This approach not only strengthens our team but also enhances the quality of care we provide to our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jumpaheadpediatrics.com
