Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allison Poole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Allison, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

The defining moment in my career came unexpectedly, on a day I’ll never forget. I had recently taken a leap of faith, leaving a secure and stable job I truly loved to specialize in pelvic health—a field I felt deeply passionate about. It was a bold move, one that I believed would help me align my skills as a physical therapist with my newfound calling in women’s health. But just four months later, I found myself sitting in a staff meeting, two weeks before Christmas, hearing words I never expected: the clinic was closing.

I had never been let go from a job before—not in my career, not in my life. The mix of emotions was overwhelming: shock, anger, panic, and, perhaps most deeply, heartbreak. For the first time in my 10 years as a physical therapist, I felt like I had truly found my purpose, and now it was being ripped away. I remember sitting in my car after that meeting, staring at the steering wheel with tears in my eyes, wondering what on earth I was going to do.

After a few days of grieving, a realization hit me. I didn’t have a choice—I couldn’t let this be the end of the road. I wasn’t going to let my passion for women’s health, something I had worked so hard to uncover, slip away. I needed to figure out a way to keep going.

Thankfully, my former bosses—who were incredible mentors—gave me the opportunity to work out of their space as I figured out my next steps. It was terrifying, and I had no roadmap for what I was about to do. I had to step far out of my comfort zone, tackling two things that scared me the most: public speaking and networking. I started giving talks, reaching out to physicians, and pounding the pavement, introducing myself to anyone who would listen.

Little by little, I started building relationships. I earned the trust of patients and professionals alike. I made a name for myself in the community, and with every small win, I felt a sense of momentum.

Almost one year later, I did something I never imagined—I opened my own clinic.

Looking back, I see that losing my job was the catalyst I didn’t know I needed. It forced me to step out of my safe bubble, to overcome fears I might have otherwise avoided, and to trust myself in ways I never had before. It taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of showing up—even when I was scared.

If it weren’t for that day, I wouldn’t be where I am today. That experience shaped not just my career but also the way I approach challenges. Sometimes, the moments that feel like endings are really beginnings in disguise. They force us to grow into the versions of ourselves we’re meant to become.

Allison, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The word “Koru” comes from Māori culture, representing the spiral of an unfurling silver fern frond—a symbol of growth, renewal, and the journey forward. Traditionally, the silver fern was said to reflect the moonlight, lighting the path ahead. This perfectly aligns with my mission at Koru Physical Therapy and Wellness: to shine a light on areas of women’s health that are too often left in the dark—pelvic health, perimenopause, and menopause.

These topics can leave women feeling alone, confused, and unsure of how to move forward during some of life’s most significant transitions, from motherhood to menopause. At Koru, I provide a safe space for women to reclaim their confidence, learn about their bodies, and feel empowered to live vibrant, fulfilling lives.

Through pelvic health physical therapy, I work with women to address challenges like pelvic pain, incontinence, prolapse, and recovery from hysterectomy. Each session is tailored to their unique needs, helping them heal, regain function, and reconnect with their bodies.

But my work doesn’t stop there. I am passionate about supporting women in midlife to embrace the transformative power of perimenopause and menopause. Through embodied therapeutic health coaching, I help them see this stage not as something to fear, but as a time to redefine their vision, step into their wisdom, and create a joyful, ease-filled life.

What sets Koru Physical Therapy and Wellness apart is the holistic approach I bring to every client interaction. I treat the whole person, addressing not just physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental aspects of their journey. I believe education and empowerment are the foundation of true healing, and I strive to provide my clients with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.

The work I do is deeply rewarding, but what I’m most proud of are the transformations I witness every day. Whether it’s helping a woman recover from pelvic health challenges or guiding her to rediscover her power and confidence in midlife, I’m grateful to play a part in their journey.

At Koru, I want every woman to know that she is not alone, there is a path forward, and it can be one of strength, hope, and joy. Together, we can light the way.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most powerful ways I’ve grown my clientele is through informational workshops online and in the community. Hosting free and low-cost educational events allows me to connect directly with women who are seeking support for pelvic health, perimenopause, and menopause but may not know where to start.

I’ve led workshops at gyms, yoga studios, chiropractic offices, and wellness centers, as well as partnered with other local businesses and organizations to reach a wider audience. These events provide valuable, evidence-based information in a welcoming, supportive environment, helping women feel empowered to take control of their health.

Workshops also build trust and credibility, positioning me as a knowledgeable resource while naturally leading to client inquiries and referrals. By creating real connections through education, I’ve been able to grow my practice sustainably while making a meaningful impact in the community.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

For years, I believed that the key to being successful in healthcare was stacking certifications—constantly leveling up, earning more credentials, and adding more letters after my name. In the physical therapy and wellness world, there’s a strong emphasis on proving expertise through education, and I fully subscribed to that mindset. I thought the more I knew, the more people would trust me.

But what I’ve learned—through real experience with my clients—is that at the end of the day, people don’t care about how many certifications you have. They want to know that you truly see them, understand them, and can help them.

The biggest shift in my career happened when I stopped leading with credentials and started meeting clients where they are—listening deeply, validating their experiences, and building trust through connection rather than expertise alone. Knowledge is important, but healing happens through trust. Once I embraced that, everything changed—my relationships with clients deepened, my impact grew, and my business began to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.allisonpoole.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_allisonpoole/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korumaine